NEWSLETTER

SEPTEMBER
2008

HOSTING/SENDING NEWS
2008-2009 COLUMBIA PACIFIC HOSTING –
The dust has settled and our Thai students
finally arrived on September 8th. Please be sure
to welcome these new participants! For this AFS
hosting year, 2008-2009, Columbia Pacific has
20 boys and 29 girls from 24 different countries,
attending 34 different schools. Two of these
students were our winter arrival semester
students from Malaysia and Chile, who have
returned home. In addition we are most happy
and proud to have three AFS Visiting Teachers
from Thailand, Suwannee Boonchai at Trillium
Charter School in Portland; Bolivia, Eva Villa at
International School of Beaverton; and China,
“Vickie” Zhuang Libin at Woodstock Mandarin
Immersion School in Portland with us this year…
If anyone would like to reach out to the teachers
to invite them to dinner, concert or sporting
event, please let me know and I’ll be happy to
connect you to their families.
We could not have accomplished this task
without each and every one of you host family
recruiters, lead trackers, application reviewers,
bio writers, host family interviewers, school
relationship cultivators, orientation leaders,
student supporters, gateway and welcome
families and of course, primarily, our dear host
families who have opened their homes and
hearts to changing the world person by person.
The staff and volunteers working together make
this happen, but it is the families and the
students who make it possible at all.
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE HELPED IN
ANY WAY! Best Wishes to all for a life-changing, hosting to be a privilege and joy and we'd like to
wonderful year!
Our 25 Countries: ARGENTINA, AUSTRIA,
BOLIVIA, BRAZIL, CHILE, CHINA, COSTA
RICA, DENMARK, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC,
FINLAND, GEORGIA (FLEX), GERMANY,
HUNGARY, INDIA, ITALY, JAPAN,
KAZAKHSTAN, KYRGYZSTAN, MALAYSIA,
NORWAY, PORTUGAL, SPAIN, SWEDEN,
THAILAND.
Our 34 Great High Schools: BEAVERTON,
CAMAS, CANBY, CLEVELAND, DAVID
DOUGLAS, ESTACADA, EVERGREEN,
FRANKLIN, GRANT, INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL OF BEAVERTON, KELSO,
LAKERIDGE, LINCOLN, MADISON, MARK
MORRIS, MCMINNVILLE, MOUNTAIN VIEW,
PARKROSE, R. E. LONG, SKYVIEW,
SOUTHRIDGE, ST. MARY’S, SUNSET, THE
DALLES-WAHTONKA, TIGARD, TILLAMOOK,
TRILLIUM, VANCOUVER SCHOOL OF ARTS &
ACADEMICS, WASHOUGAL, WEST LINN,
WILSON, WILSONVILLE, WOODLAND,
WOODSTOCK.
As always, I'd like to encourage everyone to
"speak AFS" at every opportunity. We want
get our kids placed earlier in the year, so they
can be corresponding with their families before
they ever arrive. That will only happen if each of
us takes the responsibility to share our
experience and plant the seeds for others to
share the joy and challenge of promoting peace,
person by person. Thanks to everyone—
especially those who stepped up, late in the
game, to help our other regions out with these
last placements. We do have five students in
“Welcome Families” who we will be working to
find permanent homes for. Yes, it is a year-
round process. Please plant the seeds of peace,
by asking at every opportunity, if not now, then
later! “YNKUYA” (You never know unless you
ask!)
Sally Ann, Interim Hosting Coordinator

THE CHAIR REPORT—Bonnie Richardson-Kott

To start off this school hosting year, I got the opportunity to help out at the Arrival
Orientation in Camas, Washington a few weeks ago. My job was to assist our super
organized and dedicated volunteer/host mom, Tami Spears with registration. I tried to
concentrate on making sure all of our new students had their health forms and that each
student double checked their emails, but I have to tell you, that was hard work! I was just
too distracted by all the excitement in the air as the students and families prepared to meet
each other for the first time. And I was having a really nice time chatting with our new
volunteer/liaison Andrea who managed to get herself roped in to helping out with
registration, too.

But that is exactly what volunteering with AFS is all about. It's about tending to details and
putting together programs and connecting people with one another, while at the same time
enjoying the excitement and enthusiasm of all the kids who have come to our country to
immerse themselves in our culture and learn about all different kinds of American
families. Their laughter and wonderment at everything around them is infectious. As a
volunteer, that is what makes AFS so much fun and that is what ties us all together.

We'd love to have you come join our volunteer team. There is always something you can
contribute and there is plenty of excitement and fun to share. If you'd like to become more
involved, check out our local volunteer website: www.afscp.com and email us today!

