I remember using up some of my savings to buy an elegant dress and heels (though I would need lessons on how to walk in those things) and being very happy because let’s be honest, how many times do you get invited to a dinner? So, plans were made, my dress was packed up carefully at the bottom of my suitcase because where I come from, thieves are real. Having to miss the dinner is one of the things this COVID-19 has taken from me. Having no meeting to look forward to every Thursday at 5.30pm is another. Now we have online meetings which work, of course. But they can never replace the real thing.
Dear Coronavirus, “Even though you decided to grace us with your unwelcome presence, the Rotaract spirit is still strong. ” -Rtr. Mergery Nyakio Rotaract Club of Embu This is not to say that it hasn’t been tough. In our WhatsApp group, I have been seeing posters from other clubs inviting people for installation dinners. I understand, I totally do, the world is in shambles and all that. But I don’t have to like it. It’s not
The Rotaract Club of Embu is the liveliest, ever. When you go to the meeting feeling sad and depressed, you forget why you were sad in the first place by the time you leave. You laugh and share smiles and uplift each other and it is the best feeling. And as much as I’ve complained about how Corona has messed with us, the Rotaract spirit of helping those who need help is still there. Even when I’m cocooned up at home watching endless movies about survival in a post apocalyptic world, I am reminded everyday that I am a part of something special. In April, we donated foodstuffs to Mbeere Hospice. The contribution made by each member was a great deal. Later, street kids in Embu got free masks and foodstuffs from the club members, a project spearheaded by our dedicated president-elect (as I’m writing this), Mercy Njeru. In the beginning of May, some volunteers from the club were sensitized about COVID-19, and have been doing a great job of creating awareness ever since. These activities prove that, no matter where we are, or how bad the world gets, Rotaractors never steer away from their mission of making the world a better place. So, dear Corona, you have not won.
enough that you’ve prevented us from holding physical meetings, now we’re going to miss our dinners too?
To my fellow Rotaractors, stay safe in these trying times, and remember to make someone smile.
Anyway, back in March, (has it really been three months already?), we were making plans about our dinner, suggesting themes, and it was just something wonderful to look forward to. 24 THE ROTARACTOR
From Mergery, a proud Rotaractor.
