NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2008

HOSTING/SENDING NEWS

2008-2009 COLUMBIA PACIFIC HOSTING – The dust has settled and our Thai students finally arrived on September 8th. Please be sure to welcome these new participants! For this AFS hosting year, 2008-2009, Columbia Pacific has 20 boys and 29 girls from 24 different countries, attending 34 different schools. Two of these students were our winter arrival semester students from Malaysia and Chile, who have returned home. In addition we are most happy and proud to have three AFS Visiting Teachers from Thailand, Suwannee Boonchai at Trillium Charter School in Portland; Bolivia, Eva Villa at International School of Beaverton; and China, “Vickie” Zhuang Libin at Woodstock Mandarin Immersion School in Portland with us this year… If anyone would like to reach out to the teachers to invite them to dinner, concert or sporting event, please let me know and I’ll be happy to connect you to their families. We could not have accomplished this task without each and every one of you host family recruiters, lead trackers, application reviewers, bio writers, host family interviewers, school relationship cultivators, orientation leaders, student supporters, gateway and welcome families and of course, primarily, our dear host families who have opened their homes and

hearts to changing the world person by person. The staff and volunteers working together make this happen, but it is the families and the students who make it possible at all. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE HELPED IN ANY WAY! Best Wishes to all for a life-changing, wonderful year! Our 25 Countries: ARGENTINA, AUSTRIA, BOLIVIA, BRAZIL, CHILE, CHINA, COSTA RICA, DENMARK, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, FINLAND, GEORGIA (FLEX), GERMANY, HUNGARY, INDIA, ITALY, JAPAN, KAZAKHSTAN, KYRGYZSTAN, MALAYSIA, NORWAY, PORTUGAL, SPAIN, SWEDEN, THAILAND. Our 34 Great High Schools: BEAVERTON, CAMAS, CANBY, CLEVELAND, DAVID DOUGLAS, ESTACADA, EVERGREEN, FRANKLIN, GRANT, INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BEAVERTON, KELSO, LAKERIDGE, LINCOLN, MADISON, MARK MORRIS, MCMINNVILLE, MOUNTAIN VIEW, PARKROSE, R. E. LONG, SKYVIEW, SOUTHRIDGE, ST. MARY’S, SUNSET, THE DALLES-WAHTONKA, TIGARD, TILLAMOOK, TRILLIUM, VANCOUVER SCHOOL OF ARTS &

ACADEMICS, WASHOUGAL, WEST LINN, WILSON, WILSONVILLE, WOODLAND, WOODSTOCK. As always, I'd like to encourage everyone to "speak AFS" at every opportunity. We want hosting to be a privilege and joy and we'd like to get our kids placed earlier in the year, so they can be corresponding with their families before they ever arrive. That will only happen if each of us takes the responsibility to share our experience and plant the seeds for others to share the joy and challenge of promoting peace, person by person. Thanks to everyone—especially those who stepped up, late in the game, to help our other regions out with these last placements. We do have five students in “Welcome Families” who we will be working to find permanent homes for. Yes, it is a year-round process. Please plant the seeds of peace, by asking at every opportunity, if not now, then later! “YNKUYA” (You never know unless you ask!) Sally Ann, Interim Hosting Coordinator

THE CHAIR REPORT—Bonnie Richardson-Kott

To start off this school hosting year, I got the opportunity to help out at the Arrival Orientation in Camas, Washington a few weeks ago. My job was to assist our super organized and dedicated volunteer/host mom, Tami Spears with registration. I tried to concentrate on making sure all of our new students had their health forms and that each student double checked their emails, but I have to tell you, that was hard work! I was just too distracted by all the excitement in the air as the students and families prepared to meet each other for the first time. And I was having a really nice time chatting with our new volunteer/liaison Andrea who managed to get herself roped in to helping out with registration, too. But that is exactly what volunteering with AFS is all about. It's about tending to details and putting together programs and connecting people with one another, while at the same time enjoying the excitement and enthusiasm of all the kids who have come to our country to immerse themselves in our culture and learn about all different kinds of American families. Their laughter and wonderment at everything around them is infectious. As a volunteer, that is what makes AFS so much fun and that is what ties us all together. We'd love to have you come join our volunteer team. There is always something you can contribute and there is plenty of excitement and fun to share. If you'd like to become more involved, check out our local volunteer website: www.afscp.com and email us today! Bonnie Richardson-Kott, Columbia Pacific Area Team Chair Bonnie and her daughter Rosabel

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COLUMBIA PACIFIC HOSTING/STUDENT NEWS

Welcome 2008-2009 AFS Students!