Bonnie Richardson-Kott, Columbia Pacific Area Team Chair Bonnie and her daughter Rosabel
 COLUMBIA PACIFIC HOSTING/STUDENT NEWS

Welcome 2008-2009 AFS Students!

▲ The Columbia Gorge Chapter had their Welcome Picnic for Monica
from Costa Rica and Giulia from Italy on September 2nd, at Riverenza
Court in The Dalles. We had a wonderful gathering of host families,
liaisons, former host families, and AFS supporters with a delicious potluck
provided by all.
▲ Photo taken at Bernice’s SE Cluster Welcome Picnic held at the
home of Mark and Mindy Roddy on Sunday, August 24th. Students
are Maria from China, Hulda form Norway, a guest, Oda from
Norway, Mark from Hungary and Feroz from India. The SE Cluster
will have two more students who are arriving in September—
Chonlawit and Nutnida form Thailand.

VISIT OUR WEB SITE, WWW.AFSCP.COM!

◄ Don Sheneberger
Don’t forget that we have a great resource for both host parents and his new, 10th
and exchange students at our web site, www.afscp.com. You’ll hosted son Niles from
find current and past newsletters there as well as pictures from Germany. They did a
AFS events. Visit the site now to see the first picture ever taken two state road trip.
of you and your host family at Arrival Orientation. The online Seattle, Bend in four
calendar is a great source of information. There’s a quick list of days.
all of the mandatory orientations. You can even register for
Camp Adams on the web site and save a stamp. Remember, AFS
Columbia-Pacific’s website is www.afscp.com.

James Spears, Area Team Webmaster

2
 WHAT THE STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY...

What did the Students have to say when they were asked the following questions?

1. What groups, clubs and /or
sports have you joined?
• International Club—Keti, Georgia
• Soccer Team & International Club—
Ellen, Germany
• Oceanography & International Club
and soon the swim team—Philip,
Germany
• Basketball Team & Drum line—Daniel,
Austria
• Vancouver Lake Crew (rowing club),
Taekwondo & a fitness center—
Frederik, Germany
• Soon to join the Theater Club—
Dianhong, China
• Volleyball & Band—Lena, Germany
• Hopefully Football—Andreas,
Denmark
• YMCA and Tap lessons—Cat, India
• Tennis & BMX–bike—Killian,
Germany
• Volleyball—Tiantian, China
2. What is your funniest moment
you have experienced so far in
America?
• My Welcome Family had 4 kids and the •
youngest, Roman who was one and a
half years old, always wanted to play
with me. This was my funniest moment
because it was so difficult for me to
understand his English. For example.
“Vos Keti, vos!” which meant “watch
Keti, watch” or “ikusmi Keti” which
meant “excuse me.” - Keti, Georgia.
• While on vacation in California I forgot
my swimsuit even though we talked
about it the whole day.—Ellen,
Germany
• While on vacation at an Amusement
Park, all of my clothes were wet and
everyone was laughing.—Philip,
Germany
• Trip to the State Fair—Daniel, Austria
• Swimming in the Pacific Ocean with my
host brothers—Frederik, Germany
• Going to Bend and seeing movies with
my host family—Dianhong, China
• It is funny that people in Oregon talk
funny about Americans in the Midwest.
—Lena, Germany
• When I went to a pretzel store with my
host dad. :-) One of them, Curtis,
wanted the biggest pretzel-hotdog
possible, and the lady at the counter
told him that he could get the bigger
one for $5 opposed to the $4 for the
little one. He then responded “Wow, if I
could have got 4 inches for $1 I
would’ve done that a long time ago!” -
Andreas, Denmark
Tillamook Cheese Factory—Cat, India
• The Pendleton Round-up—Killian,
Germany
• My host family took me to a party
where everyone ware Hawaiian clothes
and flowers.—Libin, Visiting teacher
from China
3. What is your strangest moment
you have experienced so far in
America?
• My host family had a Sushi party and I
tasted raw fish for the first time—
Juulia, Finland
• How the students behave together with
the Teachers—Ellen, Germany
• It is strange that Americans use
different units of measure than in
Germany. Also, everything is much
bigger here like cars, refrigerators and
the Supersize menus at McDonalds.—
Philip, Germany
• The first day of school—Daniel,
Austria
• Every morning at an American
school—Frederik, Germany
• My strangest moment is when I can
understand when people talk to me in
English—Dianhong, China
• That I am the only kid in the host
family.—Lena, Germany
• Buying a ticket for the cinema for just
$7.—Andreas, Denmark
• American Culture—Cat, India
• There are so many different kinds of
people from all over the world in
America, I have never been a
“foreigner”.—Tiantian, China

CONTRIBUTE TO THE AFS NEWSLETTER!

