NEWSLETTER

MARCH
2009

Welcome New Hosting Co-coordinators!

AFS Columbia Pacific welcomes our new Area Team Hosting Co-coordinators! Stacey Mills and Andrea Johnson have
taken over the reins as Hosting Co-coordinators for the Area Team.

My name is Stacey Mills. I live in My name is Andrea Johnson

beautiful Portland, Oregon. I have and I am an AFS returnee
traveled all over the world and from Austria `94-`95. I am a
have had great cultural stay-at-home mom of two
experiences everywhere. In my little girls who keep me
experience, shared peace, joy and hopping all the time. I have
acceptance is the universal been involved with AFS on
language of understanding. I and off since my family first
believe that AFS provides the hosted over 20 years
opportunity to build bridges of ago. AFS is an organization
cultural understanding between I believe in, so I am very
different nations. excited to join this team.

Being Great Hosts—The Columbia Gorge Chapter

The Dalles hosted its first AFS coordinator. We enjoy getting to know each student along with
exchange student in 1957 and has both the countries and customs they bring to our table. We often
sent and hosted one or two students most search the internet to see the home country where a student lives,
every year since for a total of 95. As we their community, neighborhood, school and home. English is our
are a small community of 13,000 these only language but a smile and carefully chosen words can go a
AFS students have been involved with long way towards comfortable communication. We’ve never met
many families and left us with fond anyone with whom we couldn’t share.
memories.
We, Tedd and Rymmel Lovell, became Ted and Rymmel Lovell, Columbia Gorge Chapter
involved with AFS in 1994 when we
hosted our first exchange son from
Australia. We completed a teaching
exchange to Adelaide, South Australia in 1992 and wanted
another connection in a different part of that country. It worked
fantastically, and since then our exchange son has returned to us
twice for visits, and we have met his parents on two vacations as
well.
Since 1994, we have hosted students from Australia (1), Japan
(2), Argentina (1), Thailand (1), Italy (1) and a teacher from Spain
(1). We have been a temporary host family for students from
Egypt (1), India (1), and Japan (1).
Our daughter Deidre went with us on the teaching exchange
as a 9th grade student. In 1996 she asked to do her own
exchange as a high school senior. She went to Kiruna, Sweden
above the Arctic Circle. She asked for a placement where she
could ski and she was well rewarded. Since then we have ▲Tedd and Rymmel Lovell with Roger and Sheryl Treen
returned with her and our granddaughter to visit her host parents from Healsville, Australia. They are Matt Treen's
and see their country. parents. We first met them in Australia to visit Matt in
We have been involved with AFS through the years as 2000, traveled with them to Hawaii in 2002, to England in 2004,
fundraising chairs, hosting coordinator, liaison to several students, and last summer at our home in The Dalles when they came to
host parents, bus chaperones, chauffeurs, and now chapter chair/ visit 2008.

WWW.AFSCP.COM
Visit your local AFS website. It is a great resource for volunteers, host families, and exchange students.
James Spears, Area Team Webmaster
 YOUR AFS WORLD

THE CHAIR REPORT—Bonnie Richardson-Kott

I’m the Chair of the local volunteer board for AFS in the area
referred to as the Columbia Pacific Area Team. As the chair, I get
to work with fantastic volunteers who seek out good host families,
interview students and families, and organize trips and
orientations among many other activities. I came to be an active
volunteer because of my direct contact with the many wonderful
students from around the world and my wanting to help those
students take part in the best exchange experience while in
Washington and Oregon.
I’ve had the opportunity to participate in many volunteer roles
but perhaps the most cherished role I’ve had is as a host mom to
Siyan from Malaysia. Siyan came to live with my family 2 years
ago and stayed with us for only 6 months. Those months flew by
and my family still misses her. We learned so much about a
country that we new very little about. (My two boys love to point
out Malaysia on the globe to their friends.) Even though she has
gone back to Malaysia, Siyan is still part of our family and she will
be for a lifetime our sister, daughter and friend.
You, too, can have the experience of a lifetime. Host an
exchange student. It will open your hearts and minds …and
extend your family by a few thousand miles.
Bonnie Richardson-Kott, Columbia Pacific Area Team Chair

AFS Columbia Pacific Volunteer Appreciation Event

AFS Columbia Pacific
Invites you and your family to join us in celebrating and
thanking

YOU
Our volunteers

Volunteer awards and presentations,

festive hors d’oeuvres and beverages,
and lively conversation

Sunday, April 19th, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Who Song & Larry’s
111 SE Columbia Way
Vancouver, WA 98661

Bring the kids. The entire family is welcome.

Watch your mail for an invitation, too.

Please RSVP to leta.gorman@bullivant.com

AFS Has Deep Roots

Since our founding in 1947, AFS has matched host families with high school students from all over
the world. More than 350,000 families and students worldwide have experienced the lifelong rewards
of participating in AFS. Many of our volunteers are former host families or previous program
participants, which speaks to the impact being an exchange student has on people’s lives.
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 YOUR AFS WORLD

How has AFS changed your life?

