Day 1, 10/4
The team met in San Francisco, some arriving from as far away as Japan and Massachusetts. Many were experienced in missions with Rotapast and there were several who were volunteering for the first time. Within a few minutes we felt like we know each other, laughing, sharing stories of past missions and jumping into planning what we will do when we arrive in Manila and then continue to Cebu City.
Boxes Arrive
With over 40 large boxes of surgical instruments and supplies to manage, the team fell in place, and quickly went through customs and to our buses with the help of local Rotarians who were waiting to greet us.
After over 20 hours of travel, the short drive to the hotel and rest before lunch was appreciated by everyone and then it was off to Miller Hospital to begin setting up for the next day of evaluating patients for surgery.