2004 June Newsletter

8/14/2019 2004 June Newsletter

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Columbia Pacific Hosting/Departure News

THANK YOU, HOST

FAMILIES & VOLUNTEERSBy Bernice Schuchardt

The year is quickly coming to aclose. I would like to thank all of thevolunteers who willingly set aside

weekends and evenings to supportour exchange students and theirfamilies. You have made yourcontribution towards world peace.

Thank you to our volunteers whohave worked as area leadershipmembers, group leaders,chaperones, have housed studentsfor overnight, been drivers foroutings, spent time counseling withfamilies and students, organized andheld special activities in their homes,

went out on interviews, helped findhost families, and in all have spentmany, many hours making sure ourexchange students had a memorableyear.

Thank you to all our host families!You have opened your homes andhearts to our students from aroundthe world. You have been there forthem, helped them celebrate their

joys and achievements and alsostood by them through difficult times.

This is not the end of yourrelationship. Most of you willcontinue to keep in touch throughoutthe years, and many of you will meetagain either in their countries or herein the USA.

I know from past experience. I amleaving for Italy on the 30th of June tovisit my AFS students who lived withour family in 1978-79 and 1993-94. Ihave two very special Italiandaughters and two Italiangrandchildren who have a special

place in my heart, and four otherspecial sons and daughters fromGreece, Ghana, Peru and CostaRica. I have visited all of them andseveral have visited me. We arealso in contact through e-mail andphone calls. So when you saygoodbye, just remember its notforeveryour exchange students willmost likely remain your sons anddaughters for a lifetime.

The end of the year is upon us!It seems like the year has flown by.

Now you have reached the point whereyou need to start packing for your

return home.

JUNE 27 STUDENT

DEPARTURE!3:00 to 4:00 at Lents park is a point ofdeparture and goodbyes from familyand friend.

Whats next?The students will spend time

together as a group waiting for thebus. They will be invited to join inactivities or permitted to just hangout and chat with friends. They willbe fed. Sometime that night thestudents will be bused to a centrallocation in Seattle. There they willmeet with any other students in thePacific Northwest (includingAlaska) who traveled with themfrom their natural country for theirreturn flight home. Again, most willhave time to shower before theirflight. Some may even have timeto nap. It all depends upon theirflight schedule. AFS will providefood for students in transit.

If you have any questions about

the bus trip, please contact the tripchaperones. Maggie Frieske at503 659 7958 or by email:[email protected]

NOTE: This information will alsobe posted on our website athttp://afscolpac.org .

Thank you once again for all thatyou have done to make this yearpossible for your student. Wehope that you will continue to stay

connected with AFS by joining ourworld-wide family of volunteers.

AFS T-Shirts and CDsAFS T-Shirts and CDs for the 2003-2004

host season are available for host familythrough Ron Combs. If you are interestedin either one or both please call

Ron 503-777-8117 or [email protected]. Please giveshirt sizes.

June 2004


2/9

Student News

From Gabriele:

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

;

Second picture has been taken beforethe graduation ceremony and I'm torturingmy friend John;

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

Volunteer spotlightWe are blessed with a leader amongvolunteers. Ron combs is one of thehardest working people in the northwest.Rons wife Pat also helps with severalevents including the Christmas partywhere she provides that fun Bingo gamewith Holliday characters. You will findRon enjoying himself at almost all of theevents because he is a part of theexcitement and not on the sidelines.This is evident when you look at thepictures in this newsletter.

From Mohammad:Time Goes Fast, Graduation what aWord. Time is going so fast, faster thananything I have ever experienced....faster than lightning, faster than sound,....faster than cars, trains, and aero plans,so fast that I thought, that I just camehere yesterday... or maybe I never cameat all... maybe this was actually adream... maybe I am still in Egypt, backthere at home... no wait that can't betrue I remember memories, I seefaces I look at my self in the mirror, Isee someone different... Someone wholooks older and more mature, than I everwas some one that is not me. I knowthat I have been there; I have lived allthis year. But it just feels that it was a dayor a week, it doesn't feel like it has beena year, and now they are telling me that Ihave to go. And suddenly my heartstarted to cry I have to leave now,leave forever. And then this was themoment when I wished that time wouldfreeze. That time would go so slow likethe matrix, that every second would belike a new day. But then reality just hit me

again. it made me realize that I mightcome back someday, I am sure I willmy second family will always be herewaiting for me my friends will alwaysbe my friends maybe I will never seethem again. But they will always be inmy heart . And then my heart smiledagain because I just realized that evenif I leave they will always be there withme there, deep in my heart.