~ My life has changed in an amazing
way, I have learned so much about the
world and myself within this
experience—Carolina, Chile
~ It teaches me to respect different
culture by offering me the chance to
know people from different countries.
Getting countless help from my host
family and other volunteers strengthens
my belief that we are undoubtedly able
to make the world a greater place.
Living away from parents and friends
back in China, I get more mature,
independent and responsible. Thank
AFS—Libin, Visiting Teacher, China
~ It brought to me my best time in my life
and the best experiences ever :) -
Vera, Germany
~ AFS gave me the opportunity to stay in
America and to be here—Killian,
Germany
~ I see things way different now, and is
more interested in other cultures. I
have learned how well I have it in
Denmark. I know how much I love my
own family and friends, and how
important they are for me. I found out
that I will be super lonely if I would live
for myself in an apartment, so I am
instead going to live in a collective for
college students. :D—Maria, Denmark
~ It has changed my live with giving me
the opportunity to go to America. I
learned some great things here that I
hopefully never forget.—Daniel,
Austria
~ AFS changed my life a lot!!! I think I’m
just growing up and I’m getting
concerned about more adult stuff like
politics or the actual climate change. I
think I gained a lot more self
confidence too—Philip, Germany
~ My life has been changed already.
Right now I am in tennis team. I could
never think I would play this kind of
sport. Besides, I recognized many
issues in society doing my senior
project. And I got opportunity to
compare my school and American
schools, so I already know that are
differences. For example, teacher and
student involvement. I went through
American education program. Another
valuable thing in which I have been
changed is my family and friends back
home. I understand how they are
important to me. I am happy for each
email or letter that I get from them. I
think it encourages me a lot.—Raima,
Kyrgyzstan
~ AFS changed my life in this way, that I
am more open towards people, that I
realized that not everything is as bad
as it looks like and that every day could
be the best of my life. It lies in my
hand, what I make out of my life. To be
independent and to make my own
decisions is the greatest gift you could
have.—Anna-Lena, Germany
~ By opening up my eyes even more to
the world outside. AFS has been a
bridge for me to all the fantastic
experiences I have had over here so
far, also AFS has let me meet one of
my very best friends over here! -
Andreas, Denmark
~ My experience with AFS has taught me
to live intensely every moment of my
life and to be open to any new
experience. Because it doesn’t matter
if the experience is good or bad, you
always learn something.—Lucia,
Spain
~ I have gotten to know myself better and
what I think I really never thought of
that they are so important for me.—
Ellen, Germany
~ This year is my huge abyss. It teaches
me about the real world and real life
that in somehow not like what we
usually thought it was. Also I’ve grown
up and learn how to be independent
and roots me abroad friendship which
will be forever.— Pimchanok,
Thailand
~ This exchange program has changed
my view of life. I have learned so much
about myself and other people—
Juulia, Finland
~ AFS let me learn different cultures, see
more about the world and have a
different idea about the tings surround
me. AFS lets me have the chance to
experience a different life—Dianhong,
China
~ AFS gives a lot of chances to me. I met
a lot of people from many kind of
nations. I can try a lot of activities that I
never have done before in my country.
I have friends from many kind of
countries also. I learn about how to
live with them that have different
culture. THANK YOU VERY MUCH—
Nutnida, Thailand
~ A lot. AFS change my life, made me
see the world and my life in a different
way. Being so far away from my
parents made me independent person,
more mature, free, responsible, think
more in my future. Now I would like to
learn more about different cultures,
travel, visit my new friends around the
world. I think this is the best
experience of my life. I love AFS! -
Monica, Costa Rica

*** New Hosting Co-coordinators Launch a Hosting Blog ***

Stacey and Andrea have hit the ground running. A new contact.
Columbia Pacific hosting blog has been set up for chapter/ As this busy hosting season descends upon us, we hope
cluster coordinators, host families and students. The that you will visit the Columbia Pacific hosting blog often.
hosting team hopes this blog will accomplish the following This tool should provide a valuable opportunity to keep
four things: everyone up to date on the daily happenings of our students
and their placements!
~ Highlight information on students we are currently How to access this blog? Go to the AFS Columbia Pacific
looking to place with host families. website (www.afscp.com), click on “current volunteers”,
~ Provide exciting information on students who have click on “visit the hosting blog/view incoming students’. OR
already been placed with a host family. you can go directly to the blog at the following web address.
~ Distribute information on changes in hosting www.afscp.com/weblogs/hosting.htm.
Make sure you scroll through the entire blog to view all of
procedures, policies or training meetings.
this important information.
~ Generate interest from potential host families who would
Stacy Mills & Andrea Johnson, Hosting Co-coordinators
like to learn more about hosting but are unsure who to

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 YOUR AFS WORLD

Hayley B. Wins Scholarship from Area Team and the Portland Chapter!
We are excited to
announce that Hayley
B. has been awarded a
total of $2,000 in
scholarship funds from
the AFS Columbia
Pacific Area Team and
the AFS Portland
Chapter.
Hayley will be spending one year
studying abroad in Krasang, Buri ram
province of Thailand. Hayley is a
sophomore at the Arts and Communication
Magnet Academy in Beaverton and she
has been interested in other cultures since
seventh grade. Originally, Hayley wanted
to go to Japan for a study abroad program
because of presentation she heard from a
returning exchange student who had spent
her school year in Japan. Hayley learned
everything she could about Japan, opening her mind and allowing her to learn
including taking Japanese. But after new things.
researching other countries, Hayley And we are looking forward to sending
decided on Thailand because she wanted Hayley as an ambassador for AFS to
to learn a completely new culture. She felt Thailand in April. Hayley, the volunteers of
that by going to a place that she knew little Portland and Columbia Pacific wish you the
about she would live the true cultural experience of a lifetime!
experience that would help her to
personally grow.
When I asked Hayley why she chose to
do a cultural exchange, she enthusiastically
responded that the only way to truly learn
and experience a culture is to live and be
immersed in the culture. And that is the
special experience AFS provides for
students – a home with a family away from
home. Just a few weeks ago, Hayley
received an email from her host family in
Thailand welcoming her. She is looking
forward to her exchange experience Bonnie Richardson-Kott, Area Team Chair

