2008 November Newsletter

8/14/2019 2008 November Newsletter

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NEWSLETTERNOVEMBER2008

HOSTING/SENDING NEWSWinter 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 arrivingthis 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 checkwith 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 AFSpeace person by person, family by family. This is a good time toacquaint yourselves with the hosting process because it is not so frantic. Please be in touch, if you would like to beginlearning the hosting ropes. We currently have two families reviewing students arriving in January. This would be a goodopportunity to accompany an experienced volunteer on a hosting interview and assist with the placement process. Givea call! (503) 452-1868.

Sally Ann, Interim Hosting Coordinator

THE CHAIR REPORTBonnie Richardson-Kott

Calling all volunteers! Would you or do you know someone who would like tobecome actively involved with AFS? Would you like to start an AFS chapter?Its easy. All you need is a chairperson and a treasurer and lots of enthusiasmfor intercultural exchange. Our area team consists of several chapters whocommit to hosting and supporting a certain number of students each year. Thechapters and area team also help recruit, interview and support students whowould like to study abroad. As we head into 2009, AFS is going to be focusingmore 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. Ipersonally think that locally developed chapters is the way to go. Bernice S.has been heading up the Southeast Portland chapter/cluster for many yearsand she and her volunteers have been very successful at managing their smallgroup of students. In particular, we are looking to set up chapters inSouthwest Portland and Beaverton . Wed really appreciate any volunteer leads youd be willing to share with us. AFS, as a nonprofit organization, isunique in that it doesnt require money or fundraising from our volunteers as ameasure of success; it just takes dedication, time and a commitment to makingthe intercultural exchange experience the best it can be for our young leadersof tomorrow. Email us at [email protected]

Bonnie Richardson-Kott, Columbia Pacific Area Team Chair Bonnie and Valentina

NEW SENDING COORDINATOREmily Leis

Greetings AFSers! My name is Emily, and Im the new Sending Coordinator for the Columbia Pacific Area Team. Alongwith arranging student interviews with volunteers, I also help prepare students for their AFS exchange. Having livedoverseas, I know the mixture of worry and excitement that students face before heading abroad as well as the manyfaces of culture shock. So feel free to come to me with any concerns about the adventure that lies ahead or even just toswap stories. Hope to hear from you!

Emily Leis, Sending Coordinator


2/12

COLUMBIA PACIFIC NEWS

VISIT OUR WEB SITE, WWW.AFSCP.COM!

Dont forget that we have a great resource for both host parents and exchange students at our web site,www.afscp.com. Youll find current and past newsletters there as well as pictures from AFS events. Visit the sitenow to see the first picture ever taken of you and your host family at Arrival Orientation. The online calendar is agreat source of information. Theres a quick list of all of the mandatory orientations. Remember, AFS Columbia-Pacifics website is www.afscp.com.

James Spears, Area Team Webmaster

AFS Global Leaders Scholarship

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New Liaison CoordinatorJames 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 haspassed since Camp Adams, and we're well into our support year. If you haven't yet filed your student ANDfamily reports for both September AND October, please get with your chapter president or with me for anyhelp you might need. We really should be checking on our students and their families on a monthly basis toassess their progress with the adjustment process and to identify any school issues. After three months in-country and in-family, some of the deeper cultural learning is beginning for both the participants and their hostfamilies. They all benefit from the fresh perspective of a caring Liaison. And AFS must have those monthlyreports 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 andexchange 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 additionalperspective 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, followthe 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 atthe 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 whenyou 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]

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 GlobalLeaders scholarship. AFS Intercultural Programs/USA has been a leader in international high school student exchange for more than60 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 liketo 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 outstandingstudents and teachers from abroad. For information about AFS scholarships, financial aid, study abroad programs, or how you canhost 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


3/12

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YOUR AFS WORLD

My name is Raima. I came to America from oneof the youngest countries in Central Asia. It isKyrgyzstan. My country is situated on the North-west side of China.

