Cool Off From Summer became a new program that began in June 2009. We had heard that people really liked to have others share about their travels around the world. We decided that we would combine the thought of vacations and travel with keeping cool from the long summer heat. Thus, was born Cool Off From Summer.
Our First Program was done by Nancy LePell. She shared fun stories about living on a sail boat while traveling the South Pacific. She also showed us pictures of people and places that she loved. There were many thoughtful questions asked during her program.
The South Pacific:
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We all came away with an added respect and knowledge about Nancy's like previous to moving to Colby, KS. The rich knowledge she shared about many countries she visisted was really fun.
July 2009 - Cool Off From Summer - Exploring Ecadore:
Serving In Iraq:
Jeffrey said that the farmers in Iraq work hard just to grow a few crops. He was amazed at the agriculture in Iraq and the farmers hard work. He knew that the conditions they survived under were very difficult. Being from a family with lots of farm land in Kansas, he new how hard these families had to survive. Tom Reust also shared about working as a Marine in Iraq. Hard but really rewarding. Each is attending university and are part of a group of previous deployed military men and women who help students on campus with re-entry.
Living in Japan and Experiencing 4-H in Japan:
Kimberly Gerstner told about living with two families during her time in Japan. One was family lived in a large city and the other in a rural area. She came to really enjoy each family. Together with her host families she learned how some 4-h camps are conducted. They are intergenerational events that encourage each participant to learn from each person regardless of age. While there she also learned little Japanese lanugage and culture.
October we discussed Berlin, Germany:
Ayline Kozempel an international exchange student in Colby, KS discussed her home and school life, along with showing us the huge metropolitan area that Berlin is. She discussed the large number of ethnic peoples that now live in Germany. We also got a peak at her Russian heritage and St. Petersburg as an extra benefit.
Gene & Roy Rothfuss shared about serving in a remote northern region in Ecadore. They shared about trying to errect buildings and conduct children's programs in mude and drenching rain.
Serving In Iraq:
Jeff Saddler & Tom Reust preseneted a program with Heather Saddler assisting about their military service in Iraq. They helped us understand how the locals are just trying to survive with the insurgents destroying their country. They also shared how just living and serving in Iraq made them really appreciate home. 
Jeffrey said that the farmers in Iraq work hard just to grow a few crops. He was amazed at the agriculture in Iraq and the farmers hard work. He knew that the conditions they survived under were very difficult. Being from a family with lots of farm land in Kansas, he new how hard these families had to survive. Tom Reust also shared about working as a Marine in Iraq. Hard but really rewarding. Each is attending university and are part of a group of previous deployed military men and women who help students on campus with re-entry.
Living in Japan and Experiencing 4-H in Japan:
Kimberly Gerstner told about living with two families during her time in Japan. One was family lived in a large city and the other in a rural area. She came to really enjoy each family. Together with her host families she learned how some 4-h camps are conducted. They are intergenerational events that encourage each participant to learn from each person regardless of age. While there she also learned little Japanese lanugage and culture.
October we discussed Berlin, Germany:
Ayline Kozempel an international exchange student in Colby, KS discussed her home and school life, along with showing us the huge metropolitan area that Berlin is. She discussed the large number of ethnic peoples that now live in Germany. We also got a peak at her Russian heritage and St. Petersburg as an extra benefit.
Aylin cheerfully talks to us about her home. A bit home sick????
Cool Off From Summer became Explore Our World Thru Local Eyes in September 2009. We will resume in the summer once again.