Written by: Mohamed IbrahimEL-Naggar, Egypt YES-AFS 2004* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Graduation, what a word! A moment thateveryone waits for and at the same timewishing it never happens. Its a mix offeelings and emotions. You feel happy

that you are done with high school, andthat you are moving to the next level ofyour life. At the same time, you feel thissadness, of leaving home and leaving allyour friends. Its like a puzzle that has nosolution, its a riddle that you can't solve.Thats how graduation felt. Its a feelingthat doesn't exist in our vocabulary, afeeling that has no name. A feeling thatyou can describe, but at the same timeyou can't. Its a moment in whicheverything seems to be over, and at thesame time it feels like you just started, itsa new journey and a new adventure. Tome graduation will be even morecomplicated than that. I knew I was

leaving, leaving forever. Who knows if Iever come back again? I was scared,scared of this moment. I wanted to cry,but I didn't. I felt I was strong I am a man.Men don't cry. But I still felt sad. But Ididn't let this feeling take over me. Idecided I was stronger, so I felt happy,happy for everything and for everyone.Happy that I am done and that my friendsare done. And then I realized something.I realized that I already choose to takethat step, much earlier before that. Ichoose to come here, and leaveeverything back there at home. And thistime I will be the one to take that stepagain. A step tomy newjourney.

A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO A HOST MOMBy Yulia Fabrovska

It can be so difficult to be alone in anunknown country; stay with an unknownfamily which speaks a different language. It isimpossible to show my gratitude to somepeople who worked so hard to help me notonly when I felt bad, but everyday. One ofthose people is my host mother Deane. Youwould have to read this article for a really

long time if you would like to find out all thegood things she did for me.On Easter in Ukraine people are going to thechurch at night to bless the food in theirbaskets. Deane was very kind to take me tothe church. The service lasted for couple ofhours during which we were not aloud to sitand most of it was in Ukrainian. She wasthere all the time. I do not think I could makeit, to stand at night and listen to the weirdlanguage not understanding what are peopledoing and why. And this was not the onlytime when she did that for me.She has always been a person I could leanon when I had problems and be sure that she

will help me. She would also share my joy,too.There are no words in the world to say howthankful I am to her and how lucky I feel forhaving had such a wonderful host mother.Now I have two mothers.

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


3/9

ASHLAND

Early Saturday, May 8, 23AFSers and volunteers departed fromPortland in a rain storm on their way toAshland for the weekend. The plan was toarrive in Ashland mid-afternoon, getsituated in our rooms and just enjoy thecity. The rain stopped shortly after we leftPortland and we had no more rain untilSunday evening. We stayed at the PlazaInn & Suites and from the commentsbelow, you will see everyone loved thehotel. Saturday evening we all met and

had dinner together at the Jade DragonRestaurant, and then everyone spent theevening just hanging out, playing cards,hot tubbing, and working out in theexercise room. The hotel provided peanutbutter and jelly, milk, and chocolate chipcookies each night. Sunday was the daywe seen the plays: The Royal Family andComedy of Errors. Before going to theevening play, we had a pizza party in thehotels snack room. Monday morning weheaded home. Special thanks to ourdrivers: Brenda Langer, Maggie Frieske,Lynette and Rebecca Ledgerwood, Ronand Pat Combs, and Garry and Marilyn

Hays.Special thanks goes out to

Marilyn Hays for putting this trip togetherand for doing such a great, efficient job.

Here are some comments from the kidswho attended:

Great trip! I loved it. The hotel isawesome and the plays were terrific. Toobad we were there for such a short time.

I really enjoyed spending time inAshland. I loved the plays so much. Iwish we could spend more time in Ashlandand see more plays.