Multicultural Event at Franklin High School—Patty (Nutnida), Thailand

This is a festival shows ,and they might enjoy them more newspaper were coming, and I was so
for student or staff to that listening something. shock that my photo is in school
present your culture, newspaper!!!!
We had 'Lion dance' or 'เชิดสิ งโต' from
because my school
has a lots of student China, "Tell me - Wonder girls" performed This is an article in 'THE FRANKLIN
that came from by students, my performed, hip-hop dance, POST ,Feb 2009 ,volume 133 ,issue 5 '
different countries. drumming and singing performed by "Next Patty , a Thai exchange student,
For this year, I was teacher [African], Tibet slide show, Black played a traditional song on her flute and
the one who student slide show, Vietnamese dance, wore a beautiful Thai dress. Patty has been
presented my African dance, Magic show, Mexican playing the flute for about 3 years now. She
culture, and actually dance, Russian club show, Chinese played other instruments before, and she
I was the only exchange student who modern dance, Rock band and to end the learned the song playing those previous
participant this festival. assembly there was a fashion show of instrument"
traditional clothing from different countries
I played 'ขลุย
่ ' or Thai flute and played and ethnicities. An article under my photo:
"Patty , elegantly dressed in a
a song called 'ลาวดวงเดือน'. I choose After this festival, my friends and some
student of Franklin they can remember traditional Thai outfit, plays flute for the
this song because it's a pretty long song assembly. Patty is a foreign exchange
and good for performance. It's also good me ,and said 'Good job, Patty' or 'Your
meaning that someone who leave their outfit was so beautiful' or 'That's amazing' student from Thailand, a small southeast
homeland, just like me. Before or 'Phenomenon!!' or 'Awesome', I was so Asian country"
performance, I was really nervous, really impressed and really happy that I can
because there were a lots of dancing shared our Thai culture for foreign friends. Patty (Nutnida), Thailand
The week after festival, school

Help Change The World

Each year, more than 2,500 international high school students come to the U.S. with AFS to attend high school and live
with host families. These outstanding young people are eager to experience life in America. Hosting a student for a year or
semester is something your family can do to bring more understanding to the world. It’s also a great way to add an
international branch to your family tree!
Host families provide a bed, meals, and the same guidance you would give to your own children. All kinds of families
can host! AFS families come in all shapes and sizes, including single-parent families, families with no children at home,
non-traditional families, and families with young children. If you’re interested in sharing your everyday life with a young
person from another country and culture, become a host family!
All AFS Exchange Students are supported by trained local AFS Volunteers to help your family and hosted son or
daughter gain the most from your time together, and full-time AFS staff are also available to support students and host
families.

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 YOUR AFS WORLD

The Way AFS Touched My Life—Rustam Kocher

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 Bundestag" 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). My shaky start continued. Like any AFS student,
however, I adapted quickly, and was soon flying kites from the rooftop with my brothers and playing soccer and basketball in my
school courtyard.
The experience and knowledge that I gained my 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 (there was no internet or e-mail in Indonesia 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 or what I am today. After moving back
from Indonesia in 1998, I became involved in the local Portland AFS Chapter, and now run the FLEX & YES programs in Portland with
Maggie Frieske. Thru Yes & FLEX, we have hosted some marvelous students, many of whom are already having a positive impact
on their home communities. When people tell you that your AFS experience, whether it be hosting, as a volunteer or as a student, will
be truly life-changing: believe them. It will change who you are, for the better, forever.
Rustam Kocher Efti Kocher (Pattisahusiwa)
AFS returnee —- Married to —- AFS returnee
USA to Indonesia 88-89 Summer Program Indonesia to USA 1986

