detour

well, with Rotary GSE trip to Denmark officially cancelled (or at least postponed, though depending on when they would reschedule it, i'm not sure that i could go) and time off from work already scheduled...something had to be done...and though it took a few days to figure out just what that something was, a decision has been reached.

i'm leaving for Spain on tuesday and will be back on the 20th.  i don't have any set plans.  i'm flying in to Madrid so i may use it for a jumping off point, or i may just stay there the whole time and try to ingratiate myself with the locals...i guess i'll figure it out as i go along.

anyway, with the change in plans.  this no longer seems to be the appropriate place to detail my upcoming travel (just in case i am able to go when the Denmark trip is rescheduled, i'd like to leave this area somewhat uncluttered).  i'm going to start a new blog for Spain and beyond, and will post a link to it here once it's set up...

trip cancelled

a team member's wife is apparently sick enough that he wants to stay behind (though he didn't tell anyone until this morning).  beyond that i'm not sure of all the details so please don't ask...
once i know more i'll put it here in case (for some strange reason) anyone wants to know.

i'm thinking this site would be a bit more accessible

than only updating a facebook page. so i'm moving my "base of operations"  to this site.  however, some of the other people on the team may keep the FB page alive.  if you want to check, here's the link (followed by my last and only real post from that site)...

Rotary International District 6060 GSE 2009-10 on facebook



four days from now i (along with the rest of my fellow GSE members) will be on the way to Denmark. i don't think the magnitude of this trip actually hit me until yesterday. it was a beautiful morning, i was driving to work with the top down and was singing my heart out...and suddenly it occurred to me that i had to make that drive two more times and then *poof* i'd be on the other side of the world....

i know, i'm making it sound rather dramatic, after all, it's not like i'm not coming back....but this trip, or, whole experience, has the potential to be life-altering. i mean, think about it...how often do you get the chance to leave your job for a month, and go to a part of the world you've never been to, all for the purpose of meeting new people and learning about their culture - while simultaneously sharing parts of your culture and life with them? well, if you are at all like me, it's not very often. in fact, counting this time, it is a grand total of one. 

anyway, that's just what's on my mind. well, that and obsessing over what i am packing in the hopes that i don't forget anything....

"so...why/how are you going to Denmark?"

i've got that question a lot in the last couple of months.  the answer is simple.  i'm going because i was selected to be part of the GSE representing Eastern Missouri (District 6060) of Rotary International.  before you ask, no, i am not a member of the Rotary Club - in fact, non-membership was a requirement for me to be on the team...


confused?  sure you are...i would be.  just read the passage below.  i have borrowed it from the Rotary docs that i was given at the beginning of this process back in April, and it should clear things up....




"The Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for young business and professional men and women in their initial years of professional life. Rotary districts in different
countries are paired to send and receive professional study groups of four to six non-Rotarian team members and one Rotarian team leader to travel for four to six weeks, staying in the homes of Rotarians when
possible.
Launched in 1965, this dynamic program has built a successful track record at the personal, community, and international level. With good planning, a goal-driven
itinerary, and active participation of dedicated
Rotarians, a GSE can be an exceptional educational experience for both the visiting GSE team and local Rotarians.

Goals and objectives:
The GSE program is designed to develop professional and leadership skills among young adults, so that they can address the needs of their communities and an increasingly
global workplace.
GSE participants follow an extensive and rigorous program of international travel and team activities.

• Vocational visits
— Provide opportunities to observe vocations as practiced in another country
— Impact team members’ long-term careers through participation in an organized program of study, discussion,
and reciprocal exchange of ideas in their respective fields

• Cultural experiences
— Allow participants to study another country and its people, language, and institutions through experiences in an organized and meaningful host program
— Promote an appreciation of cultural diversity worldwide

• Fellowship opportunities
— Encourage team members and host to meet, communicate, and live with each other in a spirit of fellowship and goodwill
— Consider each other’s problems, aspirations, and community concerns
— Foster lasting friendships and international understanding

• Rotarian involvement
— Offers Rotarians specific, practical, and meaningful opportunities for international service by providing
young, formative professionals a different perspective of their vocation in another country and culture"