Lessons learned and Thank you to District 1210

ODE TO THINGS I’VE LEARNED IN THE UK

I’ve learned so much thru Rotary GSE
I feel like I acquired a British family

The Brits aren’t the formal, reserved people we thought
They are warm, hospitable and they drink a whole lot

They’ve opened their homes and their hearts to us
And took me around London on a double decker bus

We’ve toured Stately homes and seen royal crests
And tasted mustard that’ll put hair on your chest

We’ve learned you can’t pick your nose on a British street
As it WILL be captured on CCTV

Shopping here is no fun when the dollar’s value is low
And buying clothing 2 sizes larger is bad for my ego

I’ve learned it’s not so bad getting lost on the beautiful hills of Shropshire
But losing my way on the streets of Birmingham was a different experience altogether!


But on a more serious note, the GSE is a vocational exchange and this experience certainly has given me a wealth of knowledge that I can use in my job back in KS. Having the opportunity to visit ASDA and TESCO gave me a new perspective into colleague recognition programs and allowed me to see the different events and celebrations they offer to increase morale. I’ve learned about perfect attendance incentive programs. And I’ve had access to so many training and recruitment tools that help reduce labor turnover. This insight is invaluable in the retail industry. I’d especially like to thank Trevor Humphries for escorting me on my first vocation day so that I was able to visit several places. That was really great.

But GSE hasn’t just provided me job skills. The relevance of GSE cannot be underestimated because the lessons it teaches you will benefit you in every area of life. GSE has shown me that common ground can be found between people of seemingly very different backgrounds. It’s taught me how to place total trust in people because kindness lives in every country. And that’s so vital in our present political climate where conflict and wars arise over trivial differences because people often fail to recognize how truly interconnected our wellbeing is. GSE has shown me how inextricably linked our countries fates are, and all the countries of the world. A financial crisis or war on one side of the world will inevitably ripple across oceans. We cannot afford to ignore the suffering of our neighbors nor act in isolationist ways. We must learn to understand each other so that we can make a more peaceful and prosperous world for everyone--to truly “Make Dreams Real.”

I’ve also learned the worldwide scope of Rotary through my trip--especially through our time at conference. It really is phenomenal and I’m honored that I was given the chance to represent this organization. I’ve learned about the wonderful projects that each club does and the difference Rotary makes in every single community it enters. I was especially blown away with the Compton Hospice that I visited yesterday. It provides so many wonderful services over a large aree and I am amazed that it was started by the passion of a few Wolverhampton Rotarians.

I’m particularly impressed also with the international projects taken on by individuals in this Dictrict. The building projects that Helen Perkins of Wednesfield does every year in different countries and water projects that Jeremy Johnston of Darwin Shrewsbury does in Africa. They are such an inspiration and I will definitely share those stories back home and hopefully inspire the clubs I speak at to start similar projects.

It's been said that “Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it’s a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living” That is so true because this trip has changed me forever. And I have seen some pretty amazing sights along the way. The Aquaduct and Ironbridge in the Shropshire area were awesome. Touring Wedgewood with Terry in Stoke was a real treat. Visiting the beautiful Shugborough estate in the Cannock area and the Hindu temple in Wolverhamprtom…well I could go on for hours because every place we visited was so unique and special to us. They each offered such insight into the areas we visited and we were humbled to share that history with you. Thank you for those memories.

But I have to say my most memorable moments from this trip were times spent with my hosts. I feel I learned so much about your country over long dinners and bottles of wine. I’ll always remember touring Powis gardens with Pat York and discussing politics with Dick-he’s such a wealth of knowledge. Touring London with Jan and Richard Jacobs along with Sandra and John is something I’ll hold dear in my heart forever. And Roger and Margo Taylor from Penkridge were so wonderful. They used to prepare a Holicks and a hot water bottle for me every night, which is a tradition I’ll definitely continue at home during our snowy KS winter. And Jenn and Barry Picken, I’ll never forget the beautiful day we spent in Oxford or that French restaurant you took me to where I set fire to the table. It was an accident, but I know how you feel about the French and I was just trying to represent!

Thank you to all the people who were kind enough to allow me into your homes and your hearts. Thanks for allowing me to travel and grow close with a team of four of the most amazing individuals I’ve ever met. I love them dearly. Thank you to the people who support GSE and understand its significance. Thanks to the organizers of our itinerary Trevor Humphries, Geofff Hillman, Alan Holdcroft Barry Picken, Lynne Marshall, John David, Mike, Clive, Bob, Ken--I’m probably forgetting half of them thank God you all have similar names! I realize you probably haven’t slept in weeks due to the enormous amount of work you put into this month, but rest assured it was the time of our lives and we appreciated every moment of it.

I can’t possibly convey what the GSE experience has meant to me or express enough gratitude to you all. This has enriched my life and made me a different person. I will go back to the states a better employee, supervisor, daughter, friend, volunteer and a better person. For that I am eternally grateful. Thank you so much and I will miss you all dearly.