2008 November Newsletter

NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2008

HOSTING/SENDING NEWS Winter tends to be a rather quiet time for hosting, but the quest for families is really never-ending. We often have need of interim homes for vacation or counseling situations and we hope to place two or three semester students arriving this winter. School spots are limited for these mid-year arrivals, but if you know of a family who may want a shorter hosting experience, please pass their names on and we will be happy to begin the process with them. We will check with the school to determine the availability of a school slot and work with the family to either host now or in the Fall. In addition, we may have need of replacement or second semester families for some of our participants. As always, please ‘speak AFS’ and promote the mission of AFS—peace person by person, family by family. This is a good time to acquaint yourselves with the hosting process because it is not so frantic. Please be in touch, if you would like to begin learning the hosting ropes. We currently have two families reviewing students arriving in January. This would be a good opportunity to accompany an experienced volunteer on a hosting interview and assist with the placement process. Give a call! (503) 452-1868. Sally Ann, Interim Hosting Coordinator

NEW SENDING COORDINATOR—Emily Leis Greetings AFSers! My name is Emily, and I’m the new Sending Coordinator for the Columbia Pacific Area Team. Along with arranging student interviews with volunteers, I also help prepare students for their AFS exchange. Having lived overseas, I know the mixture of worry and excitement that students face before heading abroad as well as the many faces of culture shock. So feel free to come to me with any concerns about the adventure that lies ahead or even just to swap stories. Hope to hear from you! Emily Leis, Sending Coordinator

THE CHAIR REPORT—Bonnie Richardson-Kott Calling all volunteers! Would you or do you know someone who would like to become actively involved with AFS? Would you like to start an AFS chapter? It’s easy. All you need is a chairperson and a treasurer and lots of enthusiasm for intercultural exchange. Our “area team” consists of several chapters who commit to hosting and supporting a certain number of students each year. The chapters and area team also help recruit, interview and support students who would like to study abroad. As we head into 2009, AFS is going to be focusing more on developing local chapters and relying upon volunteers in each chapter to carry out the functions of the exchange experience. But in order to make the chapter-based focus a success, we need dedicated volunteers. I personally think that locally developed chapters is the way to go. Bernice S. has been heading up the Southeast Portland chapter/cluster for many years and she and her volunteers have been very successful at managing their small group of students. In particular, we are looking to set up chapters in Southwest Portland and Beaverton. We’d really appreciate any volunteer leads you’d be willing to share with us. AFS, as a nonprofit organization, is unique in that it doesn’t require money or fundraising from our volunteers as a measure of success; it just takes dedication, time and a commitment to making the intercultural exchange experience the best it can be for our young leaders of tomorrow. Email us at [email protected] Bonnie Richardson-Kott, Columbia Pacific Area Team Chair

Bonnie and Valentina

COLUMBIA PACIFIC NEWS New Liaison Coordinator—James Spears Liaison Corner Greetings liaisons. I hope you're all doing well and enjoying the calm before the holiday storm. This is a special time of the year for us to share with friends, family, and our AFS'ers as well. Already a month has passed since Camp Adams, and we're well into our support year. If you haven't yet filed your student AND family reports for both September AND October, please get with your chapter president or with me for any help you might need. We really should be checking on our students and their families on a monthly basis to assess their progress with the adjustment process and to identify any school issues. After three months incountry and in-family, some of the deeper cultural learning is beginning for both the participants and their host families. They all benefit from the fresh perspective of a caring Liaison. And AFS must have those monthly reports of contact on file in order to meet State Department requirements. This time of year brings the joy of sharing traditions of the holiday seasons with our exchange students and exchange teachers: caroling, baking, family gatherings, theater, concerts, religious observances, holiday lights, home decorations, holiday cards, etc. As the Liaison, you are another link to American culture for your student and often can provide some additional perspective to add to his or her understanding of life in the U.S.A. Please make the most of it (for your benefit, too!) On an administrative note, we have added a Liaison Page to the Area Team's web site (www.afscp.com). From the main page, follow the link for current volunteers, then select "Liaison Page". If you're having trouble accessing AFS Online for your monthly reporting, you'll find contact details for the folks who can help you with your log-in information. Or you can do your monthly reporting directly at the Area Team's web site if you're having trouble with AFS Online. You'll also find a Liaison Toolkit, which might come in handy when you have questions or need help with a support issue. Hopefully you'll find the page to be useful. If you have any suggestions for additional content or links that other Liaisons might find useful, please pass them along to me. Happy Holidays! James Spears, Area Team Liaison Coordinator, [email protected]

AFS Global Leaders Scholarship Elizabeth Pederson Receives AFS Global Leaders Scholarship to Study Abroad New York, NY – Elizabeth Pederson, a Dalles Wahtonka High School student from The Dalles, OR, has been awarded an AFS Global Leaders scholarship. AFS Intercultural Programs/USA has been a leader in international high school student exchange for more than 60 years. Elizabeth will receive a $3,000 scholarship to study with AFS in Costa Rica, where she will gain firsthand knowledge of what it is like to live as a member of a family, school, and community in another culture. Each year, AFS awards more than $1.5 million in scholarships and financial aid to help make it possible for students to study abroad. AFS also makes it possible for all kinds of families in the United States to have international experiences by hosting outstanding students and teachers from abroad. For information about AFS scholarships, financial aid, study abroad programs, or how you can host an AFS student from another country or volunteer in your community, call 1-800-AFS-INFO or visit www.afs.org/usa. Rymmel Lovell, Columbia Gorge Chapter

