At 7.10am we left the Mercy's Office heading for Songsogon Magandai located in the district of Kota Marudu. On the way we had to pick the dental doctors and dental equipments at Tuaran Hospital.
Six four-wheels drive headed for Kota Belud, passed the beautiful paddy fields of Kota Belud at 8.40am.
We stopped over, along the way while waiting for the others we bought the “jagung panggang” could not missed this. At 9.40am we reached Kota Marudu and we had our breakfast. We also had to buy some vegetables at the market. We bought KFC packs for lunch then we left Kota Marudu at 12.00 noon.
We passed by Paitan at 2.00pm. We reached the junction of the 1st gate to Songsogon Magandai at 2.18 pm.
my shot
The 1st gate to Songsogon Magandai at 2.18 pm.
We ate our lunch pack before we continued our trip at 2.45 pm going through the oil palm plantation's road. At 3.40pm we reached the 2nd Gate called the Ladang Kawana. All drivers had to sign before entering the road ahead. At 3.47pm we reached the 3rd Gate. The gate keeper was looking cheerful to see us.
So after the last gate, we were heading to a very rough road, one lane only. Now everybody could felt the disco movement. I had to hold on to the handle above the window. We were moved left and right every now and then. I could see the sky getting darker above us. The road was getting bad going up and down hill. The heavy rain started to fall while we were going down the hill. I could see the muddy water flowing along the road and that made the road slippery. Our driver Mike had to control the steering and I was praying while holding on to the handle as we almost hit the edge of the hill few times. Mike was trying hard to control the steering. All my life I had never been so scared, I closed my eyes and asked the Lord to protect us. Praise the Lord, we made it to the Village of Songsogon Magandai at 5.15 pm. We had to leave our transport on the roadside as it could not cross the bridge.
On top of the hill located The Chapel at Songsogon Magandai. It has a wonderful scenery.
We spent 2 nights at the Chapel, where the Medical Clinic was held.
As soon as we arrived the Generator was set up. I was assigned to take care of the foods for this mission. The water came from the gravity. I used the fire woods to cook rice and its gave a good smell before dinner we had the briefing by Adrian our team leader. There were 28 person of us, amongst them were 7 doctors, 2 volunteers from UMW, from Angkatan Hebat they were the main sponsor. 1 volunteer from Kuala Lumpur.
As soon as we arrived the Generator was set up. I was assigned to take care of the foods for this mission. The water came from the gravity. I used the fire woods to cook rice and its gave a good smell before dinner we had the briefing by Adrian our team leader. There were 28 person of us, amongst them were 7 doctors, 2 volunteers from UMW, from Angkatan Hebat they were the main sponsor. 1 volunteer from Kuala Lumpur.
The medical clinic started early as the communities came earlier. Lastin was doing the registration helped by Mike and Maryam. The doctors and dentists were busy. While I was busy preparing foods for everybody. There were over 200 people who came for the medical screening. Some of them had to travel for five hours. They had to start walking from 5 am from their home. I could see the communities here are very calm. They were so patience. Everybody was consulted and each family was given the hygienic’s kit. That made them feel happy. The medical screening finished earlier.
Part of the village in Kg Songsogon the house roof are made from "tarap" leaves .
After packing, they went up to the hill to visit the patient that cannot walk and the others went for a swim in the river.
I had to do the cooking for the evening, we had chicken wings, chicken soup and curry ayam was prepared by Lastin. These special menu's for this evening were a reward to the hard work done by everybody.
After dinner we were entertained by the village communities, beating of gongs and local dance. Their performance was for showing their gratitude to “Mercy Malaysia” for coming to them for the Medical Screening. We joined them to do their “sumazau' Everyone had fun that night.
19/07/2009 – at 7.00 am we left Songsogon Magandai. Journey home felt nearer and faster. We reached Paitan and had our late breakfast at one of the cafe along the road. We were served the mee goreng then we continued our Journey home. We reached the Mercy Office at 4.00 pm.
It was an extremely wonderful and touching experience and looking forward to share more mission .
I hope to return to Songsogon Magandai again and would bring some used cloths to the people there. They are simply very poor.
Picture taken by Adrian Lok
