Rotary Service

As we have toured the Ulsan area and the clubs that make up this section of District 3720, I have been most impressed with the service these clubs provide and the energy and spirit of giving.  Let me share some about those projects from the past two days.

 Yesterday, Mr. Kim Young Youn president of the Ulsan Nam San club took us to “Love House” – a home completely funded by Rotarians.  A woman in a small community was identified by the elders as needing help.  Her house was flooded part of the year, lacked heat, the roof leaked and the woman was very ill from exposure to the elements.  Mr. Lee convinced Rotarians in his club with construction backgrounds to help finance and supply the materials to build this woman a new home.  After obtaining the commitment from ten members in the construction trades he then got support from other members of the club for extra financing.  The home was finished in January and is called “Love House”.  In seeing the home we were impressed with the quality and specialness of the construction and details making it truely a home built out of love and service.

On Thursday we visited a public institution for mentally handicapped children, a school teaching skills and independence.  The compassion of the director and the teacher (both Rotarians) was evident as we shared with in the student’s exercise which consisted of running around a table to music.  The president of the Ulsan Haeguk club (an all woman Rotary club) shared how engaged her members are in service activities in their community.  One of the members, Ms Chung Hae Lan has only been a Rotarian for one year but was very excited to show us and to have us participate in activities.

 

In addition on Thursday we visited a massage clinic that uses the skills of the visually impaired.  In countries such as Korea and China training visually impaired people in massage is common as it is understood that they possess the special skills to be good a massage.  The incoming president of the clinic is the president elect of the Ulsan Haeguk Club.  For me to share this experience with other Rotarian women my age involved in social service is an absolute joy!  I very much felt a closeness to the activities, the purpose and the passion of these women.

To celebrate we enjoyed a western style dinner – and the first in chairs since arriving here in Ulsan as guest of another Rotarian of the Ulsan Haeguk Club, Ms. Suzie Jang a very savvy and fun businesswomen.  She later joined us sharing her drumming talents while Alex wowed us with his singing. 

 

 This has been a packed full, busy, first week.  We have met many people, exchanged many business cards and friendship pins.  We know the farewell ceremony tomorrow night will be filled with a mixture of joy and sadness.

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