When I first heard about the (Wilmington Rotary Pakistan) project, I signed up immediately hoping to learn about an area of the world that I didn’t know that much about. What I didn’t know at the time was that it would be life changing as well.
Almas Jovindah, a member of the Lahore Mozang Rotary Club, was a guest in our home in October 2010. It took my husband and me just a few minutes to realize that he would become a lifelong friend.
Against the advice of my family and friends, I visited Pakistan in February 2011. My host Zafar Jilani and his wife, Beena, were hospitable and compassionate. I had a wonderful time with them, their family and our counterpart Rotarians.
My future in this venture is still unknown. But what is certain, I have returned a changed person. The Pakistani people we met were kind, loving, warm and hospitable. I will never forget them. They will forever have a special place in my heart.
Cynthia C. Dwyer
Executive Director
The Wellness Community Delaware
I wanted to write and thank you for the great article, “Hands Across the Water,” and publicizing the wonderful work that the Rotary Club of Wilmington is doing through its Pakistan Project. On behalf of the members of the club that hosted the Pakistan delegation that came to Delaware last October, and those of us in the delegation of the Wilmington Rotary Club that went to Lahore last February, it is wonderful to see the publicity related to our efforts.
It is not just a matter of publicity and recognition of the Rotary clubs, but the article becomes a part of the Pakistan Project itself in helping to educate the public on the situation in Pakistan. We are in the process of building communities and bridging continents—the Rotary International theme for the year. The article presents a view of Pakistan, and the people of Pakistan outside of, and away from, any of the political or military problems of either nation. It reinforces the concepts of people to people interaction and that all people are attempting to live a better life and to make a better life for the next generation. The focus on schools, polio eradication, and partnerships, whether between Rotary clubs, elementary schools, high schools, or law schools, and the people in two very different nations with very different cultures, is helpful to bringing understanding to all people and hopefully will bring about better understanding and a more peaceful world.
Michael A. Friedberg, Esquire
Wilmington
My gratitude to Nick DiUlio for his outstanding article, “Hands Across the Water,” on the reciprocal goodwill delegations of the Wilmington and Lahore Mozang Rotary clubs.
As one deeply involved in both delegations, first as chairwoman of our Rotary Club’s home stay committee for the incoming delegation from Lahore during October of 2010 and more recently as a member of Wilmington Rotary’s February 2011 delegation to Pakistan, I can assure you that Nick’s article captured the spirit and the essence of these missions.
Education, service and friendship are universals, and all too often underrated. How wonderful that Delaware Today saw fit to highlight these virtues.
Audrey C. Boys
Vice President of Council
Advancement, Girl Scouts of Chesapeake Bay
The article, “Hands Across the Water,” has been very well received here in Pakistan, where it is being shared with many influential persons. A highly placed government official declared to me that this article “is unparalleled positive media coverage for Pakistan.” Delaware Today has done an amazing service in furthering the work of Rotary International in connecting the local to the global.
As a leader of the Lahore Mozang Rotary Club delegation to Delaware during October 2010, I can personally attest to the effectiveness of personal diplomacy and the hospitality of the people of Delaware. This “Pakistan Project,” a joint effort and partnership between the Rotary Clubs of Lahore Mozang and Wilmington, Delaware, is impacting on lives here in Lahore, Pakistan, and in Wilmington in large and small ways. As a result of the February 2011 Wilmington Rotary delegation to Lahore, there are now partnerships between Lahore and Wilmington in areas ranging from education and medicine to Girl Scouts.
Almas Jovindah
Chairman, The Pakistan Project Lahore Mozang Rotary Club
Lahore, Pakistan
The ancient and revered art of story telling was on full display in Nick DiUlio’s beautifully written “Hands Across the Water” article in the May issue. The focus on the reciprocal delegations of the Wilmington and Lahore, Pakistan, Rotary clubs reinforced the universal values we and our Rotary colleagues in Pakistan hold dear and the positive impact such delegations are having here and in Pakistan where in February 2011 Wilmington Rotary delegation was the first United States of America civil society, people-to-people type delegation to travel to Pakistan since 9/11. Another Delaware first! We and our Pakistani colleagues deeply appreciate Delaware Today telling our story.
Kathleen M. Meyer
Chairwoman, The Pakistan Project
Rotary Club of Wilmington, Delaware
We’re always open to your comments or story ideas. Email Maria at mhess@delawaretoday.com.
