GSE Kidnapped Team Leader Julie Mulligan
Hello fellow Rotarians,
We received so many emails, phone call, cards and letters from our Rotary family - while I was held in captivity and then again when I was released. Of course, near and dear to our hearts is the Drayton Valley club but support was received from all over District 5370, Canada, US, Australia, Scotland, Norway, Nigeria …... I would love to be able to send a personal note to each and every one of you. This was more logical.
It is good to be home, safe and sound with my family and the "love of my
life", John. Crazy times are upon us as we struggle to get a grasp on the
fact that I am actually home. Life has been a fog for a little over 3
weeks now ... first to comprehend the fact that I was indeed held in
captivity for 13 days somewhere in
that I am free. We know that "normal" is different now, we're just not
quite sure how to define it or how to get there.
strengthening and a mass of other words. In fact, I don't think that words
can describe the depth of emotion to know that so many people were praying
for us and keeping us strong. By your messages, thoughts and prayers, you
were able to give John strength. He was able to keep strong and go through
his own hell knowing that he was not alone. Because of you, he was able to
maintain his spot on my list....my strength, the giver of my courage, my
great love and to be my number one hero. (I am somewhat high maintenance,
aren't I? He has quite the burden to shoulder as my husband!)
While I was being held, I had no idea how many people were directly involved in making sure that I came home. RCMP, Foreign Affairs including the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Canadian consulars from Nigeria and Spain, governments in both Canada and Nigeria, Sun Life Financial, and, of course, Rotary. The Rotary list started with Incoming DG Terry Drader, DG Ross Tyson, District GSE Chair Ihor Kruk all the way up to head office with David Alexander and Ed Futa. It is simply amazing and humbling every single time I think of it.
I will be giving a presentation at the Conference on Friday at 1:30. The schedule has been changed around so that I can share some of my story and then get on with the business of doing what Rotarians do best, "Fun and Fellowship"! I want Rotarians to know that I still believe that the GSE program is the best vehicle to promote cultural understanding and peace. It is second to none in shortening the distance between two countries. In case we don't have the opportunity to thank you personally in Jasper, please know that our heart is full of thanks and appreciation for this great organization we call Rotary. Know that every thought, every prayer, every phone call made a difference. Don't ever think that great things can't be accomplished by small acts of love and kindness. If you care about someone, don't wait to tell them. Let them know ...now. You just never know what might happen next.
Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.
Julie & John Mulligan, Rotary Club of