Why I Am A Rotarian
MAY 30, 2006
Our Dental
Mission team was four and we traveled by dugout canoe on the
Kruta River. We worked in two different villages from sunup
to sundown.
The line of
patients never finished. Our working conditions were
terrible. All of us were tired all the time but at the same
time it was very satisfying, as what we were doing was
certainly needed.
When we returned
to Puerto Limpura, a town of only perhaps 1500 and a dirt
runway for our military C-47, I spent some time with the
resident physician who while meeting with me while doing his
required duty to his country.
He was frankly
not very interested in our work. Then I asked him while
making polite conversation "Do you have any Polio in
Honduras"? "NO” he said, “we had a program called Polio
Plus and now no more Polio -- It's wonderful"
I said, "I know
Polio Plus because I am a Rotarian". This stranger of a few
minutes ago, put his arm around me and with tears said,
"Gracias mi Hermano" (Thank you my Brother).
This was one
small, but profound moment for the Doctor and me. Yes, I
now have a brother in Honduras because Rotary cares.
Dave Fihn DDS
PDG Dist 5580
1985-'86
Rotary Club of
Detroit Lakes, MN Noon
D5580