Kyrgyzstan became independent in 1991,

August 31. The capital of Kyrgyzstan is Bishkek. Mycountry was one of the members of the Unit Sovietuntil 1991. Kyrgyzstan is 17 years old, despite itsage my nation is one of the oldest nations.

The first origins about my country were found inChina 2000 years ago. During its history Kyrgyzstan

submitted to Mongol authority. The power of Chingizhan had spread in AllCentral Asian countries. And now, appearance of Kyrgyz similar with theappearances of Mongols, especially lines of face.

There is enigmatic version that in the beginning of our history Kyrgyzlived on the territory of Russia, more exactly on Yeniseis( river in Russia)space. The appearance of Kyrgyz of that time was absolutely different incomparing with presents. They had red hair and blue eyes.

Historians of Kyrgyzstan often have an argument meaning of wordKyrgyz. One of the version is Kyrgyz means red valley, the secondversion is 40 tribes and the basic version of scientists is 40 girls. Untilpresent time academics argue about it, but the most of the agree with thelast version.

Every year Kyrgyz people celebrate countrys Birthday. We haveparades, shows and concerts, fireworks initiation into Independent Day of nation.

Another popular holiday in Kyrgyzstan isNoorus. 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 leaddifferent kinds of cultural events like dances,songs and theater performances. All of theseactivities 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 andKyrgyz-ui ( yurt) is a native dwelling of Kyrgyz. Bythe ancient custom a mother-in-law always puts ona white kerchief to the new bride and gives the

gold earrings to her or the mother of a new baby can not carry out thebaby during 40 days.

The next incomparable wealthy of Kyrgyzstan is nature. The immensespaces of fields, the snow tops of mountains with the majestic arhars( wild sheep) or snow leopards, the purl of the streams fading in a blueand limpid Issyk-Kul make up the beauty of Kyrgyzstan.

Kyrgyzstan is country of mountains. The confluence of the mountainsare like chain of separate hills create the favorable conditions for theclimate, nature and life of people.

The sparse kinds of medicine grasses, plants and flowers you can findin the mountains.

My departure to America changed my life completely. Rate of lifebecame more quickly. The days are busy. Every single day I want to trysomething new for me.

During 2 months in America I already knew more minutely about thecustoms of Americans. I was on the Baby shower . It was very interestingfor 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.

A camp was a great experiment for me. Outdoor school became thefirst camp in my life. In Kyrgyzstan I have never been in any camps, ThereI was a counselor and I had 5 girls. Work with 6 th grades is so funny. Theyare so smart. I liked to play and joke with them.

Before I have came , I could not swim. Although I am 16, I was afraidthe water a little bit, but now when I registered to the swimming class, Ican swim even under the water.

I think, my year in America unfortunately will finish very fast. I try totake pleasure of every single moment and show myself in differentspheres which about I have not ever thought. For example, swimmingclass or bowling. The same time I am representing my country. I sharewith 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 havingmany good impressions about America as representing my country.

Raima, Kyrgyzstan

Spotlight on KyrgyzstanRaima, Kyrgyzstan

Ala-Too square in Bishkek Kyrgyzstan White House

KalpakNational hat for men

Kyrgyz-ui (yurt)

Komuz

National music instrument

Nature of Kyrgyzstan Issyk-Kul Lake

Naryn River Kyrgyzstan Snowy Mountains


4/12

Why did I come to the US? - Philip, Germany

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YOUR AFS WORLD

I choose to come to the US because I always wanted to travel to theUSA. When we were given the opportunity in my school in Germany tosign up for an exchange year and I couldnt say No. I took the piece of paper home and discussed it with my parents. Both of them were very

confident. I mean, its a huge opportunity to live for one year in a foreigncountry and it will affect the rest of your life. I also think that you will notbe the same person as one year ago. Your views will change aboutcertain things that you were never thinking of before. What a greatopportunity!