The Columbia Pacific Area Team publishes a quarterly newsletter sharing ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS—$20...NOW
information, ideas, culture, insight, and funny and/or interesting stories. AVAILABLE!
Share your hosting experiences with other host families and volunteers in
the area (cultural differences, heartwarming stories, etc) and encourage The Entertainment books have arrived.
your hosted student to share their insight (what they’ve learned, what has The are $20. The money will be used
surprised them, what they have found interesting, events in which they for a Seattle trip in the spring. Contact
have participated, etc). And, if you have any ideas or would like to see Bernice Schuchardt,
something in the newsletter, let me know. You can view all past issues of bmschuch@aol.com or give me a call
the newsletter at the Area Team website, www.afscp.com. at (503) 539-8146 or (503) 775-4161.
Please pass the word around and help
Future Deadlines me sell these books. Last year our
Dec. 15. 2008 kids had a great time!
March 9, 2009
May 25, 2009

Tami Spears, Area Team Newsletter Editor

3
The Pendleton Round-up and Happy Canyon

On September 11th, the exchange students left Lents

Park in Portland at 6:30 AM and headed for their big
adventure in Pendleton, Oregon. At 1:00 PM they
visited the Pendleton Round-up and learned all they
could about the American Cowboy. After a hefty
Western BBQ dinner they went to the Happy Canyon
Night Show. Since 1916 the Happy Canyon Night
Show has thrilled audiences and become the world’s
most unique Indian Pageant. Every year over 500
volunteers come together to portray the culture and
traditions of local tribes, the coming of Lewis and
Clark and the Oregon Trail pioneers, concluding with
the fast action of a frontier town. Following the
pageant, everyone went to the “Happy Canyon Dance
Hall” where they enjoyed deejays playing everyone’s
favorite music until midnight. On Friday, September
12th, everyone awoke at 5:30 AM to have a traditional
Cowboy breakfast provided by the local VFW at
Stillman Park. 10:00 AM was the Westward Ho Parade.
Then at 12:00 they were off back to Portland with a
hour and a half detour around the forest fire near
Hood River.

4
 CHANGE—Culture Shock

Understanding the impact of cultural differences

It is nearly impossible to give a concrete roadmap for dealing with issues that arise out of cultural
differences, as each case is different. Here we’ll give a general overview of the definition of cul-
ture, an outline of the phases of cultural adjustment and some information regarding homesick-
ness and culture shock. We hope you will find this useful as you attempt to assist participants
and families recognize cultural differences and cope with the manifestations of culture shock.
What is culture?
CULTURE is a way of looking at, living in, and interacting with the world and other people. One
country may include several subcultures, and conversely, one culture may span several large
geographic areas and contain several countries.
Culture is an integrated system of learned behavior patterns that are characteristic of the mem-
bers of a society. Culture reflects the total way of life of particular groups of people. It includes
everything that a group of people thinks, says, does and make its customs, language, and material of attitudes and feelings. Culture is
learned and transmitted from generation to generation. —Robert Kohls, Educator
CULTURE is learned and transmitted from one generation to the next. Much of our culture we are aware of—but there is a large part
that we have assimilated without conscious awareness. When we encounter a new culture, we come face to face with that portion
which is visible and easily understood (movies, dress, food). The more involved we become, the more we begin to encounter those
parts that are not readily seen—aspects that are sensed, but difficult to describe or even name (gender roles, use of time). It is these
hidden perspectives or aspects of a culture that lie below the surface of awareness that pose the greatest difficulty in adjustment. The
hidden dimensions of a culture include patterns of verbal and non-verbal communication (gestures, facial expressions, posture), val-
ues, beliefs, attitudes, customs, modes of social interaction, and basic assumptions that are normally acquired in the course of grow-
ing up as a native member of the culture. Individuals are unlikely to be fully aware of the hidden dimensions of their own culture thus
making it all the more difficult for them to truly understand the differences between themselves and others.
Culture shock
What separates members of a culture from outsiders is that members instinctively know how to deal with situations involving the hid-
den dimensions of their own culture. This lack of instinctive behavior is what results in CULTURE SHOCK — a sense of frustration,
isolation, and homesickness. Students new to our culture don’t instinctively know how to recognize and interpret our culture. And we,
as members of our culture, may not initially recognize cultural challenges that those outside our culture may go through.
Symptoms of culture shock
• Everything is an effort.
• Participants really miss familiar surroundings, they long for the comforts of home.
• Participants feel very critical of their host country, culture and family.
• Participants may even develop physical manifestations: headaches, stomach aches, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping.
• Participants feel isolated.
Handling symptoms of culture shock
1. Recognize the symptoms as legitimate conditions that neither you nor the host family have caused and are not responsible for
making go away. Provide relief and minimize any additional stress.
2. Early on, discuss culture shock with your participant, and throughout the process, normalize culture shock behavior and assure
him or her that it doesn’t last forever (e.g. “It’s okay,” “What’s happening is normal,” “The feelings are there, and they are okay”).
3. Encourage “reaching out” behavior (e.g. establishing more contacts with people outside of the family).
4. Encourage the participant to pick an area of interest they have always had and to pursue that area in-depth while they are here—
or to pursue something new.
Ways to help ease distress from culture shock
1. Allow for “time-out” periods. Culture shock comes and goes. One day a participant will be fine, the next day, miserable. During
this time, keep the pressure off; postpone “learning” situations.
2. Expect periodic withdrawal. It may occur because the participant is feeling confused, exhausted, or homesick. Don’t view it as a
sign of rejection.
3. Expect disagreements between the host family and the participant and between the host siblings and the participant and respond
to them.
4. Be prepared for judgmental remarks. If a participant if feeling very critical of his or her host community, they may make very nega-
tive or judgmental statements that they don’t really mean and which don’t represent their true feelings about the U.S. or their host
family.
5. Encourage extra rest.
6. Avoid “no-exit” (ultimatum) situations.
7. Tolerate your participant’s intense feelings. Anticipate some tears and accept them without feeling guilty.
8. Minimize complications and stress as much as possible. The participant may be already functioning at maximum capacity for the
moment.