▲ The Columbia Gorge Chapter had their Welcome Picnic for Monica from Costa Rica and Giulia from Italy on September 2nd, at Riverenza Court in The Dalles. We had a wonderful gathering of host families, liaisons, former host families, and AFS supporters with a delicious potluck provided by all.

▲ Photo taken at Bernice’s SE Cluster Welcome Picnic held at the home of Mark and Mindy Roddy on Sunday, August 24th. Students are Maria from China, Hulda form Norway, a guest, Oda from Norway, Mark from Hungary and Feroz from India. The SE Cluster will have two more students who are arriving in September—Chonlawit and Nutnida form Thailand.

◄ Don Sheneberger and his new, 10th hosted son Niles from Germany. They did a two state road trip. Seattle, Bend in four days.

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. You can even register for Camp Adams on the web site and save a stamp. Remember, AFS Columbia-Pacific’s website is www.afscp.com.

James Spears, Area Team Webmaster

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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. What groups, clubs and /or sports have you joined?

• International Club—Keti, Georgia • Soccer Team & International Club—

Ellen, Germany • Oceanography & International Club

and soon the swim team—Philip, Germany

• Basketball Team & Drum line—Daniel, Austria

• Vancouver Lake Crew (rowing club), Taekwondo & a fitness center—Frederik, Germany

• Soon to join the Theater Club—Dianhong, China

• Volleyball & Band—Lena, Germany • Hopefully Football—Andreas,

Denmark • YMCA and Tap lessons—Cat, India • Tennis & BMX–bike—Killian,

Germany • Volleyball—Tiantian, China

2. What is your funniest moment you have experienced so far in America?

• My Welcome Family had 4 kids and the youngest, Roman who was one and a half years old, always wanted to play with me. This was my funniest moment because it was so difficult for me to understand his English. For example.

“Vos Keti, vos!” which meant “watch Keti, watch” or “ikusmi Keti” which meant “excuse me.” - Keti, Georgia.

• While on vacation in California I forgot my swimsuit even though we talked about it the whole day.—Ellen, Germany

• While on vacation at an Amusement Park, all of my clothes were wet and everyone was laughing.—Philip, Germany

• Trip to the State Fair—Daniel, Austria • Swimming in the Pacific Ocean with my

host brothers—Frederik, Germany • Going to Bend and seeing movies with

my host family—Dianhong, China • It is funny that people in Oregon talk

funny about Americans in the Midwest.—Lena, Germany

• When I went to a pretzel store with my host dad. :-) One of them, Curtis, wanted the biggest pretzel-hotdog possible, and the lady at the counter told him that he could get the bigger one for $5 opposed to the $4 for the little one. He then responded “Wow, if I could have got 4 inches for $1 I would’ve done that a long time ago!” - Andreas, Denmark

• Tillamook Cheese Factory—Cat, India • The Pendleton Round-up—Killian,

Germany • My host family took me to a party

where everyone ware Hawaiian clothes and flowers.—Libin, Visiting teacher

from China

3. What is your strangest moment you have experienced so far in America?

• My host family had a Sushi party and I tasted raw fish for the first time—Juulia, Finland

• How the students behave together with the Teachers—Ellen, Germany

• It is strange that Americans use different units of measure than in Germany. Also, everything is much bigger here like cars, refrigerators and the Supersize menus at McDonalds.—Philip, Germany

• The first day of school—Daniel, Austria

• Every morning at an American school—Frederik, Germany

• My strangest moment is when I can understand when people talk to me in English—Dianhong, China

• That I am the only kid in the host family.—Lena, Germany

• Buying a ticket for the cinema for just $7.—Andreas, Denmark

• American Culture—Cat, India • There are so many different kinds of

people from all over the world in America, I have never been a “foreigner”.—Tiantian, China

CONTRIBUTE TO THE AFS NEWSLETTER!

The Columbia Pacific Area Team publishes a quarterly newsletter sharing information, ideas, culture, insight, and funny and/or interesting stories. Share your hosting experiences with other host families and volunteers in the area (cultural differences, heartwarming stories, etc) and encourage your hosted student to share their insight (what they’ve learned, what has surprised them, what they have found interesting, events in which they have participated, etc). And, if you have any ideas or would like to see something in the newsletter, let me know. You can view all past issues of the newsletter at the Area Team website, www.afscp.com.

Future Deadlines Dec. 15. 2008 March 9, 2009 May 25, 2009

Tami Spears, Area Team Newsletter Editor

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS—$20...NOW AVAILABLE!

