District Welcomes & Bids Bon Voyage to GSE Teams

On Sunday, April 20th, Rotarians from around District 7980 gathered at Racebrook CC to welcome the Group Study Exchange teams from Mexico and the Philippines. Meeting the Mexican team (bottom), headed by Jorge Aguilar Pimentel, a dentist who is in the Rotary Club of Colima, was a big hit for the District 7980 team headed to Mexico District 4150 (which includes Colima). The team members chatted about the weather, the District Conference, and the sites they'd be seeing. The Philippines team (top), headed by Lina Hilario of the Paranaque Metro Rotary Club, was tired after the recent 26-hour flight but managed to be a lively group. Both teams are shown here with DG Ernie Luise, and District GSE leaders Bob Runde and Alan Hurst.

Host families and friends and relatives of the 7980 team enjoyed the lunch and seeing all of the teams receive pins and exchange District Governor gifts. It was fun meeting our team's loved ones. It's great having their support.

Our team is leaving on Thursday and each of us really appreciates the good wishes and fellowship shared at the bon voyage lunch. We'll try to keep this blog updated and share our trip with you. Hasta luego.