I mainly came to the US because you hear in Europe a lot aboutAmerica. I really wanted to travel to the US, someday and I really wantedto improve my English. But through my exchange year I am not on aVacation, 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 e-mailing with my host mom Tami Spears. It was so nice of her and Jamesto send me a Web album so I could really imagine how everything lookedlike. One day in May, I was brave enough to call my host family. Iremember it like yesterday. I was really nervous because I never had aTelephone conversation in English before. When my host mom saidHelloI was so happy to hear her voice. As I answered its mePhilipShe was screaming OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH OH MYGOSH. 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 schoolto 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 timewith my host mom, I was so excited. We were just chatting for hours andour subject would change. Sometimes we chatted till 10PM (GermanTime). So I had to go to bed because I need my sleep. As I awake thefirst thing I would do was to check my e-mails for mails from Tami or James and Id go online on Facebook. It was kind of funny if I went to bedthe day for Tami and James had just begun. If I came back from schoolthe day for them was over. I also had a clock in my computer that showedme the time in Oregon. I think through the e-mails and chatting onFacebook Id 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 thetime. He thought we wouldnt have any Subjects to talk about when I cometo them.

As I finally met them in Camas it was so AMAZING to see and hugthem after four months of waiting. I really couldnt wait to go to my newhometown McMinnville. I was so excited. It was just so weird for me to seethe Interstate signs and that wed drive slowly on the interstate. InGermany you can drive as fast as you want. So as we were finally home Iwas so happy. I got to meet the Dachshunds Madison and Kennedy. I wasreally excited to have two dogs as pets because in Germany Ive never had a dog. The two cats Lily and Darby were so cute. I had a cat inGermany. The day after my arrival in McMinnville I got to meet myAmerican Grandma and Grandpa. The sister, Brother-in Law and hisdaughter were there. It was so exciting to get to know my whole newfamily. We had an American BBQ and it was so delicious.

I also got to meet my family in Arkansas, James family. It was so differentfrom Oregon I cant tell but I could feel it. Both, Tamis and James familysare such a sweet family.

Well after the vacations were over and I had to go to school I was reallyexcited. I thought there might be some students who will ask me aboutHitler. That was my biggest worry. I heard from one previous exchangestudent 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 soduring my third period I had to go see my counselor. Because of this, Imissed lunch. I was starving! Now the school is such fun. I just enjoy thevariety of classes that we dont have in Germany. Ive made a lot of friends and yesterday the swim practice started for me. That was verytiring. But I enjoy being in the swim team and I hope Ill make even morefriends.

I always thought that Americans and Germans were almost the samebut now after three months in beautiful Oregon I know that there are somedifferences. One example is that Americans have Breakfast, Lunch and

Dinner. In Germany we have Breakfast, Dinner and a light evening meal.Thats one thing I had to get used to. The other thing I noticed was whenwe went to a Restaurant. I noticed that the people around me were eatingwith one Hand and the other Hand was underneath the table. In Germanywe eat with both Hands.

I really like the state of Oregon and the variety it has. Its so amazing tosee a beach and behind the beach is a forest that is just incrediblybeautiful. The variety of waterfalls is just so cool. Its just the prettiest stateIve been to. I hope I come someday with my German family to Oregonfor visiting my American family.

Im having the greatest time in my life.

Philip, Germany


5/12

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS$20

We still have Entertainment Books available. Money raised from the books willhelp on the Seattle trip expenses...mainly the hotel. The books cost $20 andchecks should be made out to AFS and mailed to:

Bernice Schuchardt4806 SE Long, Portland, OR 97206

Here are some of the bargains: 50% off at Airport Shuttle 50% off on one SUPER WASH at Classic Auto Wash Safeway has four $5 coupons good on any grocery purchase of $50 or more. DeNicolas Italian Restauranta $13 coupon.

