Team Leaders Perspective

Team Leaders Perspective

Jen, Givon, Katie and Kelly were discussing on the bus yesterday how this GSE experience to Japan has really been the trip of a lifetime. A large part of its success is due to the hospitality and generosity of our Japanese hosts. They could not be more accommodating by sharing their homes and lives with us. We have learned, laughed until we cried, and eaten our hearts out with our Rotarian hosts every single day.

Another very important　aspect　of　the　trip has　been the makeup of the actual　team　itself.　When　they　were　first　interviewed only ten short weeks ago, one GSE Committee member remarked that this team could possibly be one of the best ever from our District 7430. After spending the last nineteen days with them, I can assure you that this has come to be. They are, unequivocally, The Best Ever.

Each and every day has been met with enthusiasm. Their spirit, both individually and as a group, is without bounds. They are appreciative, resilient, resourceful, cooperative, and truly supportive of each other. Our District should be very proud of each and every one of them. They have represented both Rotary District 7430, and America, to the highest standards.

One GSE host mother recently told me that she had two sons, but in the few nights that one of our team members spent with her, she had found a daughter. This is just one of many such comments received by me from host families.

It was a true honor to be selected as Team Leader, but an even greater honor to be with this Team throughout this Japanese experience. It will be a sad day when we leave Japan, but even sadder still to leave this GSE family. I have been truly blessed to be with them. TOCHIGI, TOCHIGI, TOCHIGI! TOCHIGI!

Bruce Dearnley

A.K.A. Fearless Team Leader