The two words in that event title mean a lot: Festival, of course, brings up images of music, dancing, food & fun.... and there was all of that, and more. And Brotherhood.... there were the smiles, hugs, and handshakes from old friends and new acquaintances; the sincere wishes - and, more important, promises - by all of us to help others in need; and the proof that we're all part of a great Rotary family.

And this started 10 years ago, with a donation from SW Eureka to a hospice in Guadalajara. Each year since, more and more Rotarians from our District have gotten involved, and we've begun almost 90 joint World Community Service projects, completing around 50. And we had a full bus-load of attenders this year, about half of which did the "extended version", which began in Puerto Vallarta; the balance of the group arrived for just the 4 days of "getting down to business (of serving others)" in Guadalajara (but with PLENTY of recreation involved, too)

While there this year, we visited childrens' cancer treatment facilities, rural schools, homes for seniors with no families; we saw programs that provide basic education - plus self-esteem and "healthy choices" instruction - to at-risk young women (no… girls ! from kindergarten to age 18 or so) throughout Guadalajara; we saw young men who have given up drugs and voluntarily determined to change their own lives at a group home…

And much, much, more. There will be more stories - and pictures - soon. And the Festival will continue, next year. If you would like to take part in a seriously fun "vacation with a purpose" (remember DG Charlie's speech?), watch for the news, and be prepared for an unforgettable experience.