5
 VOLUNTEER NEWS/DEVELOPMENT

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

Volunteer Registration is a protection for volunteers as well as safety for our participants. Please be watching for your request to
re-register.

Risk management has determined it is necessary to have annual background checks and reaffirmation of the AFS Volunteer Policy
and Agreement in order to provide the best protection to our volunteers and participants. Please return your re-registration as soon
as you can. Volunteer Registration Services are completing the pilot project with Area Team Chairs and Volunteer Coordinators and
they are hoping to launch the national registration in the next week or two.

All volunteers whose background checks are more than a year old will receive the email alert with a link to the new registration
process sometime in the next week or so. Please register in a timely manner, if you are currently an active volunteer. New
references will not be necessary, if you are currently registered. And of course we encourage you to recruit friends and neighbors to
become part of the village that supports our AFS participants. New volunteers may register by entering this website:
http://www.usa.afs.org/usa_en/focus_on/volunteer

Questions? If you have any questions or concerns related to volunteer registration and/or re-registration, please contact the
volunteer departments team at vol.reg@afs.org
Sally Ann Wells, Volunteer Coordinator

AFS WIKI IS UP AND RUNNING! VOLUNTEER WANTED!

AFS ONLINE LIBRARY IS NO MORE!
The information from the AFS Online Library has been moved to the AFS
Wiki site. Please see http://www.afswiki.org, log in, and use the search
box on the left to find your information. If you need a user name and
password, please see:
http://www.afswiki.orgindex.phpAFSWiki_Request_New_User_Process
• Coordinator / helper for grapefruit sale in November/December.
• Newsletter Reporters—interview volunteers and kids and write
stories for newsletters.
• Coordinator / Chaperone for Optional activities and field trips.
• Group Leaders for Student Orientations
• Returnees who will be buddy / liaison to newer returnees.
• Aunt / Uncle families

If the information you need has not been moved over to the wiki, please • Student-Family liaisons (we still need a few assigned on the
contact one of the email addresses below, by topic: Westside)

Please email Sally Ann with your interest or nominee.

• Support - Shanell.Stephens@afs.org for AFS Online
documents, Cory.Pitman@afs.org for Wiki questions
• Hosting - Katharina.Kozik@afs.org
• Sending - Karen.Zotter@afs.org
• Scholarships - Kirsten.Merrell@afs.org
• Orientation - Orientations@afs.org
• Sponsored Programs - Jason.Simmons@afs.org
• Training - Jim.Laden@afs.org
• Travel - Renee.Cassidy@afs.org
• Volunteer Development - Tiffany.Stoneman@afs.org
Sally Ann Wells, Volunteer Coordinator
GRAPEFRUIT SALE
In late October/November AFS sells grapefruit. The grapefruit costs
between $13-$15 per box. Delivery is usually the first week in
December; deadline for ordering will be in mid-November. If anyone
is willing to help with this sale; i.e. take orders, promote more
community involvement, etc., please contact Ron Combs
R1P2Combs3@aol.com

The AFS Wiki is a volunteer-driven site and the volunteers on AFS Wiki
would love more expertise with complex tasks but also more non-expertise
help with easy, repetitive tasks. Many hands make light work! Do as much
or as little as you like, but consider volunteering to help with AFSwiki.
Contact sysadmin@www.afswiki.org if you are willing to do a lot or a little.
Welcome to the new AFS Resource through Wiki!
Sally Ann Wells, Volunteer Coordinator
DO YOU HAVE AN IDEA
FOR A FUNDRAISER??
If you have an idea and a wish to coordinate a fundraiser, please
contact Ron Combs (503) 777-8117 or Sally Ann Wells
sawells@teleport.com. Some of the optional activities that will
benefit from these fundraisers are the Pendleton Round-up, Ashland
Trip, and other optional activities and other unexpected student
expenses.

