On the evening of Friday, July 13, 2007 the GSE South Africa team gathered at the beautiful mountaintop home of GSE Team Leader Dr. Elizabeth Smith and her husband Dr. Ellison Smith. Located in Bryson City, North Carolina, the Smith’s vacation home provided a restful backdrop for the team as they edited and refined their presentations. Ronnie and Paula Matthews of Columbia, South Carolina also joined the team. Paula Matthews was the team leader for a GSE to Sweden and had many words of wisdom for the South Africa group.

On Friday evening, the lively group enjoyed hotdogs cooked over a bonfire as Dr. Ellison Smith regaled the group with stories of black bears, snakes, and screech owls. The group retired early in order to prepare for a long day of work and play on Saturday.

On Saturday morning, GSE team members practiced their presentations and received constructive feedback from Dr. Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Matthews. Before lunch, the group was able to finalize many important details that will ensure a successful and organized GSE to South Africa.

Following a delicious lunch on the screened porch of the Smith’s home, the GSE team (along with Mr. and Mrs. Matthews) ventured down the mountain to go whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River! With the help of a trained guide, Andrea, Annie, Loretta, Will, Dr. Smith, and Mr. and Mrs. Matthews had a wild and wonderful time crashing through the 45 degree waters of the Nantahala! After a 2-hour adventure on the water, the tired GSE team made their way back to the mountain house where they enjoyed three different types of homemade lasagna provided by team member Annie. The evening ended with several fun card games that left team members in stitches!

On Sunday morning, the team enjoyed another delicious, homemade breakfast of fresh fruit and a casserole prepared by Dr. Ellison Smith. Following a brief but meaningful worship service conducted by Dr. Ellison Smith, the team rehearsed their presentations again. After Dr. Smith assigned team members a few items for “homework,” such as finalizing gifts for host families and having luggage tags printed, team members said good-bye.

I am certain that as each team member headed for home, his or her thoughts were on the great significance of the GSE to South Africa and how he or she can best fulfill the Object of Rotary – especially by promoting understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.

-Will Moody
GSE South Africa Team Member
District 7770