2004 June Newsletter

Columbia Pacific Hosting/Departure News THANK YOU, HOST FAMILIES & VOLUNTEERS By Bernice Schuchardt

June 2004

The year is quickly coming to a close. I would like to thank all of the volunteers who willingly set aside weekends and evenings to support our exchange students and their families. You have made your contribution towards world peace. Thank you to our volunteers who have worked as area leadership members, group leaders, chaperones, have housed students for overnight, been drivers for outings, spent time counseling with families and students, organized and held special activities in their homes, went out on interviews, helped find host families, and in all have spent many, many hours making sure our exchange students had a memorable year. Thank you to all our host families! You have opened your homes and hearts to our students from around the world. You have been there for them, helped them celebrate their joys and achievements and also stood by them through difficult times. This is not the end of your relationship. Most of you will continue to keep in touch throughout the years, and many of you will meet again either in their countries or here in the USA. I know from past experience. I am leaving for Italy on the 30th of June to visit my AFS students who lived with our family in 1978-79 and 1993-94. I have two very special Italian daughters and two Italian grandchildren who have a special place in my heart, and four other special sons and daughters from Greece, Ghana, Peru and Costa Rica. I have visited all of them and several have visited me. We are also in contact through e-mail and phone calls. So when you say “goodbye,” just remember it’s not forever—your exchange students will most likely remain your sons and daughters for a lifetime.

The end of the year is upon us! It seems like the year has flown by. Now you have reached the point where you need to start packing for your return home.

JUNE 27 STUDENT DEPARTURE! 3:00 to 4:00 at Lents park is a point of departure and goodbye’s from family and friend.

What’s next? The students will spend time together as a group waiting for the bus. They will be invited to join in activities or permitted to just hang out and chat with friends. They will be fed. Sometime that night the students will be bused to a central location in Seattle. There they will meet with any other students in the Pacific Northwest (including Alaska) who traveled with them from their natural country for their return flight home. Again, most will have time to shower before their flight. Some may even have time to nap. It all depends upon their flight schedule. AFS will provide food for students in transit. If you have any questions about the bus trip, please contact the trip chaperones. Maggie Frieske at 503 659 7958 or by email: [email protected] NOTE: This information will also be posted on our website at http://afscolpac.org . Thank you once again for all that you have done to make this year possible for your student. We hope that you will continue to stay connected with AFS by joining our world-wide family of volunteers.

AFS T-Shirts and CD’s AFS T-Shirts and CD’s for the 2003-2004 host season are available for host family through Ron Combs. If you are interested in either one or both please call Ron 503-777-8117 or E-Mail

[email protected]. Please give shirt sizes.

Student News From Mohammad:

A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO A HOST MOM By Yulia Fabrovska “It can be so difficult to be alone in an unknown country; stay with an unknown family which speaks a different language. It is impossible to show my gratitude to some people who worked so hard to help me not only when I felt bad, but everyday. One of those people is my host mother Deane. You would have to read this article for a really long time if you would like to find out all the good things she did for me. On Easter in Ukraine people are going to the church at night to bless the food in their baskets. Deane was very kind to take me to the church. The service lasted for couple of hours during which we were not aloud to sit and most of it was in Ukrainian. She was there all the time. I do not think I could make it, to stand at night and listen to the weird language not understanding what are people doing and why. And this was not the only time when she did that for me. She has always been a person I could lean on when I had problems and be sure that she will help me. She would also share my joy, too. There are no words in the world to say how thankful I am to her and how lucky I feel for having had such a wonderful host mother. Now I have two mothers.

Photo of Meng Sirirattanaphonkun from Thailand (2002-2003) becoming a monk. Meng attended Tillamook H.S. and lived with host dad Don Shenenberger. Don tells us that Meng will become a Buddhist monk for 8 days, which is what many Thai boys do.