Not only were the plays strikinglybeautiful, but these kinds of trips alsobrings AFS kids together. Everything was

so great that it seemed to be a dream. Iwish more people would come and wecould spend more time together. YuliyaFabrovska from Ukraine

The Ashland trip is going to stay in mymemory forever. I enjoyed the plays.Also I enjoyed spending time with other

AFS students because I know that it is notmuch time left for us hereso that was

just wonderful. Lola Aminova fromUzbekistan

I thought the trip was great! I liked the

plays. The hotel was great. I liked it howwe were free to go and explore the city. Iwould do it again!!! Noemi Giuliette

from Belgium

I had a lot of fun this weekend. It was areal blast. I particularly liked having thefreedom to do pretty much what wewanted to do (within reason)like goingshopping, hot tubbing, or sleeping in somecases. I really enjoyed the two plays thatwe saw. They are both very entertaining.All the students (I think) enjoyed themequally as much. Tegan Hastings from

Australia

I think that, generally, the trip went verywell. I really liked the fact that we hadsome free time to go exploring or just sitback and relax. It is always a good idea toleave free time. The choice of shows tosee was well chosen. Both were traditionalShakespearian plays and also a classics butin plain English. I wondered whether theold English would prove to be a difficultyfor some of the students, but I wasdelightfully surprised. Everyone reallyseemed to enjoy themselves and had agreat time! My suggestion.a hotel with

a hot tub and a swimming pool!!! [ThePlaza Inn had only a hot tub] Holly Nunn,USA, a host sib

Lola Aminova has found out how PR andadvertising pay off in the USA. Lolacompleted the Red Cross BabysittingClass, made up a resume for herself,passed them out in her neighborhood (hostparent along), and within two days had twobabysitting jobs. Way to Go! Lola. Theseskills came in handy when Lola served asJunior Counselor at Outdoor School thisspring.

(FLEX might consider hooking up withRed Cross to have students take this class.It's a FLEX-acceptable way for them tomake money and also meets kids andadults in their neighborhoods. Accordingto Lola, it would not be acceptable for herto do this in her country. It's just sociallynot acceptable there for kids to be out

looking for work.)

Student News

Yuliya Fabrovska has chosen to spendone of her school class times as a peerhelper in a classroom of multi-handicapped students. She works andplays with teenagers with many differentlevels of handicapping conditions.Yuliya's been a rousing success. Lana's(Younglove) students look forward toYuliya's arrival every day, and compete forher attention. Its especially nice as onestudent comes from a Russian-speakinghome, and with Yuliya's English-Russianskills, we've had a chance to compare

whether the student's level ofunderstanding is language based or IQbased. Thanks Yuliya for all you are andfor all you do. We will miss you greatlywhen you return home. (Yuliya returnedhome in May).

Fee Schaefer (Washougal, WA viaGermany) and her partner ReevaWebberley finished first in the districtplayoffs for tennis doubles. They earnedthe right to play in Seattle in the statetournament. They did not do as well therebut they did win half of their matches for a

7th place finish. They had a wonderfultime and Fee said the experience was thebest ever and she will go home toGermany with a 1st place trophy fromdistrict and wonderful memories.

Matti Kolehmainen, Finland played forWashougal High varsity soccer this springHaving never played organized soccerbefore Matti had a remarkable year. Heplayed in many of the games and receivedhonors as the most improvedplayer at theend of the season. Congratulations Mattifor the courage to make it happen.

CONGRATULATIONS TOFRANCISCO GARCIA AND WIFEKELLY ANN

Congratulations to Francisco and hiswife Kelly Ann on the birth of AnaFrancisca Myers Garcia on April 21,2004 at 12:23 a.m. She weighed in at7 lbs. 11 oz. and was 20 inches long.Francisco is a long-time AFS volunteerand a former AFS staff member. Hehas been a chaperone and van driverfor Pendleton Roundup, and manytimes a group leader.


4/9

The following essay is one of the excitingreasons why the FLEX program will be aroundfor ten more years and the benefits it provides.

Trip to Washington DC

All FLEX students had special competition inOctober 2003. In order to go to Washington DCand participate in the Close Up program, wewere supposed to write a good essay and receivepositive recommendation from one of ourteachers in high school. Around 1200 FLEXstudents participated in that competition, butonly 126 were selected; I was selected too.It was a one-week program at the end ofFebruary. It was one of the best weeks in the

US for many FLEX students. We had manydifferent activities: meetings with senators,representatives, politicians, important people;visiting historical places, monuments, museums,theater, neighborhoods, memorials; participatingin seminars, workshops, conferences,presentations, TV show, etc.We discussed many issues: economics,democracy, government infrastructure in boththe USA and former Soviet Union countries.FLEX students were divided into 6 groups, witharound 20 students per group. Our workshop(group) leaders were very helpful, and one ofthem will come to visit us in our countries.It was such a great week, and many students didnot want to go back. In general, it was veryuseful for all FLEX students. I hope that

experience, which I received in Washington DC,will help me in future.

