As I imagine the true meaning of service above self, our speaker, fellow Rotarian Ted Ning comes to mind.
Ted no sooner graduated from medical school, than he was drafted and became a member of the 101st Airborne Division and sent to Viet Nam. His wife Connie volunteered with a group who was sending aid to Viet Nam orphanages. Through that agency and others, over 2500 orphaned youngsters were evacuated in operation “Babylift.” This began a life of not only service to mankind as a physician, but a life of service to those who need help most.
Ted became the medical director of Friends of children of Viet Nam. He and his wife, Connie organized 4,000 Denver volunteers to care for Viet Nan orphans as the war ended. His family toured Viet Nam extensively and he was touched by the poverty and devastation from the long war. They were determined to make a difference, so they contacted Father John Murphy of the Christ the King church here in Evergreen. He was willing to share their vision with the church members and out of that Friendship Bridge was established in 1988.
It’s first project was shipping 150 tons of high-tech medical equipment, dental chairs, and medicine. Microcredit and education projects were established by Starfish which provides education. Now named MAIA, the organization provides programs to empower girls in Guatemala. The program provides a six-year education experience after primary school. A goal is the change the tradition of girls becoming mothers at 15. Mentors meet weekly with girls teaching them about birth control and other health issues. Their goal is to promote self-esteem to the girls and to teach leadership skills and to promote continuing education.
Ted will talk to us about the people, culture and conditions in Guatemala, from with which he just returned. I believe we will learn from Ted on Wednesday.
Good news……Jaime found a new approach to sell tickets in view of the overwhelming competition from the Girl Scouts at the grocery stores. Jaime and PJ had good success selling at Lariat Lodge intercepting diners as they enter.
Hopefully, the weather will cooperate this Wednesday. It seems that Wednesday is snow day. See you then.