Home Hospitality

by Rtn Alice Gowa

My husband and I enjoy hosting a great deal, so hosting the fun loving yet serious Muhabuura was a such a great Joy and delight. I take keen interest in building new relationships and discovering hidden talents, skills in people from an observatory perch.

Like any event, it took careful planning and thinking through as this was our very first time we were having the rotarians over. We went through the menu several times cross checked that we had support staff, logistics and the rest was left to God a and prayed to God. Afterall you can only control the things you have power over.

Come D day, God orchestrated a good turn up, good food and beverages and eventually we all had a good day.

What did I learn?

A home hospitality with just the buddy group brings people together in a safe and sound environment. People are more relaxed and the atmosphere is great for bonding which is difficult to achieve in the 1 hour fellowship once a week. I got to learn more about my buddies and net work more about my Floriculture business. I also discovered that there were several things I did not know about Rotary and the information shared around the tables was very useful.

If I was to do it all again, what are the things that I would do differently?

1. Being a female dominated buddy group, issues of leaving behind children was noted and should be thought through well

2. The gender disparity was glaring. I should have invited more male non rotarians to balance the equation

3. A more intentional strategy of marketing Rotary and its benefits.

4. Make the day more involving with more team building games.

5. Have a themed day (back to the 60’s etc etc)

Maybe it is the post covid realization that indeed us humans crave for meaningful relationships and social interactions that makes for a serious case about home hospitality!