VISIT OUR WEB SITE, WWW.AFSCP.COM! Don’t forget that we have a great resource for both host parents and exchange students at our web site, www.afscp.com. You’ll find current and past newsletters there as well as pictures from AFS events. Visit the site now to see the first picture ever taken of you and your host family at Arrival Orientation. The online calendar is a great source of information. There’s a quick list of all of the mandatory orientations. Remember, AFS ColumbiaPacific’s website is www.afscp.com. James Spears, Area Team Webmaster 2

YOUR AFS WORLD Spotlight on Kyrgyzstan—Raima, Kyrgyzstan My name is Raima. I came to America from one ◄ Kyrgyz-ui (yurt) of the youngest countries in Central Asia. It is Kyrgyzstan. My country is situated on the Northwest side of China. Kyrgyzstan became independent in 1991, ► Komuz— August 31. The capital of Kyrgyzstan is Bishkek. My National music country was one of the members of the Unit Soviet instrument until 1991. Kyrgyzstan is 17 years old, despite its age my nation is one of the oldest nations. The first origins about my country were found in China 2000 years ago. During its history Kyrgyzstan submitted to Mongol authority. The power of Chingizhan had spread in All Kyrgyzstan is country of mountains. The confluence of the mountains Central Asian countries. And now, appearance of Kyrgyz similar with the are like chain of separate hills create the favorable conditions for the appearances of Mongols, especially lines of face. climate, nature and life of people. The sparse kinds of medicine grasses, plants and flowers you can find in the mountains. My departure to America changed my life completely. Rate of life became more quickly. The days are busy. Every single day I want to try something new for me. During 2 months in America I already knew more minutely about the customs of Americans. I was on the Baby shower . It was very interesting for me. This tradition was known me in Kyrgyzstan, when only girls or women gather together and wish each other happiness, give presents for the future Mum and thank God for the baby. ▲ Kyrgyzstan White House

▲ Ala-Too square in Bishkek

There is enigmatic version that in the beginning of our history Kyrgyz lived on the territory of Russia, more exactly on Yenisei’s( river in Russia) space. The appearance of Kyrgyz of that time was absolutely different in comparing with present‘s. They had red hair and blue eyes. Historians of Kyrgyzstan often have an argument meaning of word “Kyrgyz”. One of the version is “Kyrgyz” means “red valley”, the second version is “ 40 tribes” and the basic version of scientists is “40 girls”. Until present time academics argue about it, but the most of the agree with the last version. Every year Kyrgyz people celebrate country’s Birthday. We have parades, shows and concerts, fireworks initiation into Independent Day of nation. Another popular holiday in Kyrgyzstan is Noorus. Noorus is New Year by Muslim calendar. We celebrate it March 21. People visit each other, then on the main square of the town people lead different kinds of cultural events like dances, songs and theater performances. All of these activities became part of our tradition. There are many things representing tradition of Kyrgyzstan. For instance, kalpak is main hat for men , komuz is national music instrument and Kyrgyz-ui ( yurt) is a native dwelling of Kyrgyz. By the ancient custom a mother-in-law always puts on a white kerchief to the new bride and gives the gold earrings to her or the mother of a new baby can not carry out the baby during 40 days. The next incomparable wealthy of Kyrgyzstan is nature. The immense spaces of fields, the snow tops of mountains with the majestic arhars ( wild sheep) or snow leopards, the purl of the streams fading in a blue and limpid Issyk-Kul make up the beauty of Kyrgyzstan.

▲ Nature of Kyrgyzstan

▲ Issyk-Kul Lake

A camp was a great experiment for me. Outdoor school became the first camp in my life. In Kyrgyzstan I have never been in any camps, There I was a counselor and I had 5 girls. Work with 6th grades is so funny. They are so smart. I liked to play and joke with them. Before I have came , I could not swim. Although I am 16, I was afraid the water a little bit, but now when I registered to the swimming class, I can swim even under the water.

▲ Kyrgyzstan Snowy Mountains

▲ Naryn River

I think, my year in America unfortunately will finish very fast. I try to take pleasure of every single moment and show myself in different spheres which about I have not ever thought. For example, swimming class or bowling. The same time I am representing my country. I share with people about Kyrgyzstan. I tell them about customs, traditions, holidays and history of Kyrgyzstan. So, I would like to spend one of my greatest year as possible having many good impressions about America as representing my country. Raima, Kyrgyzstan ▲ Kalpak—National hat for men

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YOUR AFS WORLD Why did I come to the US? - Philip, Germany I choose to come to the US because I always wanted to travel to the USA. When we were given the opportunity in my school in Germany to I also got to meet my family in Arkansas, James family. It was so different sign up for an exchange year and I couldn’t say ‘No’. I took the piece of from Oregon I can’t tell but I could feel it. Both, Tami’s and James family’s paper home and discussed it with my parents. Both of them were very are such a sweet family. confident. I mean, it’s a huge opportunity to live for one year in a foreign country and it will affect the rest of your life. I also think that you will not be the same person as one year ago. Your views will change about certain things that you were never thinking of before. What a great opportunity! I mainly came to the US because you hear in Europe a lot about America. I really wanted to travel to the US, someday and I really wanted to improve my English. But through my exchange year I am not on a “Vacation”, I am now a part of the way of American Life.

