Team Meeting Five--October 24, 2009 (Allen)

Our fifth team meeting saw us returning to Mt. Vernon to Betty Jo's office. Two especially informative guest speakers attended our meeting.

Bev Harrington was our first guest speaker and was the team leader for a GSE to Ecuador. Bev delivered a very focused and informative discussion on the whole experience of participating in a group study exchange. Key point from Bev included: pack light, plan on staying with about 12 Rotary families, bring a sleeping bag liner, and bring your patience and enthusiasm.

Barbara Knowles was our second guest speaker. Barbara has travelled to India over 60 times, and continues to do charity work over there. "Expect the unexpected" sums up the overall tone of her discussion. She touched on different details of cultural differences we would have to be ready for.

Each guest speaker was extremely informative, and provided enough material to justify a meeting for each one. However, a third surprise guest provided the highlight of the day.

Rob Martin, the District GSE Chair showed up to the meeting. Rob brought with him a special announcement. The district had allocated enough funding to the GSE to allow a fifth member to participate. Betty Jo, the team alternate, was now a team member and would be going to India!