The mission has been hard on everyone due to events earlier this week. One would easily expect that the medical and volunteer staff would take it really hard given that this is a first for Rotaplast and most of them have done multiple missions all over the world. But the quiet heroes this week have been the local Rotarians of Cebu Port City Club and the many Rotaract volunteers who have been a constant presence throughout it all. In fact, in the days following, they were quick to ask us how we were doing, offer a kind touch on the arm, and always a "thank you" for sticking with the mission. Truly committed servants.
From the beginning, they welcomed us and have done everything to keep us safe, comfortable, and well-fed – many of them cooking from home and bringing in favorite dishes for us to sample and enjoy.
They are the ones who really get a mission started, too. While we all book our trips and plan to leave our homes and jobs, they’ve already been working already for months, promoting our arrival and finding the families who we will ultimately serve. They’ve grown close to these people, learning their stories and making plans to host them in the city, feed them while they wait in long hot lines, and tend to and pay for any other needs – most which the patients’ families cannot afford to cover themselves. The generosity of these Rotarians is as present as the rising sun.
Following the tragedy earlier in the week, these same fine people continued to quietly serve despite their own sorrow. In the wake of it all, they stepped up to be an extra support to the family. As of last night, it was reported that they hadn’t left the sides of the family members, mourning the loss with them. They’ve set-up scholarship funds for the child’s two siblings, purchased a private and permanent burial plot for the family (typically plots are not permanent resting places due to cost and space) – the funeral is Saturday at 9 a.m. I’m told. They also have arranged to hire the father into a new line of work including retraining so that their lives can be that much more improved. They want to maintain a connection with this family and demonstrate their own grief by serving.
This is the way of Rotarians as I’ve learned since joining my club in February. The values run deep and true – even halfway around the world. This truly is a good organization and I continue to be proud of my membership.
This is the way of Rotarians as I’ve learned since joining my club in February. The values run deep and true – even halfway around the world. This truly is a good organization and I continue to be proud of my membership.
Picture with most of the Rotarians leading the charge for the 2011 Cebu City Rotaplast mission |
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