On Monday 12 January, GSE Team Leader Stuart Leyland and team member, Sarah Hatfield visited the Rotary Club of Holderness to give a presentation on the GSE (Group Study Exchange) experience.  After Stuart's introduction, Sarah began her presentation on her experiences in Colombia by reading what her grandmother had to say about Sarah's participation in the GSE programme.

"I have been asked to write a few words on my thoughts whilst my granddaughter Sarah as in Colombia.  I don't feel that I shall be able to find the words that live up to such an experience of feeling myself alongside her from day 1!

The feelings which I first had about the visit to Colombia, was one of horror and disbelief that they would be going into a country known to be troubled by terrorism, and it was some time before I was able to accept that she would actually go.

What a joy it turned out to be, although perhaps those taking part would not agree with me, as there would be times when it was not much joy for them, after all they were not there for a holiday, and it must have had many worrying times.  Not knowing much of the language wouldn't help!  Having to meet people who were living in terrible circumstances must have been distressing.

However, I have been asked to write about me, how I felt during the whole of that month in June, and I can honestly say it was extremely interesting and for all those days I followed all that I could.  I was there with Sarah every inch of the way.  Hoping that lots of good would come from their efforts.

It was something that I never dreamed I could take part in, the letters to be read each day was so interesting, so many of us were thinking and writing our thoughts and sending them through the air to Colombia!  Sharing our letters with each other, such encouraging letters from friends and family, not forgetting little Anya who must have missed her Mummy.  It's a month I will never forget, I haven't travelled much during my long life, but I do feel that I have been to Colombia!   As to the future I look forward to hearing that some good has come from the visit."

Sarah's grandmother is 83 and the letters she is referring to was actually a website blog that was set up especially for the team.  You can still see it www.getjealous.com/GSEColumbia.    A similar website has been set up for the 2009 GSE visit to the Philippines - www.getjealous.com/GSEPhilippines.  They leave in early March - see what they are doing and keep in touch so that they know you are thinking of them whilst they are so far from home.

Sarah is still in contact with Colombia and in November 2008 organised a live link with some of the youngsters in Hull with one of the Rotary youth projects.  Another link is planned for January 2009.  We hope to include a report on this website.