MY FIRST MEDICAL MISSION
By Guia Caliwagan, RN

I was very fortunate to have this opportunity to join the Carolina Medical Mission. At first I had doubts putting my plans together, but I was encouraged by my fellow nurse and friend Rose Cena, who was determined to make this trip happen. I honestly think that it is only by the grace of God that everything fell into place. Thanks Rose! It was a tough decision but we made it!

The CMM team met at the PAL Centennial Terminal in Manila bound
for Iloilo City. Before this meeting I had only communicated with the general coordinator by phone/mail, but the camaraderie was nstantaneous as soon as we all met face to face. The feeling of being a part of the group was real and sincere amidst the chaos of checking-in hundreds of luggages and equipment at the airport. The bright yellow-green ribbons for
all the mission luggages worked wonders for easy identification.

Immediately upon arriving in Iloilo, we were greeted with great Filipino hospitality. The Department of Tourism officially welcomed the CMM Team with shell necklaces. Friends and supporters came and received
the group with open arms. They helped gather our luggages and drove us to the Hotel Del Rio in Iloilo City. The mission started later that afternoon. As I participated in the unpacking and repacking of the medicine and supplies, I realized how dedicated these volunteers are! There were
about seven “working groups” gathered around tables meticulously counting, categorizing, and classifying the medicines. As we worked, we were talking, joking, laughing, and obviously turning a tedious job into an extraordinary human encounter. I met Dr. Moreno for the first time and noted how he did his part so quietly and efficiently. He told us that he was a retired physician from California but he outlasted some of us who got drowsy toward the late evening. Some volunteers still jet lagged, quit only when they realized their group was done!

Wake-up call was set at 0600 and breakfast at 0630. On that first
morning, my body clock was warped. Despite the late bedtime, I woke up at 0500 thinking where I was and how good it felt. Rose and I decided to
venture out early and jogged around the hotel block. We did that and still had time left before breakfast, so we continued our exercise around the pool side of the hotel and were surprised to see Dr. de Leon and his wife exercising as well. As word spread of our morning exercise, more people
came out to join us in our daily dose of stretching and jogging. The sunrise and the cool breeze not only cleared my lungs but also filled my head with positive thoughts and feelings. The feeling was definitely
exhilarating to say the least.

Breakfast was a feast of native fruits and local favorites. The smell of brewed coffee was wonderful. After breakfast, we were off to the medical and dental venue. The Miagao Municipal Center was about an hour
ride from the hotel. The mission was going to last the next four days.

The mission was well-organized. I was impressed to see everyone working together in great harmony and coordination. The doctors and other volunteers showed great compassion towards the patients. The local volunteers, especially the nuns who controlled the patient-flow, were not only efficient and very helpful, but were so loving in their service. They warmed my heart and soul. They were very spiritual in their outlook, it is hard not to be touched. Miagao Coordinator Ayuk Palmos’ dedication
and leadership allowed the mission to run smoothly from beginning to end. The mission was a SUCCESS!

Then, very quickly, the mission was over. It was time to go. I realized how lucky I am because I feel like I got more than what I gave. Serving the Filipino people is the bond that binds us together. I would recommend to fellow health professionals here in the US to find time to give of ourselves to our brothers and sisters in the Philippines. CMM gave me this pportunity. You will never know how great it feels until you join!

Guia Caliwagan, RN is a pediatric nurse from Virginia Beach, VA. This is her first year volunteering with CMM.