Time Goes Fast, Graduation what a Word. Time is going so fast, faster than anything I have ever experienced.... faster than lightning, faster than sound,.... faster than cars, trains, and aero plans, so fast that I thought, that I just came here yesterday... or maybe I never came at all... maybe this was actually a dream... maybe I am still in Egypt, back there at home... no wait that can't be true… I remember memories, I see faces… I look at my self in the mirror, I see someone different... Someone who looks older and more mature, than I ever was… some one that is not me…. I know that I have been there; I have lived all this year. But it just feels that it was a day or a week, it doesn't feel like it has been a year, and now they are telling me that I have to go. And suddenly my heart started to cry… I have to leave now, leave forever. And then this was the moment when I wished that time would freeze. That time would go so slow like the matrix, that every second would be like a new day. But then reality just hit me again. it made me realize that I might come back someday, I am sure I will… my second family will always be here waiting for me… my friends will always be my friends… maybe I will never see them again…. But they will always be in my heart …. And then my heart smiled again… because I just realized that even if I leave… they will always be there with me… there, deep in my heart. Written by: Mohamed Ibrahim EL-Naggar, Egypt YES-AFS 2004 **************** Graduation, what a word! A moment that everyone waits for and at the same time wishing it never happens. It’s a mix of feelings and emotions. You feel happy that you are done with high school, and that you are moving to the next level of your life. At the same time, you feel this sadness, of leaving home and leaving all your friends. Its like a puzzle that has no solution, it’s a riddle that you can't solve. That’s how graduation felt. It’s a feeling that doesn't exist in our vocabulary, a feeling that has no name. A feeling that you can describe, but at the same time you can't. It’s a moment in which everything seems to be over, and at the same time it feels like you just started, it’s a new journey and a new adventure. To me graduation will be even more complicated than that. I knew I was leaving, leaving forever. Who knows if I ever come back again? I was scared, scared of this moment. I wanted to cry, but I didn't. I felt I was strong I am a man. Men don't cry. But I still felt sad. But I didn't let this feeling take over me. I decided I was stronger, so I felt happy, happy for everything and for everyone. Happy that I am done and that my friends are done. And then I realized something. I realized that I already choose to take that step, much earlier before that. I choose to come here, and leave everything back there at home. And this time I will be the one to take that step again. A step to my new journey.

From Gabriele:

First is from "Prom" and it's a picture of my self, my date (Karissa) and her dog (Karmen) ;

Second picture has been taken before the graduation ceremony and I'm torturing my friend John;

Last but not least a picture of me and Shiori right after the last AFS orientation.

Volunteer spotlight We are blessed with a leader among volunteers. Ron combs is one of the hardest working people in the northwest. Ron’s wife Pat also helps with several events including the Christmas party where she provides that fun Bingo game with Holliday characters. You will find Ron enjoying himself at almost all of the events because he is a part of the excitement and not on the sidelines. This is evident when you look at the pictures in this newsletter.

Student News ASHLAND

Early Saturday, May 8, 23 AFSers and volunteers departed from Portland in a rain storm on their way to Ashland for the weekend. The plan was to arrive in Ashland mid-afternoon, get situated in our rooms and just enjoy the city. The rain stopped shortly after we left Portland and we had no more rain until Sunday evening. We stayed at the Plaza Inn & Suites and from the comments below, you will see everyone loved the hotel. Saturday evening we all met and had dinner together at the Jade Dragon Restaurant, and then everyone spent the evening just hanging out, playing cards, hot tubbing, and working out in the exercise room. The hotel provided peanut butter and jelly, milk, and chocolate chip cookies each night. Sunday was the day we seen the plays: The Royal Family and Comedy of Errors. Before going to the evening play, we had a pizza party in the hotel’s snack room. Monday morning we headed home. Special thanks to our drivers: Brenda Langer, Maggie Frieske, Lynette and Rebecca Ledgerwood, Ron and Pat Combs, and Garry and Marilyn Hays. Special thanks goes out to Marilyn Hays for putting this trip together and for doing such a great, efficient job.

