I am currently in South Africa for surgery on my back following a fall two and a half years ago. The fall caused a disk in my lower spine to become pinched, leading to extraordinary pain. After over a year of physiotherapy and pain medication with little improvement, Dr Ncumisa Jilata diagnosed the need for surgery. She skillfully removed the damaged disk, built a new one and made necessary adjustments to alleviate the pressure on my nerve. Her expertise has been invaluable and I expressed my gratitude to her.
Recovery means I cannot travel for two weeks, so PDG Shirley Downie, a long-time friend in Rotary, has kindly offered her home for my recuperation. My journey from Sandton Mediclinic to Midrand was made possible thanks to PDG Francis Callard and PDG Jankees Sligcher. Their collective efforts showcase the essence of Rotary's spirit of cooperation and support.
I am grateful to my extended Rotary family and I have made sure they know it. I'll be home in Zambia in a few days but I must avoid sitting upright for another four weeks. PDG Shirley's reclining chair and a similar one at my home will aid my recovery. Driving might resume in about eight weeks, albeit over short, smooth distances.
Teaching and Rotary presentations will be confined to Zoom for a few weeks. I am thankful for Eric Yuan, whose platform has been a crucial tool for maintaining connections during Covid and beyond.
WASH-RAG Rotaract Chair Abdul Rashid Alhassan with WASH-RAG Membership Chair Dr. Patrick Coleman. January 2024.
The past year has been filled with opportunities to express gratitude to friends and strangers alike for their assistance. It's vital to acknowledge even the smallest acts of kindness. We often forget to appreciate those who have helped us in the past, whose actions have significantly shaped our current circumstances. We must remember to express our gratitude, as it can influence our journey in the future. As we approach the end of 2023, many consider New Year's resolutions.
Here's a suggestion: set daily reminders to express gratitude. It could be a note on your phone, bathroom mirror or car dashboard. I plan to place a reminder on my laptop to ensure I show gratitude in all my interactions.
According to The Mayo Clinic, expressing gratitude has numerous mental and physical benefits. It improves sleep, mood, immunity and can decrease depression, anxiety, chronic pain and disease risk.
It's easy to become a WASH Advocate! Why not be a presenter at your next Club, District or Zone meeting! Expand your reach and promote WASH in your community.
Did you know you don't have to be a Rotarian to join WASH-RAG?
Your environmentally minded friends, water-conscious community members, and the general public can join us too! Tell them to check us out at www.wash-rag.org or forward this newsletter!
Find or become an
Ambassador or Cadre Member!
The WASH Rotary Action Group Ambassadors is a corps of knowledgeable members who provide support and promotion of the WASH goals of WASH Rotary Action Group and
The Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisers is a group of Rotarians who volunteer to use their professional skills and technical expertise in Rotary's Areas of Focus or financial auditing to advise Rotarians who are planning and working on Rotary Foundation grant projects. The Cadre includes more than 700 members from 75 countries, speaking more than 80 languages.
The WASH Rotary Action Group is pleased to consider partnerships with any corporate supporter. Due to the unique attributes of water sources and water provision, acceptance of corporate support does not imply an endorsement of any particular water technology. Rotarians, Rotary Clubs, and Rotary partners must evaluate any technology to determine if it is the best solution for the conditions where the program will be implemented. The WASH Rotary Action Group can provide guidance about where different technologies work best, but Rotarians and Rotary clubs must make the final decision about how to implement their programs. Email us about your ongoing or finished project at info@wash-rag.org.
This Rotary Action Group is RI-recognized and operates in accordance with Rotary International policy, but is not an agency of, or controlled by, Rotary International. To learn more please contact the WASH Rotary Action Group by email at infor@wasrag.org Thank you.