The Entertainment books have arrived. The are $20. The money will be used for a Seattle trip in the spring. Contact

Bernice Schuchardt, bmschuch@aol.com or give me a call at (503) 539-8146 or (503) 775-4161.

Please pass the word around and help me sell these books. Last year our

kids had a great time!

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The Pendleton Round-up and Happy Canyon

On September 11th, the exchange students left Lents Park in Portland at 6:30 AM and headed for their big

adventure in Pendleton, Oregon. At 1:00 PM they visited the Pendleton Round-up and learned all they

could about the American Cowboy. After a hefty Western BBQ dinner they went to the Happy Canyon

Night Show. Since 1916 the Happy Canyon Night Show has thrilled audiences and become the world’s

most unique Indian Pageant. Every year over 500 volunteers come together to portray the culture and traditions of local tribes, the coming of Lewis and

Clark and the Oregon Trail pioneers, concluding with the fast action of a frontier town. Following the

pageant, everyone went to the “Happy Canyon Dance Hall” where they enjoyed deejays playing everyone’s favorite music until midnight. On Friday, September 12th, everyone awoke at 5:30 AM to have a traditional

Cowboy breakfast provided by the local VFW at Stillman Park. 10:00 AM was the Westward Ho Parade.

Then at 12:00 they were off back to Portland with a hour and a half detour around the forest fire near

Hood River.

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CHANGE—Culture Shock

Understanding the impact of cultural differences

It is nearly impossible to give a concrete roadmap for dealing with issues that arise out of cultural differences, as each case is different. Here we’ll give a general overview of the definition of cul-ture, an outline of the phases of cultural adjustment and some information regarding homesick-ness and culture shock. We hope you will find this useful as you attempt to assist participants and families recognize cultural differences and cope with the manifestations of culture shock.

What is culture?

CULTURE is a way of looking at, living in, and interacting with the world and other people. One country may include several subcultures, and conversely, one culture may span several large geographic areas and contain several countries. Culture is an integrated system of learned behavior patterns that are characteristic of the mem-bers of a society. Culture reflects the total way of life of particular groups of people. It includes everything that a group of people thinks, says, does and make its customs, language, and material of attitudes and feelings. Culture is learned and transmitted from generation to generation. —Robert Kohls, Educator

CULTURE is learned and transmitted from one generation to the next. Much of our culture we are aware of—but there is a large part that we have assimilated without conscious awareness. When we encounter a new culture, we come face to face with that portion which is visible and easily understood (movies, dress, food). The more involved we become, the more we begin to encounter those parts that are not readily seen—aspects that are sensed, but difficult to describe or even name (gender roles, use of time). It is these hidden perspectives or aspects of a culture that lie below the surface of awareness that pose the greatest difficulty in adjustment. The hidden dimensions of a culture include patterns of verbal and non-verbal communication (gestures, facial expressions, posture), val-ues, beliefs, attitudes, customs, modes of social interaction, and basic assumptions that are normally acquired in the course of grow-ing up as a native member of the culture. Individuals are unlikely to be fully aware of the hidden dimensions of their own culture thus making it all the more difficult for them to truly understand the differences between themselves and others.

Culture shock

What separates members of a culture from outsiders is that members instinctively know how to deal with situations involving the hid-den dimensions of their own culture. This lack of instinctive behavior is what results in CULTURE SHOCK — a sense of frustration, isolation, and homesickness. Students new to our culture don’t instinctively know how to recognize and interpret our culture. And we, as members of our culture, may not initially recognize cultural challenges that those outside our culture may go through. Symptoms of culture shock

• Everything is an effort. • Participants really miss familiar surroundings, they long for the comforts of home. • Participants feel very critical of their host country, culture and family. • Participants may even develop physical manifestations: headaches, stomach aches, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping. • Participants feel isolated.

Handling symptoms of culture shock

1. Recognize the symptoms as legitimate conditions that neither you nor the host family have caused and are not responsible for making go away. Provide relief and minimize any additional stress.

2. Early on, discuss culture shock with your participant, and throughout the process, normalize culture shock behavior and assure him or her that it doesn’t last forever (e.g. “It’s okay,” “What’s happening is normal,” “The feelings are there, and they are okay”).

3. Encourage “reaching out” behavior (e.g. establishing more contacts with people outside of the family). 4. Encourage the participant to pick an area of interest they have always had and to pursue that area in-depth while they are here—

or to pursue something new.

Ways to help ease distress from culture shock

1. Allow for “time-out” periods. Culture shock comes and goes. One day a participant will be fine, the next day, miserable. During this time, keep the pressure off; postpone “learning” situations.

