Rotary International Weekend

Yesterday and today I have been able to hang out with Rotary exchange students inbound and outbound! First we had an official meeting with the carrying in of the banners from different countries and a luncheon. Later, we all had free time to hang out in the Rivermarket which I personally loved because it gave us all the chance to catch up and meet new people as well. I spent a lot of time with two exchangers from Brazil and they made us fabulous dessert. We all asked each other about our different home countries and the differences that some of us find between various countries' culture. We had the opportunity to talk to the RI president Ray Killingsmith and take pictures with him. He seems very hands on and travels to many states encouraging Rotarians to pursue this year's motto: Building Communities Bridging Continents. Last night we all went on the Arkansas Queen for dinner and a beautiful tour of the Arkansas Riverbanks. We were all starving by the time dinner came around, and we had a ball talking and laughing. The sunset was gorgeous as well. This morning we served at the Arkansas Rice Depot and bagged rice and went on a tour of the facility. Their walk-in freezer is the biggest I've ever seen! But they say they are getting an even larger one as a donation from Wal-Mart. Around 12 we all left and went to lunch. I went with a group to Whole Foods because Cici's Pizza just did not sound appetizing. I am so excited about my exchange right now because of the amazing people I have met from South America and the returning students who are counting down the days until they can leave again!
I received my guarantee form last week and we have sent in all the information to get my VISA, so now all I can do is wait. First flight out I can take is the one I want to get on.

ES LA VIDA :)

Rotary Club Meeting

Today I went to a Rotary Club meeting for my district. How neat! I got to thank my club for sponsoring me in my exchange. We had lunch together, and it was a few of the Rotarians' birthdays, so we celebrated with birthday cake. Today a speaker from the Arkansas Heart Hospital came and talked about heart attack prevention, and how we can all make efforts to be healthy. It will pay off in the long run. Some great advice she gave that I found interesting was about STRESS. She said, "Remember, you can't control anyone else but yourself." After the meeting was over I got to talk to various people about meeting up with people they know down in Chile. What a blessing! I'll need those connections and friends. So, Rotary...thanks again!
Below I've posted a map of Chile and their flag:

Waiting on my guarantee form

Anxious. Excited. Pumped.

All of these words describe how I feel right now; I am ready to go to Chile and begin my year of discoveries! As soon as I get my guarantee form I will go to Texas to get my VISA. Then I will be set.

These are my goals:

1. Take every opportunity to see everything in Chile!

2. Make a movie (or at least a video) of my year to bring to life what I will type on my blog.

3. taste all the local foods.

4. Get involved in a service type organization or help others in some way on a regular basis!

5. Help with Chilean relief efforts at least 3 times throughout the year.

6. Don't be afraid to ask questions; I want to absorb as much as possible from their rich culture while I'm there.

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Today I found this quote and it made me smile because of its profound truth:

"THE SUPREME HAPPINESS of life is the conviction of being loved for yourself, or, more correctly, being loved in spite of yourself." -Victor Hugo.