Reflections on the 63rd Medical Mission to Fiji

By Mi Kyung Kim, Operating Room Nurse

This was my first opportunity to participate in an overseas medical mission since joining JC BITSOMANG EYE CLINIC.

I had heard many stories about the clinic’s medical missions, but preparing to take part in one myself brought a great deal of anxiety. I worried that we might forget an essential item or make a mistake during the mission.

After considerable effort, we finished packing all the medical equipment and supplies. Even then, everyone remained anxious and exhausted from the flight, which lasted more than 10 hours.

When we arrived in Fiji, we had to collect and transport more than 30 pieces of luggage. We then traveled for over an hour by bus before finally reaching our accommodations.

There was no time to rest. We went directly to the hospital, unpacked the equipment, and began installing the surgical devices. The entire day passed in a blur.

We ended the day by praying that the four-day surgical mission would be completed safely and that everyone would return home without incident.

The First Day of Surgery

The first day began with both anticipation and nervousness.

Thanks to the experienced and efficient support of the Cecil Volunteer Team, we were able to complete the day much more smoothly and safely than expected.

Although the schedule was hectic and physically exhausting, thinking about the purpose of our mission filled us with pride and gratitude.

At the end of the day, we encouraged one another and promised to do even better the following day.

The Second Day

Unlike the first day, the second day gave us a little more time to observe our surroundings.

We were deeply grateful to the local hospital staff who made it possible for us to perform surgery and to the missionaries from Suva Full Gospel Church who supported our team throughout the mission.

I especially appreciated the hospital’s head nurse. Although we were unable to communicate easily because of the language barrier, her warm and friendly smile made us feel welcome and brought comfort to our hearts.

The Third Day

By the third day, Dr. Gyung Bai Choi and our executive director must have been carrying a great deal of accumulated fatigue.

Even when unexpected situations arose, they remained calm and continued to guide us without showing how tired they were.

Many of us were relatively new to the team, and this was our first mission, so we likely made several mistakes. I was deeply grateful that Dr. Choi and the executive director trusted and supported us until the very end.

The Fourth and Final Day

The fourth day was the final day of the mission.

Everyone found renewed strength and worked even harder, determined to finish the mission with the same dedication we had shown from the beginning.

After completing the final surgeries, we began organizing and packing the equipment for our long-awaited journey home. Surprisingly, the packing did not feel tiring at all. We were simply happy and thankful that the mission had been completed safely.

Afterward, we attended a worship service at Suva Full Gospel Church. On that day, Dr. Gyung Bai Choi shared his personal testimony.

Seeing this side of him for the first time was deeply moving, and I felt incredibly proud.

I cannot say that the mission was easy. However, it gave me an invaluable experience that could never be purchased with money.

I felt deeply proud and grateful, and I would gladly return if another opportunity were given to me.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Gyung Bai Choi, our executive director, my fellow operating room staff, the Good People volunteers, and every member of the Cecil Volunteer Team.

Most of all, I am grateful to Dr. Choi for giving us the opportunity to travel such a great distance, serve together, and participate in this meaningful medical mission.

Mi Kyung Kim
Operating Room Nurse