We had some special guests at the Dec. 7 Rotary Club of Edina meeting. Moses Mwaura and his uncle and aunt, David and Subira Waithaka, visited us from Kenya to give us an update on how Moses is doing, all these years after he first visited Minnesota to have his eyes fixed and work his way into the hearts of so many Minnesotans. Rotarians Tim Murphy and Sandy Schley told us all about Moses and our club's connection to him in a program titled, "A World, a Way, the Story of Moses." Also at the meeting, new members Susan Stiles and Dan Stolfa were officially inducted into the club.
There were some local media in attendance at the meeting to also check in on Moses. To read the story from the Star Tribune, click here.
Click on the link below for more on the meeting...
President San Asato called the meeting to order on a sunny but chilly December day. He reviewed upcoming events and activities and encouraged members to participate. He acknowledged and thanked the members who had various duties for the meeting.
The invocation was performed by David and Subira Waithaka, Moses’ uncle and aunt. They sang the first verse of the hymn “How Great Thou Art” (a Swedish melody) in Swahili and sang the remaining verses in English with members joining with them.
Colleen Simpson introduced the following guests:
- Tim Murphy introduced his wife, Cindy, and sons, Rick and Ryan, an Eagan Rotarian; as well as David and Subira Waithaka, and Philip Lukhachi, a friend of David’s
- Sandy Schley introduced her husband Duane, member Charles Barer and his colleague, Dr. Jafar Hasan, the Pediatric Ophthalmologist who performed the remedial surgery on Moses’ eyes, and Tom Gump, EMRC past president, and wife Catherine, hosts of Moses and family
- Kaylin Eidsness introduced her guest Scott Denfeld, with the City of Edina
- Jake Johnson introduced his guest, Susan Lee, a CB Burnet realtor
- Dick Teegen introduced his wife, Evy
- Jim Hovland, Mayor of Edina and a member of EMRC, was a visitor at the meeting
- John Flynn introduced his guest, Pam Conway
- Jennifer Bennerotte introduced media persons from the Edina Sun-Current and Star Tribune
Nate Wenner reminded us that our club will be preparing and serving a meal at Cornerstone the evening of Jan. 9 and encouraged members to sign up to help.
Santa (aka Jean Morrison) and helpers (aka Tom Pirsch and Dave Hatzung) announced the club's annual Rotary Holiday Giving Program was starting today. Members were encouraged to bring unwrapped gifts to the Dec. 14 meeting or the Rotary Holiday Party. A handout described the most needed items and gift cards are highly desired.
David Clynes, club TRF director, reminded members to get their 2017 PHF donations in before Dec. 31. He also encouraged us to be sure to take advantage of the coupon enclosed with his recent TRF mailing for a free cookie at Margo’s Patisserie.
Steve Buettner introduced Anika Boss and Albert Cruz, Edina High School seniors, each of whom spoke of the high school experiences and future plans. Anika is also a member of the Interact Rotary Club of Edina High School.Past President Jennifer Bennerotte and Josh Sprague inducted and welcomed new members Susan Stiles and Don Stolfa.
Past President Paul Mooty described the subject of the program as a “Modern Day Miracle." He introduced the presenters, the “Moses Miracle” team of Past District Governors and Past Club Presidents Sandy Schley and Tim Murphy. Tim and Sandy briefly outlined the history of this wonderful story. Our initial connection to Kenya started back in 1985 when John Schwarz and his wife, Babby, founded a school in Nairobi while teaching there at Daystar University. While in Kenya, they met David Waithaka who was their translator. Years later David helped found the Inspirations Youth Center where Sandy Schley first met three year old Moses while touring the Mathare Valley Slum during a visit to plan a public restroom project, later completed by our club.
The following year, after a program where Tim Murphy mentioned Sandy’s interaction with young Moses, Charlie Barer suggested his associate, Pediatric Ophthalmologist Dr. Jafar Hasan, perform corrective eye surgery if we could get Moses here. After a lengthy process of obtaining a much-needed birth certificate, a passport, a visa, and donated airline tickets, Tim escorted Moses to Minneapolis in 2010. The corrective surgery was performed by Dr. Hasan at Fairview Southdale Hospital. Brad Beard arranged for the hospital, nurses, anesthesiologists, translators, and all other services to be donated.
After the presentation, our guest of honor Moses Mwaura was introduced and answered questions from Tim and club members. Moses is now is in Standard 6 (6th grade) at Green Garden boarding school in Kikuyu, Kenya. His education and activities are supported by a trust fund set up by Paul Mooty and funded through the generosity of Rotarians and friends of Rotary. Moses will celebrate his 13th birthday on Tuesday Dec. 12, and at a party with donors on Friday. Moses is an active child. He plays many musical instruments and loves to play soccer and hockey. (Editor’s not—for more info and pictures, see page B-1 of the Sunday Minneapolis Star Tribune).
Joe Hayes thanked Sandy, Tim and Moses, and President San closed the meeting.
