With our whirl-wind last days in Tasmania, return travel across the globe, and being thrust back into real life, it has been tough to find the time or words to put together an appropriate wrap-up post for our GSE adventure. Certainly first and foremost, we want to thank our wonderful host Rotarians and new friends in Tasmania who invested so much time, energy, and enthusiasm in our GSE program. It was truly amazing. We also want to thank all Rotarians who support Foundation programs like GSE and make these global experiences possible. And, of course, our deepest gratitude to Jill Zachary, GSE Coordinator for District 5580 and past GSE'er herself, and the entire GSE committee for your passion for GSE!
Ever since my first GSE experience as a team member to Sweden in 2000, I had hoped to one day lead a GSE team. So to be selected to be part of Team Tasmania was a dream come true. But I could not have hoped for or even imagined the five amazing individuals that would be also selected to travel to Tasmania. Kathryn, Heather, Angil, Ashley, and Siobhan, I can't thank you enough for the grace, professionalism, enthusiasm, and spirit in which you represented Rotary, District 5580, and our team.
Although separated by great distances, we've already managed to "get together". Via Skype, we were able to reunite and celebrate a couple of birthdays as well. We all look forward to our continued new friendship.
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| Skype session screen-shot, July 9th |
In addition to sharing a recap of our exchange with our local clubs, we look forward to our post-trip presentation at the next District Conference. Look out Bemidji! Team Tasmania will be back in April 2013!