Before I came to the US, I already had my host family and was emailing with my host mom Tami Spears. It was so nice of her and James to send me a Web album so I could really imagine how everything looked like. One day in May, I was brave enough to call my host family. I remember it like yesterday. I was really nervous because I never had a Telephone conversation in English before. When my host mom said “Hello”…I was so happy to hear her voice. As I answered “it’s me Philip”…She was screaming “OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH”. I thought the phone was flying through the house. Couple of months later I got an invitation from James to join Facebook. I had never heard about Facebook before so I asked my dad if I could sign up for it. He said yes. I was so excited. Every day I was always waiting after school to the evening mail to see if my host mom or my host dad would be online. It was literally driving me nuts to wait so long. As I chatted for the first time with my host mom, I was so excited. We were just chatting for hours and our subject would change. Sometimes we chatted till 10PM (German Time). So I had to go to bed because I need my sleep. As I awake the first thing I would do was to check my e-mails for mails from Tami or James and I’d go online on Facebook. It was kind of funny if I went to bed the day for Tami and James had just begun. If I came back from school the day for them was over. I also had a clock in my computer that showed me the time in Oregon. I think through the e-mails and chatting on Facebook I’d really built a good relationship with my host family. My father in Germany was a little bit worried about the chatting and e-mailing all the time. He thought we wouldn’t have any Subjects to talk about when I come to them. As I finally met them in Camas it was so AMAZING to see and hug them after four months of waiting. I really couldn’t wait to go to my new hometown McMinnville. I was so excited. It was just so weird for me to see the Interstate signs and that we’d drive slowly on the interstate. In Germany you can drive as fast as you want. So as we were finally home I was so happy. I got to meet the Dachshunds Madison and Kennedy. I was really excited to have two dogs as pets because in Germany I’ve never had a dog. The two cats Lily and Darby were so cute. I had a cat in Germany. The day after my arrival in McMinnville I got to meet my American Grandma and Grandpa. The sister, Brother-in Law and his daughter were there. It was so exciting to get to know my whole new family. We had an American BBQ and it was so delicious.

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Well after the vacations were over and I had to go to school I was really excited. I thought there might be some students who will ask me about Hitler. That was my biggest worry. I heard from one previous exchange student that this happened to him, as he was in Brazil. But my first day of school was just a horrible day. There was a problem with my schedule so during my third period I had to go see my counselor. Because of this, I missed lunch. I was starving! Now the school is such fun. I just enjoy the variety of classes that we don’t have in Germany. I’ve made a lot of friends and yesterday the swim practice started for me. That was very tiring. But I enjoy being in the swim team and I hope I’ll make even more friends.

I always thought that Americans and Germans were almost the same but now after three months in beautiful Oregon I know that there are some differences. One example is that Americans have Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. In Germany we have Breakfast, Dinner and a light evening meal. That’s one thing I had to get used to. The other thing I noticed was when we went to a Restaurant. I noticed that the people around me were eating with one Hand and the other Hand was underneath the table. In Germany we eat with both Hands. I really like the state of Oregon and the variety it has. It’s so amazing to see a beach and behind the beach is a forest that is just incredibly beautiful. The variety of waterfalls is just so cool. It’s just the prettiest state I’ve been to. I hope I come someday with my German family to Oregon for visiting my American family. I’m having the greatest time in my life. Philip, Germany

YOUR AFS WORLD Why did I come to the US? - Andreas—Denmark It was in the end of 8th grade, when I was starting to think about what I should do after I graduated from 9th grade. I had an Idea that I was going to go to a “camp school” for a year, before I went on to the Gymnasium (Danish equivalent of 11th, 12th, and 13th grade), which is normal for most students in Denmark. My mother, later on, then told me about the possibility of going an entire year to a foreign country. The idea of doing this got me very exited, and it sounded like a fantastic opportunity to have the year of my life. I searched for all the organizations that offered exchange years in other countries. When I had to choose a country at first, I was very eager to go to New Zealand, or Australia. These countries were all booked up, so I changed my first priority to USA. I have always seen a lot of Hollywood movies in Denmark, and the impressions from USA have been many. So it seemed as a natural choice to try living in the “country of opportunities”, and see if cars, buildings and everything else really is a lot bigger than in Europe. I applied for a lot of organizations at first, like EF and my education. I even completed interviews with some, before I checked Sirius’ reviews of the different organizations. After reading the statistics on EF, AFS, YFU and rotary is was clear that AFS was the best choice! AFS’ procedures of accepting exchange students ran smoothly along, and some months later, after visiting the embassy and going to the local pre-orientation, I received a mail saying: “Hi Andreas, AFS in USA have found a possible host family for you. Though it is a somewhat untraditional family, since they’re homosexual”. This is probably the most anticipated mail I have, or will ever receive. I read the attached description of Robert and Curtis, my host family, and ran downstairs to tell my family the good news. My family at home and I, are not religious or judgmental, so I had absolutely no problem with my host family being homosexual. If anything I saw it as a new and different experience from having a mom, dad and siblings. The fact that I share just about every interest with my host family, was a big bonus! Here I am now, about 2 months later and my host family has already provided enough rich experiences in these 2 months, that I would be satisfied if all of it had happened over the course of the entire year. They have let me in, in a way that I have never experienced with other people than my family at home, and they are truly the best host family I could wish for! Experiencing all the stuff I do over here, really makes me want to bring that experience to other people, and make them realize as I have, that a year abroad with AFS is truly a unique experience! Andreas, Denmark

