We are here!

G'Day everyone! It is now nearly 8am Sunday morning (at home it would be about 5pm Saturday), and I can't believe we've been here for 24 hours! Our welcome at the airport in Brisbane was so warm and friendly...and maybe a little startling for those around us as we were received with loud 'whoops' and cheers! My host family has been so incredibly warm and hospitable - they have made it clear that they are at my disposal, so whatever I need or want to do, they are prepared to make it happen - it has been so wonderful! Luckily, the jet lag hasn't really hit (speaking for myself), so I'm thankful (and a little bit surprised!). Today my hosts are taking me on a bit of a driving tour to meet some of their children and see the area. Then, off to the official "Welcome Barbi" (BBQ)! I have taken nearly 60 pictures in the last 2 days, and I promise we will upload a few as soon as we can!
Until later!

They've arrived....

We just thought we'd let family and friends know that the gals and Barry have arrived safe and sound in Brisbane. Manish's counterpart in Australia, Peter sent him a quick email to say that they had arrived and seemed to be all well and even had some sleep on the plane!

We're in LA!

Hello friends, just a (very) quick note to let you all know that we are in LA! Our 5 hour flight here went well, and they are just calling to board for the 14 hours to Brisbane....14 more hours! We have had fun trying to figure out time change questions as well as luggage limits. We are quite tired, but in good spirits!
Talk to you when we get there!!

And they're off to the land downunder!

At precisely 3:33pm Team OZ took off from Detroit headed for the land down under. Manish and DG Stan were there at the airport to wish them well. I especially enjoyed listening to Katy's send off this morning with people both from Chatham and from Australia phoning in to wish her well, giving her advise on everything from the food that she'll be eating to the way the toilet flushes! I especially loved the junior joke...that was my son Carter and the joke??? What do you call a lazy baby kangaroo? A pouch potato! What's ahead for them now? About 20 hours of flight time! We look forward to hearing about their adventures through the blog!

(Manish and DG Stan with Team OZ)

Cheryl, Susanna, Kristi, Katy and Barry

Twas'the night before Australia.....

Here's to a great send off party for the girls and Barry! About 40 Rotarians, family and friends joined team Oz on Sunday to hear their presentation and send them off on the trip of a lifetime! Their itinerary is now posted on the blog, so check it out on the right column and see where they will be and some photos of some of the sights! The team was encouraged by DG Stan Sherman, Don Chrisholm and Wayne Cole and Manish Mehta. Announcements about interviews for Japan in October 2009 were also made by new GSE chairs, Judy, Angie and Kim. I know there are a couple of alternates from this team that are completely intrigued by this country and their culture. Applications are due by March 15, 2009. So girls and Barry, Godspeed!

DG Stan Sherman presenting Cheryl
with gifts to take to Australia

Team Oz (from left back row)
Cheryl (team leader alternate),Heather and Jennifer (alternates),
Katy, Barry, Susanna, Cheryl, Kristi
(front row from left) Wayne Cole, Stan Sherman, Manish Mehta

Your invitation to join us at our send off party...Australia....here we come....

Rotarians, Family and Friends, join team Oz on Sunday February 22, 2009 from 3-5pm at the Homewood Suites in Troy (see blog sponsors section for directions). The team will be giving their formal presentation and bid "g'day mate" in a great send off party as the head down under.


***New*** find the itinerary on the blog and follow them from city to city to see what they'll be up to.