Pre-trip message « GSE in East Africa

Pre-trip message

January 2, 2009 by gseineastafrica

gse-team-photo

Dear Family and Friends,

Well, it is a week until we leave for East Africa. I think we are all ready and anxious. Our hosts in Kenya and Uganda have been very warm and welcoming in their emails and they have assured us that they will “take good care of us”. I know that this will be a life changing experience for all of us. How that will manifest itself still remains to be seen, but discovering that will be part of the fun. I hope for all of us that this is just the beginning of our Rotary travels and hope we can make an impact in Uganda and Kenya. I know that they too will make an impact on us.

Please acknowledge that you have received the link to this blog. I want to make sure that everyone who requested to be on the list, is indeed getting this message. I am attaching a photo of our team. When you open the blog for the first time, you can choose to subscribe. There is no cost. If you subscribe, you will automatically get the blog in your email each time one of us makes an entry. gse-team-photo.

Best wishes to all of you for a wonderful new year,

Dale

Posted in Uncategorized | 65 Comments

65 Responses

on January 2, 2009 at 11:47 am | Reply Larry Sundram

Dale,

Great first step!! And what a good looking blog too! I love that picture. You can be sure that 5340 Rotarians, families and friends are looking forward to reading about the experiences and reactions of your team. We will all vicariously enjoy the trip with you and gain from your insights.

If if the past is any indication, you and your team will have created something valuable for yourselves too – a treasure that you will uncover each time you re-read and recall the headlong rush of events that you are about to experience.

Good luck and safe journey.

Larry
on January 2, 2009 at 3:29 pm | Reply Randi

What an experience! We will think of you everyday! Can’t wait to hear from you-
love,
Randi
on January 2, 2009 at 9:12 pm | Reply Beverly Sumwalt

Hi Team, and best wishes for a great adventure–and I’ll be anxious to hear all your stories, impressions, and of the great Rotary work you find yourselves immersed in over the next month.
Best to All,
Beverly
on January 3, 2009 at 2:53 am | Reply Sandi Rimer

I want to go too!

Sandi
on January 3, 2009 at 4:01 am | Reply Dale Davison

Hi, Dale,
I am looking forward to following your journey on this blog. Every entry will be interesting.
Love and best wishes to you for a great journey.
Dale
on January 3, 2009 at 7:56 am | Reply Barbara Slavin

Dale dear,
Read you loud and clear.
Know that you all will indeed Make An Impact
by being there… Travel safe!
Much love, Barbara
on January 3, 2009 at 11:00 am | Reply Robert & Masha

Dale,
We will be waiting for all the interesting news and A LOT OF pictures please.

we know we speak for everyone reading this blog when we say Have a wonderful time and bring the team back all safe and sound

Robert & Masha
on January 4, 2009 at 4:30 pm | Reply Heidi Just

Dale,
Thank you for hosting the family pot luck party so we could meet you and your ‘team’. Gary and I are excited to follow your adventures in Africa and see everyone at our home when you return Have a safe adventure and we’re sure your lives will be forever changed by all you see and do.
on January 5, 2009 at 11:40 pm | Reply Randi Ross

Jessica -

Hope you know you will be missed everyday that you’re gone. Enjoy this journey, and be SAFE!! Remember to take lots of pictures.

Love ya
Randi
on January 6, 2009 at 11:24 pm | Reply Michael & Arlene Bardin

Dale & team:
Safe journey. We know you will add a most valuable chapter to the Rotary Group Study Exchange story.

Do well. Learn much. Share heartily. Have fun.

We will watch the blog (it looks great) and look forward to hearing of your experiences.

Michael & Arlene
on January 7, 2009 at 2:40 am | Reply Leslie Gilbert

Jessica,

I am so excited for you! Enjoy every minute of your trip. You will be missed tons! I love ya girlie! Take lots of pictures!

Leslie
on January 7, 2009 at 7:32 am | Reply Aurea

Hey Liza,

How exciting and such a wonderful opportunity.
Please take plenty of pics to share with all of your SU-Hi friends!

Have a safe and wonderful trip! *:D
on January 8, 2009 at 2:49 pm | Reply lynda holeva

Dear Christopher,

Know that we’re missing you already, and can’t wait to hear about your amazing adventures! Wishing you the best of times for you and your team!