Here are some comments from the kids who attended: “Great trip! I loved it. The hotel is awesome and the plays were terrific. Too bad we were there for such a short time.” “I really enjoyed spending time in Ashland. I loved the plays so much. I wish we could spend more time in Ashland and see more plays.” “Not only were the plays strikingly beautiful, but these kinds of trips also brings AFS kids together. Everything was

so great that it seemed to be a dream. I wish more people would come and we could spend more time together.” Yuliya Fabrovska from Ukraine “The Ashland trip is going to stay in my memory forever. I enjoyed the plays. Also I enjoyed spending time with other AFS students because I know that it is not much time left for us here…so that was just wonderful.” Lola Aminova from Uzbekistan

“I thought the trip was great! I liked the plays. The hotel was great. I liked it how we were free to go and explore the city. I would do it again!!!” Noemi Giuliette from Belgium “I had a lot of fun this weekend. It was a real blast. I particularly liked having the freedom to do pretty much what we wanted to do (within reason)—like going shopping, hot tubbing, or sleeping in some cases. I really enjoyed the two plays that we saw. They are both very entertaining. All the students (I think) enjoyed them equally as much.” Tegan Hastings from Australia “I think that, generally, the trip went very well. I really liked the fact that we had some free time to go exploring or just sit back and relax. It is always a good idea to leave free time. The choice of shows to see was well chosen. Both were traditional Shakespearian plays and also a classics but in plain English. I wondered whether the old English would prove to be a difficulty for some of the students, but I was delightfully surprised. Everyone really seemed to enjoy themselves and had a great time! My suggestion….a hotel with a hot tub and a swimming pool!!! [The Plaza Inn had only a hot tub] Holly Nunn, USA, a host sib Lola Aminova has found out how PR and advertising pay off in the USA. Lola completed the Red Cross Babysitting Class, made up a resume for herself, passed them out in her neighborhood (host parent along), and within two days had two babysitting jobs. Way to Go! Lola. These skills came in handy when Lola served as Junior Counselor at Outdoor School this spring.

(FLEX might consider hooking up with Red Cross to have students take this class. It's a FLEX-acceptable way for them to make money and also meets kids and adults in their neighborhoods. According to Lola, it would not be acceptable for her to do this in her country. It's just socially not acceptable there for kids to be out looking for work.) Yuliya Fabrovska has chosen to spend one of her school class times as a peer helper in a classroom of multihandicapped students. She works and plays with teenagers with many different levels of handicapping conditions. Yuliya's been a rousing success. Lana's (Younglove) students look forward to Yuliya's arrival every day, and compete for her attention. Its especially nice as one student comes from a Russian-speaking home, and with Yuliya's English-Russian skills, we've had a chance to compare whether the student's level of understanding is language based or IQ based. Thanks Yuliya for all you are and for all you do. We will miss you greatly when you return home. (Yuliya returned home in May). Fee Schaefer (Washougal, WA via Germany) and her partner Reeva Webberley finished first in the district playoffs for tennis doubles. They earned the right to play in Seattle in the state tournament. They did not do as well there but they did win half of their matches for a 7th place finish. They had a wonderful time and Fee said the experience was the “best ever” and she will go home to Germany with a 1st place trophy from district and wonderful memories. Matti Kolehmainen, Finland played for Washougal High varsity soccer this spring. Having never played organized soccer before Matti had a remarkable year. He played in many of the games and received honors as the most improved player at the end of the season. Congratulations Matti for the courage to make it happen. CONGRATULATIONS TO FRANCISCO GARCIA AND WIFE KELLY ANN Congratulations to Francisco and his wife Kelly Ann on the birth of Ana Francisca Myers Garcia on April 21, 2004 at 12:23 a.m. She weighed in at 7 lbs. 11 oz. and was 20 inches long. Francisco is a long-time AFS volunteer and a former AFS staff member. He has been a chaperone and van driver for Pendleton Roundup, and many times a group leader.

Student News The following essay is one of the exciting reasons why the FLEX program will be around for ten more years and the benefits it provides.

Trip to Washington DC

All FLEX students had special competition in October 2003. In order to go to Washington DC and participate in the Close Up program, we were supposed to write a good essay and receive positive recommendation from one of our teachers in high school. Around 1200 FLEX students participated in that competition, but only 126 were selected; I was selected too. It was a one-week program at the end of February. It was one of the best weeks in the US for many FLEX students. We had many different activities: meetings with senators, representatives, politicians, important people; visiting historical places, monuments, museums, theater, neighborhoods, memorials; participating in seminars, workshops, conferences, presentations, TV show, etc. We discussed many issues: economics, democracy, government infrastructure in both the USA and former Soviet Union countries. FLEX students were divided into 6 groups, with around 20 students per group. Our workshop (group) leaders were very helpful, and one of them will come to visit us in our countries. It was such a great week, and many students did not want to go back. In general, it was very useful for all FLEX students. I hope that experience, which I received in Washington DC, will help me in future. Volodymyr Kovalchuk, Ukrayina

