GSE

Congratulations to the Outgoing  GSE Team from District 6170 - headed to INDIA!  Our GSE Team Reports!

February 6, 2010:

Greetings Rotarians,

We are starting to wind down, only 4 days left here in India. We have learned so much from so many. Changing Clubs and families every 5-6 days, and with that new people, new experiences and new ideas. We have ridden on the train, in Sandra's words, a real blast, crowded but fun, an auto-rickshaw, a taxi and even 2 of the guys in an ambulance, a funny story for later.The horse races really were a BIG deal. VIP section seats, betting on the horses, and really just a lot of fun and very nice. The floating hotel on the Ganges for tea and topped with watching a most beautiful sunset on the river was awesome. The Indian Fusion concert was really fabulous. It featured a keyboardist and a saxophonist from the "Rolling Stones", and a sitarist that we had the opportunity after the concert to sit and enjoy dinner and conversation. He happened to be staying with our Rotarian dinner host.

One of the most relaxing times had to be the picnic in the country. Several Rotary members, the sun, and just plain kicking back and taking it easy. What a needed break.

We are all really looking forward to the NID (National Immunization Day) which will be the finally of our trip. We will be participating first hand in Polio Plus. We have been so very fortunate to see and experience our Foundation dollars at work and carrying the culture of Rotary with us and bring it back to all of you who made it all possible through your contributions to the Rotary Foundation. As always, thank you. "The Future of Rotary is in OUR Hands". Every Rotarian, Every Year.

We hope you have enjoyed the updates and look forward to seeing all of you with our program.

Linda, Sandra, Steve, Thelton and Jason

January 16, 2010:

Hello Rotarians,

After getting off on a little rocky start with delays, and our flight being forced to turn back to Boston for a medical emergency on board, we did make it, however a day later than planned.

We have been making up for lost time ever since. We were all a little apprehensive about staying with complete strangers, in their homes and with their families, but are fast making Friends and thoroughly enjoying the experience. We are feeling a little run ragged though, many of the meetings we have been to don't start until 9pm and are lucky to be done by midnight. But on the other hand, their day doesn't generally start until 10am or after.  Our Host's have really been great in showing us around and seeing everything and trying to get month's of sights and things in a matter of days.

The food has been another experience in itself. Spicy, greasy, and lots of it and we are all feeling a little starved. Even the McDonald's was looking pretty good.  On Thursday, we found Subway and it was great. 

The other day, we were riding in a car and were all amazed at the traffic, I mean really bad, 6 lanes of cars in 4 lanes of road, and we were all talking about it and glad we didn't have to drive in it.  Jason was riding in the front seat and was pretty quiet the whole way.  When we arrived and got out, he said he thought sure he was going to die and was hoping not to have to ride up front again. 

District Conference starts here on Friday and looks to be really busy also. We all want to thank you again, for this opportunity, the adventure, and the experience that can only happen because of your contributions to Foundation.  Until next week, "The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands"

Linda, Sandra, Steve, Jason and Thelton

January 23, 2010: 

Hello Again Rotarians,

The Rotary District 3291 Conference was super busy.  Great speakers and events, a real celebration of Rotary.  After our presentation we were presented flowers and a plaque, very nice, and introduced to the 2 outgoing GSE teams. One is going to Germany and the other of course to Arkansas in just a couple months. We did try to help them with some ole Arkansas slang, fetchin and y'all.  And when ask in Arkansas, are you fine with doing this or that, never use their own response of "I'm easy". We all much more appreciate the journey our international visitor's make when coming to the US and we are much more aware of some of the challenges we might be able to help them overcome better. 

Don't know if the spice has toned down a bit or just getting more accustom, but seems to be an increase in the quantity and number of times eating. Dinner parties start with appetizers including grilled chicken and so much other and then at 11:30pm, you sit down to dinner. As with many get togethers, you visit, snack, visit and eat dinner then leave. Different from our dinner and then spend the evening visiting and such.   

Our Hosts have been very well coordinated in all the tours and visits and have had no duplications on anything. The Calcutta Rowing Club, great breakfast, The Victoria Memorial, New Market shopping area experience with all the haggling and dickering, downtown area of Park Street, Piccadilly Square and the hospital that provides artificial legs and braces for children and adults at no charge.  Seeing one boy who had been bedridden his entire life take his first steps with the help of braces, and his excitement and wanting to shake everyone's hand.  It cost only $25 to provide a set of braces or artificial leg, what a major impact a small investment can make. A small village, approx 5000 pop, with a school project that is the only educational opportunity in the area.  Having only 50 students attending 3 days per week.  The many others that can't afford to have their children attend and need them in the fields helping provide for their families. 

Tuesday was a holiday, Saraswati Puja, worshiping the goddess of learning, Saraswati. Lots of kids dressing in their traditional clothing, predominately yellow, setting up idols all over town, prayers and rituals  in the morning and the kids leave their books in the temple areas for the day and a break from their studies. 

We are having too much fun!  All the thanks goes to you and your Foundation contributions.  Every Rotarian Every Year.  We are excited and looking forward to bring our trip to you and sharing the adventure.  As always "The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands". Thank You.

