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It was about ten years ago that I completed my tour of Turkey as a Rotary GSE team member. My team leader was the extraordinary past DG Mary Kalbert and she encouraged each of us to consider joining Rotary upon our return to the U.S. Two of us did, myself and Gene Benson, superintendent of Dover Schools. Since joining Rotary in 1997, I have remained active in GSE of District 5750 and believe in its mission of promoting world peace through a better understanding of world cultures. Then as now, I believe GSE to be an exceptional program.
But since that time and certainly during our exchange to Brazil, I have become more acquainted with the work of Rotary worldwide. It is even remotely possible that the vision or Paul Harris all those years ago included Rotary International as we know it today? If so, what a visionary he was. From assistance to the needy in the flavela´s of Rio, to the elimination of polio worldwide, to the education and assistance of children in Nova Iguacu and all around the world, to the funded exchanges of students, young professionals and the resulting expansion of ones cognitive appreciation for the many cultures of the world, the impact of Rotary is still unknown to many. Including Rotarians. But for many more around the world, the programs and assistance Rotary provides is received with heartfelt appreciation. We have seen it all over the state of Rio de Janeiro. We have seen statutes commemorating Paul Harris. We have seen Rotary schools with the name Paul Harris painted upon the wall. We have seen an impact of Rotary that is nothing less than extraordinary.
The Group Study Exchange of Oklahoma Rotary District 5750 to Brazil by Sarah Orton, Jennie Huntington, Matt Mickle, Robert Faulk and Randy Goodman has come to an end. We could not have been better received. We cannot imagine we could have been treated with any more kindness. We will miss our many new Brazilian amigo´s but none more than Rio GSE chair Sonia Assis and her husband Alcides Vierira, our ever present driver, host, photographer and now forever friend. Alcides has provided us all with more than our fair share of laughs and I do believe he received the same amount from us. Though Alcides speaks little English and we speak less Portuguese, there was a special connection that we will never forget. GSE has often been called a "life changing experience" and it is just that. What other opportunity does one have to receive an inside look of another countries culture and stay in the homes of gracious Rotarians?
May the worldside work of Rotary continue evermore. Until its final mission is realized and the complete vision of Paul Harris and those who have followed is fulfilled.
Randy Goodman
Rotary District 5750 GSE Chairman
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