Volodymyr Kovalchuk,Ukrayina

My essay

I came from Ukraine, country, whichlittle more than 10 years ago was instructure of Union of Soviet SocialisticRepublics. So, in the United States ofAmerica, in those times USSR was calledRussia, and many people did not hearabout Ukraine. Some people thought that itwas a part of Yugoslavia or somewhere inAsia. For Americans, Russians were bearswith nuclear weapons, and for Russians,Americans were imperialistic hawks. And

a miracle, which 10 years ago was fantasy,happened. I, simple citizen from formerUSSR, am studying in the USA.And now the question: for what all this

must be? I think it must be.First, the USA historically, geographically,economically, and culturally in main areseparated from other countries of our

planet. Historically, because modern US isvery a young country in comparing withother well-developed countries.Geographically, because it is situated farfrom most countries, and the USA isseparated by oceans from them.Economically, because it is the most welldeveloped country in the world withbiggest gross national product and incomeper person. Culturally, because Americanculture is a mixer of Native Americanculture, culture of first Europeanimmigrants, African immigrants and ofimmigrants from the entire world. Whatdoes it tell us? It tells us, that complex

separation from the rest of the worldcreates ignorance in other nations aboutthe USA, and ignorance, as all unknowns,creates misunderstandings and fear againstpower of the USA. Does the USA need it?No, the USA needs respect, understandingand approval.Second, Americans don't know much

about life in other countries, especially, inpost socialistic countries. This makes itdifficult for the USA to create the correctpolicy towards our countries and it makesit hard for the USA to understand thepolitics and results of reforms in ourcountries.

From my being here, benefits are for allnamed sides. But the biggest gain is forme. During the school year, I have anopportunity to live with an Americanfamily; to study in American school; toparticipate in different American activities;and to develop my English language skills.It can help me, after arriving back home, topromote American achievements, to telleverybody that people, not hawks, live inthe USA. Then, while studying in theuniversity, I can read books and magazinesin English, which can develop myknowledge even more. When I startworking, the experience received in theUSA, knowledge of English, andadditional knowledge will help me.Besides, if I work with a citizen of theUSA, it will be easier for me to understandhim and work more productively with him.All this will help other students and me toinfluence on Ukrainian reforms andpolitics.And now some words about

contributions. Investments grow, if thereis well-developed investmentinfrastructure and favorable politics. Thisis in main and now more specific.

My being here potentially will result in 4types of investments.

Student News

First, my knowledge, received whilestudying in high school; my cognitions,received while living in the USA; and myexperience, received while participating indifferent activities, will be invested inUkraine.

Second, investor can be somebody fromthe USA. Other FLEX participants and Ican influence on developing of investinfrastructure and politics by creating andparticipating in it.Third, investors may be from other

countries. Countries, which had exchangestudents in the USA. It can help us tounderstand each other and find commoninterests. All these can help to realizeinvestment projects successfully.Fourth, investors can be in Ukraine.

They will trust us, FLEX students, andcommit to realize investment projects.While being here, I am learning not just

culture of the USA, but also the cultures of27 different countries. I am learning itfrom other exchange students. And theyare learning from each other and me too.It is real exchange. In future it will makeeasier to cooperate with each other.Everybody knows the phrase: "beauty willsave the world" (by Dostoevsky, Russianwriter). Beauty, in general, is what is nicefor your eyes, but in the wide sense - it iswhat pacifies the soul by way ofunderstanding, mutual help, andcollaboration - this is harmony of relationsThis program helps bring togetherseparated nations. Other participants and I

are elements of this process. Moreelements - better and faster result. In timequantity will proceed in quality.At last, all these show that this program

give good results for the USA, Ukraineand other countries. There are no loserseverybody is winner. We, the youth, willmake reforms and politics in the future.That is why this program is a successfulinvestment in future of the USA, ourcountries, and the whole planet.Conclusion, this program must continue

not 10, but 20, 30, 40 etc years more, so,my children, grandchildren etc. can cometo the USA.P.S. Thank you very much, Americans,

for your high-minded cause. Come to us.For beginning, as guests.