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. takeorders, promote more community involvement,e t c . , p l e a s e c o n t a c t R o n C o m b [email protected]

Why did I come to the US? - AndreasDenmark

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YOUR AFS WORLD

It was in the end of 8 th grade, when I was starting to think about what I should do after Igraduated from 9 th grade. I had an Idea that I was going to go to a camp school for a year, beforeI went on to the Gymnasium (Danish equivalent of 11 th, 12 th, and 13 th grade), which is normal for most students in Denmark. My mother, later on, then told me about the possibility of going an entireyear to a foreign country. The idea of doing this got me very exited, and it sounded like a fantasticopportunity to have the year of my life. I searched for all the organizations that offered exchangeyears in other countries. When I had to choose a country at first, I was very eager to go to NewZealand, or Australia. These countries were all booked up, so I changed my first priority to USA. Ihave always seen a lot of Hollywood movies in Denmark, and the impressions from USA havebeen many. So it seemed as a natural choice to try living in the country of opportunities, and seeif 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 Ichecked 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 asomewhat untraditional family, since theyre homosexual. This is probably the most anticipated mail I have, or will ever receive. I readthe attached description of Robert and Curtis, my host family, and ran downstairs to tell my family the good news. My family at homeand I, are not religious or judgmental, so I had absolutely no problem with my host family being homosexual. If anything I saw it as anew 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 2months, 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 havenever experienced with other people than my family at home, and they are truly the best host family I could wish for! Experiencing allthe 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 I decided to come to America? Well, that's a good question, I actually choose Australia but theschool 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 halfjust of my experience). So I had to choose another country, England was to close, South Africa todangerous, so America! Why not?

But why I decided to be on an exchange program? I was very bored of doing every day of every yearthe same thing, go to the same school in the same car, with the same teacher and the same friends, inthe same house, in the same town, with the same trees... So I just want to change everything, start aNEW life. Also, my older brother did it, only for a couple months, and he had a great experience itchanged his life, and every time that I heard him talk about it I wished I could do the same thing, haveproblems, 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 thisdecision.

Lucia, Spain

Why did I come to the US? - Lucia, Spain


6/12

Spotlight on GeorgiaKetevan, GeorgiaHello to every AFS newsletter reader. I am

Ketevan, exchange student from Republic of Georgia and I have the honor to tell you abouta country with ancient history, traditions,gorgeous countryside and the oldest religion.This is The Mystery of the Caucasus. This isGeorgia.

Bordered by the Caucasus Mountains tothe North, the Black Sea to the west,Azerbaijan to the east, and Turkey andArmenia in the south, Georgia is at the

crossroads of Europe and Asia. It is a land whose geographical positionwith its exquisite beauty has always attracted an excessive number of conquerors. It has suffered at the hands of Arabs, Mongols, Seljuk, Turksand numerous tribes from the North Caucasus, but it has always beenrebuilt. Despite a lot invasions and occupations of their land, Georgianpeople 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 inscriptionsin Georgian script is dated c. AD 433) one of them is Georgias GoldenAge writers poem The Knight in the Panthers Skin which is considered

our national epic. Generally art is in Georgians nature. Polyphonic folksongs and dance will surprise you. Georgian dance is a reflection of our history. It will tell you different stories about men and womenrelationships and how men respect females. In many aspects we can saythat 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 strengthof my country. A lot of Georgians suffered for their belief but did not denyit. There are numerous churches both old and new whose amazing

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 Johnsonin 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 SovietGeorgia, and belong to the period 7000-5000 BC. I think this oldest artdefines one of the main characters of Georgians. I feel free to say we areamong the most hospitable people on Earth. One day if you will wake upin Georgia by chance you can knock on any door for directions and youwill find yourself five seconds later with a glass of wine in hand and aninvitation to stay with this family as long as you need. After this I think youwont be surprised if I tell that friendship is the greatest virtue for Georgians. We are a very brave nation and our history is the confirmationof this. Georgians are proud and fiercely individualist, we would giveeverything for freedom. We want to be as beautiful and free as our natureis. Georgians themselves tell the following story about how they came to

possess the land which we deem the most beautiful in the World. WhenGod was distributing portions of the World to all the people of the Earth,the Georgians were having a party. They were singing, dancing andtoasting to God, for friends and for love. As a result they arrived late andwere told by God that all the land had already been distributed. ButGeorgians were not worried about this. They did not want to bother Godand they offered God a glass of wine to drink for peace and for them. Godwas surprised by their braveness and beauty and gave the Georgians thepart of Earth he had been reserving for himself. And this paradise has

the very beautiful capital city Tbilisi which reveals its charms slowly. In themorning walking along the banks of the Mtkvari River, you will think youare grasped the essence of the city thats somewhat akin to Florence onthe Arno. Later, on Rustaveli Avenue youll come upon the Moorish-styleOpera House and youll think of the Mezquita in Cordoba. Both arecorrect. The city is neither entirely European nor entirely Asian. You, likeso very many before you are standing at the crossroads between thesetwo great continents.

