Message from the Foundation Committee
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Rotarian Donald MackenzieGroup Study Exchange OfficerDistrict 1220 Foundation Committee
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| As we began preparing for this visit from
District 7550 West Virginia, USA, my mind went back to early 2000 when I
was preparing my team to visit Argentina. Towards the end of that
preparation I invited a member of the team that went to another South
American country some years before to address us on "what it is
really like". We heard about the excitement of the visit, the
different culture and way of life, of the remarkable generosity and
hospitality of hosts and clubs and the real friendship shown throughout by
all. We also heard of the overwhelming desire of everyone to take them
everywhere, to show them everything thus filling every moment. She
concluded her impressions by saying that in a way she often "felt
like a child again, not knowing where she was going or when but finally
being taken by the hand to another exciting treat".
To our visitors I say that I sincerely hope we replicate that excitement, generosity and friendship but without the uncertainty and return to childhood! To this end we have prepared this "brochure" containing a fairly detailed programme with places and times clearly marked and brief explanations of the nature of some of the visits, together with details of your hosts throughout your stay. To our hosts I say a sincere "thank you" for taking part and for sharing your home and life with our guests. I also make a plea for "free time" to be respected. In Argentina the hospitality and generosity were also overwhelming, our time filled from early in the morning to the early hours of the next day. We got the feeling that "siesta" was postponed until we had moved on to our next hosts! I still remember one glorious "free evening" when I was alone with my host family and we simply chatted and watched a football match on television. Getting to know and understand a different way of life and culture means living it as a native. To all the organisers of the programme, to host clubs and to members of the GSE committee my personal thanks for all your contributions and efforts. To District Governor John and his District Team, especially the Foundation Committee, thank you for your support. I very much look forward to welcoming the team. I hope the programme works out satisfactorily, that we all have an unforgettable and rewarding experience and that we add to "our list of friends". Safe journey and welcome to our shores in September. Rotarian Donald Mackenzie |
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