Volodymyr Kovalchuk,Ukrayina


5/9

JUNE 27 STUDENT DEPARTURE400 p.m. at Lents Park

Portland Metro North/NortheastPortland Monday July 26 7 PM

Students must be at the designateddrop off point between 3 & 4oclock. At this point, students will saytheir last good-byes to their family andbe taken to the site of the DepartureOrientation. Although it is difficult to

say good-bye, it is VERY important foreveryone to let go. When a helperasks you to load your luggage into thetruck or board the van, please comply.We all realize how difficult it is to saygood-bye. Students will NOT bepermitted to make phone calls, and weask that friends and family not contactthe students before they leave thecountry.

Directions to Lents ParkS.E. Portland at 89th and S.E. Holgate Blvd.

From I- 205 South take exit 17Turn leftonto Powell, go to first light turn left onto 92

ndgo

to first light turn right on to Holgate park willbe on your left about two blocks.

From I 205 North take exit 19Division/Powell Stay in right lane towardsPowell turn right onto Powell get into centerlane go to first light turn left onto 92

nd. Go to

Holgate that will be the first light turn right.Entrance to the park will be onyour left abouttwo Blocks.Should you get lost, call Ron Combs on hiscell phone: 503 314 5243

Host Family Orientation Schedule for2004

They are fun, informative and required! In ordertocomply with CSIET (Council on standards forInternational Exchange and Travel)Requirements,each host family must have an orientationseparatefrom the initial home visit interview. Hostfamiliesdeserve the opportunity to meet with others whoare

Wednesday, July 28 at the home ofMaggieFrieske, 14951 S.E. El Rancho Rd.,Millwaukie, 7-9 p.m. RSVP 503 659-7958,

plunging in to this life-changing experience.We want them to feel supported and informed.We all benefit from sharing stories and Iinforming new families of the expectations andguidelines. Please make sure the families you haverecruited feel supported and informed.Encouragethem to attend one of the orientations listed. Ifyouare an "experienced" host familyand would like to share your expertise withothers, we would love to have you join thedelivery side of orientations.

Vancouver-Battleground Tuesday

July 20 7:00 PM

Sandy-Milwaukie-EstacadaWednesday July 28 7:00 PM

Portland Metro WestsideThursday August5 7:00 PM

Portland Metro Southeast Monday

August 9 7:00 PM

Washington North - TAB

Oregon Coast - TAB

Columbia Gorge - TAB

Tillamook Sunday August 8 2:00 PM

Longview/kelso Saturday July 2410:00 AM

Tuesday, July 20 at the Sisson home,8810 Beacon Ave., Vancouver, 7-9p.m. Directions from north or south:From I-205: Take I-205 to Hwy. 14.Exit west toward Vancouver onto Hwy14. Take the first exit, Leiser Rd., andhead north up the hill. From I-5: TakeI-5 to the Camas exit. Head east onHwy. 14. Take the Leiser Road exit(about 4 miles) and head north up thehill. Then: at the 4-way flashing lighton Leiser Road, turn right onto St.Helens Ave. In a couple of blocksyou'll see a parking lot on the right.Park there. Look for the two-storyhouse on the east side of the lot at thecorner of Beacon and St. Helens.Lost? Call Mary, 360695-9148.

Monday, July 26 at the home ofSusan Riggs, 3239 NE 20thAvenue, Portland, 7-9 p.m.RSVP. Please contact Chriscradler at 503 287-6601 or SusanRiggs at 503-287-0585.

Monday, August 9 at the home ofBernice Schuchardt, 4806 S.E. Long,Portland, 6:30-9 p.m. I will have sub-

sandwiches available for dinner.RSVP 503 774-4161

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESContact Bernice Schuchardt at 503775-4161, [email protected], forother volunteer opportunities.

Student/Family Liaison - Thisindividual works with one student andone host family by maintaining monthlycontact with each party. The liaisonalso periodically contacts host school.By doing so, the liaison provides

ongoing support to all participants(host families and students andschool) throughout the year to optimizethe relationship and interculturallearning opportunities for all parties.The liaison achieves this learning byhelping facilitate communication andunderstanding between the host family

and student and sometimes schoolthough not as often.

Aunt/Uncle Family - A family orindividual that spends time with thestudent on a regular basis in additionto the host family. For instance, maytake student for a weekend trip, hiking,or out to a movie or ice-cream.

Upcoming Events

((August 11 - 13 Lents ParkOrientation Site for August 14Orientation - to be announced)Contact: Ron Combs, 503 777-8117,[email protected].

