Inbound Spring Weekend - May 19-20, 2007

Our 2006-07 inbounds got together for the final time on May 19-20, a weekend that brought out many different emotions. It was fun, for sure, but there was also the sadness in recognizing that the end of the exchange year is rapidly approaching. Overall, what was most evident was the love and friendship that this group has shared, creating bonds that will certainly carry across international boundaries and the years that will follow.

The weekend was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Mandarin, and several members of that club helped make it special. Rotarian Fred Schramm offered the students full access to Mandarin Mill, where they played miniature golf, tried their skills in the batting cages, and enjoyed video games as well. Rotarians Rita Story and Lew Walker helped transport our crowd from point to point. After Mandarin Mill, and a buffet lunch, the students spent a couple of hours at the Alterra Sterling House, an extended-care facility for the elderly. There, they talked to the residents and shared activities with them.

A friend of Mike Lindell's provided his sailboat for the late afternoon, so our students sailed out onto the St. Johns River, a great way to cap a beautiful afternoon. Then it was off to Mike and Debbie Lindell's home, for an evening of fun in the pool and on the trampoline, and some emotional conversations as well. And District Governor Brent stopped by too (photos below).

Finally, the karaoke machine got a workout as the party continued into the very late hours, as the students certainly made the most out of their time together. The pictures tell that story quite well ...

Click here for the Inbound Spring Weekend photo album.