Love,
mom
on January 8, 2009 at 4:25 pm | Reply Mircala Kelsoe

Jess,
You will be missed! Have fun and take lots of pics.
Take care!!
Mircala
on January 8, 2009 at 4:28 pm | Reply Christian DeMent

Dear Team,
I’m sure the butterflies in your stomaches are going wild, and all the excitement and anxiety of going so far for so long is brimming. Know this, that there are many of your friends, your families, your students, and others that you haven’t even met, who will be thinking of you, supporting you and even praying for you as you go on this journey. We all know that you will return changed people. You will learn so much from the people you meet and the adventures you will have. I, for one, am enthusiastic about your return, with the stories you will share, the experiences you will have, and the ways you will see the world differently, and as a result, how you will offer all of us and your students a new window to view our world. Many blessings in your travels, be safe, take care of each other, and have an unforgettable time!
Christian (Kelli’s boyfriend)
on January 9, 2009 at 6:34 am | Reply Atilio V. Alicio

Hi Liza,

Congrats (Mabuhay!) to you and the GSE Team!

Have fun, enjoy the great experience and stay safe!

Warm regards,
-AVA
on January 9, 2009 at 3:57 pm | Reply Marta Knight

Dale and GSE Team

Wish you the very best on your journey. I will be reading your blog and enjoying your trip with you. I can’t wait to hear all about it when you return.

Take great notes Dale so you can share them with me when I leave for Ecuador with our GSE Educator Team on October 31st.

Marta Knight
on January 9, 2009 at 5:06 pm | Reply Patricia & Kayti

Hey Kelli,
So excited for you! I can’t wait to see pictures and hear about the happenings. Be safe and most of all…have fun!
Love,
Patricia & Kayti
on January 9, 2009 at 5:19 pm | Reply Christian DeMent

Team and Friends,
I just returned from seeing the team off from the San Diego airport. What a great group of educators and representatives! These are not just great representatives for the Rotary Club, but for the U.S. as well. The Rotary Club should be proud of the choices they’ve made. They will do all of us proud!
From what I could tell, the members of the team were all excited and each had looks of curiosity on their faces as they discussed together the journeys that lay ahead.
Everything went well (except for a toothpaste incident with the TSA), and they all are off to their destination safely.
Dale, Kelli, Liza, Jessica, Emily and Christopher: you may all be traveling to a far away land, but you aren’t far from our hearts and thoughts. Have an amazingly wonderful experience!
Peace,
Christian DeMent
on January 9, 2009 at 9:22 pm | Reply Randi S.

Jess,
Have a safe trip! I need a maid of honor! Take lots of pics. Miss you already.
To all of the team, be safe o nyour journey.
Randi
on January 10, 2009 at 4:33 am | Reply Carla Paramo

Hi Jessica!
Kindergarten wants to wish you good luck on your trip to Africa! The kids are really excited about your trip. They love Miss Silva! Have a safe plane ride and take care.
See you in February!
on January 10, 2009 at 6:59 pm | Reply McKenna Flandi

Hi Aunt Kelli,

My Dad and I tracked your flights all the way to Kenya. Have fun in Africa and say hi to all the animal.

Kenna
on January 11, 2009 at 1:51 am | Reply Dakotah Flowers

Hi mama! (Liza)
I know your on the plane right now, but I wanted to say that i miss you and love you lots! Auntie Jesly misses you too. Unfortunately, i can’t get money out of the bank because i don’t know the some information it needs to activate and at the moment I only have $43 for the whole month…): Anyway I will try to call you. Just know i can’t stop thinking about you! I miss you so much and I hope you have fun in Africa. I’ve been praying everyday for your safe trip and return. I love you lots…

P.S: Auntie Jesly says drink lots of cocktail drinks that will prevent you from having MALARIA!! WOOT WOOOT and be careful of wild animals. ;]

We love you! See you in Feb. CALL YOU SOON!
on January 11, 2009 at 7:08 pm | Reply Kerri

Hi Christopher,

The dogs and Mrs. B and I miss you. I am sure you are having a wonderful time already.

I love you… Thank you for Harry Potter!

Love,

Kerri
on January 11, 2009 at 8:39 pm | Reply Shelly

Hi Jessica and team,
Travels and learning have begun. I miss ya already. Jessica I’m watching football today……..
on January 12, 2009 at 4:08 am | Reply Vikki Robles

Hi Emily! Be safe and have a wonderful experience. Im going back in tomorrow…..I already MISS you!
Take care and God Bless – Vikki
on January 12, 2009 at 4:59 pm | Reply Kristi Pacheco

Hi Jessica,
I read the e-mail you sent to Randi. I am sure we have nothing to complain about compared to what you are experiencing. Take Care and have fun.
Kristi
on January 12, 2009 at 8:51 pm | Reply Sean

Hello Liza,

I received your emails and it seems that you and your team are experiencing a lot of great things and meeting wonderful people. Just remember what your there for and the difference you and your team are making for the people of Africa…and you will be ok. I am looking forward to hear all the stories along with the millions of photos you’ll be taking. Remember to empty your memory cards on a computer or shuttlebug online so that you can continue to click away! Well, take care and see you sooner than you think…All the best to you on your trip!!