...Embrace the mission of AFS to build a more just and

peaceful world through international exchange
Visit www.afsusa.org
For more information about hosting exchange students
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 YOUR AFS WORLD
The Gardners...Host Family to 13+ Exchange Students
At our last Area Team meeting, I volunteered to do an
interview with Janet and Mark Gardner, who have hosted 13 AFS
students since 1997-98. I called Janet to do an interview and she
mentioned an article that Mark wrote a few years back about
hosting. After digging through the old newsletters, I found it. I
decided to use this article along with my interview notes from her.
“THE JOY OF HOSTING by Mark Gardner, Host Father of
Gustavo
Hosting an AFS student was not my idea, but my wife
had been very intent on it for years. Because we already
had four children of our own, she thought I wouldn’t really
notice one more around the house. This has been far
from true, and I now realize I wouldn’t want to trade this
experience for anything.
The first thing I realized is that children are the same
the world over; they do the same things and pull the same
stunts, just in a different language. A host father must
learn that “no comprendo” is not an acceptable answer.
After a week or two, the students understand more than
we are willing to admit. The new words the students learn
at school fit right into their vocabulary, but may not be
considered “dinner-table language.” It happens to all of
them and is a part of their learning process. If you take
the time, you can have many cultural and philosophical
conversations with your AFS student.
There are many humorous and some discouraging
things that these students bring into a home, but I have
found that the good far outweighs the bad. Each child is
different. There are adjustments to be made, but it usually
only takes a simple conversation or comment to correct.
I now find it hard to visualize a time without these family
members and their new friends around. It has been both
rewarding and fulfilling for our entire family.”
Janet talked to me about their students. They are as follows:
Cleo (Brazil, 1997-98)) was our first student. Cleo liked parties,
she called them “potties.” Her liaison was a returnee from Brazil,
who had become acquainted with other families from Brazil, and
these families had parties. Cleo loved parties, and sometimes
she took her host sibs. The Gardners have remained in contact
with Cleo, and two years ago Lynnea and Andrea went to visit
Cleo.
Monica (Italy) – Monica was an “early return” because of an
eating disorder and homesickness. The Gardners still hear from
Monica. She is happy now and is working for a jewelry company
as a translator.
Juan (Peru) – Juan was our next student, but we could not get
him into Parkrose HS, so AFS placed him with another family. He
visited us occasionally throughout that year, and we still hear from
him. The last we heard, he is in Sao Paolo, Brazil working on his
Master’s degree.
Gustavo (Paraguay) Gustavo became very fluent in English. He
also spoke Chinese and French, his school was run by French
nuns. Gustavo enjoyed shopping in America because he was
almost 6 feet tall and it was hard to find anything to fit in his
country.
Keita (Japan) wrestled and played football while living with us.
He attended Notre Dame and got a degree as an Aeronautical
Engineer. He is presently working on his Masters Degree in
6
Tokyo, Japan. In 2007, Mark and I attended his graduation from
Notre Dame along with his parents. At Notre Dame each student
had to construct a plane out of balsa wood that would stay in the
air for a certain number of minutes. Keita’s group has the largest
◄Keita, Mark,
Janet and Keita’s
family
3-lb. plane. It was named The Golden Dragon.
Roger (Bolivia) – When I asked Janet to give me a comment re:
Roger, she responded, “Roger learned by life experience.” They
are still in contact with him and the last they heard was that he is
in New York working and attending college.
Belle (Thailand) is attending college in Thailand and will finish
this year. She is studying Law and will have Masters degree.
Noemi (Sardinia) has a job and the last we heard she is back in
college and has a boyfriend. We hear from Noemi whenever she
has access to a computer.
Simge (Turkey) – We didn’t hear from her this year; the last we
heard was that she is attending college in Istanbul studying
Philosophy.
Jaime Lee (New Zealand) – Haven’t heard from her.
Rochelle (Hong Kong) - We think she is studying in the US. We
received a Christmas greeting from her dad last Christmas.
Niklas (Germany) – He’s busy finishing high school.
Mark (Hungary), better known as “Little Mark” in our house. He
is our present student. He has an affinity for languages--he
speaks German, English, French, a little Russian, & Spanish.
And, by the way, the Gardners are also hosting Noe who is an
American citizen but his parents are in Mexico. He was attending
Parkrose HS and needed a place to stay to finish his last year.
When Rochelle was here, I heard that this was their last year
of hosting. AFS still had Niklas to place and that was when Mark
got “his German boy.” This last year they took Mark from
◄Noe and Niklas in
June 2008
Hungary so Noe would have a companion.
When I asked Janet about what she has gained from hosting
all these students, her reply was “It has been a history lesson I
would have never gotten from books……and I have translators
and tour guides in all of these countries.”
And as far as next year, I will show Mark some applications of
some of our unplaced students, and who knows.
Bernice Schuchardt, Southeast Cluster Chair
 WHAT THE STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY...
What did this year’s students have to say when they were asked the following questions?
1. What is the most surprising
thing you have learned about
American high school
students?
• How independent they are and how
they like to talk about the rest of the
people—Carolina, Chile
• They aren’t that mean like I thought :) -
Vera, Germany
• They are all very nice. Still, I get along
with everybody who I know and I don’t
have problems or trouble with anyone.
Usually there is always someone who
you really don’t like and the other way
around—Killian, Germany
• How open and crazy they are—Maria,
Denmark
• They look totally different when you
first see them, but after you get to know
them you’ll see that there is no
difference at all, besides the language.
—Daniel, Austria
• It is surprising to me how excited a lot
of students get when they find out you
are an exchange student.—Philip,
Germany
• Lunch time was the most surprising
thing for me. I have never used to
have my lunch in the hall. In my
country we have our lunches in the
cafeteria. In my American school,
students go to the hall and they find a
good spot to sit and eat their food,
which is usually on the floor. Also, I
was shocked at school when I could
recognize that it is ok when girlfriends
and boyfriends are able to kiss each
other in public school. It would be
inappropriate and rude in my home
school. We would never act like that.—
Raima, Kyrgyzstan
• That many of them are much smarter
than the ones I went to school with.
Do you have a question you would like to know the
answer to? Email it to me. tami@spearsintl.com
Also, surprisingly, much more athletic! -
Andreas, Denmark
• They are really disorganized and they
CAN’T plan ahead of time! - Lucia,
Spain
• The students are not at all like the ones
in the movies.—Ellen, Germany
• Actually if we really open up our minds
and give American kids a chance they
are really helpful, loyal and friendly and
if we understand the difference
between us then we will patiently learn
about each other.— Pimchanok,
Thailand
• Many of them don’t know much about
the world outside of the U.S., but still
they are very outgoing and always
talking to other people—Juulia,
Finland
• They love to attend different clubs and
activities—Dianhong, China
• Mmm, they are awesome and really
nice people with exchange students—
Monica, Costa Rica
2. What is your favorite American
dessert?
• Ben and Jerry’s ice cream! Or any kind
of chocolate dessert! - Carolina, Chile
• Chocolate chip cookies and apple
pie—Libin, Visiting Teacher China
• Oreos—Vera, Germany
• Waffles with ice cream (cookie dough) -
Killian, Germany
• Cookies, chocolate Oreo ice cream, or
taffy...I can’t decide—Maria, Denmark
• Donuts…$4 for a dozen—Daniel,
Austria
• Snickers pie, molten chocolate
cake ,chocolate chip cookies, Oreo,
and warm apple pie—Philip, Germany
• I really like ice cream sandwiches.
They are really sweet.—Raima,
Kyrgyzstan
• Cupcakes :-) - Ana-Lena, Germany
• Cheesecake from the Cheesecake
Factory! - Andreas, Denmark
• Definitely mud pie! :) - Lucia, Spain
• Oreo cookies! - Ellen, Germany
• Short cake and anything that has
whipped cream—Pimchanok,
Thailand
• Ice cream is so good here! (more
sugar and fat maybe?) - Juulia,
Finland
• Apple Fritters—Dianhong, China
• I love brownies—Monica, Costa Rica
3. What American TV show best
describes you and your host
family?
• Hell’s Kitchen—Libin, Visiting
Teacher China
• I have no idea… I don’t really like
watching TV in America because of all
the commercials...that’s way too much
wasted time… I really like Dr. House
though—Killian, Germany
• We all watch One Three Hill and What I
like about You—Maria, Denmark
• I don’t really know an answer to this
question. I would say “The Simpsons”,
but I don’t want to get beat up. :-) I
love my host parents a lot. They
support me in every way. I don’t see
them as my “parents” they are more
like friends to me and I love being with
my friends.—Daniel, Austria
• Supernatural and American Idol—
Philip, Germany
• I do not know which show would
describe my family best. I haven’t
compared my family with any shows—
Raima, Kyrgyzstan
• The American TV show which
describes me and my host family the
best has First to Invent—Anna-Lena,
Germany
• Two and a half men :P ha ha—
Andreas, Denmark
• I don’t watch TV… - Lucia, Spain
• Dr. House we watch it together and I
made my host dad like it too… - Ellen,
Germany
• Ugly Betty and probably Scrubs in
some cases—Pimchanok, Thailand
• Well, it doesn't describe us, but on that
we usually watch together is America’s
Next Top Model—Juulia, Finland
• American Idol because we watch it
together and have fun with it—
Dianhong, China
7
 YOUR AFS WORLD