6
 YOUR AFS WORLD

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

I’ll introduce myself a little bit….
My name is Cinzia and I’m from Italy! I had the wonderful opportunity to leave my country for an exchange
year in 2006 and to be sent to one great town in Oregon called The Dalles!! So many are the differences that I have
found here in the USA, in my American life! So many are the things that I saw, so many are the things that I learnt, so
many are the emotions that I felt…. I would be lying if I told you that it has been an easy year, but for sure it has been
the most interesting and helpful in my 19 years! Especially at the beginning, you know new life style, new country, new
people, new language, and new culture…. Also, after a couple weeks I was here I underwent surgery at the local
hospital due to kidney stones… But it’s in this unhappy place that I met a doctor, a wonderful person who gave me
something special!! His name is Paul, and because he knows some Italian, he helped other doctors explain to me what I
had and what I was going through… Once out from the hospital and back to my host-family I kept in touch with Paul and
his family all year long. Many were the weekends that I spent with him and his family…. They also took me to
Disneyland in California, and I really had good time…it was like turning into a little girl again, in that magic place where
“your dreams comes true”!!!!!!!!!! But sadly, June 2007 came quickly and I had to go back to Italy… with the idea that
before I would have the chance to come back, many years were going to pass…. This ‘til around March 2008 I received a surprising call from Paul who
was asking me if I wanted to come back for the summer and stay with their family. I guess you can predict my answer!
Here I’m right now… back in The Dalles to spend the rest of the summer ‘08!!! It’s hard to describe the amazing feeling I feel walking down
the streets, or driving around here (I got my international license so I’m be able to move around with the kids too without depending from other people
so much…. It’s really cool!!). For sure, it’s different from the first time….’cause I’m not an exchange student anymore!! It’s really gratifying to seeing
that people still remember me, and to see how they’re happy and amazed to see me again… Also it’s summer; the weather is nice, actually it’s hot
here in The Dalles…all the guys who graduated with me are in town from college…and it’s nice to hear about their different school experiences!! One
interesting emotion I felt was jealousy for new exchange students who are coming…I don’t know, it’s hard to explain…. it’s the combination of
happiness for them and the change they are about to undergo, and sadness that my experience is over and now its “their turn!”. But you see this is
why the exchange program is an experience that can really change your life…. I met wonderful people here, and now it seems that my exchange year
keeps going on; nothing is over…. I have built solid relationships with people that I’ll keep for the rest of my life and for all my life I’ll share incredible
moments with those people…. I’m sure that every time I come back in the future, there will always be fantastic feelings that will bring me back to the
first time…. to my indescribable year!!

Cinzia, Italy ‘06-’07

Get involved —Adam, Hungary ‘07-’08

Get Involved with Extra Curricular Activities…
Dragon Boating was a lot of fun! It is a water sport in a boat that looks like a dragon. There are 19 people in a
boat; 16 paddlers, a tiller, a flag catcher and the coach. The Dragon Boat season starts around March or April and
it ends with the Rose Festival in early June.
My friends told me about dragon boating at school so I joined my school’s team. I was very good, and became
lifelong friends with some of the team members. After the practice, we usually went to get ice cream or pizza. We
had 3 practices in a week. They were on the Willamette River in downtown Portland. Without the dragon boating, I
would have missed a lot of fun. I encourage everybody to join their schools dragon boat team if you have one.
Adam, Hungary ‘07-’08

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

We ended the year with many parties to celebrate birthdays, graduations, and family
reunions. The farewell events were packed with remembrances, exchanges of
contact information, promises to keep in touch and plans of meeting again along with
laughter, tears, and hugs.
We had two special visits this year. Former AFS student Matt Treen (Australia ’95)
returned to celebrate his 30th birthday with friends and family. Host sister Deidre (to
Sweden ’96) arrived from California with her two children making the reunion a joyous
occasion. Later in June Matt’s parents, Roger and Sheryl Treen spent 10 days with
Tedd and Rymmel Lovell touring Central Oregon and the Columbia Gorge area.
Our ending farewell picnic/pool party was a bit windy and chilly compared to the days
that followed, but we hadn’t assigned anyone to talk to the weatherman. Those who
attended enjoyed themselves and that’s what counts! At this writing we have one
student, Monica from Costa Rica coming in Aug. hosted by Greg and Kim Johnson
family in The Dalles. Sure would be nice to have one or two more.

