Tomorrow I will say good-bye to my team members as we head in different directions. The last four weeks have been unforgettable. I could not have asked for a better group of people with whom to share this GSE experience. It will be odd to spend the next 2 weeks of my travels without them. I'll be looking forward to hearing about everyones' adventures when we meet again at the conference in Winnipeg.
Myrna and Kim did an excellent job in preparing us for this trip. I feel their efforts paid off, but I guess you would have to ask the Finn's what they thought of our motley team of Canadians.
The Finnish Rotarian members were so welcoming and generous. I cannot thank them enough for everything they did to show case all aspects of their country, culture, and business. Before coming to Finland, everything I had read about Finns commented that they were tough, reserved and quiet. Though tough they may be, they are warm, open and generous beyond expectation.
Combined with the uniqueness of our differences, the similarities that Canadians and Finns share have created a wonderful and lasting impression on me. I am so thankful that District 1380 of Finland was the chosen destination of our exchange. I will take with me many lasting memories, friendships, and a hightened knowledge of what Finland represents. Most of all I will remember my host families who took me in and cared for me as one of their own. By welcoming me into their homes I saw a truer, genuine side of the Finnish culture. Without this opportunity I would have felt like a simple tourist passing through a foreign country. For their generosity I'm forever grateful. Thank you to Harold & Margot Finne of Jacobstad, Asko & Anu-Liisa Martikainen of Vaasa, Jyrvi & Kirsti Karppinen of Kauhava, and Heikki & Tuula Arkela of Kauhajoki.
Lastly, I will return to Canada and be able to say most definitely, despite popular belief, the Finnish people do smile,...and quite beautifully I might add.
Thank you Rotary International for affording me this opportunity to learn, grow and share.
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