My essay I came from Ukraine, country, which little more than 10 years ago was in structure of Union of Soviet Socialistic Republics. So, in the United States of America, in those times USSR was called Russia, and many people did not hear about Ukraine. Some people thought that it was a part of Yugoslavia or somewhere in Asia. For Americans, Russians were bears with nuclear weapons, and for Russians, Americans were imperialistic hawks. And

a miracle, which 10 years ago was fantasy, happened. I, simple citizen from former USSR, am studying in the USA. And now the question: for what all this must be? I think it must be. First, the USA historically, geographically, economically, and culturally in main are separated from other countries of our planet. Historically, because modern US is very a young country in comparing with other well-developed countries. Geographically, because it is situated far from most countries, and the USA is separated by oceans from them. Economically, because it is the most well developed country in the world with biggest gross national product and income per person. Culturally, because American culture is a mixer of Native American culture, culture of first European immigrants, African immigrants and of immigrants from the entire world. What does it tell us? It tells us, that complex separation from the rest of the world creates ignorance in other nations about the USA, and ignorance, as all unknowns, creates misunderstandings and fear against power of the USA. Does the USA need it? No, the USA needs respect, understanding and approval. Second, Americans don't know much about life in other countries, especially, in post socialistic countries. This makes it difficult for the USA to create the correct policy towards our countries and it makes it hard for the USA to understand the politics and results of reforms in our countries. From my being here, benefits are for all named sides. But the biggest gain is for me. During the school year, I have an opportunity to live with an American family; to study in American school; to participate in different American activities; and to develop my English language skills. It can help me, after arriving back home, to promote American achievements, to tell everybody that people, not hawks, live in the USA. Then, while studying in the university, I can read books and magazines in English, which can develop my knowledge even more. When I start working, the experience received in the USA, knowledge of English, and additional knowledge will help me. Besides, if I work with a citizen of the USA, it will be easier for me to understand him and work more productively with him. All this will help other students and me to influence on Ukrainian reforms and politics. And now some words about contributions. Investments grow, if there is well-developed investment infrastructure and favorable politics. This is in main and now more specific.

My being here potentially will result in 4 types of investments. First, my knowledge, received while studying in high school; my cognitions, received while living in the USA; and my experience, received while participating in different activities, will be invested in Ukraine. Second, investor can be somebody from the USA. Other FLEX participants and I can influence on developing of invest infrastructure and politics by creating and participating in it. Third, investors may be from other countries. Countries, which had exchange students in the USA. It can help us to understand each other and find common interests. All these can help to realize investment projects successfully. Fourth, investors can be in Ukraine. They will trust us, FLEX students, and commit to realize investment projects. While being here, I am learning not just culture of the USA, but also the cultures of 27 different countries. I am learning it from other exchange students. And they are learning from each other and me too. It is real exchange. In future it will make easier to cooperate with each other. Everybody knows the phrase: "beauty will save the world" (by Dostoevsky, Russian writer). Beauty, in general, is what is nice for your eyes, but in the wide sense - it is what pacifies the soul by way of understanding, mutual help, and collaboration - this is harmony of relations. This program helps bring together separated nations. Other participants and I are elements of this process. More elements - better and faster result. In time quantity will proceed in quality. At last, all these show that this program give good results for the USA, Ukraine and other countries. There are no losers everybody is winner. We, the youth, will make reforms and politics in the future. That is why this program is a successful investment in future of the USA, our countries, and the whole planet. Conclusion, this program must continue not 10, but 20, 30, 40 etc years more, so, my children, grandchildren etc. can come to the USA. P.S. Thank you very much, Americans, for your high-minded cause. Come to us. For beginning, as guests. Volodymyr Kovalchuk, Ukrayina

Upcoming Events JUNE 27 STUDENT DEPARTURE 400 p.m. at Lents Park Students must be at the designated drop off point between 3 & 4 o’clock. At this point, students will say their last good-byes to their family and be taken to the site of the Departure Orientation. Although it is difficult to say good-bye, it is VERY important for everyone to let go. When a helper asks you to load your luggage into the truck or board the van, please comply. We all realize how difficult it is to say good-bye. Students will NOT be permitted to make phone calls, and we ask that friends and family not contact the students before they leave the country.

