A "Rotary Moment" personified

I had a "Rotary Moment" tonight. For those who may not understand what this means it's in reference to a ritual my Rotary Club observes each week -- a thoughtful few minutes to hear some words that cause us reflect on our place in the world.

We had a Club social tonight at a local winery. And while the evening was a time for us to enjoy each other's company away from the distractions of the workweek and the typical business of our weekly meetings, I couldn't help but feel it was a personal send-off for this important mission. The outpouring of heartfelt and unexpected well wishes overwhelmed me more than once and I left the event, eyes red and swollen, profoundly impacted by what it means to be a Rotarian. And even more proud to represent this amazing group of people in service.

This past week, I've produced enough spontaneous tears to irrigate an acre lot through a dry, hot summer -- or so it seems. I signed up to do this on my own. I still believe it's the right thing for me to do. But I've had moments of asking myself why I had to go so extreme in trying to improve myself in such a hard-core service environment. Tonight, I got the adjustment I needed.

"Rotary" is an adjective that describes the motion around an axis typically connected to some other function. When you think about a car wheel, the center connects to the car as part of a team of four wheels in total -- all tasked with moving a vehicle. Today, and again this evening, I discoverd that in this mission I am an axis. Today, my fellow Rotarians surrounded me with dozens of e-mails, Facebook posts, kind words, and hugs...pushing me toward the Philippines to make a difference. I was reminded that my "non-medical" paperwork function is what will allow the gifted surgeons and other medical staff to focus on the technical aspects of the job ahead; without me, they wouldn't be able to serve as many children. It was stated that I'm a gift my Club is sending out into the world beyond this sheltered and resource-blessed community we live in. And, I was coached to find my "Banyan Tree" by a fellow Rotarian (Arlan) who has also served -- to find that place in my foreign location that refocuses and calms me in those tough moments that are bound to happen as I come face-to-face with the children and learn their stories.

Tonight, my Club was my Banyan Tree. I'm proud of this membership that has introduced me to the possibility of this mission. I am grateful beyond words and humbly ready to do my best to spread your generosity. Thank you for this moment.

In service, Lisa