September began with a trip to South America. First, my wife, June, and I visited Rotarians in Guayaquil, Ecuador, where we went to the Ciudadela Rotaria Río Guayas, which is part of Homes of Hope , a Rotary club and district project that provides houses and other resources to the area. About 350 families live there, and plans are underway to build a school and community center, both sponsored by Rotary clubs.
Later, at a press conference, I shared Rotary's message and mission with the people of Ecuador. I also spoke at two events: a dinner for the council of past club presidents and a luncheon for Rotarians and their spouses. More than 400 Rotarians traveled from all over District 4400 to attend the luncheon. While in Guayaquil, I enjoyed meeting the mayor and many wonderful Rotarians.
We continued to the Zones 22 & 23A Rotary Institute, held in Gramado, Brazil, where Rotarians warmly and enthusiastically greeted us. We also visited a District 4670 environmental project to restore the polluted Gravataí River.
After leaving Brazil, we traveled to Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, to attend the Zone 32 Rotary Institute. June spoke at the governors-elect training seminar (GETS) spouses program, while I greeted the institute attendees, addressed the plenary sessions, and invited Rotarians to the 2010 RI Convention in Montréal, Québec, Canada.
On 13 September, we traveled to Rochester, New York, USA, where we joined Rotarians at the 84th Eastern Cities Fellowship Dinner. It was an excellent evening, with about 700 Rotarians in attendance.
Unfortunately, I became ill with pneumonia and was hospitalized in Evanston, Ill., which is where RI World Headquarters is located. I was unable to continue my planned travels for the remainder of September and early October. While recuperating in the hospital, however, I was able to remain engaged in presidential business and decision making, thanks to the daily courier service provided by June and regular communications with the office.
I appreciate all the hard work that went into the planning and hosting of the many events in Korea, Scotland, and Seychelles. I'm sorry that I missed these extraordinary gatherings. Thank you to everyone for all the kind thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery that were sent my way. June and I are grateful for your concern.
When I was given permission to travel, June and I were able to go to Rome as planned on 20 October. We had a remarkable visit with the Rotarians of District 2080, including the opportunity to address about 400 Rotarians and meet the district governors of Italy along with a past RI president and three past directors from the country. We were also delighted to have an audience with Pope Benedict XVI and meet the speaker of the senate and the deputy mayor of Rome.
As October ended, I returned to Evanston to busily prepare for the many RI Board meeting agenda items and for various Rotary matters at my Secretariat office.