Love, Sean
on January 12, 2009 at 8:57 pm | Reply Dakotah Flowers

Ms.Flowers,

Everyone in ASB misses you… We just wanted to say hi and we hope you having fun already. Can’t wait ’til you come back… TTYL!
on January 12, 2009 at 11:26 pm | Reply Gisela

Hi Kelli!

I am so excited for you. I’ll be keeping an eye on your website. Very cool! Alexa says hi and can’t wait to hear all the stories you’ll have to share. Take care!!

Gisela
on January 13, 2009 at 12:33 am | Reply Pete Terrazas

Hey LIza!!!!

Hi! I hope you had a safe trip. I just wanted to let you know that you are missed here at HTM!!! If you haven’t heard by now our CHARGERS lost yesterday…..I know, I know…Next year, HA! Well I just wanted to congratulate you again friend…your are truly an inspiration to the rest of your friends and colleagues. Remember to take plenty of pics and If you see any, bring me some eagle feathers!!! We’re all keeping an eye on your baby..don’t worry! Have fun girl. Be safe. T
on January 13, 2009 at 4:14 am | Reply Nikki .J.

HI MS.Flandi,
How is Africa?Hope your haveing fun ,I MISS YOU A LOT!Everyone misses you too,so i just wanted to say hi and see how your doing.Thank you for the thank you letter and i wrote you one too i just have to mail it One of your family members wrote you a message too:)Oh,and did the children like the crans?Well i gtg (got to go)HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE!!!

Love+Hugs,Your
student Nikki
on January 13, 2009 at 4:27 am | Reply Samantha Branson

Hey Ms. Flandi,

How’s Africa going? I hope it’s great! We all miss you and wish you were here! MRS.Flandi is doing very good with us!:) And we will be good for her!!! (Maybe…)LOL(laugh out loud) Just Kidding We will, well i will!!! Seth and Isaac are still goofing off but thats just them!*!*!*!*!* I had fun at camp and wish you were there! It SNOWED for 3 DAYS**********<——- Snow!! Well, I have to go and will see you in a few weeks!
on January 13, 2009 at 4:37 am | Reply Nikki .J.

Hey again,Ms Flandi
Did you know that it SNOWED at camp.It was soo fun at camp .I wish you could have been there it would have been 10x better,It was so cool to wake up to snowfall!How was your christmas and year year?Hope it was fun!Well cya l8er:)

Love+Hugs,Your
student Nikki
on January 13, 2009 at 5:03 am | Reply Stan and Darlene Flandi

Dear Kelli,

We surely do miss you, but are so thrilled and excited about the amazing things you are experiencing. We can’t wait to hear about everything!!

Things are going well here, and Rascal is doing just fine. Christian is coming to class to bring maps that will follow your journey. Your students are very excited to hear about what you are doing.

We think about where you are and what you are doing, all of the time. We are so proud of you and love you very much, Our prayers are with you and all of your team.

Love,
Mom and Dad
on January 13, 2009 at 5:20 am | Reply Norma Rittenberg

Hi Dale–How wonderful to get your descriptive blog. It gives me such a wonderful picture of your experiences there–I just can’t imagine how in 24 hours or so you can be transported to a whole other world. And how difficult it must be to see these children who are struggling just to exist and yet trying to learn whatever they can. I love hearing from you–it makes it seem you aren’t so very far away. Stay well and enjoy. Much love, Mom
on January 13, 2009 at 5:41 am | Reply April Pezman

Dear Emily,
How exciting, you are in Africa! Soak it all up…the beautiful children…come back and share. We miss you, everything is fine here, so no worries. Keep us posted – take care.
on January 13, 2009 at 4:45 pm | Reply Krissy

Jessica,

Randi shared the email with us all. Sounds like you guys are having a very rewarding experience! Can’t wait to hear more and see pictures. We miss your smiling face in the lounge each morning and lunch time! Be safe.

Love ya,
Krissy
on January 13, 2009 at 6:52 pm | Reply Selina

Hi Jess,

We miss you already! Enjoy every minute and take lots of pictures. As I deal with the school budget today, what has been shared in the blog puts the reality of student needs into perspective and it makes me very sad to know how bad the situation is for these children that actually want an education.