Why did I come to the US? - Lucia, Spain Why I decided to come to America? Well, that's a good question, I actually choose Australia but the school year is completely different, and then they told me that it must be only for six months and I really want to go for a whole year, (i thought if I'm going to go, it has to be complete, i don't want to half just of my experience). So I had to choose another country, England was to close, South Africa to dangerous, so America! Why not? But why I decided to be on an exchange program? I was very bored of doing every day of every year the same thing, go to the same school in the same car, with the same teacher and the same friends, in the same house, in the same town, with the same trees... So I just want to change everything, start a NEW life. Also, my older brother did it, only for a couple months, and he had a great experience it changed his life, and every time that I heard him talk about it I wished I could do the same thing, have problems, adventures and fun stories to tell. And as final point, I really want to travel, learn languages, meet new people with different perspectives of the world and get to know better other cultures. So with all of this, a lot of insistence to my dad, a little of money and goodwill, I'm here, and very happy to had taken this decision. Lucia, Spain

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS—$20 We still have Entertainment Books available. Money raised from the books will help on the Seattle trip expenses...mainly the hotel. The books cost $20 and checks should be made out to AFS and mailed to: Bernice Schuchardt 4806 SE Long, Portland, OR 97206 Here are some of the bargains: • 50% off at Airport Shuttle

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50% off on one SUPER WASH at Classic Auto Wash Safeway has four $5 coupons good on any grocery purchase of $50 or more.

GRAPEFRUIT SALE In late October/November AFS sells grapefruit. The grapefruit costs between $13-$15 per box. Delivery is usually the first week in December; deadline for ordering will be in mid-November. If anyone is willing to help with this sale; i.e. take orders, promote more community involvement, etc., please contact Ron Combs [email protected]

DeNicola’s Italian Restaurant—a $13 coupon.

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YOUR AFS WORLD Spotlight on Georgia—Ketevan, Georgia Hello to every AFS newsletter reader. I am Ketevan, exchange student from Republic of Georgia and I have the honor to tell you about a country with ancient history, traditions, gorgeous countryside and the oldest religion. This is “The Mystery of the Caucasus.” This is Georgia. Bordered by the Caucasus Mountains to the North, the Black Sea to the west, Azerbaijan to the east, and Turkey and Armenia in the south, Georgia is at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. It is a land whose geographical position with its exquisite beauty has always attracted an excessive number of conquerors. It has suffered at the hands of Arabs, Mongols, Seljuk, Turks and numerous tribes from the North Caucasus, but it has always been rebuilt. Despite a lot invasions and occupations of their land, Georgian people proved extraordinarily tenacious in maintaining their own language, religion, traditions, and culture which dates back to the Bronze Age. Georgian poets and writers were writing masterpieces with our language (which is one of the 14 world alphabets and the oldest known inscriptions in Georgian script is dated c. AD 433) one of them is Georgia’s “Golden Age” writer’s poem “The Knight in the Panther’s Skin” which is considered

possess the land which we deem the most beautiful in the World. When God was distributing portions of the World to all the people of the Earth, the Georgians were having a party. They were singing, dancing and toasting to God, for friends and for love. As a result they arrived late and were told by God that all the land had already been distributed. But Georgians were not worried about this. They did not want to bother God and they offered God a glass of wine to drink for peace and for them. God was surprised by their braveness and beauty and gave the Georgians the part of Earth he had been reserving for himself. And this “paradise” has the very beautiful capital city Tbilisi which reveals its charms slowly. “In the morning walking along the banks of the Mtkvari River, you will think you are grasped the essence of the city that’s somewhat akin to Florence on the Arno. Later, on Rustaveli Avenue you’ll come upon the Moorish-style Opera House and you’ll think of the Mezquita in Cordoba. Both are correct. The city is neither entirely European nor entirely Asian. You, like so very many before you are standing at the crossroads between these two great continents. This “crossroad” has a small town called Khoni, where I am from. It is a small town but a big family where almost everybody knows each other.

our national epic. Generally art is in Georgians nature. Polyphonic folk songs and dance will surprise you. Georgian dance is a reflection of our history. It will tell you different stories about men and women relationships and how men respect females. In many aspects we can say that our culture is based on our religion. St. Nino of Cappadocia brought Christianity to Georgia in 330 AD and after this religion is the vital strength of my country. A lot of Georgians suffered for their belief but did not deny it. There are numerous churches both old and new whose amazing We are proud of our seventh century church, 150 -year-old beautiful park and that we live in the city where an educational level was always high and where several famous Georgians were born. There are a lot more things I want to tell you about Georgia, but I think you should visit this country and experience them by yourself. Remember, you are always very welcome! P.S FLEX is a Future Leaders Exchange Program. I do not think that it is necessary for FLEX students to gain high positions in a government, but I think that it is necessary to be good ambassadors of our country this year and be very helpful when we return. It was too difficult for me to leave Georgia, because just several days before our departure Russian’s troops bombed our one of the big city which is very close to South Ossetia, the part of Georgia which is a fight between two neighbors _ on the one side a huge Russia and the other side small Georgia. It would be too complicated to explain the circumstances but I need to say that everybody was concerned about this deliberate act. Russians troops were in Georgia until recently. But at last they left Georgia and I am happy and proud that we are still as brave as our ancestors. I hope that this is the last time not only for Georgia but for every other small country to deal with these kinds of problems. I hope that in the 21th century everybody will be more civilized. I want to thanks to every country which supported Georgia, among them is the US.

