The Rotary District 6930 Annual Conference is upon us at the beautiful Hutchinson Island Resort in Stuart, FL. This is the culmination of the GSE experience for both Teams- from East and West. It is a joyous occasion to hear Rotary service celebrated, but the time is also melancholic knowing that goodbyes are inevitable.
Krista is fashionable in Rotary flair
While at the conference, we hear from Space Shuttle Astronaut Jon McBride at the Model Club luncheon, hosted by Indialantic.
Jon McBride was chase pilot for the maiden voyage of Columbia in 1981
Following lunch, JB Roberts, founder and chairman of Hunger Plus- a Rotary-supported service organization, speaks to the assembly on the successes of Hunger Plus outreach in Nicaragua. Their mission to eradicate poverty answers an immense worldwide need and relies on the dedicated funding and volunteerism of active Rotarians. Partnering with Habitat for Humanity and Heifer International, Hunger Plus is able to develop sustainable communities in the place of desperation and aimlessness.
We also learn about the Rotary’s international studies programs. Many young people across the globe are afforded a wonderful opportunity to learn more about life and culture abroad because of Rotary’s generosity and aim for goodwill and peace.
It is then a unique circumstance to observe the Distrct 3690 GSE Team present in traditional hanbok to the conference attendees. Team Leader, Deok In Lee, and team members, Kyung-Nyeo Cho, Eun-Mi Jang, Youn-Woo Lee, and Ki-Sook Son give a very emotional, and very well-spoken, reflection on their GSE experience while in the United States.
District 3690 GSE Team presents
The GSE Team from Florida shares in expressing a deep gratitude for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity Rotary provided to visit Korea and forge new friendships across the globe.
Ryan, Carey, Krista, and Ana tell of great memories
It is a truly heartfelt exchange. District 6930 GSE Team leader Denny Meneghelli is greatly missed while she remains abroad in SE Asia. Many words of thanks are passed to GSE Chair Bill Pearl and District Governor Leo Phillips for their support and assistance throughout the exchange.
District 6930 GSE Team with Governor Leo Phillips and GSE Chair Bill Pearl
GSE team members bid farewell
Many promises were made to keep in touch and maintain the ties of friendship across peninsulas and oceans. Plans for reunions give hope that the GSE connections will remain true over the course of time. Not arguable is the deeper understanding and wider world view that each GSE Team member has gained. Chung mai kham sa hamnida!