Portland Metro North/Northeast Portland Monday July 26 7 PM Sandy-Milwaukie-Estacada Wednesday July 28 7:00 PM Portland Metro Westside Thursday August 5 7:00 PM Portland Metro Southeast Monday August 9 7:00 PM

ongoing support to all participants (host families and students and school) throughout the year to optimize the relationship and intercultural learning opportunities for all parties. The liaison achieves this learning by helping facilitate communication and understanding between the host family and student and sometimes school though not as often.

Washington North - TAB Oregon Coast - TAB Columbia Gorge - TAB Tillamook Sunday August 8 2:00 PM Longview/kelso Saturday July 24 10:00 AM

Directions to Lents Park S.E. Portland at 89th and S.E. Holgate Blvd. From I- 205 South take exit 17 Turn left

Tuesday, July 20 at the Sisson home, 8810 Beacon Ave., Vancouver, 7-9 p.m. Directions from north or south: nd onto Powell, go to first light turn left onto 92 go From I-205: Take I-205 to Hwy. 14. to first light turn right on to Holgate park will Exit west toward Vancouver onto Hwy be on your left about two blocks. 14. Take the first exit, Leiser Rd., and head north up the hill. From I-5: Take From I 205 North take exit 19 I-5 to the Camas exit. Head east on Division/Powell Stay in right lane towards Hwy. 14. Take the Leiser Road exit Powell turn right onto Powell get into center nd (about 4 miles) and head north up the lane go to first light turn left onto 92 . Go to hill. Then: at the 4-way flashing light Holgate that will be the first light turn right. Entrance to the park will be on your left about on Leiser Road, turn right onto St. two Blocks. Helens Ave. In a couple of blocks Should you get lost, call Ron Combs on his you'll see a parking lot on the right. cell phone: 503 – 314 – 5243 Park there. Look for the two-story house on the east side of the lot at the Host Family Orientation Schedule for corner of Beacon and St. Helens. 2004 Lost? Call Mary, 360 695-9148. They are fun, informative and required! In order Monday, July 26 at the home of to comply with CSIET (Council on standards for Susan Riggs, 3239 NE 20th Avenue, Portland, 7-9 p.m. International Exchange and Travel) RSVP. Please contact Chris Requirements, each host family must have an orientation cradler at 503 287-6601 or Susan separate Riggs at 503-287-0585. from the initial home visit interview. Host families Wednesday, July 28 at the home of deserve the opportunity to meet with others who Maggie Frieske, 14951 S.E. El Rancho Rd., Millwaukie, 7-9 p.m. RSVP 503 659-7958, are plunging in to this life-changing experience. We want them to feel supported and informed. Monday, August 9 at the home of Bernice Schuchardt, 4806 S.E. Long, We all benefit from sharing stories and I informing new families of the expectations and Portland, 6:30-9 p.m. I will have subsandwiches available for dinner. guide lines. Please make sure the families you have RSVP 503 774-4161 recruited feel supported and informed. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Encourage them to attend one of the orientations listed. If Contact Bernice Schuchardt at 503 775-4161, [email protected], for you other volunteer opportunities. are an "experienced" host family and would like to share your expertise with Student/Family Liaison - This others, we would love to have you join the individual works with one student and delivery side of orientations. one host family by maintaining monthly contact with each party. The liaison Vancouver-Battleground Tuesday also periodically contacts host school. By doing so, the liaison provides July 20 7:00 PM

