SALCEDO VISIT

Have you ever had the experience and privilege to embody yourself into the "family of Rotary" by totally immersing yourself into an unfamiliar culture, becoming a part of it for a period of time? That's what Drake Travis and I (Norm Malmberg) from the Rotary Club of Scott Valley, did last week (8-15 Dec '09) as the Club Rotario Salcedo, Republica Dominicana, D4060, embraced us and shared with us the fruits of our joint partnership to serve those in their community less fortunate than we. I cannot think of enough adjectives to effectively convey to you our emotions. But here are a few: awesome, exciting, humbling, overwhelming, exhausting, superb hospitality, royal treatment, fun, bonding, kinship, love and more, a life altering, life changing experience.

Josefina kept us on the go from dawn to dusk and beyond as for 6 solid days we raced from here to there, including Saturday and Sunday, as we toured 8 project sites including 6 of our own (4 projects, 1 at 4 sites, 3 former projects), 1 of a Michigan Club and 1 potential, future project, an orphanage. She also conducted 2 evening Club meetings, 1 special meeting for us to make some presentations. It was a whirlwind week! But I wouldn't have had it any other way. Time is too precious and fleeting. But it seemed like a month, not a week.

We unpacked and Rotary stamped, then hauled arm loads and boxes of books to 3 school libraries and 1 municipal library. Yes, we stretched our grant funds to add/return to 1 extra school library for a total of 4, not 3. Each place Josefina took us, the students, faculty and staff greeted us with smiles, joy, hugs and grateful expressions of love. Then came speeches, plaques and certificates of appreciation. At one school a lady burst out in joyful song; and she was good! Those folks may be of lesser means, but not of affection and gratitude. They make you to feel important to their lives, like you were royalty to them. And they are all so easy to love right back. The principal, Rosie, of our first computer project, would not let us refer to "their school". She wisely corrected us with, "This is your school now." Her hug was that of a mother's that says, "You are important & special to me."

Perhaps the most touching experience was the Club Rotario Salcedo's "Children at Risk" Community Service Project. The Public Prosecutor's office temporarily removes endangered children from abusive homes who are at risk of further abuse. They come to the Prosecutor's special dormitory with virtually nothing but the clothes on their back. Josefina and I had discussed by e-mails the need and what we might be able to do. Since this was not part of the libraries project, our Club took up a special collection of $433 and at their special meeting I presented a check payable to the Club Rotario Salcedo. Monday before we left, we went shopping, Josefina and Lutsy, Drake and I. The store owner gave us a special discount on everything to extend the funds. Having received their sizes earlier, we were able to purchase for each of 7 children, 3 shirts, 2 pairs of trousers, 5 pair of socks, underwear, 2 pair of shoes and personal items like soap, toothbrush, toothpaste and shampoo.. We bundled them in 7 sacks and 3 shoe boxes and headed for the kids. When they saw us coming, they went ballistic climbing the bars, shouting, laughing, eyes sparkling. And the Public Prosecutor, a woman, gave us each a great big warm hug and brush of the cheek (custom) with a few endearing words. It was a very touching scene.

Visiting a latrine project by a Michigan Club, we stopped nearby to chat with a mother and her 2 children. They live in a corrugated sheet metal shelter of about 10' x 12', no interior finish, rough concrete floor, no power, plumbing or appliances, no windows, just a door, one mattress which fills up nearly half of the floor space. One 18 year old boy is down syndrome, one girl with brain damage, cannot walk or talk, her eyes are crossed, feet and hands are twisted acutely so as not to be of function, upper teeth protrude almost straight out, is bed ridden, frail and shrunken body. No yard, just mud. But I did notice some manicured bushes and flowers. In spite of these infirmities, they all responded to our touch, mother & son with smiles, girl with only pleasant moaning. The mother's smile and face were radiant, her eyes sparkled. This little family had been abandoned by the husband and father who was unable to cope with the situation. It was a very humbling experience.

At the special Club meeting Thursday, Dec. 10, I presented a special letter from our District Governor John to their District Governor (his AG substituting) expressing our gratitude for the privilege of working together with them these past 3 years.

And I presented the $433 check. Then they surprised me by inducting me into their Club as an honorary member. Josefina then asked me if I was finished. I responded, "Not quite. I have another presentation to make."

As I began reading the formal TRF words for induction of a Paul Harris Fellow, Josefina interpreted. Two-thirds of the way through, I read into the blank, the name, "Josefina Urena". She gasped, covered her face, then peeked as we all saw 2 tears emerge. Her Club Secretary, who also speaks English, had to finish interpretting. When I finished with the words, "Ladies and Gentlemen, please rise together with me as we congratulate our newest Paul Harris Fellow", the room erupted in clapping and cheers, followed by testimonial speeches to Josefina. Our Club transferred points to induct a very deserving person. Their AG helped me by pinning on her PHF pin. And I concluded by raising the PHF medallion and ribbon, then placing it around her neck as she gave me a special hug and thanks. Then there was more clapping and cheering followed by goodies. They are so loving and supportive of each other.

Our hosts, Margarita and Americo de Contreras, were ever attentive, gracious & hospitable. Margarita is a consummate hostess who loves to care for you. Every meal was a banquet. And their home is the cross roads for the Club, members frequently dropping by to just visit or to obtain their opinions of some Rotary matter. They are very humble, but wise.

Returning home Tuesday (25 hours enroute), I feel an emptiness and sadness leaving those dear people as I almost shamefully return to my comfortable and abundant surroundings. And I find myself in deep thought of how and what we can do next. And I am grateful to all of you other Clubs who supported our projects. I feel a pressing need to report to your Clubs in person and to share with you the pictures we took. I am working to update my power point presentation. I already am committed to Eugene Metro (1/12/10), Philomath (1/12/10), Shasta Valley (1/4/10) and to my Scott Valley Club (1/14/10).

To just say that it was a life changing experience hardly seems adequate. I know that there are many of you who have been there, done that and know exactly what I mean. And I could not do it without your support and encouragement. I am grateful.

Sharing with you our mission to serve,

Norm Malmberg, Project Primary Contact
Past President and Present WCS Chair for the
Rotary Club of Scott Valley, District 5110
Project International Sponsor Club
Chair, D5110 Rotary Volunteer Service
Member, D5110 WCS Executive Committee
Member, D5110 DSG Committee