Well, three weeks have passed since we came home to our district and it has given me a little bit of time to digest and reflect upon the opportunity that the GSE program gave me (at least). I know that I will continue to reflect and change my opinions and observations as time goes forward but at least now I can begin to give an objective view of my experience in general.
While it is never easy traveling with 4 other strangers (due to the pullout of the original GSE Team Leader as well as the alternate, I had known the team only for a few short weeks…meeting only three times for a few hours each time) it is a good time to learn one’s shortcomings and faults. I find that I am bossy (my kids will tell you that all the time) and need to work on this particular trait (overcoming it, not cultivating it). But, then I realize that making sure to guide four non English speaking individuals, each with such different personalities and ideas, is not an easy endeavor and it is sometimes good to be bossy.
Rotary has offered so much to the team members and there are times when I’m not sure that they realize it. I for one have an idea… the world is a much smaller place than it actually seems and while cultures are different, the basic ideals of fellowship are the same. Only with working together on common ground can one actually hope for peace.
The new friends that I made (we made) will live in my heart for always. I hope that one day, I can reciprocate the goodwill and hospitality that was shown to me. I would like to thank all those Rotarians and non involved in our trip throughout the district for the wonderful job you did in organizing everything and making us feel very welcome. I would also like to thank Art Davis, Governor of District 6450 for sharing his district with us and showing us what Rotary really is.
Filed under: Experience/Esperienze, Trip news
