Rotarian Jim Deuser from McAllen is on a fast track with Rotary’s Group Study Exchange, a flagship program of our District here in the Rio Grande Valley and of the Rotary Foundation. The Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for young business and professional men and women between the ages of 23 and 43; in the early years of their professional lives.

We will be posting stories of their travel and experiences as we get them in this space. One of the team members is  Jennifer Pryess, a reporter for the Victoria Advocate in Victoria, Texas. She is chronicling the team's exchange opportunities on this blog - http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/weblogs/kerala-india-land-of-the-gods/. Here is one of her videos from her blog.

Read the first installment by click the More link below.

 

Dear JD and P.G. Muraleedharan (DG #3211 in India),

It is my great pleasure to report on the South Texas, District 5930 GSE team  first week's activities.  However, words will be inadequate to express our excitement, enthusiasm and gratitude for the first of our four weeks in Kerala, God's country.  But, here goes!

We arrived early Wednesday morning and went immediatly to a very nice hotel where we had individual rooms.  We were warmly greeted by Dr. Sukumaran and another Rotarian.  We slept for the morning and then, at 11:00 I was priveleged to meet the outbound team from Kerala who are in the midst of preparation for their journey to South Texas in late spring.  I was quite impressed.  Kerala is sending a very strong team.  One of the team members, The outbound team came to our hotel and met our team and spent time talking about what to expect in South Texas.  Mariam, one of the Kerala team members, spent the afternoon with our team  taking us to a centuries old temple and showing us several parts of Trivandrum.  We then went on a vocational visit to the school where her daughter attends and we were able to witness a recital presented by the students-quite a talented group!

On Thursday we slept late-jet lag wansn't an issue.  We very much enjoyed our lunch with you District Governor, - and traveled to Kollom where we were met by a number of Rotarians.  We split up among our host families.

Friday I was pleased to be awakened to temple music near my host family's house.  Very moving-I've enjoyed this every morning.  We spent the morning and part of the afternoon on a houseboat. for which Kollom is famous, traveling around an enormous lake full of scenery, eagles, fishermen and fun.  In the afternoon we visited a Cashew nut factory, again, for which Kerala is famous.

On Saturday we visited an Eco park mext to a very impressive river and hydroelectric dam.  We saw a lot of wildlife, but unfortunatly the river is very low due to drought conditions here. During a late lunch we were able to interact with a number of school children who were also visiting the park.  This was the first experience for many of them with Americans.  We met Christian, Muslim, and Hindu children all from the same school.  It is notable how well the different religions maintain their own identity without sacrificing friendship and civility with each other.  This is one of the most valuable lessons we are learning here.  We have met Rotarians of every faith and each can discuss the various faiths intelligently and without any prejudice.

ImageOn Sunday we first participated in a Polio Plus vaccination day.  What a day!  All of India, and certainly all of Kerala is celebrating two years without a case of polio!  We then visited a beautiful Catholic church arriving during Mass. We then traveled to the Savigiri temple founded by Sree Narayana, one of the most famous and influential Gurus in Kerala, India and the world.  His message of one Caste, one Religion and One God for Man literally changed Kerala!  We were also privileged to meet Swami Prakasananda who is aged and infirm, usually does not receive guests, but due to the intercession of Rotarian Advocate K.G. Baiju we were able to meet him and through Baiju's interpretation speak with him.  This was an incredibly moving experience.  One of our team, Jennifer Preyss, has devoted an article for her paper just on this meeting.  I am attaching a picture of Jennifer, Baiju and myself with the guru..

Today was pretty much a rest day.  I must mention that every evening of this week we have attended a Rotary club meeting.  Again, words fail me in relating the warmth with which we are received.  You can be very proud of Jennifer, Vanessa, Janine, Yajaira and Cely.  They are TERRIFIC ambassadors for South Texas and the USA.  We have been asked to sing the Star Spangled Banner at most of the meetings.  We are not very good, but we are LOUD.  

This afternoon we rode elephants!  What an incredible experience and you can't imagine how big these gentle creatures are until you stand right next to one and then get on top.  We all rode!

ImageThis evening we attended our last Rotary meeting in Kollom.  All the team is sad to be leaving their host families, but life goes on.  Our plan is to continue our best to make you and our Rotary brothers and sisters proud of us.

Warm Regards in Rotary,

Jim Deuser

Team Leader, GSE 5930 for the team