2. Expect periodic withdrawal. It may occur because the participant is feeling confused, exhausted, or homesick. Don’t view it as a sign of rejection.

3. Expect disagreements between the host family and the participant and between the host siblings and the participant and respond to them.

4. Be prepared for judgmental remarks. If a participant if feeling very critical of his or her host community, they may make very nega-tive or judgmental statements that they don’t really mean and which don’t represent their true feelings about the U.S. or their host family.

5. Encourage extra rest. 6. Avoid “no-exit” (ultimatum) situations. 7. Tolerate your participant’s intense feelings. Anticipate some tears and accept them without feeling guilty. 8. Minimize complications and stress as much as possible. The participant may be already functioning at maximum capacity for the

moment.

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VOLUNTEER NEWS/DEVELOPMENT

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR UPDATE—AFS VOLUNTEER RE-REGISTRATION IS UPON US!

Volunteer Registration is a protection for volunteers as well as safety for our participants. Please be watching for your request to re-register. Risk management has determined it is necessary to have annual background checks and reaffirmation of the AFS Volunteer Policy and Agreement in order to provide the best protection to our volunteers and participants. Please return your re-registration as soon as you can. Volunteer Registration Services are completing the pilot project with Area Team Chairs and Volunteer Coordinators and they are hoping to launch the national registration in the next week or two. All volunteers whose background checks are more than a year old will receive the email alert with a link to the new registration process sometime in the next week or so. Please register in a timely manner, if you are currently an active volunteer. New references will not be necessary, if you are currently registered. And of course we encourage you to recruit friends and neighbors to become part of the village that supports our AFS participants. New volunteers may register by entering this website: http://www.usa.afs.org/usa_en/focus_on/volunteer Questions? If you have any questions or concerns related to volunteer registration and/or re-registration, please contact the volunteer departments team at vol.reg@afs.org

Sally Ann Wells, Volunteer Coordinator

VOLUNTEER WANTED!

• Coordinator / helper for grapefruit sale in November/December.

• Newsletter Reporters—interview volunteers and kids and write stories for newsletters.

• Coordinator / Chaperone for Optional activities and field trips.

• Group Leaders for Student Orientations

• Returnees who will be buddy / liaison to newer returnees.

• Aunt / Uncle families

• Student-Family liaisons (we still need a few assigned on the Westside)

Please email Sally Ann with your interest or nominee.

Sally Ann Wells, Volunteer Coordinator

AFS WIKI IS UP AND RUNNING!

AFS ONLINE LIBRARY IS NO MORE!

The information from the AFS Online Library has been moved to the AFS Wiki site. Please see http://www.afswiki.org, log in, and use the search box on the left to find your information. If you need a user name and password, please see:

http://www.afswiki.orgindex.phpAFSWiki_Request_New_User_Process

If the information you need has not been moved over to the wiki, please contact one of the email addresses below, by topic:

• Support - Shanell.Stephens@afs.org for AFS Online documents, Cory.Pitman@afs.org for Wiki questions

• Hosting - Katharina.Kozik@afs.org

• Sending - Karen.Zotter@afs.org

• Scholarships - Kirsten.Merrell@afs.org

• Orientation - Orientations@afs.org

• Sponsored Programs - Jason.Simmons@afs.org

• Training - Jim.Laden@afs.org

• Travel - Renee.Cassidy@afs.org

• Volunteer Development - Tiffany.Stoneman@afs.org The AFS Wiki is a volunteer-driven site and the volunteers on AFS Wiki would love more expertise with complex tasks but also more non-expertise help with easy, repetitive tasks. Many hands make light work! Do as much or as little as you like, but consider volunteering to help with AFSwiki. Contact sysadmin@www.afswiki.org if you are willing to do a lot or a little. Welcome to the new AFS Resource through Wiki! Sally Ann Wells, Volunteer Coordinator

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 R1P2Combs3@aol.com

DO YOU HAVE AN IDEA FOR A FUNDRAISER??

If you have an idea and a wish to coordinate a fundraiser, please contact Ron Combs (503) 777-8117 or Sally Ann Wells sawells@teleport.com. Some of the optional activities that will benefit from these fundraisers are the Pendleton Round-up, Ashland Trip, and other optional activities and other unexpected student expenses.

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YOUR AFS WORLD

I’ll introduce myself a little bit….

