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Seven of our inbound students participated in the Inbound
Orientation Weekend in Jacksonville (we missed Fer, who was sick, and Ayelen,
who hasn't arrived yet). Everyone enjoyed meeting and getting to know all the
students, spending time outdoors, playing in and on the water, and, of course,
reviewing some of the important rules and guidelines of the program.
After a few hours of orientation sessions Saturday morning at
the Mandarin Community Center, we headed out to the beach and an afternoon at
the Ponte Vedra Beach Club. Volleyball, swimming, and sunbathing (between the
raindrops) were the activities of choice.
Then it was back to town for an evening at the home of
Mandarin Rotarian Ron and Mary Whitaker, a beautiful house in a beautiful
setting - on the water where Julington Creek approaches the St. Johns River. We
rode two pontoon boats up Julington Creek and Durbin Creek (thanks to Ron's
neighbor for lending the second boat, and to Rob Overly for driving it),
watching the sun set and singing along to Felipe's guitar. When we got back, we
enjoyed barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs, then went inside to practice singing
a bit more (and discover dessert). We can't thank Ron and Mary enough for their
hospitality and friendship.
Lodging for Saturday night was at one of three Committee
members' homes: the boys spent the night with Larry and Monica Murr; Carolin
Helbig hosted Kathy and Ling; and Alessandra, Lorraine, and Jackie Longo, our
Rotex representative, stayed with Al and Sue Kalter.
On Sunday morning, we gathered at Epping Forest to board the
fabulous boat of Ed and Nancy Lee Grey. Ed, our captain, is also a Mandarin
Rotarian, and he took us up the St. Johns River, through downtown Jacksonville,
to Alltel Stadium and beyond, made a 30-minute shopping stop on the way back at
the Jacksonville Landing, and returned us to Epping Forest at around 1:30. We
gratefully appreciate Ed and Nancy Lee for their kindness and hospitality, and
Rotarian Denny and Ginny Lafer who made up Ed's "crew" for the
afternoon.
It was a great weekend of establishing new friendships and
getting to know our new ambassadors from all over the world. And, of course, as
it ended, the common question was, "When can we all get together
again?"
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