Host families (Gateway Families) fornext years students. A GatewayFamily hosts for 1-3 days andtransports student to orientation site onAugust 14.To find out more about volunteering forarrival or departure, Ron is happy toanswer any questions- 503-777-8117.

COLUMBIA PACIFIC LEADERSHIPTEAM MEETINGSCHEDULED FOR MONDAY July 12

Our next Leadership Team meetingwill be held on Monday, July 12, at theAFS office, 506 SW 6th Ave., from6PM to 8PM. All leadership teammeetings are open meetings. All arewelcome to come. For moreinformation call Ron Combs 503-777-8117 or E-Mail [email protected].

IOF PICNIC Sunday, July 25The Independent Order of Forestershas extended an invitation to all AFSfamilies, volunteers, and friends tocome to their annual picnic which willbe held on Sunday, July 25, at Oaks

Park. Hamburgers, hot dogs,beverage, and ice cream will beprovided. registration fee of $1 perperson will be charged. If you want togo on the rides, ride bracelets may bepurchased for $5. Bracelets will bevalid all day. Contact Ron Combs, 503777-8117 to register [email protected]


6/9

Columbia Pacific Hosting 2004-2005There have been and will be some staffing changing that you need to be aware of. Our dear Sara Vandepeute is on her way to DC with Rodrigo, where Rodrigo willenter Graduate School and Sara will be finding a new niche. We will miss her, but we are fortunate to have a familiar face taking over for her. Cliff Johnson, whoused to be Northwest Hosting Coordinator, will be the new Field Coordinator for Columbia Pacific and two other teams. Cliff has been serving in the same capacity forSouthwest teams, but decided he would rather cover the region he lives in and reduce the amount of traveling away from home and wife. Welcome Cliff! We have alsolost our wonderful Margena, in Admissions, whose experience was "gifted" to the Central States Region--an area that has suffered many staff changes. We lookforward to working with Sybille Langer, who is catching on real fast in Admissions.We are still seeking host families to fil l out our hosting commitments and assist the region with some of the "overmatrix" students who will be coming. The"overmatrix" students present a particular problem and one that is sometimes hard to understand. We make an Area Team Commitment for hosting and sendingnumbers 1 1/2 years before the kids arrive or go, in order to plan budget and so our partners can anticipate our needs and we theirs. In order to meet numbers, we haveto build in a certain attrition rate. Some students do withdraw; change their mind or "rollover." Unfortunately, the national withdrawal rate is higher than the historical

withdrawal rate in the West, so we end up with a few kids who haven't really been spoken for or committed to. They are coming and they will need homes. KeepAsking!We have found the single very best way to recruit a new host family is to ask them. People often won't answer newspaper or waiting room ads; a few people do actuallycall us, but more often than not, it is that personal persuasion--telling your own story and wanting to share the joy that convinces a new family to say yes. So Iencourage all of you to keep a sheet of bios and AFS material handy and bring it out when there is a lull in the conversation--at work, at play, at church, in theneighborhood and at social gatherings.Speaking Peace--talking about the mission of AFS is easy these days because there is so much war, violence and terror being reported--we can be the counter. We needexchange now more than ever! We each can be the change we hope for this world. Look over the bios. Think of families with and without children (they don't have tohave high school siblings to make a "perfect" family!) Think through your list of friends, business associates, relatives (even in other parts of the US--there are kids toplace everywhere!) and see if there is someone who might fit one of these kids. A family with adopted Chinese Children; a great teacher who might make a wonderfulhost or liaison for one of our teachers; a newly retired teacher looking for some way to be involved in a new volunteer venture. We need host families and we also needAunt-Uncle Families and Liaisons. Our goal this year is to have our liaisons and aunt-uncle families in place before arrival. If someone you talk to doesn't think now isthe right time for a hosting commitment, try to get them to say yes to being an Aunt-Uncle.Schools are closing so we need to move quickly to secure school slots. There is an advantage to local chapter or cluster taking "welcome" ownership of a given studentIf your neighborhood wants to adopt a student and assign them to a school, please let us know. We'd prefer permanent placements, but we will consider WelcomeFamily Placements, as needed. We prefer a welcome family be willing to host for a minimum of 6 weeks, three months is better. It gives us time to secure thepermanent family and allow some stability for the student. Sometimes Welcome Families decide they can't give up their "welcome student" and of course they are

given first dibs to keep the student. Welcome family placements enable us to secure the school slot and allow the student to begin the visa process, while we search forthe permanent home. It narrows the focus of the recruitment process and does have the advantage of local investment.Our new staff is available to assist in any way they can. If you need materials to distribute; assistance with AFS Online; coaching on how to ask; or other questions thatmay come up, please call on us!