architecture illustrates the deep meaning of the Georgian religion. Georgia is considered as a homeland of wine. We cultivate over 500 grape varieties throughout the country. It is an ancient art. Hugh Johnson in his book Vintage: the story of wine has this to say: “the oldest pips of cultivated vines so far discovered and carbon dated were found in Soviet Georgia, and belong to the period 7000-5000 BC.” I think this oldest “art” defines one of the main characters of Georgians. I feel free to say we are among the most hospitable people on Earth. One day if you will wake up in Georgia by chance you can knock on any door for directions and you will find yourself five seconds later with a glass of wine in hand and an invitation to stay with this family as long as you need. After this I think you won’t be surprised if I tell that friendship is the greatest virtue for Georgians. We are a very brave nation and our history is the confirmation of this. Georgians are proud and fiercely individualist, we would give Appreciate and thanks, everything for freedom. We want to be as beautiful and free as our nature is. Georgians themselves tell the following story about how they came to Ketevan, Georgia

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WHAT THE STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY... What did the Students have to say when they were asked the following questions? 1. Did you dress up for

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Homecoming week?

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Hippie Dress—Juulia, Finland I dressed all in RED—Vera, Germany Pajamas (very cold!), ninja pirates, opposite gender, sports and green— Lucia, Spain

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Crazy Fan Day—Philip, Germany

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Camouflage—Tomas, Brazil

All Black for Senior colors—Nazumi, Japan I wore sport shorts on the outside like Superman because the theme of our homecoming was super heroes! Maggie, Thailand

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A dress in country style—Carlotta, Italy

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Ugly sweater, hippie, jungle animal, Rome coming, & color war—Ellen, Germany

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Toga Day—Karolina, Chili Duct Tape Day—Monica, Costa Rica

2. Favorite American Music Band?

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Underoath—Killian, Germany

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West City Boys—Vicki, China

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System of a Down & Linkin Park— Daniel, Austria

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Jack Johnson—Juulia, Finland; Tomas, Brazil

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Sushi—Killian, Germany; Juulia, Finland

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Raw Vegetables—Vicki, China

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Crabs—Raima, Kyrgyzstan

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An Elephant ear because at the time I ate it, I thought it was a real elephant ear.—Tomas, Brazil

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I eat everything with syrup & ketchup even the bagel.—Maggie, Thailand

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Bread with butter at dinner time— Carlotta, Italy

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An Olive—Diane, China

Pussycat Dolls—Philip, Germany Savage Garden!!! - Maggie, Thailand Those Dancing Days—Carlotta, Italy Rocker—Diane, China Bon Jovi—Ellen, Germany Simple Plan—Warat, Thailand Beatles—Karolina, Chili Norah Jones—Tiantian, China

Dance Team—Karolina, Chili Mock Elections—Tiantian, China Group Dynamics—Monica, Costa Rica

5. Have you dreamt in English? Not yet :((( - Juulia, Finland; Daniel, Austria; Killian, Germany; Nazumi, Japan; Lena, Germany; Karolina, Chili

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Yes. It felt very good.—Vicki, China

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Yes, the first time that I dreamt in English it wasn’t exactly English. I was saying a word and I knew that the word was wrong but I continued saying it even though no one understood me. It was very frustrating.—Lucia, Spain

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I dremt in English when I was at Outdoor School. It was really strange for me when I recognized it.—Raima, Kyrgyzstan

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Absolutely! - Philip, Germany

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I dreamt partially in English once— Carlotta, Italy

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Yeah...that’s soooo scary...i dreamt that I talked with somebody but he couldn't understand me at all. I felt really tired when I awoke because I explained all the time in my dream— Diane, China

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I haven’t dreamt since I have been in the US—Ellen, Germany

PE Class—Lena, Germany

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Soliloquy Club & English Class— Maggie, Thailand

Yes. I even think in English sometime—Tiantian, China

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Yes all the time about crazy things, I can’t explain it.—Monica, Costa Rica

A croissant with a sausage inside for breakfast—Lucia, Spain Deep fried pickles—Philip, Germany Root beer. It smells and tastes like a band-aid.—Nazumi, Japan

Greek Food—Karolina, Chili Artichoke—Tiantian, China Peanut butter sandwich—Monica, Costa Rica

Lunch—Killian, Germany Football & Soccer games—Vera, Germany The Drum line—Daniel, Austria Soccer—Lucia, Spain; Tomas, Brazil; Ellen, Germany

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Nature Class field trip & Choir—Raima, Kyrgyzstan

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Swim Team—Philip, Germany

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Football—Warat, Thailand

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Cheese Sticks—Vera, Germany

4. Favorite school activity?

• Backstreet Boys—Raima, Kyrgyzstan; • Nazumi, Japan

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• • 3. What is the strangest thing you • have eaten in the U.S.? •