Rymmel Lovell, Columbia Gorge Chapter Chair

7
 A VISIT FROM NIZHNY NOVGOROD, RUSSIA—Dimitry, Russia ‘96-’97
Reflections on my FSA Exchange to Portland, Oregon
12 years ago I was lucky to win FSA (Freedom Support Act) contest in my city N.Novgorod,
Russia, and to become an exchange student. AFS was my hosting organization on USA. It was
my second time abroad in my life, and of course I’ve never been away from home for that long. I
was only
16 and didn’t know that world was that big and different. Well, I was brave enough to check it out.
Lincoln high school was going to be my school for a year, but there wasn’t a family for me in the
downtown area when I came, so I spent a few weeks with Paul and Becki in Boring, Oregon.
Later I got hosted by Dave and Kathy in near-downtown area, and began my school year.
It would take many pages to describe all new things that I’ve done, and experienced, but I would
like to share my feelings past 12 years and 2 weeks or my exchange experience begin.
I still live in Russia, 11 hour zones away from Portland. Now I work for one of world’s major IT ▲ Dima & Natasha 2008
companies, it’s Russian office. All the international experience, along with fluent English became
my valuable asset, and helped me along my life overall. Understanding different way of life,
getting to know different people and their “truth” during my exchange year became very valuable,
but I only realized the change when I was back home after that year. I still have very warm
feelings for people who made my year in Portland possible, and with that – change a little bit of
the world. It was difficult to be back home sometimes, because of Russian mentality which I was
able to see from a different point of view now, but I was able to share that different point of view
with many friends and just people back home. Not that it was my goal or mission, it is only
because exchange experience became part of my life, and will always stay there, helping me
have two different views at the world today. It is impossible to overestimate what that year has
done to me – it changed me then, and it is still working on me.
It is unexpected, but past all these years, I keep closer relationship with my temporary welcome
family. I visited them during my year, and I visit them now, every time I come on business trips to
Portland area.

Dimitry Kukuskin, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia

◄ 2008 Reunion— Dimitry with

his Welcome Family The
Borner’s

▲ Dima & Natasha Wedding 2007

▼ Sally Ann, Dima & Bernice 2008

Dimitry Kushkin came to Portland from Nizhny Novgorod, Russia in August of 1996, as part of
Columbia Pacific’s second group of FSA -- Freedom Support Act Scholars. Nizhny Novgorod is the
4th largest city in Russia with 1.5 million people: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nizhny_Novgorod
This program is now referred to as FLEX (Future Leaders Exchange Program) and brings us
students from the former Soviet Union Republics. Colombia Pacific has hosted FLEX students every
year, since 1995. We believe it speaks to the heart of our mission…learning about “the other.” We
are hosting three FLEX students, this year: Ketevani from the Republic of Georgia at St. Mary’s in
Portland; Yana from Kazakhstan at Lakeridge, in Lake Oswego; and Raima from Kyrgyzstan at
Tillamook.
Dima’s host family at Lincoln High School fell through, due to unexpected illness—just days before
arrivals! So he was placed in a “Welcome Host Family.” Becky and Paul Borner, of Boring, Oregon
(not a joke!) were long-time friends of Bernice Schuchardt’s and were willing to keep him until we
found a home for him. Dima made the most of the ‘rural’ experience and enjoyed Paul’s interest in
automotives and tinkering. His “welcome host parents” have become life-long friends. He was able to cultivate his passion for distance bike riding by
covering Spring Mountain biking trail from Gresham in a timely manner, many times! Kathy Williams and David Crafton welcome Dima into their home
with their 16 year old son. Dima’s host brother shared his love of biking and his brother talked Dima into participating in crew, once he was established
in his new home. Dima made the most of his experience.
He has visited Portland twice since he returned home and has made a point to call those of us who he felt impacted his life. He has also maintained
contact with his permanent host family, though they relocated from Portland, so it hasn’t been as easy to stay in touch. Dima sharing his family photos
and photos of his lovely wedding, speaking with such pride about his beautiful wife of one year and Dima’s little dinner speech of appreciation, to
Bernice and I, is one of the small rewards that keep us doing what we do. It is peace, person by person. I am grateful to have Dima and Natasha in
my life!
Sally Ann Wells and Bernice Schuchardt, Long time AFS Volunteers

8
 THE KOCHERS’ AFS STORY
Rustam and Efti Kocher’s AFS Story:
I don't think I can find any possible way to describe how AFS and my
overseas experience has changed and touched my life. From the time I was
born, to the day I pass, my life has been and will be blessed by amazing people
and experiences, all due to AFS.

