Update on Convention Article in Rotary Magazine for the Central American Countries
Lori Forand and Madeleine King
Please note the first author is Rotary Champion for our Club's Guatemala Cervical Cancer Project. These pictures are from the Rotary Magazine for all of Central America! During the Convention, Guatemalan Rotarian Esther Brol stayed with Dave Leslie and his wife Diana Bloom who are pictured with Esther.
For the original article please read following page.
My First Convention: Inspiration, Connections and Renewed Purpose
by Esther Brol, Rotary Club Guatemala La Reforma
Traveling to Calgary was much more than attending a large-scale event — it was about connecting with the heart of Rotary, growing, learning, and taking my commitment to the next level.
A year ago, I registered for the Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada and I was truly excited. I had participated in national, district and zone Rotary events, but this would be my very first time at a world convention — together with more than 15,000 Rotarians from around the globe to get inspired, learn, celebrate and unite in doing good.
One of my main motivations for attending was that my club has developed three global grants with the Rotary Club of Calgary Downtown and I was eager to finally meet in person those who had been allies and friends from afar for years. When they learned I would attend the convention, they offered to host me in their home — something I gladly accepted, as I knew it would make the experience even more meaningful.
From the moment I arrived in that beautiful city, I knew I was in for something unforgettable. My hosts — Dave, Diana, and their dog Jasper — were lovely, and their hospitality made me feel right at home.
Several general sessions were deeply moving. Watching the Guatemalan flag parade among so many others brought tears to my eyes. Listening to service stories renewed my commitment. I attended breakout sessions, shared ideas, and met new and old friends.
A world convention not only inspires — it also opens doors to serve better. That’s why preparation is key. Taking a portfolio of projects aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus can make a difference. I presented several of my club’s projects and was able to make potential connections interested in supporting them.
I enjoyed vibrant evenings at the Grandstand Spectacular and Rock the Nation; I visited breathtaking places like Elbow Falls, Canmore, and Banff — a national park whose beauty captured my heart and to which I’ve promised to return.
After the International Convention in Calgary, my heart is full. The closing speech by Rotary President Stephanie Urchick reminded us why we remain in Rotary; we are family, and when we care for each other, serve with joy, and dare to innovate, Rotary becomes simply irresistible.
I will continue walking this Rotary path with even more commitment, more gratitude, and more vision than ever. And yes… I’m already saving up to attend the next convention!
English translation Esther’s article published in the latest issue of Rotary en el Corazón de las Américas, a tridistrict magazine distributed in Mexico, all of Central America, Panama, and the Dominican Republic.