Aunt/Uncle Family - A family or individual that spends time with the student on a regular basis in addition to the host family. For instance, may take student for a weekend trip, hiking, or out to a movie or ice-cream. ((August 11 - 13 – Lents Park Orientation Site for August 14 Orientation - to be announced) Contact: Ron Combs, 503 777-8117, [email protected]. Host families (Gateway Families) for next year’s students. A Gateway Family hosts for 1-3 days and transports student to orientation site on August 14. To find out more about volunteering for arrival or departure, Ron is happy to answer any questions- 503-777-8117. COLUMBIA PACIFIC LEADERSHIP TEAM MEETING SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY July 12 Our next Leadership Team meeting will be held on Monday, July 12, at the AFS office, 506 SW 6th Ave., from 6PM to 8PM. All leadership team meetings are open meetings. All are welcome to come. For more information call Ron Combs 503-7778117 or E-Mail [email protected]. IOF PICNIC – Sunday, July 25 The Independent Order of Foresters has extended an invitation to all AFS families, volunteers, and friends to come to their annual picnic which will be held on Sunday, July 25, at Oaks Park. Hamburgers, hot dogs, beverage, and ice cream will be provided. registration fee of $1 per person will be charged. If you want to go on the rides, ride bracelets may be purchased for $5. Bracelets will be valid all day. Contact Ron Combs, 503 777-8117 to register E-Mail [email protected]

Hosting Page Columbia Pacific Hosting 2004-2005 There have been and will be some staffing changing that you need to be aware of. Our dear Sara Vandepeute is on her way to DC with Rodrigo, where Rodrigo will enter Graduate School and Sara will be finding a new niche. We will miss her, but we are fortunate to have a familiar face taking over for her. Cliff Johnson, who used to be Northwest Hosting Coordinator, will be the new Field Coordinator for Columbia Pacific and two other teams. Cliff has been serving in the same capacity for Southwest teams, but decided he would rather cover the region he lives in and reduce the amount of traveling away from home and wife. Welcome Cliff! We have also lost our wonderful Margena, in Admissions, whose experience was "gifted" to the Central States Region--an area that has suffered many staff changes. We look forward to working with Sybille Langer, who is catching on real fast in Admissions. We are still seeking host families to fill out our hosting commitments and assist the region with some of the "overmatrix" students who will be coming. The "overmatrix" students present a particular problem and one that is sometimes hard to understand. We make an Area Team Commitment for hosting and sending numbers 1 1/2 years before the kids arrive or go, in order to plan budget and so our partners can anticipate our needs and we theirs. In order to meet numbers, we have to build in a certain attrition rate. Some students do withdraw; change their mind or "rollover." Unfortunately, the national withdrawal rate is higher than the historical withdrawal rate in the West, so we end up with a few kids who haven't really been spoken for or committed to. They are coming and they will need homes. Keep Asking! We have found the single very best way to recruit a new host family is to ask them. People often won't answer newspaper or waiting room ads; a few people do actually call us, but more often than not, it is that personal persuasion--telling your own story and wanting to share the joy that convinces a new family to say yes. So I encourage all of you to keep a sheet of bios and AFS material handy and bring it out when there is a lull in the conversation--at work, at play, at church, in the neighborhood and at social gatherings. Speaking Peace--talking about the mission of AFS is easy these days because there is so much war, violence and terror being reported--we can be the counter. We need exchange now more than ever! We each can be the change we hope for this world. Look over the bios. Think of families with and without children (they don't have to have high school siblings to make a "perfect" family!) Think through your list of friends, business associates, relatives (even in other parts of the US--there are kids to place everywhere!) and see if there is someone who might fit one of these kids. A family with adopted Chinese Children; a great teacher who might make a wonderful host or liaison for one of our teachers; a newly retired teacher looking for some way to be involved in a new volunteer venture. We need host families and we also need Aunt-Uncle Families and Liaisons. Our goal this year is to have our liaisons and aunt-uncle families in place before arrival. If someone you talk to doesn't think now is the right time for a hosting commitment, try to get them to say yes to being an Aunt-Uncle. Schools are closing so we need to move quickly to secure school slots. There is an advantage to local chapter or cluster taking "welcome" ownership of a given student. If your neighborhood wants to adopt a student and assign them to a school, please let us know. We'd prefer permanent placements, but we will consider Welcome Family Placements, as needed. We prefer a welcome family be willing to host for a minimum of 6 weeks, three months is better. It gives us time to secure the permanent family and allow some stability for the student. Sometimes Welcome Families decide they can't give up their "welcome student" and of course they are given first dibs to keep the student. Welcome family placements enable us to secure the school slot and allow the student to begin the visa process, while we search for the permanent home. It narrows the focus of the recruitment process and does have the advantage of local investment. Our new staff is available to assist in any way they can. If you need materials to distribute; assistance with AFS Online; coaching on how to ask; or other questions that may come up, please call on us! Sally Ann Wells, Volunteer Hosting Coordinator, (503) 452-1868; [email protected] Field Coordinator: Cliff Johnson at (503) 241-1578 ext 1574; [email protected] Admissions Advisor: Sibylle Langer at (503) 241-1578 ext 1525; [email protected] The following "mini-bios" are the current students in need of placement. Every one of these students deserves to know who their family is and begin corresponding with them before they leave their country. Won't you please help be the change we need in this world?