AFS Seattle Trip

DO YOU WANT TO GO TO
SEATTLE???????
Here are the details:
• Room will be paid for by AFS.
• Dates are April 25—26.
• We would leave on Saturday morning
at 8:30 a.m. and return on Sunday
evening at 9:00 p.m.
• Cost for train is $30.
∼ I have 2-for-1 coupons so
Ron Combs will purchase
tickets and you will reimburse
him.
• Cost for food...depending on what you
order/eat.
∼ Saturday—bring sack lunch,
dinner cost approximately
$15—$20. While in Seattle we can visit the following: 775-4161
∼ Sunday—breakfast at the
hotel and dinner at Asian •
Market under $10.
∼
Any other food or souvenirs
are your responsibility
∼ Bernice will bring sacks.
• The Experience Music Project
(www.empsfm.org/visit). Ticket
prices are $12-$15.
• T h e S p a c e N e e d l e
(www.spaceneedle.com). Tickets
are $16 to ride the elevator to the top
of the Space Needle. Or you stand
outside and take pictures and tour the
very large gift shop.
• Pike Place Market—
(www.seattletravel.com/
pikesplacemarket.html). FREE
Other places—Pioneer Square, an
Asian Market, the very first Starbucks,
and maybe an Underground Tour.
Please let me know right away so we can
purchase tickets. This is on a first come
first served basis. Contact Bernice (503)
or by email
bmschuch@aol.com