Sally Ann Wells, Volunteer Hosting Coordinator, (503) 452-1868; [email protected] Coordinator: Cliff Johnson at (503) 241-1578 ext 1574; [email protected] Advisor: Sibylle Langer at (503) 241-1578 ext 1525; [email protected]

The following "mini-bios" are the current students in need of placement. Every one of these students deserves to know who their family is and begin correspondingwith them before they leave their country. Won't you please help be the change we need in this world?

Shanna is a YES Scholar from IndonesiaShanna is an avid sports watcher, and enjoys Formula 1, tennis, American football, and Italian soccer. She also loves organizing events, andevery year helps plan the biggest music festival in Indonesia, which more than 20,000 people attend.Shanna loves to be engaged with the world, whether through social work, event planning or debating at school. Her closest friends say that sheis "nice, understanding, very patient, open-minded" and smart.Shanna is an extremely creative girl, who says that growing up in a place as diverse as Indonesia has made her very open. Her extended family

embers are all very close, despite coming from different religious backgrounds.m

Nurullah YES Scholar from Turkey

Nurullah plays basketball three times a week, goes for a jog every day and works with computers. He's on the basketball team and istraining for the athletic championships. He's the president of the student foundation and an active member of Greenpeace.Nurullah is very trusted and respected by his family. He considers himself a trustworthy person, capable of making mature decisionsregarding his life and future goals. His friends say he's empathetic, easy going and he makes friends easily. Nurullah grew up in Kocaeliwith his father, a teacher, his mother, a teacher and his younger sister. He has attended boarding school for the past 3 years. His counselorsays he's "mature, independent and has a natural talent to make new friends." No pork.

Norodin, YES Scholar from the Philippines

Wally is very active in the performing arts, as a dancer, singer and public speaker; he loves the works of Shakespeare. He is also the VP ofhis student government, and is involved in the local "Clean and Green" environmental cleanup program.

Despite being so heavily involved in his community, he is a dedicated and successful student. Teachers describe him as a natural leader, andhe makes friends easily. His parents call him a courageous optimist who believes in himself. Wally requires access to a mosque.Wally lives with his father, stepmother, caretaker and six siblings in Cotabo City. They are surrounded by farmland, on which the entireamily works. They are demonstrative, busy, and religious; education is very important to them. For religious reasons, he does not eat pork.f

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Kurumi from JapanKurumi plays the piano times a week and listens to music almost everyday. She is an assistant for her school's volleyball club. As an assistant,she throws and collects balls for the players. She enjoys taking care of the team.She said her family and friends would describe her as shy. She gets nervous when she talks to strangers, but likes making as many new friendsas she can. She is compassionate and thoughtful, and always feels better when her relationships are going well.She lives with her family in Takaoka, a rural town with many famous sites. She is excited to travel abroad, meet new people and learn a newculture. She would like to make friends with many people and teach them about her country and her culture.

Daniel from Australia -

Daniel's main passion is basketball, and he spends at least 3 or 4 nights a week at practice or at games. He travels quite a bit throughbasketball. He also surfs and explores the outdoors. He'd like to study sports psychology when he gets older.Friends and family describe Daniel as open-minded and easy to talk to. He is kind and values open communication. He's a leader within hispeer group - teachers say that he's outgoing, involved and motivated as a student and as an athlete.Daniel lives with his father in Rosebud, Victoria. They have a relationship of "complete trust and loyalty," according to his father. His family

alues leadership and self-discipline. They have established a balance between freedom and responsibility.v

Chalit from Thailand - Welcome family in The DallesSoccer is Yui's favorite hobby and he plays every night with his friends. Another interest of his is badminton. Yui is also musical andplays in a Thai classical band that consists of 8 members. Yui plays a 2-string instrument called "Sau Duang."Yui says his friends describe him as friendly, amusing and someone with a sense of humor. His father says he is flexible and easily adaptsto new environments. He has a good relationship with his family and is given much independence.Chalit's nickname is Yui. He was elected the leader of the soccer club at his school because he is good at coordinating and sharing withothers. In the future Yui would like to study communication and later work in the tourist industry.