This crossroad has a small town called Khoni, where I am from. It is asmall town but a big family where almost everybody knows each other.

We are proud of our seventh century church, 150 -year-old beautiful parkand that we live in the city where an educational level was always highand where several famous Georgians were born.

There are a lot more things I want to tell you about Georgia, but I thinkyou 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 itis necessary for FLEX students to gain high positions in a government, butI 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 daysbefore our departure Russians troops bombed our one of the big citywhich is very close to South Ossetia, the part of Georgia which is a fightbetween two neighbors _ on the one side a huge Russia and the other side small Georgia. It would be too complicated to explain thecircumstances but I need to say that everybody was concerned about thisdeliberate act. Russians troops were in Georgia until recently. But at lastthey left Georgia and I am happy and proud that we are still as brave asour 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 thatin the 21th century everybody will be more civilized.

I want to thanks to every country which supported Georgia, amongthem is the US.

Appreciate and thanks,

Ketevan, Georgia

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YOUR AFS WORLD


7/12

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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

H o m e c o m i ng w e e k ?

Hippie Dress Juulia, Finland

I dressed all in RED Vera, Germany Pajamas (very cold!), ninja pirates,

opposite gender, sports and greenLucia, Spain

Crazy Fan Day Philip, Germany All Black for Senior colors Nazumi,

Japan Camouflage Tomas, Brazil I wore sport shorts on the outside like

Superman because the theme of our homecoming was super heroes! -Maggie, Thailand

A dress in country style Carlotta,Italy

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

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

2. Favor i te Amer ic an Music

Band?

Underoath Killian, Germany Jack Johnson Juulia, Finland;

Tomas, Brazil West City Boys Vicki, China Dave Matthews Band Vera,

Germany System of a Down & Linkin Park

Daniel, Austria Backstreet Boys Raima, Kyrgyzstan;

Nazumi, Japan 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

Black Eyed Peas Monica, CostaRica

3 . W h at i s t h e s t r a n g e st t h i n g y o u

have ea ten in the U.S.?

Sushi Killian, Germany; Juulia,Finland

Raw Vegetables Vicki, China Cheese Sticks Vera, Germany A croissant with a sausage inside for

breakfast Lucia, Spain Crabs Raima, Kyrgyzstan Deep fried pickles Philip, Germany Root beer. It smells and tastes like a

band-aid. Nazumi, Japan An Elephant ear because at the time I

ate it, I thought it was a real elephantear. Tomas, Brazil

I eat everything with syrup & ketchupeven the bagel. Maggie, Thailand

Bread with butter at dinner timeCarlotta, Italy

An Olive Diane, China Greek Food Karolina, Chili Artichoke Tiantian, China Peanut butter sandwich Monica,

Costa Rica

4 . F av o r i t e s c h o o l a c t i v i t y ?

Lunch Killian, Germany Football & Soccer games Vera,

Germany The Drum line Daniel, Austria Soccer Lucia, Spain; Tomas, Brazil;

Ellen, Germany Nature Class field trip & Choir Raima,

Kyrgyzstan Swim Team Philip, Germany Art Class Nazumi, Japan PE Class Lena, Germany Soliloquy Club & English Class

Maggie, Thailand Theater Carlotta, Italy Diversity Club & International Club

Diane, China Football Warat, Thailand Dance Team Karolina, Chili Mock Elections Tiantian, China