In Memoriam—John Bromley
John Bromley, one of our long-time volunteers out in Sandy,
Oregon, passed away Thursday, February 12, after a battle with
cancer. I have worked with AFS placements at Sandy High
School and East County for many years, and John and his wife,
Peggy, were there for me and AFS many times as a Welcome
Family, a liaison, emergency family, and counselor. I will certainly
miss him.
John taught at Sam Barlow High School in Gresham for 16
years, and retired in 2003. In 2006, he was elected (following his
appointment) to the Oregon Trail School District Board. He also
promoted the bond for a new high school in Sandy.
John and his wife, Peggy, were both secondary science
teachers in the Peace Corps (John in Malaysia and Peggy in
Uganda). They met afterwards in Nashville, got married in
London, and together went as overseas teachers to American
Samoa, the Dominican Republic, Indonesia, and Peru. They also
traveled in many other countries during school holidays. Since
retirement they visited Spain, Greece, Chile, Argentina, Brazil and
Canada.
In this special issue which is spotlighting hosting, this couple
shared their lives with many young people from around the world
and certainly have done their part in promoting a more peaceful
world. From AFS, the Bromleys hosted Arturo (Bolivia, 1994),
Debeis (Venezuela, 1996), Lele (China, 2000), and Tina, (an
exchange teacher from Thailand, 2003). They were also a
temporary family for Alan from Mexico, Pedro from Ecuador, Max
from Argentina, Oskar from Iceland, and a Welcome Family for
Supreeya, a teacher from Thailand. Last year they hosted two
students from El Salvador and Mexico who were with the CASS
program at Mt. Hood Community College. According to Peggy,
they have also hosted teenage foster sons, assorted relatives,
political operatives, and ”random folks we just brought home.”
They also had students living with them when they were
overseas.
John will be missed by all of us who knew him. For those of
you who were at an AFS picnic about a year ago at the Hays’
home, John and Peggy joined us with their two CASS students.
John’s celebration of life gathering was held on March 15 at
McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale.
Bernice Schuchardt, Southeast Cluster Chair

Southeast Cluster January Meeting

The Southeast Cluster held their January meeting at the Pedersen/

Deussen home on January 11th. We had a nice turn-out and a lot of
good food as usual. Theresa and Boerge are Feroz’s (India) host family.
Feroz made a presentation about India which was very interesting.

Bernice Schuchardt, Southeast Cluster Chair

8

From Fairbanks to Santa Barbara and AFS Memories
The image is still locked in my
psyche and heart--fifteen beautiful kids
lounging on the lawn after a tough
game of volleyball—laughing, talking,
rough-housing—what a joyous scene!
That pile of kids contained Caucasian-
Americans, Asian-Americans, African-
Americans, Mexican-Americans,
Argentineans, Chileans, Japanese,
Germans, Italians, Norwegians and Big
Ol’ Raf—that sensitive, affectionate,
handsome, demonstrative, exuberant,
“Don’t Worry Be Happy,” fun-loving
AFS #1 son from Osorno, Chile—was
right in the middle of it. Had he really
only been a part of our lives for nine
months? And what had life been like
before Rafael and AFS? It was hard to
remember.
When did our AFS adventure
begin? A dear friend, Irene Peyton,
had invited me to help with the local
AFS Chapter fundraising effort in
Fairbanks, Alaska. It was to be an
elaborate International Dessert to be
held the week in February when all the
Alaska AFS exchange students were
gathered in Fairbanks for their mid-
year rendezvous.1 Each table host
was to supply a fancy country-theme
dessert, place setting, linens,
decorations and ticket-buying guests
for their own table of ten—all with an
international flavor, of course! So we
talked eight unsuspecting friends into
buying tickets, polished the silverware,
borrowed ten place-settings of Irish
china and prepared calorie-laden
desserts.
Now, February weather in
Fairbanks can be a little tricky. The
days are getting longer, glorious
sunshine raises the spirits and we also
learn what Madeline L’Engle meant in
Little House on the Prairie: “When the
days begin to lengthen, then the cold
begins to strengthen.” That February
afternoon, an Arctic high pressure
system moved in and the temperature
dropped from 20 above to 20 below in
three hours. It was too late to cancel
the festivities. Would anyone even
show up? Could we get the dishes
into West Valley High School cafeteria
without them cracking in the cold?
And what about the elaborate
desserts? Would they hold up under
YOUR AFS WORLD
the freeze and thaw? One thing to be
grateful for was that the students had
arrived from all over the state the day
before and their weekend host families
were committed to getting them to the
fundraiser.—no matter what!
Amazingly, the night came off
without a hitch. All twenty-five tables
were full; the decorations were festive
and fantastic; the desserts were
scrumptious and our exchange
students were in fine fiddle. Most were
wearing native costumes, with
instruments, dances and speeches
prepared. What a wonderful evening
of song and dance and sharing. The
exchange students, one after the
other, would share a little of their
culture and country and a lot of their
heart as they told of their experiences
of the past six months—happy, sad,
funny, serious, learning, challenging,
joyous, despairing, sharing, caring,
crying, laughing, dancing, singing,
growing, never-to-be-forgotten
experiences that would change their
lives forever. I remember especially
Marisé, from Brazil, who had had a
pretty challenging2 year. With tears
streaming down her face she shared
that her experience had given her a
greater appreciation of her own family,
a new awareness and sensitivity to the
problems of others, and taught her the
value and importance of perseverance.
The house erupted in teen energy
when one of her friends turned on a
Brazilian Lambada3 tape and thirty-five
students descended to the stage to
honor Marisé and show us all what
they had learned from her!
Another pivotal event for me, that
first night of exposure to AFS was
watching two South African boys—one
black, dressed in safari khaki; one
white, dressed in colorful African
costume--embrace after their country
presentation. Patrick and Neville had
spent that year in the same town in
rival high schools and had become
close friends. They had composed a
Song of Brother’s Love, with Patrick on
drum and Neville on African flute and
their words in our hands to hum and
sing along with. There wasn’t a dry
eye in the house when their song was
finished and they stood hugging each
▲Rafael’s beautiful family—my Chilean
grandsons Tomas, Martin & Vincente
with parents Raf & Andrea
other. In a few short weeks they
would be returning to their country and
had shared with us that evening how
difficult that return would be. They
feared, not only for their own
relationship, but for the whole political
situation in South Africa. That night
they pledged themselves to fight for
human rights in their home country and
expressed humble gratitude to AFS for
opening their world and making
Apartheid disappear, briefly, for them.
That was in the mid-1980’s. Many
desserts, chaperone trips, and
weekend-hosting later, we were
hooked forever on the benefits of AFS.
Camping trips, homesickness,
American Thanksgiving, Young Life,
Christmas Holiday with big sister
Heather home; ski trip, learning to do
laundry, picking oranges, washing
dishes, laughing, loving, crying, rough-
housing in the living room, buried on
the beach, moon-lit walks on the
breakwater, back rub “snake” in the
living room, “can-stomp” contest in the
kitchen; “gruffling”4 just about
anywhere; Frankie--the roomy,
volleyball hero, humungous burritos,
Graduation, and sad farewells—tales
of love and AFS and Big Ol’ Raf.
1 AFS provides for three reunion
orientations each year to allow students to
network, debrief and blow off cultural steam
during their challenging year abroad.
2 AFS terminology for a growth and
wisdom producing experience.
3 Sexy South American Dance
4 Santa Barbara AFS word that means
“rough-beard-rubbing-pink-cheek.”
Sally Ann Wells, Volunteer Coordinator
9
 YOUR AFS WORLD