My name is Cinzia and I’m from Italy! I had the wonderful opportunity to leave my country for an exchange year in 2006 and to be sent to one great town in Oregon called The Dalles!! So many are the differences that I have found here in the USA, in my American life! So many are the things that I saw, so many are the things that I learnt, so many are the emotions that I felt…. I would be lying if I told you that it has been an easy year, but for sure it has been the most interesting and helpful in my 19 years! Especially at the beginning, you know new life style, new country, new people, new language, and new culture…. Also, after a couple weeks I was here I underwent surgery at the local hospital due to kidney stones… But it’s in this unhappy place that I met a doctor, a wonderful person who gave me something special!! His name is Paul, and because he knows some Italian, he helped other doctors explain to me what I had and what I was going through… Once out from the hospital and back to my host-family I kept in touch with Paul and his family all year long. Many were the weekends that I spent with him and his family…. They also took me to Disneyland in California, and I really had good time…it was like turning into a little girl again, in that magic place where “your dreams comes true”!!!!!!!!!! But sadly, June 2007 came quickly and I had to go back to Italy… with the idea that before I would have the chance to come back, many years were going to pass…. This ‘til around March 2008 I received a surprising call from Paul who was asking me if I wanted to come back for the summer and stay with their family. I guess you can predict my answer!

Here I’m right now… back in The Dalles to spend the rest of the summer ‘08!!! It’s hard to describe the amazing feeling I feel walking down the streets, or driving around here (I got my international license so I’m be able to move around with the kids too without depending from other people so much…. It’s really cool!!). For sure, it’s different from the first time….’cause I’m not an exchange student anymore!! It’s really gratifying to seeing that people still remember me, and to see how they’re happy and amazed to see me again… Also it’s summer; the weather is nice, actually it’s hot here in The Dalles…all the guys who graduated with me are in town from college…and it’s nice to hear about their different school experiences!! One interesting emotion I felt was jealousy for new exchange students who are coming…I don’t know, it’s hard to explain…. it’s the combination of happiness for them and the change they are about to undergo, and sadness that my experience is over and now its “their turn!”. But you see this is why the exchange program is an experience that can really change your life…. I met wonderful people here, and now it seems that my exchange year keeps going on; nothing is over…. I have built solid relationships with people that I’ll keep for the rest of my life and for all my life I’ll share incredible moments with those people…. I’m sure that every time I come back in the future, there will always be fantastic feelings that will bring me back to the first time…. to my indescribable year!! Cinzia, Italy ‘06-’07

Hello from Italy—Cinzia, Italy ‘06-’07

Get involved —Adam, Hungary ‘07-’08

Get Involved with Extra Curricular Activities…

Dragon Boating was a lot of fun! It is a water sport in a boat that looks like a dragon. There are 19 people in a boat; 16 paddlers, a tiller, a flag catcher and the coach. The Dragon Boat season starts around March or April and it ends with the Rose Festival in early June.

My friends told me about dragon boating at school so I joined my school’s team. I was very good, and became lifelong friends with some of the team members. After the practice, we usually went to get ice cream or pizza. We had 3 practices in a week. They were on the Willamette River in downtown Portland. Without the dragon boating, I would have missed a lot of fun. I encourage everybody to join their schools dragon boat team if you have one.

Adam, Hungary ‘07-’08

We ended the year with many parties to celebrate birthdays, graduations, and family reunions. The farewell events were packed with remembrances, exchanges of contact information, promises to keep in touch and plans of meeting again along with laughter, tears, and hugs.

We had two special visits this year. Former AFS student Matt Treen (Australia ’95) returned to celebrate his 30th birthday with friends and family. Host sister Deidre (to Sweden ’96) arrived from California with her two children making the reunion a joyous occasion. Later in June Matt’s parents, Roger and Sheryl Treen spent 10 days with Tedd and Rymmel Lovell touring Central Oregon and the Columbia Gorge area.

Our ending farewell picnic/pool party was a bit windy and chilly compared to the days that followed, but we hadn’t assigned anyone to talk to the weatherman. Those who attended enjoyed themselves and that’s what counts! At this writing we have one student, Monica from Costa Rica coming in Aug. hosted by Greg and Kim Johnson family in The Dalles. Sure would be nice to have one or two more. Rymmel Lovell, Columbia Gorge Chapter Chair

COLUMBIA GORGE CHAPTER —Year-End Activity ‘07-’08

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A VISIT FROM NIZHNY NOVGOROD, RUSSIA—Dimitry, Russia ‘96-’97

Reflections on my FSA Exchange to Portland, Oregon 12 years ago I was lucky to win FSA (Freedom Support Act) contest in my city N.Novgorod, Russia, and to become an exchange student. AFS was my hosting organization on USA. It was my second time abroad in my life, and of course I’ve never been away from home for that long. I was only 16 and didn’t know that world was that big and different. Well, I was brave enough to check it out.