Linda, Sandra, Steve, Thelton and Jason

January 31, 2010:

Hello Again Rotarians,

It is really going to be hard to bring this all to a 20 minute program.  We are doing and seeing so much and really getting into the culture, quite amazing.  We have been wanting to ride the train and the Indians have been really hesitant on doing that.  They said it is only the poor that ride and the trains are dirty.  We convinced them that we were really wanting to do that as a part of their culture and so we did. We also made a visit to the slums and the poverty is beyond anything we have experienced. While visiting in this village and the kids there, as well as the school, we are really considering as a team to start a fundraiser for those kids.  

We also had a great time at the Calcutta open air book fair. It is the 2nd world's largest book fair. We were also taken to an International Night in which they were serving food from around the world. The USA booth served a mutton burger with an Indian twist.  Very different to say the least. 

We are so welcome everywhere we go, their hospitality is un-surpassed. We even received some insight on their food and hospitality. Their belief is feed you so much food until you are stuffed and miserable, and they have been doing that.  Thank goodness there is only ten days left or none of our clothes will fit.

We are in full dress today, Friday, coats, ties and all.  We are being Hosted at the races by one of the Steward's of the Course, and are told that this is a really big deal, so are very excited and should be fun.  Then it is off to a floating hotel for tea, a fusion music concert and of course dinner at 10pm or after. 

Of course none of this would be possible without Rotary, Rotarian's and the Foundation.  We cannot say thank you enough for your contributions that make this possible.  "Service Above Self" and The Future of Rotary, is truly in Your Hands.  Thank You.

Linda, Sandra, Steve, Thelton and Jason

	PDG Linda Schuck Team Leader Linda is Past District Governor (2005-06) for District 6170 Arkansas. She has been a Rotarian for 10 years and was charter president of her club. She is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow. Linda is currently serving as the Membership chair of her club. She has served as Foundation Chair for the district and has been Registration chair for Multi-district PETS for three years. Linda is retired from management of a national non-profit organization and owner of a family insurance business. Linda and her husband Gaylen have two sons and four grandchildren. Some of Linda’s hobbies are traveling, bicycling, hiking, yoga, quilting and reading. Linda and her husband, also a Rotarian, have been involved with GSE for more than 35 years and hosted many GSE team members in their home. As District 6170 GSE Team Leader Linda hopes to learn about District 3291 India, its humanitarian projects, the cultures and lifestyles of families in India.
	Steve Huddleston Steve is a native of Arkadelphia, Arkansas and has been employed by the City of Arkadelphia as the Recreation Programmer for Parks and Recreation for seven years. He has one younger sister, Carrie, who is married and lives in Dallas, Texas and works as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher. Steve’s family owned and operated a marine dealership at nearby Lake DeGray for over 30 years. As a Recreation Programmer his job responsibilities involve organizing small community activities, festivals, and organized sports for the community. Steve is recently engaged to be married to Jennifer Mace possibly in Italy after the GSE trip. Steve and Jennifer have two dogs. In his spare time Steve likes to go camping and also enjoys recreational hiking and biking. He is a sports fan and would enjoy watching a cricket match while in India. Steve is being sponsored by the Arkadelphia Rotary Club.
	Thelton Hughes Thelton is 34 years old and has lived his entire life in and around Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He and his wife Kalena have two dogs, Bobo and Summit. He has a large extended family. His mother had 12 brothers and sisters, while his father had 13 siblings. Thelton says, “Family Reunions are fun!" Thelton has been teaching 6th grade for 11 years. The subjects he teaches include math, science, social studies, and reading. In addition to teaching 6th grade, he works with the high school and junior high marching bands as the percussion instructor. Thelton is a member of a rock band that plays in local clubs, at weddings, and other events. Thelton enjoys spending time outdoors. He likes playing with his dogs and playing, softball, basketball, and Ultimate Frisbee. He hopes to experience some local athletic events while in India. Thelton is being sponsored by the Rotary club of Malvern.
	Jason Johnston Jason Johnston is a graduate Henderson State University with a degree in English. He was married on June 6, 2009 to Courtney Hill. Jason has been employed by Group Living, Inc. for three years and supervises clients of the organization. Group Living, Inc is a non-profit organization that works with developmentally disabled persons to help them become more independent in the community. Jason loves to play sports in his spare time such as baseball, football, basketball, and golf! He also enjoys watching thoroughbred horse racing in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Jason and his wife have a pet dog named Ladybird. Jason is being sponsored by the Rotary Club of Arkadelphia-Sunrise.
	Sandra Smith Sandra Smith is a native of Arkansas where she currently serves as the Dean of Students at Southern Arkansas University. At 30, Sandra is the youngest person named Dean of Students at SAU. Through her position, she serves as the chief judicial officer and supervises several departments in the student affairs division. Sandra is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in higher education administration and hopes to one day serve as a vice president for student affairs at a regional university. Sandra lives in Waldo, AR where she enjoys a variety of hobbies such as cooking, fishing, and watching movies with friends. She also has two dogs, Sadie and Macy, which she enjoys spending time playing with. Sandra is looking forward to her visit to India and learning more about the culture of India and higher education in India. Sandra is being sponsored by the Rotary Club of Magnolia.

Interested persons should contact George Keck at keckg@obu.edu

Members of the district GSE Committee are Carla Vaught, Kathy Carter, Ursula Chandler, Jane Lucas, Tim Kauffman, and George Keck.