Shanna is a YES Scholar from Indonesia Shanna is an avid sports watcher, and enjoys Formula 1, tennis, American football, and Italian soccer. She also loves organizing events, and every year helps plan the biggest music festival in Indonesia, which more than 20,000 people attend. Shanna loves to be engaged with the world, whether through social work, event planning or debating at school. Her closest friends say that she is "nice, understanding, very patient, open-minded" and smart. Shanna is an extremely creative girl, who says that growing up in a place as diverse as Indonesia has made her very open. Her extended family members are all very close, despite coming from different religious backgrounds. Nurullah YES Scholar from Turkey Nurullah plays basketball three times a week, goes for a jog every day and works with computers. He's on the basketball team and is training for the athletic championships. He's the president of the student foundation and an active member of Greenpeace. Nurullah is very trusted and respected by his family. He considers himself a trustworthy person, capable of making mature decisions regarding his life and future goals. His friends say he's empathetic, easy going and he makes friends easily. Nurullah grew up in Kocaeli with his father, a teacher, his mother, a teacher and his younger sister. He has attended boarding school for the past 3 years. His counselor says he's "mature, independent and has a natural talent to make new friends." No pork. Norodin, YES Scholar from the Philippines Wally is very active in the performing arts, as a dancer, singer and public speaker; he loves the works of Shakespeare. He is also the VP of his student government, and is involved in the local "Clean and Green" environmental cleanup program. Despite being so heavily involved in his community, he is a dedicated and successful student. Teachers describe him as a natural leader, and he makes friends easily. His parents call him a courageous optimist who believes in himself. Wally requires access to a mosque. Wally lives with his father, stepmother, caretaker and six siblings in Cotabo City. They are surrounded by farmland, on which the entire family works. They are demonstrative, busy, and religious; education is very important to them. For religious reasons, he does not eat pork.

Kurumi from Japan Kurumi plays the piano times a week and listens to music almost everyday. She is an assistant for her school's volleyball club. As an assistant, she throws and collects balls for the players. She enjoys taking care of the team. She said her family and friends would describe her as shy. She gets nervous when she talks to strangers, but likes making as many new friends as she can. She is compassionate and thoughtful, and always feels better when her relationships are going well. She lives with her family in Takaoka, a rural town with many famous sites. She is excited to travel abroad, meet new people and learn a new culture. She would like to make friends with many people and teach them about her country and her culture. Daniel from Australia Daniel's main passion is basketball, and he spends at least 3 or 4 nights a week at practice or at games. He travels quite a bit through basketball. He also surfs and explores the outdoors. He'd like to study sports psychology when he gets older. Friends and family describe Daniel as open-minded and easy to talk to. He is kind and values open communication. He's a leader within his peer group - teachers say that he's outgoing, involved and motivated as a student and as an athlete. Daniel lives with his father in Rosebud, Victoria. They have a relationship of "complete trust and loyalty," according to his father. His family values leadership and self-discipline. They have established a balance between freedom and responsibility. Chalit from Thailand - Welcome family in The Dalles Soccer is Yui's favorite hobby and he plays every night with his friends. Another interest of his is badminton. Yui is also musical and plays in a Thai classical band that consists of 8 members. Yui plays a 2-string instrument called "Sau Duang." Yui says his friends describe him as friendly, amusing and someone with a sense of humor. His father says he is flexible and easily adapts to new environments. He has a good relationship with his family and is given much independence. Chalit's nickname is Yui. He was elected the leader of the soccer club at his school because he is good at coordinating and sharing with others. In the future Yui would like to study communication and later work in the tourist industry. Wasu from Thailand 16-year old Wasu goes by the nickname "Mai". She plays Thai instruments such as Kim and Thai flute as well as practices badminton. She enjoys cooking Phad Thai and fried rice, and loves to eat American food. In her free time she draws cartoons and reads. Mai's family describes her as shy at first, but once you get to know her she is "friendly, flexible and gets along well with others". She says she adjusts well to new environments and is ready to learn new things. Student is allergic to dust. Mai lives with her parents, grandparents, uncle and brother. Her father is a bank manager and the family has a fruit garden with three types of fruit. In the future she hopes to be either a pharmacist or an economist and continue her study of English.

