Greater Bend Rotary - Newsletter Links

It feels surreal that this is gonna be the last time I'll have the weekly Rotary lunch with you guys and the last time I'm standing here talking about what I've been up to throughout the year. On one hand it feels like yesterday when I was going to my first Rotary meeting 11 months ago, but when I think of how much I've been through and how many great experiences I've had it feels so long ago!

And all of those great memories couldn't have happened if it hadn't been for Greater Bend Rotary club hosting me this year. I am so thankful for everything you guys have done for me from providing a cell phone to hosting a big dinner in order to raise money for my year end trip! Thank you everybody for being such open and amazing people and for making me feel welcomed. Thank you Chris for being such a good president during my stay here. It has been great getting to know you. And thank you Vic for being my counselor and helping me whenever I had questions or anything along those lines. And of course a big enormous thank you to the members that have hosted me this year, Bruce Abernethy, Sharon McNeil and Bob Browning. I can't put words on how much I appreciate you and your families opening up your homes to me. You have all been nothing but kind, helpful and loving to me. Not only did I get food and a room to live in, you made me feel like part of your families, which has been amazing. I'm sure I'm going to miss these Tuesday lunches when I go back to Denmark. It just won't feel right without them.

I want to share some of the unforgettable experiences I have had here. Going to San Diego for thanksgiving with Mary and Bruce and their daughter. We stayed outside San Diego on Mary's parent's huge ranch and I had some amazing days there, and their whole family was amazing to take me in and include me in their family traditions.

Then Christmas time came and I moved to the McNeil's house. It already felt like home by the time Christmas morning came, and we sat in the living room opening presents. And that night at my best friend Hollies' house when all of their family and friends got up and danced around the Christmas tree while singing Christmas songs after I had told them about Danish Christmas traditions.

When spring came I moved to the Browning's house, where I still have just about 4 days left. Already the morning after I moved they took me out skate skiing, which was a totally new experience for me. Not too long ago they took me on a beautiful hike around Smith Rock, which was absolutely amazing.

And of course there are all of the great memories I have had with my friends here. I am so thankful to have made such good friends here, they have become a big part of me now and I am very sad to leave them. Yesterday Hollie and her family threw me a big going away surprise party. It will be one of those nights to remember!

What I'm trying to say is that this has been the best year of my life, and I'm grateful for every single person who has helped making it possible.

THANK YOU Greater Bend Rotary club for hosting me this year, and for giving me the opportunity as a 17 year old girl to get out and see what else is out there in the world.