Netherlands Team Host Family Reception April 30th Orange Party in Waldo

On April 30th we were saddened to hear about the attack on the Dutch Royal Family and the deaths of the innocent parade attendees.  However, even though the celebrations were cancelled in the Netherlands, we celebrated for the inbound Netherlands team anyways.  Jim Craig and the Gainesville Rotary Club hosted the reception on part of beautiful Lake Santa Fe overlooking Santa Fe swamp. We all dressed in orange to signify the political party of Queen on her birthday (good thing we are all gator fans and had plenty of orange!) (except outbound team Shane who is arguably the biggest gator fan in the world, but only owns blue stuff...).  The Netherlands team took a boat ride and various guests attempted the paddle bicycle (contrary to the paddle boat).  The Netherlands team, VERY good sports, sang for the group some Netherlands songs (hey guys, I thought we all agreed that neither team would sing...).  The BBQ and the fellowship was great and we thank everyone for inviting the outbound team.  We love the Netherlands team and I know I want to see them as much as possible while they are here and am thankful for that opportunity on April 30th. 

 The team talked about the day at the beach catamaraning after the District conference, the day at Kennedy Space Center (note to self: have discussion with parents about why the Netherlands visitors have already gone to the space center and as a native I have never been....) and they talked about the hospitality of their host families.  They were really looking forward to the weekend condo at the beach as planned by the St. Augustine Rotary clubs.  They were ready for some rest and were looking forward to getting a tan to brag about back home!  

On May 11th Palatka hosts their host reception and on May 13th they are visiting the St. Johns River Water Management District for a talk with the directors and an air boat ride on the St. Johns.  Can't wait to see them again.

The USA team has 8 days left until we leave and I think we are all really busy finishing up loose ends at work, packing, and saying good bye to family.  We are really excited about leaving soon and getting back into some cooler weather (temperatures will be low 40s to high of 70!).  Can't wait!!!!!  Thank you!