At the January 25 Kiwanis’ meeting, Ray Murray led the song and pledge and Brian Oliver gave the prayer. After a delicious lunch, Laura Garcia, exchange student from Madrid, Spain, was introduced. She was accompanied by Kacey Hamor from her host family.

Laura said she was nervous when she first arrived in the community, but now things are much better. She is enjoying speech activities as those activities are not part of her school in Spain. She is also looking forward to tennis in the spring. A future event about which she is excited is the band trip to New York.

Laura is not the only member of her family in the foreign exchange program. Her brother is a foreign exchange student in Denver, Colorado.

Laura mentioned that there is no snow in Madrid. She didn’t give her opinion about snow, but so far this winter, Laura has not seen the “typical” snowy Iowa winter.

Laura is the third foreign exchange student to visit Kiwanis. This exchange program promotes more understanding and good will between our nation and other nations – a very worthwhile endeavor in a world that can be so divided.

Kiwanis meet Wednesday’s at the local country club where they enjoy a delicious catered lunch, good fellowship, and interesting programs. If you wish to be part of Kiwanis, you will be welcome. It will be an opportunity to serve your communities – particularly the children.