This trip was one of self-growth, learning and love! Originally we were slated to be in Luganville, Vanuatu. Four weeks prior to our departure date we received an email from the organization that there was incredible difficulty in booking flights into the country. After much prayer, and thought, the team was rerouted to Fiji. Medical Missions Outreach had made contact with a local pastor in Latoka that without hesitation and with limited time to prepare he said yes! We would love to host the team and serve our community. This change was sudden and unexpected but the outcome was amazing. The team was placed in Fiji by the work of god and the knowing of him that the Fijian people needed this resource and love.

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with smiles and open arms. The local church members cooked us many meals, prayed with us and loved us as if we were their family. They truly showed us and all of the people the love of Christ this week.

Being a Registered Nurse, I had the privilege of seeing patients this week as a provider. This experience was incredibly humbling and rewarding. The opportunity to serve others through treating their wounds, educating them on the diet changes they need to ensure that their blood pressure or sugar is managed and the ability to share with them the love of Jesus was so much more than I expected it to be. This experience showed me that seeing people as Jesus did, meeting them where they are and treating them with humility was what I am called to do.

The local church family gave of themselves this week by taking off work, staying away from their families, using their resources to buy and prepare meals for us and so much more. This was eye opening to me to see that even when we think we have little, we should give to others. When we feel like what we have is not enough, we can still give and it’s more than enough.

The lasting impact that this trip and opportunity that I was given will forever change my outlook on the world.