A Visit from Uzbekistan

In August 2003, as I And now I have a right to say that I keep my promises, and
was a 16year-old girl. I that if I made it, then anyone can achieve it. Only thing that you
arrived in the US to have to do is try.
spend my Exchange In addition, want to say thank you to my family in general (It is
year. I was involved with a big family -we're not sure ourselves how many members it has
one of the special U.S. and how many nationalities.) and host parents in particular. I love
Government paid you! I promise that it is not the last time I'm visiting you in the
programs - FLEX (Future U.S. Another " thank you" to AFS volunteers and the FLEX
Leaders Exchange). And Coordinators. I'm impressed by how much work you do for
to say that I had just a exchange students and how wonderful every event is.
fantastic year here is to And last, a little note for you students. I had a chance to meet
say nothing. some of you. You are nice people. Remember, if you have any
So, you can problems in the U.S. (I hope you don't.), you have all the abilities
understand by the end of to solve them. Don't try to change people, try to explain things to
my stay here, just before them. This is what exchange programs are for; to learn through
departure, I had to leave here my new friends, a city that I started understanding different cultures. Enjoy the rest of your time here.
to love from first glance and - most important - THE Family.
I remember when I said my last good-bye to my host parents, Lee
and Lana Younglove near the gate at PDX, I added, "I will come
back." My host parents didn't believe that it might happen for it is
quite hard for FLEX kids to come back. All four years we were in
touch - called each other, e-mailed, and send packages. I got to
know kids that my family hosted after I was gone, but I still
remembered about my promise to come back.
Back at home - in Uzbekistan - I live in one of the ancient cities
- Samarkand. We have lots of tourists coming every year and I
started to work as a guide with tourists. Shortly after I got this job
it became clear that I can save enough money for my return trip to
the U.S.
So I got a really fantastic Christmas in 2008 - Christmas in US
with my American Family. I still cannot believe that I managed to
do it, to complete a 28-hour trip and not get stuck in the Denver
airport, for the weather was not the best for the flights (I arrived on
December 22nd during a major west coast storm).
Now I have been here for more than three weeks and am
enjoying my visit. I got to see people who I knew back four years
ago. And I am having fun with my host Mom and Dad. Lola, Uzbekistan—U.S. `03/`04

VOLUNTEER NEWS/DEVELOPMENT
We have nearly all of our active volunteers
re-registered now, which is great news. Thanks
to everyone for your patience and cooperation
in bringing us into compliance. I’m excited for
the addition of two great new volunteers who
are taking over the hosting coordinators work.
This will free me up to focus on volunteer
recruitment and cultivating. The first big project
before us is the interviews of 29 NSLI
applicants. (National Security Language Initiative for Youth http://
www.nsliforyouth.org/) There will be 550 full-ride scholarships
awarded. We have 1400 applicants vying for the spots and AFS,
as part of the consortium contracted to this project is responsible
for the interviews. It is a huge undertaking, but I’m happy to say
AFS Volunteers and staff have demonstrated their flexibility and
willingness to rally round for this tight timeline project. Watch for
results in next newsletter! AFS will be awarded 175 of these
scholarships to China, Turkey, India, Russia, and Egypt.
The other project we will be focusing on is recruiting new
volunteers to become “understudies” for current active volunteers.
Our goal is to have someone else to call if a key volunteer or
coordinator is on vacation or not available. We need to share the
joy and promote greater involvement with new volunteers. It’s for
all of us to do. Ask a friend, neighbor, book-group member, choir
member, work-place associate to get involved.
Liaison recruiting: With new, more stringent guidelines and
compliance requirements, we will be making a push to recruit and
assign liaisons NOW, for next year. The idea being, we want
them on board, maybe even attending the host family interview
and orientation, so they connect before the student arrives.
Technically the liaison should be assigned before the student is
linked to the family, so be thinking about friends who may be
willing to fulfill this key role. Call me with their names or send
them to our wonderful website, www.afscp.com where they can
find registration information and fun information to get them
excited. We even have the new fantastic blog link for hosting
(thank to Stacey and James!) Check it out!
http://www.afscp.com/weblogs/hosting.htm
Sally Ann Wells, Volunteer Coordinator