My grandparents hosted two students when my father was growing

up--a Chilean named Pachi, and a Japanese fellow named Hideo. For my
grandfather to host a Japanese man in his home just a few short years after he
had been tasked with trying to win WWII was a feat I have never really wrapped
my brain around.

My parents were set on hosting, and waited until they thought my

sister and I were ready. Nothing could have prepared us for "The Italian
Stallion" Marcello, a wonderful person who I am proud to call my brother. After
we finished with one and sent them tearfully on their way, we tended to take in
another. Hugue from Belgium, Yvonne from Switzerland, Patrik from Sweden,
Ismail from Egypt, Anja from Finland and Siri from Norway. They are all my
brothers and sisters, as are many others who came and stayed and went back
home again, after they left their mark on our psyche and our hearts. We even
hosted a second generation, as Hideo's daughter came to live with my parents, in order to go to college.

As I had so much contact with AFS and students from around the world, I naturally wanted to participate in the program. My sister had gone
on a "Congress Bundestaag" full-scholarship program to Germany, and I applied to go too, thinking that free was a very good price. I encouraged my
girlfriend at the time to apply as well. Funny thing how fate works. She was accepted, and went, to Germany. I was the first alternate, and did not get
to go. The following year I applied to the normal AFS program, and left the application blank where it asked what country I would prefer. I only knew
that I had met so many people from so many places that I was incapable of making such a momentous decision at such a young age.

It turns out I was awarded one of the hardest placements at the time (along with Tunisia): Indonesia. There are more difficult placements
now, as the Eastern Block has opened up, as has the African continent. When I received my placement papers, I had to go find the country on the
map. Not an auspicious start. By the time I was ready to leave, I knew how to say, "Terima Kasih" (thank you), "Dimana kamar kecil" (where's the
bathroom) and "Saya lapar" (I'm hungry). Another shaky start.

The experience and knowledge that I gained in my year in Indonesia was incalculable. How else would I have found that I had the courage to
ride a bicycle in Jakarta traffic, or eat a Durian or to ride a Metro Mini/Bajaj/Microlet? I fully embraced the people, the language, the culture and the full
flavor of the experience. Soccer in the (concrete) schoolyard, the warungs (sidewalk stands), my school (SMA 82 DAHA), Blok M (before it was a
mall), Senayan (before it too, was a mall), trips to Bandung and Padang. Everything that happened, good or bad, I digested and processed, eager for
more. Those of you who know me also know that along with falling in love with the country & culture of Indonesia, I also fell in love with a particular
person as well.

The funny part of that relationship was that her father was the person who had persuaded my host family to host an AFS student! So,
despite his adamant rejection of me as a person his oldest daughter should be involved with, he was, in fact, the person who had caused fate to bring
us together. We "backstreet" dated for a good part of my AFS year, and parted with many tears at the end of the year. Many letters and phone calls
(no internet or e-mail yet!!) were our only connection. We still have the boxes of letters stored in our house. After almost five long years of being apart,
we managed to change her father's mind (and my dad's as well), and were married.

So every day, and every night, my wife of 16 years Efti and my two beautiful boys Calvin (13) & Cameron (10), remind me of my AFS ties,
and how important they are in defining who I am. Without AFS I would not be who I am today. When people tell you that your AFS experience will be
truly life-changing: believe them. It will change who you are, for the better, forever.

--Rustam Kocher
AFS returnee
USA to Indonesia 88-89

Married to

--Efti Kocher (Pattisahusiwa)

