Mark and his wife Natasha just returned from Rotary International convention in Bangkok, Thailand.

Mark writes... 

I want to thank each of you for providing us with the opportunity to attend the convention.  In the coming weeks, I will share pictures and stories with you about the convention.  I'm not sure I can do justice, however, to the experience of actually being there and being surrounded by all the good work and people who make up our organization.

The Bangkok convention was the largest international convention in Rotary history.  Over 40,000 people attended the convention and to me the highlight was spending time in the House of Friendship talking to individual members from around the world and learning about the programs and projects they are involved with.  I can report that it was easy to speak about our club's members and projects with pride.  We compare very favorably to clubs around the world!!

I left the convention struck by the true extent of the opportunities for service and fellowship Rotary has to offer.  Over the coming months, I hope to bring you more information on the local, regional and international opportunities for service through Rotary. in addition, I want to make sure each of you is aware of the educational and fellowship opportunities available to you and your families through Rotary. 

Thank you again for your support.  Derek has a lot to look forward to next year in Lisbon, Portugal!  

Mark Watts
DeLand Breakfast Rotary Club