This is the first snippet in a series on our international roving members who carry the Waterfront Rotary ethos of “Service Above Self” in their hearts, using the 4-Way test as their moral compass. As roving crew we encourage them as a primary goal to leverage opportunities for international partnerships. No sooner had Cruz joined RC Waterfront when he was head hunted to work in Dubai. 

Mail from Cruz…

Dear Crew,
 
Yesterday marked two months since moving to Dubai but as awe-inspiring as this city is, little comes close to meeting with the Waterfront Rotarians on a crisp Friday morning in that beautiful setting just before the dew melts on the golf course. The heartwarming conversations and stories of help and hope are sorely missed already.
 
There’s little of that crispness here. The heat is astounding. I’m writing this at 14:39 am, it’s a casual 44’c outside and warning of the hotter weeks still approaching. 

Fortunately, everything is temperature controlled. Its only the short walks to the car where the brutality of the desert sun is unavoidable. Most of the locals leave during the period and expats take this opportunity to visit home. However, towards the end of September we’ll enter winter where daily temperatures drop into the mid-20s and the population in the city nearly doubles.

A few myths have been debunked already. People are far nicer than expected. Different beliefs, cultures, languages, and ways of living are widely accepted. When 80% of the population find their origins in over 200 counties, co-existence is the only way forward.
 
I have reached out to the local Rotary club, which I plan to join the moment I find my feet here. I’m intrigued to see what their focus areas are. The struggles seem to be so different to back home. I haven’t seen a homeless person since arriving, basic human needs look to be all met – on the surface at least.
 
I guess where there are people, there are needs and I look forward to playing a role alongside Rotarians here in making the world a better place.
 
My thoughts are with everyone facing what looks like a brutal Cape Town winter. May everyone stay warm, dry, and safe during this time.
 
PS: Mike, I hope you’re waiting indoors for your Friday morning lifts.
 
My best wishes to you and your families, Cruz.