South Charlotte Weekly GSE Publication - Posted by Bill

South Charlotte Weekly newspaper and several Charlotte area sister weekly papers have published a very good article on our recent Rotary GSE trip to Egypt and Lebanon.

Please check out the newspaper site at:

http://www.thecharlotteweekly.com/archive_papers/cw/cw2009_06_12.pdf

Then scroll to page 12...

Happy Reading!!

Letter from President Carter to Rotary Governor Bob Wilson on the important, upcoming elections in Lebanon -posted by Bill

Governor Bob, thanks for the update on your GSE team to the Middle East

Ten days from now, Lebanon will hold crucial parliamentary elections. Rosalynn and I will be there, on the ground, with a team of 50 international observers. Our objective is to provide an independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process and to help ensure that the vote is free, fair, and peaceful.

After years of civil strife and political instability, the elections on June 7 offer the people of Lebanon an extraordinary opportunity to re-establish a democratically elected government. My team will do our best to help make that happen.

As the election approaches, our delegation from The Carter Center will provide updates from Lebanon to keep you informed about the campaigns, access to the polls, vote counting, and any problems that might arise before, during, or after the vote.

The presence of the Carter Center’s team is one way to demonstrate the interest of the international community in Lebanon’s election. Join us as our observers keep a watchful eye on the vote.

Peaceful and credible elections are essential for Lebanon to re-establish democratic government and provide a foundation to address key long-term challenges in political reform, economic development, internal security, and peace in the region.

The Carter Center is committed to supporting the development of accountable, democratic governance in Lebanon and across the world. This will be our 76th election monitoring project since 1989, including countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

However, this election is very different for The Carter Center because this is the first time our team will provide instant online updates about our efforts. We will make sure that when the Lebanese people head to the polls on Sunday, June 7, their elections will be monitored not just by our delegation in Lebanon, but by millions of people all over the world.

I know that I speak for the whole Carter Center team in telling you that we are encouraged by your support for our efforts. With your help, we know we can serve as the eyes and ears of the world to let the Lebanese people know that the world is watching.
Sincerely,


Jimmy Carter

Letter from GSE Chair Ahmed Saada, District 2450, posted by Bill

Dear GSE Chair John,

Just a short note to report on our visiting GSE Team from North Carolina. The entire team was top notch, everyone who met them was equally as well impressed as I was. They served as excellent Ambassadors of Goodwill; and I think they accomplished everything that the Rotary Foundation wants from the GSE program. They won the hearts of many Egyptians and provided us with a better understanding of North Carolina and its culture.
Good luck on your district GSE plans during the following years. Meanwhile, please accept my best regards.
Yours in Rotary pride and spirit,

Ahmed Saada

Nagi Day by Chris Miller

Nagi Day, aptly named for our gracious host on our last day in Lebanon, was exactly what the good doctor ordered. Nagi took the team out on his boat in the Mediterranean Sea. Viewing the beautiful city of Beirut from this perspective was a new experience for us. We took several team photos with our home newspaper’s travel section in hopes of getting published. Our obvious goal is to tell the folks back home how wonderful the people and culture are in Lebanon.

Nagi Day was not just a relaxing day on the boat and beach. It was a perfect opportunity for candid conversations, sharing of ideas, and lots of fun. Regina drove the boat (at mach speed) while several of us took advantage of the bouncy diving platform. The food and fellowship were superb.

As we close our time in Lebanon, one cannot help but reflect on what we have seen and learned. Lebanon is a country in transition, resilient like its people. I have never met people who enjoy life and make the best of any situation like the people we have met here. What a beautiful country, and thank you Nagi for Nagi Day.

Beirut, Lebanon; Bent But Not Broken

We scrapped the original plan. Just like Memorial Day back at home, today is a national holiday for their independence…at least one of them as they have been invaded by 19 different civilizations. Think about that. We boated and had a memorable time.

 Last night I had another accident with my foot. I stubbed my toe so bad that I took off the big toe’s nail and spent the beginning of a club night cleaning up blood. (Expletives not included). Today, after the great boating trip I cut my hand pretty good on the rope of the boat pulling it in. As mad as I am about constantly cutting myself I thought about the big picture. It’s quite fitting to come here and cut myself and bleed a little and still have the time of my life. That is what I learned about this country and these people. Bent but never broken.

I’ve talked to people that had bombs dropping on them while they studied for test in college. The next day they went to class. Guys I met that while growing up had their parents cars bombed out.. Don’t think I didn’t notice the Mercedes I was in had bullet proof glass. But all in the entire message here from everyone is their love for life and the love for Lebanon, especially Beirut. BLB. Means love Beirut. There is a tremendous pride here for Beirut for those that live here and grew up here.

This place is progressive more than any other place in the Middle East but is a dumping ground for Palestine, Syria and other messes. But it is a beautiful country with great people. A lot of people here are Lebanese Americans, and I bet you don’t know it but a lot of people you know are Lebanese Americans. The people here are faithful to their religion because of the rich history of it here. The people I have met here are not self absorbed but looking to do good and make sure that every one knows the good people that they are. The people I stayed with here spent 12 years in the states while their country was torn apart. But they never gave up, and came home to raise their children in their land. They have enough money to do whatever they wanted, but they choose here. They have three boys ages 21, 19, 17. I’m the youngest of three boys and my parents always looked out what’s best for me. I see no different in the way they raise their kids….and they live here.

I’m about to board my flight and I can tell you this; Despite a rough start, I’ll be back. Not if but when. I really hope the elections on June 7^th result in peace no matter the outcome. There’s no doubt Joe Biden was here for a reason. But I just hope whatever message he delivered reiterates what I’m telling you. Beirut is a great city and the people here want nothing more than live a peaceful prosperous life. My personal faith has been rejuvenated since coming here. My thoughts of this trip to the Middle East would not be complete without coming here. Although I’m cut up and bleeding a little bit I’m still overall grateful the experiences and sights I’ve seen. Just know, the people here are the same; Bent but never broken. 

Day 27: Sports Event with the Rotary, Rotaract, Innerwheel clubs of Metn by Regina

We are back with our host families for a while. We just returned from the sport event sponsored by the Rotary, Rotaract and Innerwheel, clubs of Metn. The event was an opportunity for mentally challenged children and youth to come together. We watched them dance to traditional music, sing, and play basketball. Together we are one if we focus on our similarities rather than our differences. That is the thought that came to mind as I received the happy smiles and sense of pride from each participant.

Dinner with Rotarians

We had the opportunity to have dinner sponsored by the Sahel Metn Rotary Club in Lebanon. The food was awsome of course and the view was magnificent. It feels like we are one of the family. Thank you!