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Good morning once again!  We’re closing in our last few moments here in England.  I think the team will agree last night’s farewell dinner resulted in a whirlwind of emotions.  We were reunited with most of our former hosts which was wonderful, but at the same time very hard to do.  Last night we shared wonderful memories, differences and “first’s.”  While I only have a quick minute before we leave to tour Tatton Park, I do want to share one thing I did not last night.  Actually it’s more accurately described as “admitting” something.  This trip has made more emotional than I have ever been in my entire life.  I think anyone that knows me will agree, I am not often emotional and come across as “cold-hearted.”  I’ve experienced so much on this trip that has made me realize it is okay to show how I feel at times.  We’ve truly grown to love our hosts, the Rotarians and most importantly–each other.  Thank you everyone here and back home for all your support!  Cheers!

Farewell Dinner.

A scene from various conversation with Knutsford Rotarians.

Good Morning!  We’re geared for our last vocational day!  Thank you to the Rotarians for coordinating very meaningful and interesting experiences.  Thank you also to our gracious hosts last evening, Rotary Club of Knutsford’s Howard and Hilary Kirk who hosted a lasagna dinner for our team at their home.  IT WAS FANTASTIC!  We were also hosted by Club President, Steven and his wife Lindsey at their home the previous evening.  We were able to witness the draw between USA and England in the World Cup in a very lovely atmosphere .   

Today I will be vising the David Lewis Centre.  This centre provides education and lifeskills for adults and children with epilepsy and other associated learning disorders and problems.  I look forward to the experience as well as hearing about my teammate’s adventures as we are in our last days of living in England. 

Please be sure to visit our face book page to see heaps of photos from our journey!  Thank you to EVERYONE that’s made this trip beyond exceptional.  I think my team will agree it’s been a rollercoaster (which I did not sleep through, Doug) of emotions for all of us.  This has truly been life-changing.  Tonight is our farewell dinner that we all look forward to being reunited with our former Rotarian hosts from around Manchester.  Tuesday evening will be our final presenation as we venture to our side of the pond Wednesday morning around 5:30 a.m. est.  We will arrive in Atlanta around 2:40 p.m. est give or take.  Cheers!

Good Morning!  Good EARLY morning to some of you in the States.  With less than a “fortnight” (did I spell that wrong?) left in our journey, we’re all experiencing great sadness and excitement.  I think we’re all looking forward to reuniting with our previous hosts, but sad that translates into the journey ending.

We’ve experienced our first “breakfast club” when we attended Manchester Breakfast.  We got to see a few more museums including an Imperial War Museum as well as an L.S. Lowry (English artist) museum.  Following was a highlight (for me at least) getting to eat pizza at an Italian restaurant.  I forgot how good it tastes (yes, I eat pizza from time to time in the States).  I also eat Mexican food which they don’t have a lot of here either.  Jeremy and I both agreed we miss that type of food.

For those of you that know my assertive (some may say “aggressive” instead haha) driving habits, I’d fit in quite well here in England.  I am wondering how driving will be for the rest of us when we return home.  Maybe the rest of my team will be driving like me and the Britons soon enough…:)  Cheers!

I experienced the most wonderful vocational day I could possibly imagine!  I was fortunate to observe the NHS Health Improvement Service.  This is a free support to adults aged 16+ in Tameside & Glossop to improve their lifestyles and reduce risk factors for CHD, stroke and cancers.  All programs target people facing health inequalities and deliver free services from a range of venues in local communities.  RIGHT UP MY ALI…erraaa “alley” (pun intended).

Linda Dunn did a wonderful job enlightening me as well as asking my advice on the marketing and social media aspect of health promotion.  We had the most wonderful conversation along with a few of her colleagues following observation of support group sessions and client interviews.  “Weight Matters,” “Health Trainers,” and “Community” were the sectors of “THIS LIFE” that were of greatest interest to me.  Yet again another reminder at how fortunate I am to be involved in this GSE experience!

VOCATIONAL DAY #2 …keep an eye out for updates! We’re having a wonderful time! http://bit.ly/d1VnTO

Now on to Denton! http://bit.ly/d6OtqF

The momentum certainly continues while visiting the Rotary Club of Crewe and Nantwich Weaver.  The team made the most of their first day of rest on our trip.  Doug, Melissa and myself visited The Lake District and experienced a 10-plus mile hike as well as an unpredicted baby lamb rescue.  Jeremy and Jessica went “castling” (as Jeremy put it) and even visited the castle where Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves was filmed.  Now that’s what I call a day of rest!

Throughout our journey we’re instantaneously uploading pictures to our Facebook page.  Click the link below to see some breath-taking shots of our trip!

Click here to see our photos.

We are packing up and ready to head to Crewe & Nantwich Weaver! The GSE team has had a most superb time while… http://bit.ly/aIyKR1

Here are a few images from our first day in Wilmslow. Thank you for the relaxing day as well as the lovely ‘fish-n-chips’ dinner at Stuart Kinsey’s residence.