Formal Dinner...singing and some tears....

We were honoured to attend the 2550 Rotary International Formal Dinner that was also attended by the district governor and the representative for the President of Rotary International for Japan. We were seated directed behind the main table and were blown away by the contents of the whole evening. The night began with introductions, followed by dinner and a tenor concert which Lori, Masako and I just adored. The tenor was past foundation scholar that studied in Italy. What talent. We also listened to a well seasoned Rotarian perform on the piano. While all of this was happening, we were mingling and mixing with our host Rotary clubs from our travels over the past 24 days. What great reunions we had! You see....it was a very formal dinner...only returning to your table once in a while to taste the next course that was being served and of course to see who was filling your glass once again. The Presidents representative spoke and stopped and began speaking in amazing English to our team in front of everyone....Well, I was a mess and Jen was on her way. His talk to us was some of the most moving words we have heard yet! We presented our letters of distinction and introduction to the district govenor, followed by me singing the Canadian Anthem and Lori singing the American anthem in front of 1000 people!!! The night ended with all 1000 men and a few women, joining hands around the room and singing O Rotarii!!!! One of the best nights in Japan!!!!