Yevgeniya a FLEX Scholar from Russia Yevgeniya, who goes by the nickname "Jane", has won school championships in volleyball, running and table tennis. Her hobbies include watching teenage movies, needlework, reading, modern dancing, listening to pop music and racing horses. Jane describes herself as a very social and openhearted person who is responsible, fair and tolerant. She says she always tries to be amiable, easygoing and a good communicator. Her friends say she has a great sense of humor and is very entertaining. Jane is an only child who lives with her mother. She has many relatives that live nearby with whom she spends a lot of time. In the future she would like to study either international relations or psychology. Natalia from Paraguay - School Placed in Sandy High School Nati's is very active in many sports, but she spends the majority of her time with the school volleyball team. She also enjoys dancing. She's the vice president of her church youth group and the president of her class at school. Leadership comes naturally to Nati because of her talent at working with and for people. She is fun, outgoing, and cheerful, and loves people. She has a friendly and confident nature. She's also a diligent and responsible student. Nati lives in Asuncion with her parents, grandmother, brother, and his brother's wife and 4 children. They often spend weekends together, going to church and sharing meals. They ar busy during the week with their independent schedules.

Rattiya Visiting Teacher from Thailand matched to Trillium Charter Tick spends her days teaching at a primary school. She teaches 3 hours of English, 4 hours of computers and 1 hour of Scouts. She then goes home and has dinner and watches TV with her family. On weekends, she likes to go visit with friends and relatives. Tick describes herself as a friendly, helpful and caring person. She says that her parents tell her that she is flexible, self-confident and has relates easily to all sorts of people. She also likes to talk to people and learn about their experiences. Tick was born on 10/20/1970. She loves pets, and can live with a family that has cats and/or dogs indoors. Tick lives with her parents in a large house with a nice yard. She has two brothers who live close to home, and have their own families. Tick is very excited at the prospect of learning new teaching styles from her American counterparts. Temsiri Visiting Teacher from Thailand for Springwater Trail School Nokyoong enjoys aerobics & jogging 3-4 times a week. She's always learning new things to keep her students informed;enjoys travel,meeting new people,reading &movies. She drives 20 miles to work each day to teach English to her 7-to-12-year-old pupils. She's grateful for her mom's influence, saying her teacher mom has inspired her to travel & broaden her experiences. Nokyoong's colleagues describe her as "friendly, warm, active, flexible and reasonable with high responsibility." Nokyoong lives in a village of fewer than 4,000 people, most of whom are farmers, shopkeepers & government employees. Her dad and older brother both died several years ago; she now lives with her mom, two dogs & one cat.

Student Pic’s

AFS COLUMBIA

PACIFIC Bernice Schuchardt 4806 SE Long Portland, OR 97206

SAVE THE TREES AND POSTAGE Want electronic newsletter? E-Mail Bernice at [email protected] Want souvenir/scrapbook hard copy snail mail? E-Mail Sally Ann at [email protected] All others will be able to find the newsletter on the ColumbiaPacific website: Http://www.afscolpac.org

Check us out on line at: Http://www.afscolpac.org

The Calendar Sunday, June 27

Departure at Lents Park (p. 1)

Sunday, July 25 Sunday, August 1

IOF Picnic – All AFS families, volunteers and friends invited. Register with Ron Combs, 503 777-8117. $1 registration fee includes food, ice cream, and beverage. (See p. 2 for more details) NEWSLETTTER DEADLINE. Submit to Bernice Schuchardt at [email protected]

Monday, August 9

Host Family Orientation at Bernice Schuchardt’s home, 4806 SE Long, Portland, phone 503-775-4161.

Saturday, August 14

Arrival Orientation for 2004-2005 students. Site to be determined.

Thursday, August 26

Welcome Picnic at the home of Garry and Marilyn Hays (more info in next newsletter)