The morning's presentation was both a good way for new members to learn about our Club's
International service history and also a great memory refresher for those of us who were 
around during the many years of our South Africa partnerships.
 
Club members Isabella and Ann were instrumental in this connection and the many projects
that came about and so were the best people to help us take this review of our connections 
and accomplishments.
 
Isy helped us recall the beginnings ..a Group Study Exchange visit from South Africa in 2003.
That led to a $1000 grant in 2005 assisting St Mary's Daycare and then a return Friendship
Exchange visit to South Africa by a group of our Club members and family and friends.
During that visit, Club members visited a wide variety of projects and sites, including ROMEX
- the South African equivalent of our RWH.  They delivered wheelchairs, met care providers and
of course , fell in love with the people of South Africa.  They were greeted by the songs of welcome
from children and strengthened connections with local Rotarians, Time was also found to tour
and enjoy the natural beauties, and the cultural and historical wonders of the Grahamstown and
East London areas.
 
We were treated to an amazing slide shows that delighted us all and brought back many
great memories for those who were fortunate to be on that trip..a trip they describe as being
life-changing.
 
We were also reminded that one of the great advantages of Rotary is that every International project
has both at least one "sending" club and one local "receiving" club..knowing that any funds or goods
that are sent to a community ..will be managed and distributed by other Rotarians means that there
is no worry about any corruption or mismanagement of resources.
 
While active in South Africa, our Club supported hospitals and an eye clinic, hospices, schools, day cares, 
orphanages, and women's shelters.  We also saw spin offs with Days for Girls and with Cleone's work in
 a conservancy area that is now hoped to become a nationally protected area.
 
We can all be proud of the Club's contributions and the impact they had..as we look forward to future 
International service projects in Ecuador and maybe even some further connections to our first
international home in South Africa..as Isabella reminded us..a little can go a long way in International
service.