Lincoln high school was going to be my school for a year, but there wasn’t a family for me in the downtown area when I came, so I spent a few weeks with Paul and Becki in Boring, Oregon. Later I got hosted by Dave and Kathy in near-downtown area, and began my school year.

It would take many pages to describe all new things that I’ve done, and experienced, but I would like to share my feelings past 12 years and 2 weeks or my exchange experience begin.

I still live in Russia, 11 hour zones away from Portland. Now I work for one of world’s major IT companies, it’s Russian office. All the international experience, along with fluent English became my valuable asset, and helped me along my life overall. Understanding different way of life, getting to know different people and their “truth” during my exchange year became very valuable, but I only realized the change when I was back home after that year. I still have very warm feelings for people who made my year in Portland possible, and with that – change a little bit of the world. It was difficult to be back home sometimes, because of Russian mentality which I was able to see from a different point of view now, but I was able to share that different point of view with many friends and just people back home. Not that it was my goal or mission, it is only because exchange experience became part of my life, and will always stay there, helping me have two different views at the world today. It is impossible to overestimate what that year has done to me – it changed me then, and it is still working on me.

It is unexpected, but past all these years, I keep closer relationship with my temporary welcome family. I visited them during my year, and I visit them now, every time I come on business trips to Portland area. Dimitry Kukuskin, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia

Dimitry Kushkin came to Portland from Nizhny Novgorod, Russia in August of 1996, as part of Columbia Pacific’s second group of FSA -- Freedom Support Act Scholars. Nizhny Novgorod is the 4th largest city in Russia with 1.5 million people: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nizhny_Novgorod This program is now referred to as FLEX (Future Leaders Exchange Program) and brings us students from the former Soviet Union Republics. Colombia Pacific has hosted FLEX students every year, since 1995. We believe it speaks to the heart of our mission…learning about “the other.” We are hosting three FLEX students, this year: Ketevani from the Republic of Georgia at St. Mary’s in Portland; Yana from Kazakhstan at Lakeridge, in Lake Oswego; and Raima from Kyrgyzstan at Tillamook.

Dima’s host family at Lincoln High School fell through, due to unexpected illness—just days before arrivals! So he was placed in a “Welcome Host Family.” Becky and Paul Borner, of Boring, Oregon (not a joke!) were long-time friends of Bernice Schuchardt’s and were willing to keep him until we found a home for him. Dima made the most of the ‘rural’ experience and enjoyed Paul’s interest in automotives and tinkering. His “welcome host parents” have become life-long friends. He was able to cultivate his passion for distance bike riding by covering Spring Mountain biking trail from Gresham in a timely manner, many times! Kathy Williams and David Crafton welcome Dima into their home with their 16 year old son. Dima’s host brother shared his love of biking and his brother talked Dima into participating in crew, once he was established in his new home. Dima made the most of his experience.

He has visited Portland twice since he returned home and has made a point to call those of us who he felt impacted his life. He has also maintained contact with his permanent host family, though they relocated from Portland, so it hasn’t been as easy to stay in touch. Dima sharing his family photos and photos of his lovely wedding, speaking with such pride about his beautiful wife of one year and Dima’s little dinner speech of appreciation, to Bernice and I, is one of the small rewards that keep us doing what we do. It is peace, person by person. I am grateful to have Dima and Natasha in my life!

