Tuesday’s meeting was well attended even though there were quite a few members who were otherwise occupied: Gary Halliday, Frans Buskermolen, Sam Capra, John Pillay Tissa Perera and Russell Seodjadi.

 

Three visitors were also in attendance – Emma (Natalia’s friend) Dr Miguel Lopez (Natalia’s Dentist) and Greg Gibbs.

President Jim spoke about Natalia’s activities with a meeting with the chief surgeon and her first operation on Monday. After the operation she had recovered very quickly.

A professional photographer has been engaged to build up a historical record of Natalia’s progress through the series of required operations.

 

 

Community and Vocational Service Director Shiva Nandan is delighted that after his daughter had completed the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards program, and was so impressed by it, she has volunteered to join the program as a Team Leader. Congratulations Sharbella.

 

Ted Mlynarz is confident that all is in readiness for the Golf Day on Friday.

 

After further investigations into a Club four-wheel driving weekend, Bob Groat has suggested that it be held on an ordinary weekend rather than a long weekend to make it easier for accommodation and to avoid a number of other enthusiasts.

 

Dr Lopez became the Guest Speaker for the evening. He explained that he had been conducting dental missionaries in Indonesian Papua for 15 years an in other places for a total of 26 years.

Dr Lopez described his first contact with Natalia

He was in Natalia’s home town doing an errand and his wife preferred to wait for him in the comfort of the car air-conditioning. She saw a group of boys throwing stones at what she thought was an animal When she went to investigate and chase the boys away, she found that it was a little girl, Natalia. Mrs Lopez comforted Natalia until Dr Lopez returned and they delivered Natalia to her home. They lost contact with Natalia for about 12 years but were reunited after a chance discussion with a radio journalist. Dr Lopez has been providing dental and jaw surgery since then.

After searching in Singapore and America for medical assistance for Natalia’s condition he found his way to Rotary clubs and to President Jim.

The remainder of the story is still in the making.