Wasu from Thailand

16-year old Wasu goes by the nickname "Mai". She plays Thai instruments such as Kim and Thai flute as well as practices badminton. Sheenjoys cooking Phad Thai and fried rice, and loves to eat American food. In her free time she draws cartoons and reads.Mai's family describes her as shy at first, but once you get to know her she is "friendly, flexible and gets along well with others". She says sheadjusts well to new environments and is ready to learn new things. Student is allergic to dust. Mai lives with her parents, grandparents, uncleand brother. Her father is a bank manager and the family has a fruit garden with three types of fruit. In the future she hopes to be either a

acist or an economist and continue her study of English.pharm

Yevgeniya a FLEX Scholar from RussiaYevgeniya, who goes by the nickname "Jane", has won school championships in volleyball, running and table tennis. Her hobbies includewatching teenage movies, needlework, reading, modern dancing, listening to pop music and racing horses.Jane describes herself as a very social and openhearted person who is responsible, fair and tolerant. She says she always tries to be amiable, easy-going and a good communicator. Her friends say she has a great sense of humor and is very entertaining.Jane is an only child who lives with her mother. She has many relatives that live nearby with whom she spends a lot of time. In the future she

y either international relations or psychology.would like to stud

Natalia from Paraguay - School Placed in Sandy High School Nati's is very active in many sports, but she spends the majority of her time with the school volleyball team. She also enjoys dancing. She'sthe vice president of her church youth group and the president of her class at school. Leadership comes naturally to Nati because of her talentat working with and for people. She is fun, outgoing, and cheerful, and loves people. She has a friendly and confident nature. She's also adiligent and responsible student.Nati lives in Asuncion with her parents, grandmother, brother, and his brother's wife and 4 children. They often spend weekends together,

oing to church and sharing meals. They ar busy during the week with their independent schedules.g

Rattiya Visiting Teacher from Thailand matched to Trillium CharterTick spends her days teaching at a primary school. She teaches 3 hours of English, 4 hours of computers and 1 hour of Scouts. She then goeshome and has dinner and watches TV with her family. On weekends, she likes to go visit with friends and relatives.Tick describes herself as a friendly, helpful and caring person. She says that her parents tell her that she is flexible, self-confident and has relateseasily to all sorts of people. She also likes to talk to people and learn about their experiences.

Tick was born on 10/20/1970. She loves pets, and can live with a family that has cats and/or dogs indoors.Tick lives with her parents in a large house with a nice yard. She has two brothers who live close to home, and have their own families. Tick isery excited at the prospect of learning new teaching styles from her American counterparts.v

Temsiri Visiting Teacher from Thailand for Springwater Trail School Nokyoong enjoys aerobics & jogging 3-4 times a week. She's always learning new things to keep her students informed;enjoys travel,meetingnew people,reading &movies. She drives 20 miles to work each day to teach English to her 7-to-12-year-old pupils.She's grateful for her mom's influence, saying her teacher mom has inspired her to travel & broaden her experiences. Nokyoong's colleaguesdescribe her as "friendly, warm, active, flexible and reasonable with high responsibility."Nokyoong lives in a village of fewer than 4,000 people, most of whom are farmers, shopkeepers & government employees. Her dad and older

rother both died several years ago; she now lives with her mom, two dogs & one cat.b


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AFSCOLUMBIA

PACIFIC

Bernice Schuchardt4806 SE LongPortland, OR 97206

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

Sunday, June 27 Departure at Lents Park (p. 1)

Sunday, July 25 IOF Picnic All AFS families, volunteers and friends invited. Register with Ron Combs, 503 777-8117. $1 registrationfee includes food, ice cream, and beverage. (See p. 2 for more details)

Sunday, August 1 NEWSLETTTER DEADLINE. Submit to Bernice Schuchardt at [email protected]

Monday, August 9 Host Family Orientation at Bernice Schuchardts home, 4806 SE Long, Portland, phone 503-775-4161.

Saturday, August 14 Arrival Orientation for 2004-2005 students. Site to be determined.

Thursday, August 26 Welcome Picnic at the home of Garry and Marilyn Hays (more info in next newsletter)

The Calendar

Want electronic newsletter?

E-Mail Bernice at [email protected]

Want souvenir/scrapbook hard copy snail mail?E-Mail Sally Ann at [email protected]

All others will be able to find the newsletter on the Columbia-Pacific website:

Http://www.afscolpac.org

Documents

2004 June Newsletter