The GSE team from Australia and Timor Leste left us this weekend. What an awesome experience for everyone involved! The team consisted of team leader Ainsle and group members Graciana, Yogish, Anna, Ignacia, and Laura. It was a busy three days including presenting at our meeting on Wednesday, visiting the Mall of America, touring US Bank Stadium, touring Seagate, touring SMSC operations including Mystic Lake Casino, horse races at Canterbury Park, and the social on Prior Lake at the Lompart's.  And then there was karaoke at TJ Hooligans. Here's how the night ended as told by Rotarian Kyle Haugen: 
 
It's about 2 a.m., and there's usually not a good reason to be up at this point. Instead, I just closed down a karaoke bar with a bunch of Australians singing "Hey Jude" at the top of our lungs. Yet another reason why #Rotary is such a great organization. I'm so glad that I've been able to spend the last few days with our Group Study Exchange team here in Prior Lake. They're great people who are going to help us as Rotarians make a difference for years to come!

At Canterbury Park

And another Rotarian Harry Algyer summed up his GSE experience:

I was struck by a thought that likely is common sense to most people. A few short days ago I didn't even know where Timor Leste was. Now through our district sponsoring the Timor / Australian GSE team and our club having the team with us for a few days I not only know where Timor Leste is but I have friends there. The world just got a little smaller and friendlier.

At the Mall of America

Dinner at the Lompart's on Prior Lake after a pontoon boat ride