Marta Tooma grew up with medical missionary parents who dedicated their lives to serving underprivileged communities in the biodiversity-rich Amazon jungle. From a young age, she was exposed to the challenges faced by nations afflicted by diseases and lacking adequate healthcare services. She also witnessed the joy of reaching out to those in need, appreciated the beauty of nature, and learned from diverse cultures.
Currently, Dr. Tooma is the co-founder and dental director of The Mission at Natuvu Creek, a clinic located in a forest-to-sea estate in Buca Bay, Cakaudrove, established in honor of her parents’ sacrifices and inspired by her children. A dentist by trade, she has been coming to Fiji since 1997 and recently shared her inspiring journey and aspirations for the future.
Reflecting on her upbringing in California, she expressed concern for her children’s future amidst influences of luxury and privilege. “I prayed for an opportunity to preserve their purity,” she noted. That opportunity arose when she received a call to volunteer in Fiji, over 5000 miles from home, a decision that would greatly impact her life.
Accompanied by her children and sister, who is a nurse, she embarked on the long journey to the Pacific. Marta recalls her first arrival at Savusavu Airport on a rainy day, where lack of transportation promised a daunting start. “I found out no one was there to pick us up as promised… I thought, ‘Oh no! How can I be so irresponsible to bring my little kids here?’,” she reminisced. After securing a taxi, they finally made their way to Buca Bay, despite the rough conditions of the unpaved roads.
The mission in Vatuvonu, Buca Bay, was basic and disorganized, and the anticipated dental equipment was missing. Determined to make a difference, Dr. Tooma vowed to return fully equipped for future missions.
On her subsequent trip, she brought portable dental equipment and ensured her children were part of the process, even sterilizing instruments. Despite facing challenges, including illness from contaminated food, Dr. Tooma and her team ultimately decided to construct a proper facility to accommodate their efforts more effectively.
In 2006, she and her husband, Dr. Thomas Tooma, an eye surgeon, purchased 750 acres in picturesque Buca Bay and established The Mission at Natuvu Creek. Dr. Tooma pledged to serve the Fijian people wholeheartedly, a commitment deepened by a humbling experience when they provided her with their finest clothes after she lost her luggage.
Today, the clinic boasts equipment comparable to top facilities in the United States, catering to thousands of patients each year through various medical and dental services. The mission not only addresses healthcare needs but also incorporates a significant spiritual healing aspect.
Dr. Tooma travels to Fiji multiple times a year, with her recent visit marking her first since the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week, the mission hosted a free eye clinic drawing hundreds, followed by a dental clinic scheduled to conclude soon.
“Our mission offers healthy vacations intertwined with unique cultural experiences,” Dr. Tooma emphasizes. “Fijians demonstrate extraordinary community care, treating strangers with unparalleled kindness.”
Moreover, the mission engages students from Pepperdine University in California annually for volunteer work and is self-funded through the Tooma Family Foundation. Dr. Tooma’s vision remains steadfast: to provide comprehensive health and medical care while fostering real healing for those who visit, whether as patients or volunteers, leaving them with peace and hope for the future.