The GSE team is Homeward Bound

We have been on this exchange during Rotary’s month of “World Understanding” and it could not have happened at a more appropriate time. We experienced first hand the truth that all people and countries are the same in many respects. We all love our families; we all want to share the best sights, sounds, smells, tastes, of our country with visitors. We have been at the receiving end of the outpouring of friendship and love. Everyone was generous with their heart and kind in word and deed.

It is hard to believe that five weeks are now over. We have met many wonderful people that we hope to keep in contact with and have an opportunity to reciprocate with kindness when they come and visit in the future.

Being a member of this GSE program has been an experience that no one could replicate when travelling alone. It was the opportunity to live with families and experience their way of life that truly allowed us all to experience India as no tourist would ever have been able. We learned about the family’s religion, work practices, rituals, marriage arrangements, favorite sports, and hopes and dreams for their children and grandchildren.

The trip is coming to an end and in a few hours we will be homeward bound on our flight back to home and family. While this will bring to a close an amazing trip our experiences and new friendships will be carried on with us indefinitely. A big thank you to the Rotary Foundation and local Rotary clubs for this incredible opportunity and to all our families, friends and employers for your support. Many thanks to all those in India that coordinated the daily and weekly activities and those that were our hosts during the home stays. Words can not express the gratitude that we feel. A world of thanks to everyone!