Sally Ann Wells and Bernice Schuchardt, Long time AFS Volunteers

▲ Dima & Natasha Wedding 2007

▼ Sally Ann, Dima & Bernice 2008

▲ Dima & Natasha 2008

◄ 2008 Reunion— Dimitry with his Welcome Family The Borner’s

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THE KOCHERS’ AFS STORY

Rustam and Efti Kocher’s AFS Story: I don't think I can find any possible way to describe how AFS and my overseas experience has changed and touched my life. From the time I was born, to the day I pass, my life has been and will be blessed by amazing people and experiences, all due to AFS. My grandparents hosted two students when my father was growing up--a Chilean named Pachi, and a Japanese fellow named Hideo. For my grandfather to host a Japanese man in his home just a few short years after he had been tasked with trying to win WWII was a feat I have never really wrapped my brain around. My parents were set on hosting, and waited until they thought my sister and I were ready. Nothing could have prepared us for "The Italian Stallion" Marcello, a wonderful person who I am proud to call my brother. After we finished with one and sent them tearfully on their way, we tended to take in another. Hugue from Belgium, Yvonne from Switzerland, Patrik from Sweden, Ismail from Egypt, Anja from Finland and Siri from Norway. They are all my brothers and sisters, as are many others who came and stayed and went back home again, after they left their mark on our psyche and our hearts. We even hosted a second generation, as Hideo's daughter came to live with my parents, in order to go to college. As I had so much contact with AFS and students from around the world, I naturally wanted to participate in the program. My sister had gone on a "Congress Bundestaag" full-scholarship program to Germany, and I applied to go too, thinking that free was a very good price. I encouraged my girlfriend at the time to apply as well. Funny thing how fate works. She was accepted, and went, to Germany. I was the first alternate, and did not get to go. The following year I applied to the normal AFS program, and left the application blank where it asked what country I would prefer. I only knew that I had met so many people from so many places that I was incapable of making such a momentous decision at such a young age. It turns out I was awarded one of the hardest placements at the time (along with Tunisia): Indonesia. There are more difficult placements now, as the Eastern Block has opened up, as has the African continent. When I received my placement papers, I had to go find the country on the map. Not an auspicious start. By the time I was ready to leave, I knew how to say, "Terima Kasih" (thank you), "Dimana kamar kecil" (where's the bathroom) and "Saya lapar" (I'm hungry). Another shaky start. The experience and knowledge that I gained in my year in Indonesia was incalculable. How else would I have found that I had the courage to ride a bicycle in Jakarta traffic, or eat a Durian or to ride a Metro Mini/Bajaj/Microlet? I fully embraced the people, the language, the culture and the full flavor of the experience. Soccer in the (concrete) schoolyard, the warungs (sidewalk stands), my school (SMA 82 DAHA), Blok M (before it was a mall), Senayan (before it too, was a mall), trips to Bandung and Padang. Everything that happened, good or bad, I digested and processed, eager for more. Those of you who know me also know that along with falling in love with the country & culture of Indonesia, I also fell in love with a particular person as well. The funny part of that relationship was that her father was the person who had persuaded my host family to host an AFS student! So, despite his adamant rejection of me as a person his oldest daughter should be involved with, he was, in fact, the person who had caused fate to bring us together. We "backstreet" dated for a good part of my AFS year, and parted with many tears at the end of the year. Many letters and phone calls (no internet or e-mail yet!!) were our only connection. We still have the boxes of letters stored in our house. After almost five long years of being apart, we managed to change her father's mind (and my dad's as well), and were married. So every day, and every night, my wife of 16 years Efti and my two beautiful boys Calvin (13) & Cameron (10), remind me of my AFS ties, and how important they are in defining who I am. Without AFS I would not be who I am today. When people tell you that your AFS experience will be truly life-changing: believe them. It will change who you are, for the better, forever. --Rustam Kocher AFS returnee USA to Indonesia 88-89 Married to --Efti Kocher (Pattisahusiwa) AFS returnee Summer Program Indonesia to USA 1986

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AFS FRIEND ARE SPECIAL! - Bernice Schuchardt

As an AFS volunteer, you have opportunities to meet many new friends. I have been a volunteer since 1978, when I and my husband hosted Daniela Timon from Italy. The day she left, I informed the District Rep. I would like to help out if I was needed. A few days later I became the District Rep. for the S.E. side of the river in Portland. I am presently the Cluster Leader for SE Portland.

In the 1980s, AFS had 10-day bus trips for all departing year program students. I volunteered to be the chairperson for four years for buses of 46-50 kids coming from Montana and spending 3 days in the Portland area. One of my responsibilities was to find families for them. Some of the families who hosted are still involved with AFS and are still my friends. In fact, most of my present close friends I met through AFS. There is Sally Ann Wells, who I am in contact with at least a couple times a week; Ron Combs who takes me to the airport at 4 a.m. when I need a ride; Bonnie Richardson, who gave me a job at her law firm; her husband Greg Kott, who takes me shopping at IKEA and then assembles what I buy; Janice Zolezzi/Carlson, who went on an Alaska cruise with me and calls me at least once a month; the Hays, with whom I travel, play cards, pick mushroom, and huckleberries; and many others I don’t have room to list. My most recent AFS friends are on the East Coast.

For the past 4-5 years, I have been volunteering as a group leader at orientations in L.A., Miami, and most recently New York. Janet Huckabee, who is responsible for orientations in New York for USA students going abroad, had posted a notice online. I responded. Since I get airline passes from my son, I now go to New York about three times a year. This past January, Janet and her husband, Jerry, had reservations at a resort in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and found their reservation included a studio apartment. Janet offered it to me, I think, as kind of a reward for helping her at so many orientations. She told me to bring a friend, so I invited Mimi Burda from the Vancouver Chapter. We had a wonderful time for one week in April, in the beautiful Smokey Mountains of Tennessee, with my AFS friends, The Huckabees.

