One month later...

Wow! Time passes so quickly. A few months ago I was anxious to get to Brazil. And a month after the trip I'm anxious to get BACK to Brazil. The GSE experience was an awesome one. I made so many friends and met so many people that I'm still putting information in my address book. But the best thing about this trip was what I brought back. I now have a small garden of my very own as I have learned how rewarding it is to have fresh fruits and veggies. I am more aware of my carbon footprint. When my clothes dryer broke, I was able to quickly adapt because I was used to "sun-dried" clothing. And for my coworkers, who wanted to know everything about my trip, I brought back...another TAX RETURN (just after the tax season ended here in VA). It was surprising to see their interest in the Brazilian tax form and how impressed they were by the literature I received from my vocational visits regarding teaching children (K-12) about taxes in school. Unfortunately the person I was most excited to share my information with, our Tax Commissioner Janie Bowen, passed away suddenly. However her legacy lives on in the Vision she had for the VA Dept. of Taxation and I will be giving information to the team that handles education outreach in our agency. Above all, I would like to say thank you once again to the Richmond Rotary, the 7600 District, to those who were in charge of the superb orientation in January, the 4600 District and Rotary International. Obrigada. Beijos. Tchau!

Honey, I'm home!

Coach Murray used to talk to us about the 'strong finish' of a race. No matter how tired or sore, be sure to cross the finish line effortlessly with a look on your face that says you could run the whole race over right at that moment. Well we certainly had a strong finish to our time in Brazil.

Our time after Sao Lourenco was spent enjoying the country side, seeing historical sites and meeting more wonderful host families. I had the opportunity to visit some of Brazil's best universities and witness the future of greatness to be had by that country as determined by the magnificent research projects that were shown to us.

Now that I'm home the real work begins. The work of taking what I have learned and experienced and using that energy to better my life and the lives of others. This is now the time to cultivate the relationships that have formed and continue to build the bonds of friendship and exchange.

Thank you District 7600 for providing this opportunity for growth. Thank you District 4600 for being a catalyst of life change.