Service learning
feature:
Reflections on a mission trip to Malawi, Africa
by Preethi Dara and Hans Lemky (DH’02)
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| Senior dental hygiene students Preethi Dara (left) and Hans Lemky joined a mission team from the School of Dentistry that provided dental care to the people of Malawi, Africa. They worked with Malamulo Dental Clinic to provide care to approximately 500 patients. |
On June 10, 2001, our ensemble set foot on African soil in the city of Blantyre, Malawi. Daryl Proctor, SD’94, MS’01, Mike Hummitzsch, D4, Jorge Larrondo, D2, Mary Yoo, D4, and senior dental hygiene students Sue Kim, Preethi Dara, and Hans Lemky were those who made up the Loma Linda team.
The mission team from Malamulo Hospital gave a warm, exuberant welcome, along with a safe deliverance to our destination. Dr. Oswaldo Lara, head surgeon of Malamulo Hospital, and Dr. Daniel Araba, the staff dentist who had recently arrived from the Philippines were some of the drivers.
We began providing dental care the very next morning, alongside Dr. Araba.
The Malamulo Dental Clinic is a fusion of a small building with two rooms—one
with a dental chair and the other an office for the practicing optometrist.
The clinic was surrounded by an immense number of Malawians, all waiting
for treatment. Fillings, extractions, and cleanings were performed at
the clinic, and after four days we had treated 300 patients.
We had the privilege of venturing into three villages—Nampati, Mbalanguze,
and Mitembo. The villagers in need were a massive throng, easily quadrupling
the number of patients seen at the clinic.
Four chairs were set up under the trees for extraction purposes, while
cleanings were done sitting on the ground. An intense three days of work
yielded approximately 500 patients treated.
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| Pictured, from left: Senior dental hygiene students Hans Lemky, Preethi Dara, and Sue Kim provide care during their recent mission trip to Malawi, while dozens of youngsters and their parents patiently wait their turn to receive treatment. |
The smiles that spread across each face and their soft hearts were ever
reflective of the sheer beauty that encompasses the people we met. Malawi,
known also as “The Warm Heart of Africa,” sustains a life force
that, in spite of poverty and misfortune, holds each person as a comrade,
sister, or brother. It is this strength that binds the people together,
uplifting culture and stopping time.
Sabbath was truly a blessing. Dr. Lara took us to a small community with
a vigorously growing Christian following.
A straw roof held up by bamboo stalks comprised the Church, with small
red bricks arranged in parallel rows to sit upon. Here the old hymns are
sung with passion, and the Gospel is delivered presenting an oasis for
thirsty souls.
To see the adults carrying with them faith which once gripped many of
us as children was a refreshing splash of spirituality for us Loma Linda
folk. The Malawians’ enthusiastic relationship with Christ is a challenge
worth aspiring to for all denominations. Jesus reigns! Hallelujah!
To sum it all up, a great work is being done through those at Malamulo
Hospital Mission. The Lord is the Captain of this ship, and 2002 will
mark 100 years of service to the people of Malawi. The Loma Linda team
is proud and thankful to have had the opportunity to be involved in something
so positively driven by God.
All contents copyright © 2001 Loma Linda University.
All rights reserved. Revised February 14, 2001
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