I encourage all of you present and former host families to be volunteers…there are many rewards. Make some new AFS friends--they are very special! By Bernice Schuchardt

2008 CHINESE CHARM IN CHANGZHOU—Bernie Gerhardt “Chinese Charm” is the title of the Chinese language and cultural institute in Changzou that I participated in during the month of July. Changzou (a small city of 1.3 million) is in the Jiangsu Province, in Southern China. I was selected to accompany 18 AFS American students from 11 states to participate in this cultural institute. We were in the classroom from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday thru Friday and from 8:30 am to 12 pm on Saturdays. We learned the written besides the oral Mandarian language. We also were exposed to a repertoire of Chinese life from preparing Chinese dumplings to Beijing Opera. We were in a cultural milieu from the time we woke up to when we slept, because we stayed with host families. There was a teen in every family, who spoke fluent English. Some of the teens helped in the classroom. This was truly a cultural exchange. Both Chinese and American students noticed differences in the teen cultures. In China, most teen’s goal is to enter a quality university. Thus, the student’s focus is to study to pass the entrance exams. Thus, the Chinese parents encourage the students to study and not necessarily help do work in the house or have outside employment . Also, the parents feel dating is a distraction from the studies, so this is discouraged. Although, some teens disclosed that they do have “dates” and do not tell their parents. The students integrated well with their host families and the Chinese Culture and vice versa. The students were in the local media, both newspapers and television publicizing our activities. The American students embraced the culture so much, that they were reluctant to leave China. However, the students know that they have added family members and have sown some seeds of international understanding and Peace in China. Bernie Gerhardt, Volunteer Support Coordinator

▲ Bernice, Janet Huckabee & Mimi with the beautiful Smokey Mountains in the background.

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The Calendar 2008-2009 OCT 11,12 POST-ARRIVAL ORIENTATION – CAMP ADAMS – REQUIRED – This is a required

event for all AFS students. Camp Adams, near Molalla, OR

OCT 24 SCREAM AT THE BEACH – Ron Combs (503) 777-8117

OCT 25 AFS AREA TEAM MEETING – Airport Shilo Inn Restaurant, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

NOV 4 ELECTION DAY

NOV 15 AFS AREA TEAM MEETING – Airport Shilo Inn Restaurant, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

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

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

MAY 2-4, 2009 ASHLAND SHAKESPEARE TRIP – Ron Combs (503) 777-8117 Must be Pre-Registered.

MAY 16, 2009 PRE-RETURN ORIENTATION – REQUIRED – This is a required event for all AFS students. Columbia Presbyterian Church, Vancouver, WA

JUNE 28, 2009 END OF STAY ORIENTATION – REQUIRED – This is the end of stay. Lents Park, Portland, OR

APRIL 24 EARTH DAY

MARCH 7 LEWIS & CLARK COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL FAIR—Portland

MARCH 23-27 OREGON SPRING BREAK

JUNE 6 PORTLAND GRAND FLORAL ROSE PARADE

MAY 10 MOTHERS DAY—Don’t forget your Moms!

JUNE 21 FATHERS DAY—Don’t forget your Dads!

NOV 2 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS—”Fall Back” - Turn your clocks back 1 hour

MARCH 8 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS—”Spring Forward” - Turn your clocks ahead 1 hour

DEC 15 NEWSLETTER ARTICLES DUE—Articles due to Tami Spears tami@spearsintl.com

MARCH 9 NEWSLETTER ARTICLES DUE—Articles due to Tami Spears tami@spearsintl.com

MAY 25 NEWSLETTER ARTICLES DUE—Articles due to Tami Spears tami@spearsintl.com

MAR 30—APRIL 3 WASHINGTON SPRING BREAK

 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 

AREA TEAM Chair Bonnie Richardson-Kott

Treasurer James Spears

Hosting Coordinator OPEN Sally Ann Wells (Interim)

Sending Coordinator OPEN

Orientation Coordinator Ron Combs

Support Coordinator Bernie Gerhardt

Volunteer Coordinator Sally Ann Wells

Liaison Coordinator OPEN

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 Melody Boyce

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 Peggy Harkins

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

Want Souvenir/Scrapbook? E-Mail: Ron Combs r1p2combs3@aol.com

For more information and for our newsletter

archives, visit the Columbia-Pacific website at

www.AFSCP.com