Group Dynamics Monica, CostaRica

5. Have you dreamt in Engl i sh?

Not yet :((( - Juulia, Finland; Daniel, Austria; Killian, Germany; Nazumi,Japan; Lena, Germany; Karolina,Chili

Yes. It felt very good. Vicki, China Yes, my first dream was 1 week ago

and since then I always dream inEnglish! - Vera, Germany

Yes, the first time that I dreamt inEnglish it wasnt exactly English. I wassaying a word and I knew that the wordwas wrong but I continued saying iteven though no one understood me. Itwas very frustrating. Lucia, Spain

I dremt in English when I was atOutdoor School. It was really strangefor me when I recognized it. Raima,Kyrgyzstan

Absolutely! - Philip, Germany Just a small dream Tomas, Brazil Very often & once I dreamt that my

natural family were talking in English! -Maggie, Thailand

I dreamt partially in English onceCarlotta, Italy

Yeah...thats soooo scary...i dreamtthat I talked with somebody but hecouldn't understand me at all. I feltreally tired when I awoke because Iexplained all the time in my dreamDiane, China

I havent dreamt since I have been inthe US Ellen, Germany

Yes. I even think in Englishsometime Tiantian, China

Yes all the time about crazy things, Icant explain it. Monica, Costa Rica

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


8/12

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CAMP ADAMSPost-Arrival OrientationPost Arrival orientation CAMP ADAMSOctober 12th and 13th

For the post arrival orientation, all 47 exchange students from 22different countries, living in the Columbia pacific area team met in CampAdams OR.

We had a great COLD time. The strangest thing, for me, was to speakItalian again. After 2 months of English, to listen to an Italian conversationsounded 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 playedinstruments. Someone brought also some typical dress, like Kimono fromJapan. After our performances the dance started, and at 11 the dance wasover. We were also divided into groups to talk with AFS volunteers aboutany problems we could have so far with our families and at school...

We passed two enjoyable days together, two very cold days. I reallyliked when we had to share countries, it was very interesting, and it let meunderstand how beautiful the world is

In Italy we say: Il mondo bello perch vario The world isbeautiful because is different. Do you also say it here???

Emily, Italy

Camp Adams was one of the most memorable experiences for allthe AFS exchange students, host siblings as well as AFS volunteersand staff members this year. It was a two-day camp in Molalla city.There were forty-seven students from twenty-two countries and wehad a great time together. The credit for the fun we had at the campgoes to our volunteers, staffs and our very dear host familiesobviously. AFS staffs and volunteers were very helpful, they helpedus in solving our problems, we discussed about school, life withhost parents, safety, we talked about the differences amongst ourcountries and the USA, and we also talked about the ways in whichwe all were similar.

After all that discussion, we had an amazing time carvingpumpkins. Carving a pumpkin was the most exciting thing for mebecause I had never carved the pumpkin before. We worked in teamsand 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 wasquite a sight!Sunday night was the cultural night. We all presented the glances ofour countries. We had students from countries like Germany, France,India, Spain, Norway, Finland, Thailand, Japan, China, and manyothers, which I wasnt acquainted with. I particularly liked the

presentation by Thai students. After cultural show we had a blast atthe dance floor and we danced till midnight. And next morning wewere saying good bye to each other, anticipating our next gatheringtogether. Alas! Our host families came to pick us up.

At the end I would like to thank all the AFS volunteers, staff andhost families for arranging such a wonderful camp for us.

Tahseen, India

Hi, I'm Teya from exchange student from Thailand.I very enjoyed in all of activities in Camp Adam!! I never used to docarving pumpkin for Halloween before because in Thailand we didn'tcelebrated in this day.

So this is the first pumpkin I did and I have a really good time. Iand my friends from Thailand, Joe ,Maggi, Patty ,Tan and my hostsister, Erika we work together and do you know, this is the goodchance that I and my host sister have a great time together. While wecarved the pumpkin, my host father touch me how to be a goodcarver and he touch one word that really funny," Hoy Hoy Hoy....",and it very useful it's make me carved the pumpkin better. I, myfriend and my host sister have a good time in this camp. Thank youAFS.