Selina
on January 14, 2009 at 12:37 am | Reply Nikki .J.

HEY MS.FLANDI,
Well today we had like a little quiz kinda but we went over the right answers and put them in.I just got back from school a little bit ago and im done with my homework so i thought id c how ur doing…..:) I saw the maps that your bf (boy friend )brought in.There cool and fun to look at . That was nice of him.Well i hope your haveing fun in Mombasa if your still there…well i have to go cya! ILL WRITE MORE..SOON!!

Love+Hugs,Your
student Nikki
on January 14, 2009 at 2:51 am | Reply andrew erickson

Ms. Silva,
Are there any crocs there? or alligators? or lions?
I miss you
andrew
on January 14, 2009 at 3:25 pm | Reply David Rittenberg

Dale……. What a great experience and opportunity to see the world from another vantage point. Enjoy and learn all you can. Keep the blog going so we all can share your insights.
David
on January 14, 2009 at 10:47 pm | Reply Bryan G

Hi Emily,

Looks like you are in for an awesome adventure that will bring you a lifetime of treasured memories. I know that you bring special talents to round out the impact your team will have during your stay in Africa. Keep us posted and enjoy!

BG
on January 15, 2009 at 12:31 am | Reply Aileen

hey ms.flandi we miss you nd hope you are ok!♥your mom is so nice to me !
well hope its all cool
see u in febuary!
on January 15, 2009 at 3:54 am | Reply Moe Al Elew

are the students nice there
on January 15, 2009 at 8:03 am | Reply arshak arshak

hi ms:flandi how r u how is africa nice to see your pic and joelle mariam tell u (hi ms flandi how r u we miss u so much)
on January 15, 2009 at 8:05 am | Reply arshak arshak

oh i forgot i miss u so so so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so soso so so so so so much
on January 15, 2009 at 8:42 pm | Reply April Puerto

Hi Ms. Flowers! I Hope your liking africa and all those new people! Asb is going great and Ms. Afuyog is an excellent sub, but don’t worry, we still miss you! I hope you enjoy your stay in africa and have fun! God bless you!
on January 15, 2009 at 9:42 pm | Reply CIARA,APRIL,JANELLE

April: Hi Ms. Flowers! I hope your enjoying your trip to africa! Asb misses you and we glad you made it safe to africa! Please say hello to the lions and the buffalos for me P.S Eduardo says try not to get eaten by the lions cause their not pretty kittys. Bye Bye

Ciara:hello Ms.Flowers u have been gone for about a week now & the ASB feels soooo empty without u but the ASB is still verrrry clean like it was the day u left okay well have lots of fun & well write some more soon

Janelle:hi Ms.Flowers,we all miss u !!!!:) I hope ur having fun in africa.Say hi to everone.SoOoOoO everthing in the ASB is ok! like i said everone miss u!!! see u later
on January 18, 2009 at 4:42 am | Reply courtney

dear, miss flandi we all miss you in math your mom is great i wish you the best of luck out there in the world i hope to heAR ABOUT your adventures i miss you and see you SOON sincerly COURTNEY
on January 18, 2009 at 4:43 am | Reply courtney

WE ALL MISS YOU HOPE TO SEE YOU IN FEBUARY
on January 22, 2009 at 4:50 am | Reply Es

Hey Jess hope things are going well for you. It is truly going to be an experience of a lifetime. Be well my amiga and I can’t wait to hear all about the experience.

Oh and Joaquin getting bigger by the minute.
on January 22, 2009 at 2:49 pm | Reply Stan and Darlene Flandi

Hi Kelli,

As is my usual morning routine, the first thing I do is check the blog for any news of your journey. I was thrilled this morning to find two entries. They made me smile and cry at the same time. It sounds as if you and your team are incredibly busy, and are seeing and experiencing things that most of us only dream about. Your dad and I can hardly wait to hear all about the things you have done, the places you have been, and the people you have met. I am sure it will deeply affect us, as it most certainly has you.

Things continue to go well here. I try to keep your students updated the best I can. They miss you, and are always eager to hear what you are doing. Everyone at school asks about you and are very nice and helpful to me. Rascal is doing fine and is never far from Stan’s side.

Take care of yourself as you continue your incredible journey, and know that we love you and that are prayers are with you and your teammates.

