CSRYE Summer Conference

From Friday morning until Sunday morning, we spent our time this weekend at Calvin College at the Central States Rotary Youth Exchange Summer Conference. The weather was perfect! The workshops were very helpful. Most importantly, I saw a noticeable change take place in my son, Aaron.

He seems to have a new excitement and maturity about going. He met another student from Terre Haute, Indiana who will is being hosted by the same Slovak Republic Club. He has come home with a renewed interested in learning the language. He is increasing understanding the importance of completing assignments in a timely fashion.

This afternoon he spent quite a bit of time placing the new trading pins he acquired on his blue suit jacket. He is placing value on the relationships he is building.

At the general assemblies, students and parents were to sit separately. On the last night, after the talent show, the ceremonies closed with everyone in the theater singing, "Let There Be Peace On Earth." He confided in us that the song almost moved him to tears...but of course he held them back. Still, I think he is fully grasping the importance of this trip. It is now more than just a hockey adventure!

I am so happy for my son. He is so brave!

Opening Ceremonies: Parade of Flags (Aaron is in red shirt center/left)

Central States includes members of Canada

National Anthem of U.S.A.