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Dave Matthews Band—Vera, Germany

Diane, China

Black Eyed Peas—Monica, Costa Rica

Art Class—Nazumi, Japan

Theater—Carlotta, Italy

Yes, my first dream was 1 week ago and since then I always dream in English! - Vera, Germany

Just a small dream—Tomas, Brazil Very often & once I dreamt that my natural family were talking in English! Maggie, Thailand

Diversity Club & International Club—

Do you have a question you would like to know the answer to? Email it to me. [email protected] 7

CAMP ADAMS—Post-Arrival Orientation Post Arrival orientation CAMP ADAMS October 12th and 13th For the post arrival orientation, all 47 exchange students from 22 different countries, living in the Columbia pacific area team met in Camp Adams OR. We had a great COLD time. The strangest thing, for me, was to speak Italian again. After 2 months of English, to listen to an Italian conversation sounded so strange and unusual... On Saturday afternoon we practiced cutting our pumpkins for Halloween, we enjoyed doing funny face, and we did a very good job. On Saturday evening almost every student shared something about their own country. People sang, danced, talked about their country and played instruments. Someone brought also some typical dress, like Kimono from Japan. After our performances the dance started, and at 11 the dance was over. We were also divided into groups to talk with AFS volunteers about any problems we could have so far with our families and at school... We passed two enjoyable days together, two very cold days. I really liked when we had to share countries, it was very interesting, and it let me understand how beautiful the world is… In Italy we say: “Il mondo é bello perché é vario” → “The world is beautiful because is different”. Do you also say it here??? Emily, Italy

Hi, I'm Teya from exchange student from Thailand. I very enjoyed in all of activities in Camp Adam!! I never used to do carving pumpkin for Halloween before because in Thailand we didn't celebrated in this day. So this is the first pumpkin I did and I have a really good time. I and my friends from Thailand, Joe ,Maggi, Patty ,Tan and my host sister, Erika we work together and do you know, this is the good chance that I and my host sister have a great time together. While we carved the pumpkin, my host father touch me how to be a good carver and he touch one word that really funny," Hoy Hoy Hoy....", and it very useful it's make me carved the pumpkin better. I, my friend and my host sister have a good time in this camp. Thank you AFS. Teya, Thailand

Camp Adams was one of the most memorable experiences for all the AFS exchange students, host siblings as well as AFS volunteers and staff members this year. It was a two-day camp in Molalla city. There were forty-seven students from twenty-two countries and we had a great time together. The credit for the fun we had at the camp goes to our volunteers, staffs and our very dear host families obviously. AFS staffs and volunteers were very helpful, they helped us in solving our problems, we discussed about school, life with host parents, safety, we talked about the differences amongst our countries and the USA, and we also talked about the ways in which we all were similar. After all that discussion, we had an amazing time carving pumpkins. Carving a pumpkin was the most exciting thing for me because I had never carved the pumpkin before. We worked in teams and we did an awesome job. As a reward, got candies and gums. Then we took all the lit pumpkins outside in the dark and that was quite a sight! Sunday night was the cultural night. We all presented the glances of our countries. We had students from countries like Germany, France, India, Spain, Norway, Finland, Thailand, Japan, China, and many others, which I wasn’t acquainted with. I particularly liked the presentation by Thai students. After cultural show we had a blast at the dance floor and we danced till midnight. And next morning we were saying good bye to each other, anticipating our next gathering together. Alas! Our host families came to pick us up. At the end I would like to thank all the AFS volunteers, staff and host families for arranging such a wonderful camp for us. Tahseen, India

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It was October 11th and 12th when we arrived in the middle of nowherewelcome to Camp Adams! We were all happy to see each others after a long time (Pendleton)…. We went together in our groups and talked about our experiences so far in the US. It was actually pretty interesting to hear all the problems of the other exchange students. I realized the first time that I have really a good host family and a nice place in Portland. One of the highlights of Camp Adams was the pumpkin carving. We made funny faces of it. For our surprise we get prices (bubblegum and mints) for it! After that we had dinner and then we learned something about the culture from the other exchange students! Some sang their national anthem, others showed pictures, traditional dances,… Another fun activity was the dance! But there is no dance which could beat Pendleton! *Jiiiiiiiiiiiiiiihaaaaaaaa* Over the night most exchange students slept or not too in wooden houses and it was really cold! Then we talked again what we should and what not. And then we had this amazing potluck! It was so delicious and Juulia and me felt so bad after it because we ate too much Brownies! That was our 2nd Orientation and we really enjoyed it!!!

YOUR AFS WORLD Veteran’s Day Parade Veteran’s Day Parade – My, was it wet! But it did not dampen students, Monica from Costa Rica and Giulia from Italy; with our spirits. Thanks to the efforts of Barbara Rogers and the Laura, Monica's host sibling; and Elina from Sweden and Tammy Vancouver-Battleground Chapter, we had a good turn-out for the from Germany (other exchange programs)—thanks for your ‘esprit very rainy Annual Veteran’s Day Parade. We brought honor and recognition to the Veterans who we consider to be our Founding Fathers—the volunteer ambulance drivers of WWI and WWII. Unfortunately, our local hero, Driver Robert Dodds was not able to attend this year.

