“Hug it out” Team

Greeting one another with a close-fisted, knuckle-based high five, in appreciation of the fact that not all team members are “huggers”, GSE Team Japan had its first official planning meeting in Bemidji, Minnesota July 17-19, 2009.

Warmly welcomed into Team Leader Evonne’s home, the weekend began with a potluck dinner. Tony, Evonne’s husband, prepared deliciously fresh walleye which was accompanied by several complementary dishes and drinks from team members (e.g. Japanese plum wine). Naturally, the meal finished with … chocolate cake (care of “Alternate Team Leader Extraordinaire”, Ann Perry) and a side of two “ Betty’s Pies”. Our team admits a shared love of food and sweets (which could bode well for trying new culinary delights in Japan). It could also lead to a GSE recipe book in the future.

Like our orientation meeting, once again Team Japan kicked into high gear and made many strides in preparing for its exchange. We were able to finalize our uniforms (after multiple fashion shows in numerous stores), agree on the layout and format of our brochures, blog and business cards and landed on a theme for our presentation…which, also begins with b … but we’ll leave that as a surprise.

In addition to the work, Team Member Rebecca shifted our focus for a few minutes in an icebreaker that challenged us to appreciate the current influences in our lives and the impact they could have on us as we pursue our journey. It was a great way to get to know each other even better.

Overall the weekend was another success and just as it began, ended with a big group close-fisted, knuckle-based high-five or, hug, for short.

Before signing off, thanks also go out to Earl Rogers and the Duluth Rotarians for such a warm welcome at your noon meeting.

Until next time….