Posted by Jon Dyson
February is World Understanding Month on the Rotary Calendar and as I scroll through our membership list, I am gratified to realize how many of our members were born and raised outside of the United States.  The fact that we all work well together on projects, converse freely and happily amongst ourselves, and enjoy genuine friendships with those from different cultures and religions is the essence of world understanding.  Additionally, we have hosted many exchange students over the years who have been able to share their perspectives with us and we with them.  My parents hosted an exchange student from Indonesia and one from Argentina which was a tremendous learning experience not only for our club but for my brother and me as we absorbed cultural views in some cases completely different from our own.  Our family has traveled extensively throughout the world sometimes with Rotary.  In doing so we have maintained friendships around the globe which has enhanced our concept of World Understanding.  I salute Rotary for dedicating this month as they have to promote peace.  I hope you will join with me in recognizing and embracing the diversity which we have been gifted.   I believe it will build the necessary connections to have peace flourish.