Teya, Thailand

It was October 11 th and 12 th when we arrived in the middle of nowhere-welcome 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 theother exchange students. I realized the first time that I have really a goodhost family and a nice place in Portland.

One of the highlights of Camp Adams was the pumpkin carving. Wemade funny faces of it. For our surprise we get prices (bubblegum andmints) for it!

After that we had dinner and then we learned something about theculture from the other exchange students! Some sang their nationalanthem, others showed pictures, traditional dances,Another fun activity was the dance! But there is no dance which could beatPendleton! *Jiiiiiiiiiiiiiiihaaaaaaaa*

Over the night most exchange students slept or not too in woodenhouses and it was really cold! Then we talked again what we should andwhat not. And then we had this amazing potluck! It was so delicious andJuulia and me felt so bad after it because we ate too much Brownies!That was our 2 nd Orientation and we really enjoyed it!!!


9/12

Veterans Day Parade

Outdoor SchoolRaima, Kyrgyzstan

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YOUR AFS WORLD

Veterans Day Parade My, was it wet! But it did not dampenour spirits. Thanks to the efforts of Barbara Rogers and theVancouver-Battleground Chapter, we had a good turn-out for thevery rainy Annual Veterans Day Parade. We brought honor andrecognition to the Veterans who we consider to be our FoundingFathersthe volunteer ambulance drivers of WWI and WWII.Unfortunately, our local hero, Driver Robert Dodds was not able toattend this year.

Vancouver Chapter was well-represented with BarbaraRogers, her granddaughter Caitlin and friends, Morgan, Crystaland baby Jonathan; Barbara and John brought their college hostdaughter, Jesse from China; and a new volunteer Shane Todd

joined us. Rymmel Lovell came in from The Dalles with her two

students, Monica from Costa Rica and Giulia from Italy; withLaura, Monica's host sibling; and Elina from Sweden and Tammyfrom Germany (other exchange programs)thanks for your esprit

dcorps, Rymmel! Camas-Washougal was represented byValentina and Giulia from Italy who were graciously transportedby fellow school chum, Devin.

Thanks for making the trip! Portland was well-represented withJan and Dennis Burkhart bringing their hosted son, Emilio fromArgentina; Mike Soller bringing his two hosted daughters, Maggiefrom Thailand and Kayo from Japan; Mami from Japan andAndreas from Denmark rode with Sally Ann to round out the groupof hearty souls. Did I mention it was really raining? But we allhad fun at the pizza party afterwards.

Sally Ann Wells

It was a wet Veterans Day Parade

Marchers carrying the colors

Volunteers make it happen

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

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

Raima, Kyrgyzstan


10/12

VOLUNTEER NEWS/DEVELOPMENT

We are excited about the national AFS re-structuring as it relates to Volunteer Development. (See letter fromNational Board Chair) Damayonti Rowe has been assigned as our Western Region staff member dedicated tovolunteer development and retention.We are thrilled with this vote of confidence by national to dedicate a regional staff person, in each of our threeregions, to work with Volunteers for recruiting, training, and retention. Be watching for new developments asDamayonti 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 mayseem like a monumental job, but as we work to involve more local volunteers as local coordinators in the PortlandMetro Area, the coordinators job really can become one of coordinatingworking with local volunteers for theattainment 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; NorthClackamas; 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 theschools; follows up on hosting and sending leads; tracks paperwork; arranges interviews for host families; and then has fun with thelocal 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 yeareasily three or four clusters. The schools inthis area tend to be flexible and open to placement. What we need are volunteers to take on one or two schools and work with areavolunteers to recruit, interview and support the hosting and sending in their local school area. Our team is open to suggestions thatany of you may have for attaining this structure and recruiting new volunteers who might bewilling 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 andarea level. If you have an interest in even a small part of hosting or sending; supporting host families or natural families; working withstudents at orientations; chaperoning optional activities and events, please let Sally Ann ([email protected] ) or Bonnie([email protected] ) know of your interest. You can begin the volunteer registrationprocess by entering this link: http://www.usa.afs.org/usa_en/focus_on/volunteer

Sally Ann Wells, Volunteer Coordinator

Area Team Volunteer Positions:

Area Team Chair-Elect 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) The AT HC is the area volunteer with the

principal responsibility for coordinating volunteers, returnees, and schools in the recruitment for and implementation of the AFS hosting program in the area. As such,the AT HC facilitates and monitors the 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

principal liaison between the area team and the Regional Service Center for procedural and policy issues related to host family finding and student placement.