▲ Mimi, Caitlin, Sally Ann, Barb & Host Dad Mike Soller

d’corps,’ Rymmel! Camas-Washougal was represented by Valentina and Giulia from Italy who were graciously transported by fellow school chum, Devin. ▲ It was a wet Veteran’s Day Parade

Vancouver Chapter was well-represented with Barbara Rogers, her granddaughter Caitlin and friends, Morgan, Crystal and baby Jonathan; Barbara and John brought their college host daughter, Jesse from China; and a new volunteer Shane Todd joined us. Rymmel Lovell came in from The Dalles with her two

▲ Volunteers make it happen

Thanks for making the trip! Portland was well-represented with Jan and Dennis Burkhart bringing their hosted son, Emilio from Argentina; Mike Soller bringing his two hosted daughters, Maggie from Thailand and Kayo from Japan; Mami from Japan and Andreas from Denmark rode with Sally Ann to round out the group of hearty souls. Did I mention it was really raining? But we all had fun at the pizza party afterwards. ▲Marchers carrying the colors

Sally Ann Wells

Outdoor School—Raima, Kyrgyzstan I went to Outdoor school. I had a great week. It is my first experiment with kids. I've never been in any camps. I was a counselor. There were 35 counselors. Most of them are seniors. I had 5 girls. They were not from Tillamook. We lived in cabins with only three walls. Every single day my group had recreation. It could be olympics, games, archery or boating. It was so funny. All time I participated with my girls. Also I helped to my teacher. There were 2 other exchange students (Russia and Italy) . I met a lot of new friends. Some of them go to my school. Before I came, I had not met them. Now I will know. In the evening we had a camp fire. We sang songs. We had a teacher with our kids, too. When all counselors went to stuff room , we have had deep talking with each other. In the last day I was crying , I will miss my girls very much. Raima, Kyrgyzstan

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VOLUNTEER NEWS/DEVELOPMENT We are excited about the national AFS re-structuring as it relates to Volunteer Development. (See letter from National Board Chair) Damayonti Rowe has been assigned as our Western Region staff member dedicated to volunteer development and retention. We are thrilled with this vote of confidence by national to dedicate a regional staff person, in each of our three regions, to work with Volunteers for recruiting, training, and retention. Be watching for new developments as Damayonti settles into her new position. We are still searching for the right person (s) to take on the task of Hosting Coordination for our Area Team. It may seem like a monumental job, but as we work to involve more local volunteers as “local coordinators” in the Portland Metro Area, the coordinators job really can become one of coordinating—working with local volunteers for the attainment of our hosting goals. We have strong volunteers in place throughout most of our area team: The Gorge; Lake Oswego; Camas-Washougal; Longview-Kelso; Vancouver-Battleground; Northeast Portland; Southeast Portland; North Clackamas; Columbia County; Yamhill and The Coast all have coordinating volunteers in place. (there is always room for more!) Each chapter/cluster hosts one to five or six students and may send one or two. The local coordinator makes contact with the schools; follows up on hosting and sending leads; tracks paperwork; arranges interviews for host families; and then has fun with the local families and students at planned occasional social gatherings. Simple and fun, right? We can do this! The tiger we need to tame is Portland Metro West, Southwest and Beaverton-Hillsboro (and beyond.) A significant portion of our students are traditionally hosted in this area. We have 16 hosted in the area, this year—easily three or four clusters. The schools in this area tend to be flexible and open to placement. What we need are volunteers to take on one or two schools and work with area volunteers to recruit, interview and support the hosting and sending in their local school area. Our team is open to suggestions that any of you may have for attaining this structure and recruiting new volunteers who might be willing to take on a small portion of these activities. In addition to Westside development, we are always in need of new volunteers to work with both hosting and sending, on the local and area level. If you have an interest in even a small part of hosting or sending; supporting host families or natural families; working with students at orientations; chaperoning optional activities and events, please let Sally Ann ([email protected]) or Bonnie ([email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> ) know of your interest. You can begin the volunteer registration process by entering this link: http://www.usa.afs.org/usa_en/focus_on/volunteer Sally Ann Wells, Volunteer Coordinator

Open Volunteer Positions—Area Team and Local Chapters Area Team Volunteer Positions: Area Team Chair-Elect

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The AT Chair-Elect will be elected and serve for two years, assisting the AT Chair and filling in for the AT Chair when s/he is not available. At the end of two years, the AT Chair-Elect will take over as Chair and the AT will elect a new Chair-Elect. The AT Chair is responsible for coordinating the operation and management of the AFS program, maintaining a quality AFS program, and pursuing opportunities for the growth of AFS within the AT. AT Chair presides at all meetings of the AT and acts on behalf of the team. The AT Chair also serves as the principal liaison between the AT and the Regional Service Center for procedural and policy issues.

Area Team Hosting Coordinator (AT HC)

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principal liaison between the area team and Liaison the Regional Service Center for procedural ∼ The AFS Liaison is a volunteer identified as and policy issues related to host family the primary contact for an AFS participant finding and student placement. for the duration of their program. As such, the Liaison has a role that is extremely Local Chapter Volunteer Positions: important in maintaining the communication link between an AFS participant and the Chapter Chair AFS organization. Liaisons are key to the success of the AFS support network by ∼ The Chapter Chair advises and manages providing ongoing community friendship chapter volunteers in goal-setting, and support for AFS students and their host recruitment and support activities. The families. The Liaison serves as the “first Chapter Chair also facilitates regular responder” in the communication network contact among the local AFS community. connecting with the local AFS volunteer leadership and staff as needed to provide Chapter Sending Coordinator participant support. ∼ The AFS Local Chapter Sending Coordinator develops and implements a student recruitment plan that meets local Team goals and ensures adherence to AFS -USA standards and mission.