10
 AREA TEAM
Chair
Bonnie Richardson-Kott The Calendar 2009
Chair-Elect MARCH 14 AREA TEAM MEETING
James Spears
Treasurer MARCH 15 SE CLUSTER MEETING—Jensen-Temper home, host family of Oda from Norway.
Tom Hilleary 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Hosting Co-coordinators MARCH 23-27 OREGON SPRING BREAK
Andrea Johnson
Stacey Mills
MAR 30—APRIL 3 WASHINGTON SPRING BREAK
Sending Coordinator
Emily Leis
APRIL 3—4 AFS COLUMBIA GORGE TRIP—Ron Combs (503) 777-8117 Must be Pre-
Orientation Coordinator
Registered.
Ron Combs
Support Coordinator APRIL 11 AREA TEAM MEETING
Bernie Gerhardt
Volunteer Coordinator APRIL 19 VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION EVENT—3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Who Song & Larry’s
Sally Ann Wells Vancouver, WA. RSVP a must to leta.gorman@bullivant.com
Liaison Coordinator
APRIL 24 EARTH DAY
James Spears
Returnee Coordinator APRIL 25—26 AFS TRIP TO SEATTLE—Space is limited. RSVP Bernice 503-775-4161 or e-mail
Lynette Ledgerwood bmschuch@aol.com
Newsletter Editor MAY 2-4 ASHLAND SHAKESPEARE TRIP – Ron Combs (503) 777-8117 Must be Pre-
Tami Spears
Registered.
Website Coordinator
James Spears MAY 9 AREA TEAM MEETING

CHAPTER/CLUSTER MAY 10 MOTHER’S DAY—Don’t forget your Moms and Host Moms!
COORDINATORS
MAY 16, 2009 PRE-RETURN ORIENTATION – REQUIRED – This is a required event for all AFS
Beaverton/Hillsboro/Aloha students. Zion Lutheran Church, Camas, WA
Linda Landreth
MAY 25 NEWSLETTER ARTICLES DUE—Articles due to Tami Spears tami@spearsintl.com
Columbia Gorge
Rymmel Lovell JUNE 6 PORTLAND GRAND FLORAL ROSE PARADE
Columbia County
Charlotte & Mike Kocher
JUNE 13 AREA TEAM MEETING
Lake Oswego
Lorie James JUNE 21 FATHER’S DAY—Don’t forget your Dads and Host Dads!
McMinnville/Yamhill County
JUNE 28 END OF STAY ORIENTATION – REQUIRED – This is the end of stay. Lents Park,
Tami & James Spears
Portland, OR
North Clackamas
Maggie Frieske
North/Northeast AFS—USA PUBLIC DIPLOMACY INITIATIVES
Chris Cradler
Northwest/Southwest
Sally Ann Wells
Congress‐Bundestag (CB):  The  Future  Leaders  Exchange  Youth  Exchange  and  Study 
congress‐Bundestag  Youth  (FLEX):    The  Future  Leaders  Program  (YES):    The  Youth 
Southeast/Gresham/Sandy
Bernice Schuchardt exchange  Program  was  Exchange  program  originated  Exchange  and  Study  Program 
Tillamook/Oregon Coast
launched  in  1983  by  the  U.S.  in  the  FREEDOM  Support  Act,  was  initiated  by  the  U.S. 
Sue Cudd Congress  and  the  German  which  was  sponsored  by  U.S.  Department  of  State  in  the 
Camas/Washougal
parliament  (Bundestag).   Senator  Bill  Bradley  and  aftermath  of  September  11th 
Ruth Ladage Annually,  AFS  provides  50  full  passed by Congress in 1992.  It  to  build  bridges  of 
Vancouver/Battle Ground merit‐based  scholarships  for  provides  full  merit‐based  understanding  between 
Bernie Gerhardt U.S.  students  to  study  in  scholarships  to  students  from  Americans  and  people  in 
Longview/Kelso/Toledo Germany  for  a  year,  and  57  the  countries  of  the  former  countries  with  significant 
Debbie Erickson scholarships  for  German  Soviet  Union  to  study  abroad  Muslim  populations.    YES 
YES/FLEX Student Coordinators participants  to  study  in  the  in the U.S. for a year.  provides  full  merit‐based 
Maggie Frieske U.S.    scholarships  to  students  from 
Rustam Kocher
Rymmel Lovell
    more  than  10  countries  to 
http:// http://exchanges.state.gov/ study  abroad  in  the  U.S.  for  a 
Visiting Teacher Coordinators
Barbara Rogers usagermanyscholarship.org  youth/programs/flex  year. 
Jerrie Nelson http://yesprograms.org 
Sally Ann Wells

11
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