Rotary 4280 District Conference

My year culminated the weekend of April 30-May 2 in the annual District 4280 Conference. Rotarians from all around my host district gathered in Pereira for 3 days of meetings, parties, and planning the next year's focus.

We were greeted Thursday night by a presentation of each flag from the many states of which the district is comprised, followed by typical dances from different parts of the country. This was followed by a cocktail party with live music and lots of social warm-ups reconnecting with Rotarians I had not seen for several months.

Friday was full of presentations by Interact, Rotaract, the GSE group, talks on leadership qualities, redistribution of districts in Colombia, and a pep rally talk given by the Rotary International president's representative from Merida, Mexico. In the afternoon they bussed us to a bull fight just for us and typical party complete with two live bands and a delicious buffet dinner. Several of the macho Rotarians got into the bull ring to test their abilities, and each club dressed up in matching outfits typical to the region from where they came. There was even a dance competition where the winning parter was awarded a cash prize, during which the entire party stood on top of tables to cheer--admittedly one of the most fun nights I have enjoyed while in Colombia.
Everyone arrived late on Saturday morning to listen to an inspiring speech given by the leader of the Afro-Colombian movement and candidate for Senate presidency, reflections on district-wide projects helping children with congenital heart diseases and HIV/AIDS awareness. I also had the chance to make a speech urging clubs that I don't know to invite me to visit and thanking everyone for the opportunity to participate in their Rotary family. After the closing events I went out to lunch with several conference organizers and the couple from Mexico, learning about their different opinions of spousal involvement in Rotary between the US and Latin America. That night we put on our finest for a gala dinner which lasted until 5 in the morning (the Rotarians out-partied me since I got tired and returned home at 3), during which everyone let loose and danced like teenagers.
It was great to see so many familiar faces come together from my visits to clubs around the country, and they were so appreciative that I have been completely dedicated to getting to know them throughout the year. I admired how well they mixed business with pleasure--talking about project objectives and brainstorming over shots of aguardiente (the typical way to accomplish anything in Colombia). Being an ambassador in a country with which I have completely fallen in love is easy, especially when Rotarians have shown me so much hospitality and encouragement. I love my job.