Love,
Mom
on January 22, 2009 at 3:15 pm | Reply Nancy

Dale,
Thank you for the wonderful up-dates. Be safe. Nancy
on January 22, 2009 at 9:40 pm | Reply JANELLE,ALEX

MS.FLOWERS

JANELLE-hay, we all miss you alot !I hope your having fun in Africa.
we are all very busy and the asb is clean! And the best of luck coming
back .Say hello to the animals! ha ha ha see u later! ha ha ha

ALEX- Hi, I’m sorry that you feel depressed I will try to write to you more often i have to go but please say hi to all the animals you see. i miss you
on January 23, 2009 at 6:24 pm | Reply Period 3 ASB

Hi Ms.Flowers!!!It’s Ana,Rebecca,Nicole,and Christopher.We miss you deeply and can’t wait for you to come back.Matthew’s gone a little crazy since you’ve been gone and Rebecca cries at night because she misses you.

Rebecca: Continue on Ana…I DARE you…

Ana:okay.Like i said Rebecca cries herself to sleep because your not here right now,but when you get back she’ll be really happy and excited that she won’t want to sleep for a week =P

Rebecca: That’s creepy…It’s not true!!!! It’s Ana crying herself to sleep.
Ana:Okay I did last night but that was because i saw a sad music video and the little mermaid on my iPod in bed last night =P
Rebecca: You watched the little mermaid? And cried?
Ana:yea sooooo?I’m an emotional person when it comes to disney movies.
Rebecca: Whoa…That’s deep. Too deep…
Ana:sorry if we’re having a side conversation. =P
Rebecca: Hey…look! It’s Nicole…Wuz up ASB homeskillet bicuit?
Nicole: Hi Ms. Flowers! How are you doing?
Rebecca: Sorry about our side conversation…Please keep in mind that we ARE teenage girls.
Nicole: Or so they say…
Rebecca: Woah…Too much info
have a good time and see you soon <3
on January 23, 2009 at 11:57 pm | Reply Samantha B

Hi Ms. Flandi,

It’s Samantha Branson!! I wonder where you are!!! Well We all miss you and hope you have aq good safe trip home!!!!!!

Love + Hugs,
Samantha:D:D:D:D:D
on January 25, 2009 at 6:10 am | Reply Dakotah Flowers

Hey mama ( Liza )

Just wanted to say love n miss you. i’ll call you soon. I just love you so much and hope you come home soon.
on January 26, 2009 at 4:41 pm | Reply Elijah Herrero

I hope you are having a great time. Also, i which you could come back now so we could have more fun in class and tell me if theirs anything wrong with my page. I would like to now if the weather their is hot or cold because its sprinkling hear.
on January 26, 2009 at 4:53 pm | Reply irene coffie

-HELLO
hey ms.flowers how are sounds like this trip is rough its sad that those kids have to go to school that way.
so is life over there realy hard?
well cant wait till u get back!
on January 26, 2009 at 4:53 pm | Reply Kathleen Jacobs

Hey Ms.Flowers,
Its Kathleen from yearbook.Just Thought I would drop by and say Hey:) Anyways,I was curious to know if the kids at the schools out there,have to wake up early like we do ?
Anyways,I hope you have a safe trip coming home.
K,
Bye.
on January 26, 2009 at 4:56 pm | Reply Elijah Herrero

Hope your having a great time,also I want you to come back so you can help us with our pages & teach us stuff for the yearbook.Hope your having a good time. I hope your on your way back,cause i really want you to come back.
bye ))))
-Elijah.
on January 26, 2009 at 4:59 pm | Reply Irene Coffie

Heeeey Ms.Flowers,
The trip sounds really rough but fun.Its sad that all the kids are smushed into a small class:(
Also,I was wondering whats the weather like ? And everyone here misses you. I was also curious to know where do you stay at & are the beds comfortable.

Adios (;

-Irene Coffie
on January 27, 2009 at 1:41 am | Reply mary marogy

Dear Mrs. Flandi,

I just wanted to say hi and we miss you. It’s been weird without you here for math and science but Mrs. Flandi is still really cool. Hope to see you soon!!!

One of your students,
Mary Marogy
on January 27, 2009 at 8:52 pm | Reply April Puerto

HI HI HI Ms. FLOWERS!!! I AM LOOKING AT THE WEBSITE THIS INSTANT AND IT’S VERY NICE! HOW IS IT OVER THERE? ASB IS DOING AWESOME BUT IT’S LONELY HERE WITHOUT YOU! MATTHEW IS DOING A DANCE TO THE MACARENA AND DEDICATES IT TO YOU

mATtHEW:NO IM NOT

mE AGAIN: YES HE IS ANYWAY HOPE YOU ARE ENJOYING YOUR STAY IN AFRICA. PLEASE SAY HI TO EVERYONE BECAUSE SAYING HI IS SO CHEERFUL!! ANYWAY GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!!!

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