Local Chapter Volunteer Positions:

Chapter Chair The Chapter Chair advises and manages

chapter volunteers in goal-setting,recruitment and support activities. The Chapter Chair also facilitates regular contact among the local AFS community.

Chapter Sending Coordinator

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.

Chapter Hosting Coordinator The AFS Local Chapter Hosting

Coordinator develops and implements a host family finding plan that meets goals and ensures adherence to AFS-USAstandards and mission.

Liaison The AFS Liaison is a volunteer identified as

the primary contact for an AFS participant for the duration of their program. As such,the Liaison has a role that is extremely important in maintaining the communication link between an AFS participant and the AFS organization. Liaisons are key to the success of the AFS support network by providing ongoing community friendship and support for AFS students and their host families. The Liaison serves as the first responder in the communication network connecting with the local AFS volunteer leadership and staff as needed to provide participant support.

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Open Volunteer PositionsArea Team and Local Chapters


11/12

The Calendar 2008-2009NOV 15 AFS AREA TEAM MEETING Airport Shilo Inn Restaurant, 10:00 AM 12:00 PM

NOV 27 THANKSGIVINGEnjoy the family time.

DEC AFS AREA TEAM MEETING Date, Location and Time TBADEC 6 EAST SIDE CHRISTMAS PARTY The party will go from 6 to 10 PM, 89 th 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 AFSstudents. 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 30APRIL 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 Dont forget your Moms!

MAY 16, 2009 PRE-RETURN ORIENTATION REQUIRED This is a required event for all AFSstudents. 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 Dont forget your Dads!

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

NOV 23 SOUTHEAST CLUSTER MEETING Meeting for SE cluster, their liaisons and aunt/uncle families. Michele Vixathep home. RSVP Bernice [email protected]

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 newsletterdue 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 availableon www.AFSCP.com.

When at that site, go to View Newsletters. When viewing the newsletter from this site, you will find everythingin color, including photos! Enjoy!!!!!

Peace, Tami

AREA TEAMChairBonnie Richardson-Kott

Chair-ElectOPEN

TreasurerJames Spears

Hosting CoordinatorSally Ann Wells (Interim)

Sending Coordinator Emily Leis

Orientation CoordinatorRon Combs

Support CoordinatorBernie Gerhardt

Volunteer CoordinatorSally Ann Wells

Liaison CoordinatorJames Spears

Returnee CoordinatorLynette Ledgerwood

Newsletter EditorTami Spears

Website CoordinatorJames Spears

CHAPTER/CLUSTERCOORDINATORS

Beaverton/Hillsboro/AlohaLinda Landreth

Columbia GorgeRymmel Lovell

Columbia CountyCharlotte & Mike Kocher

Lake OswegoLorie James

McMinnville/Yamhill CountyTami & James Spears

North ClackamasMaggie Frieske

North/NortheastChris Cradler

Northwest/SouthwestSally Ann Wells

Southeast/Gresham/SandyBernice Schuchardt

Tillamook/Oregon CoastSue Cudd

Camas/WashougalRuth Ladage

Vancouver/Battle GroundBernie Gerhardt

Longview/Kelso/ToledoDebbie Erickson

YES/FLEX Student CoordinatorsMaggie FrieskeRustam Kocher Rymmel Lovell

Visiting Teacher CoordinatorsBarbara RogersJerrie NelsonSally Ann Wells

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12/12

AFSCOLUMBIAPACIFICTami Spears1025 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

Documents

2008 November Newsletter