Dental Mission Elective Report: Jamaica
JuHae (Grace) Lee
This article originally appeared in the September 2024 issue of FOCUS.
I was incredibly fortunate to participate in this year’s Jamaica dental mission trip. When I first received Dr. Kate Brouwer’s email about this opportunity, I couldn’t resist. My journey towards dentistry began with a heartfelt desire to provide oral health care to those in need. This trip was a long-awaited opportunity for me to serve others. Initially filled with excitement, I also harbored some fears, having never been to Jamaica and unsure of what to expect. As an introvert, I worried about my ability to provide adequate service and interact effectively with my team.
I recognized these worries as distractions, and whenever they surfaced, I turned to prayer for strength. Throughout this mission trip, I not only treated more patients in a week than I typically would in a semester at school but also used this experience to reflect on my faith and spiritual journey. I encountered doubts and personal disappointments, often comparing myself to others in my team. However, I soon realized these feelings were attempts to discourage me from future missions and were not from God. But, through prayer and some self-reflections, I found solace and guidance in God.
In treating 323 patients over the week, I saw firsthand that our efforts alone could not achieve what was accomplished but it was through 
faith and unity. Despite the challenges of the hot, humid weather and long clinic hours of seeing almost 100 patients each day, every moment became a lesson and a blessing. Physically tired but spiritually uplifted, I felt God’s presence throughout this journey.
I truly thank God that through CMDA Canada, I was able to know about and go on this dental mission trip to Jamaica. Through this mission trip, I not only honed my dental skills but also deepened my faith and relationship with God. I aspire to return to Jamaica for future missions, always remembering that our accomplishments were made possible through Christ.
If you’re a medical or dental student planning a missions elective, CMDA Canada can provide financial support and connection. Learn more cmdacanada.org/student-ministry/student-elective-scholarship.