The AT HC is the area volunteer with the Chapter Hosting Coordinator principal responsibility for coordinating ∼ The AFS Local Chapter Hosting volunteers, returnees, and schools in the Coordinator develops and implements a recruitment for and implementation of the host family finding plan that meets goals AFS hosting program in the area. As such, and ensures adherence to AFS-USA the AT HC facilitates and monitors the standards and mission. recruitment of area host families and student placement process, and works to develop and support local hosting volunteers. The AT HC also serves as the

AREA TEAM Chair Bonnie Richardson-Kott Chair-Elect OPEN Treasurer James Spears Hosting Coordinator Sally Ann Wells (Interim) Sending Coordinator Emily Leis Orientation Coordinator Ron Combs Support Coordinator Bernie Gerhardt Volunteer Coordinator Sally Ann Wells Liaison Coordinator James Spears Returnee Coordinator Lynette Ledgerwood Newsletter Editor Tami Spears Website Coordinator James Spears CHAPTER/CLUSTER COORDINATORS Beaverton/Hillsboro/Aloha Linda Landreth Columbia Gorge Rymmel Lovell Columbia County Charlotte & Mike Kocher Lake Oswego Lorie James McMinnville/Yamhill County Tami & James Spears North Clackamas Maggie Frieske North/Northeast Chris Cradler Northwest/Southwest Sally Ann Wells

The Calendar 2008-2009 NOV 15 AFS AREA TEAM MEETING – Airport Shilo Inn Restaurant, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM NOV 23 SOUTHEAST CLUSTER MEETING—Meeting for SE cluster, their liaisons and aunt/

uncle families. Michele Vixathep home. RSVP Bernice Schuchardt [email protected] NOV 27 THANKSGIVING—Enjoy the family time. DEC AFS AREA TEAM MEETING – Date, Location and Time TBA DEC 6 EAST SIDE CHRISTMAS PARTY – The party will go from 6 to 10 PM, 89th and

Division SE Portland, Ron Combs (503) 777-8117 DEC 15 NEWSLETTER ARTICLES DUE—Articles due to Tami Spears [email protected] JAN 24, 2009 MID-YEAR ORIENTATION – REQUIRED – This is a required event for all AFS

students. Franciscan Earth Montessori School, Southeast Portland. JAN 24-25, 2009 SKI TRIP – This is an optional event. Students will leave after the Mid-Year

Orientation. Must be Pre-Registered. FEB 22, 2009 WORLD QUEST COMPETITION – Lewis & Clark Campus, Sally Ann Wells (503)

703-8223 MARCH 7 LEWIS & CLARK COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL FAIR—Portland MARCH 8 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS—”Spring Forward” - Turn your clocks ahead 1 hour MARCH 9 NEWSLETTER ARTICLES DUE—Articles due to Tami Spears [email protected] MARCH 23-27 OREGON SPRING BREAK MAR 30—APRIL 3

WASHINGTON SPRING BREAK

APRIL 24 EARTH DAY MAY 2-4, 2009 ASHLAND SHAKESPEARE TRIP – Ron Combs (503) 777-8117 Must be Pre-

Registered. MAY 10 MOTHERS DAY—Don’t forget your Moms! MAY 16, 2009 PRE-RETURN ORIENTATION – REQUIRED – This is a required event for all AFS

students. Columbia Presbyterian Church, Vancouver, WA MAY 25 NEWSLETTER ARTICLES DUE—Articles due to Tami Spears [email protected] JUNE 6 PORTLAND GRAND FLORAL ROSE PARADE JUNE 21 FATHERS DAY—Don’t forget your Dads! JUNE 28, 2009 END OF STAY ORIENTATION – REQUIRED – This is the end of stay. Lents Park,

Portland, OR

Southeast/Gresham/Sandy Bernice Schuchardt Tillamook/Oregon Coast Sue Cudd Camas/Washougal Ruth Ladage Vancouver/Battle Ground Bernie Gerhardt Longview/Kelso/Toledo Debbie Erickson YES/FLEX Student Coordinators Maggie Frieske Rustam Kocher Rymmel Lovell Visiting Teacher Coordinators Barbara Rogers Jerrie Nelson Sally Ann Wells

FG  Dear Host Families, Liaisons, Volunteers, Returnees, Students going Abroad, and Friends: Columbia Pacific AFS has recently made the decision to discontinue mailing hard copies of the newsletter due to the high costs. The exception is our present students, who will still receive a hard copy. This decision went into effect with the March 2008 issue. Future newsletters and earlier editions will be available on www.AFSCP.com. When at that site, go to “View Newsletters”. When viewing the newsletter from this site, you will find everything in color, including photos! Enjoy!!!!! Peace,  Tami 

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AFS COLUMBIA PACIFIC Tami Spears 1025 NE Irvine St. McMinnville, OR 97128

Want Souvenir/Scrapbook? E-Mail: Ron Combs [email protected] For more information and for our newsletter archives, visit the Columbia-Pacific website at

www.AFSCP.com