AFS returnee
Summer Program Indonesia to USA 1986

9
 AFS FRIEND ARE SPECIAL! - Bernice Schuchardt
As an AFS volunteer, you have opportunities to meet many new friends. I have been a
volunteer since 1978, when I and my husband hosted Daniela Timon from Italy. The
day she left, I informed the District Rep. I would like to help out if I was needed. A few
days later I became the District Rep. for the S.E. side of the river in Portland. I am
presently the Cluster Leader for SE Portland.
In the 1980s, AFS had 10-day bus trips for all departing year program students. I
volunteered to be the chairperson for four years for buses of 46-50 kids coming from
Montana and spending 3 days in the Portland area. One of my responsibilities was to
find families for them. Some of the families who hosted are still involved with AFS and
are still my friends. In fact, most of my present close friends I met through AFS. There
is Sally Ann Wells, who I am in contact with at least a couple times a week; Ron Combs
who takes me to the airport at 4 a.m. when I need a ride; Bonnie Richardson, who gave
me a job at her law firm; her husband Greg Kott, who takes me shopping at IKEA and
then assembles what I buy; Janice Zolezzi/Carlson, who went on an Alaska cruise with
me and calls me at least once a month; the Hays, with whom I travel, play cards, pick
mushroom, and huckleberries; and many others I don’t have room to list. My most
recent AFS friends are on the East Coast.
For the past 4-5 years, I have been volunteering as a group leader at orientations in
▲ Bernice, Janet Huckabee & Mimi with the beautiful
L.A., Miami, and most recently New York. Janet Huckabee, who is responsible for
orientations in New York for USA students going abroad, had posted a notice online. I Smokey Mountains in the background.
responded. Since I get airline passes from my son, I now go to New York about three
times a year. This past January, Janet and her husband, Jerry, had reservations at a resort in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and found their reservation
included a studio apartment. Janet offered it to me, I think, as kind of a reward for helping her at so many orientations. She told me to bring a friend,
so I invited Mimi Burda from the Vancouver Chapter. We had a wonderful time for one week in April, in the beautiful Smokey Mountains of Tennessee,
with my AFS friends, The Huckabees.
I encourage all of you present and former host families to be volunteers…there are many rewards. Make some new AFS friends--they are very
special!

By Bernice Schuchardt

2008 CHINESE CHARM IN CHANGZHOU—Bernie Gerhardt

“Chinese Charm” is the title of the Chinese language and cultural institute in Changzou that I participated in during the month of July. Changzou (a
small city of 1.3 million) is in the Jiangsu Province, in Southern China. I was selected to accompany 18 AFS American students from 11 states to
participate in this cultural institute. We were in the classroom from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday thru Friday and from 8:30 am to 12 pm on Saturdays.

We learned the written besides the oral Mandarian language. We also were exposed to a repertoire of Chinese life from preparing Chinese dumplings
to Beijing Opera. We were in a cultural milieu from the time we woke up to when we slept, because we stayed with host families. There was a teen in
every family, who spoke fluent English. Some of the teens helped in the classroom.

This was truly a cultural exchange. Both Chinese and American students noticed differences in the teen cultures. In China, most teen’s goal is to
enter a quality university. Thus, the student’s focus is to study to pass the entrance exams. Thus, the Chinese parents encourage the students to
study and not necessarily help do work in the house or have outside employment . Also, the parents feel dating is a distraction from the studies, so
this is discouraged. Although, some teens disclosed that they do have “dates” and do not tell their parents.

The students integrated well with their host families and the Chinese Culture and vice versa. The students were in the local media, both newspapers
and television publicizing our activities.

The American students embraced the culture so much, that they were reluctant to leave China. However, the students know that they have added
family members and have sown some seeds of international understanding and Peace in China.

Bernie Gerhardt, Volunteer Support Coordinator

10
 AREA TEAM
Chair
Bonnie Richardson-Kott
The Calendar 2008-2009
Treasurer OCT 11,12 POST-ARRIVAL ORIENTATION – CAMP ADAMS – REQUIRED – This is a required
James Spears event for all AFS students. Camp Adams, near Molalla, OR
Hosting Coordinator OCT 24 SCREAM AT THE BEACH – Ron Combs (503) 777-8117
OPEN
Sally Ann Wells (Interim) OCT 25 AFS AREA TEAM MEETING – Airport Shilo Inn Restaurant, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Sending Coordinator NOV 2 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS—”Fall Back” - Turn your clocks back 1 hour
OPEN
NOV 4 ELECTION DAY
Orientation Coordinator
Ron Combs NOV 15 AFS AREA TEAM MEETING – Airport Shilo Inn Restaurant, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Support Coordinator
NOV 27 THANKSGIVING—Enjoy the family time.
Bernie Gerhardt
DEC AFS AREA TEAM MEETING – Date, Location and Time TBA
Volunteer Coordinator
Sally Ann Wells DEC 6 EAST SIDE CHRISTMAS PARTY – The party will go from 6 to 10 PM, 89th and
Liaison Coordinator Division SE Portland, Ron Combs (503) 777-8117
OPEN
DEC 15 NEWSLETTER ARTICLES DUE—Articles due to Tami Spears tami@spearsintl.com
Returnee Coordinator
Lynette Ledgerwood JAN 24, 2009 MID-YEAR ORIENTATION – REQUIRED – This is a required event for all AFS
students. Franciscan Earth Montessori School, Southeast Portland.
Newsletter Editor
Tami Spears JAN 24-25, 2009 SKI TRIP – This is an optional event. Students will leave after the Mid-Year
Website Coordinator
Orientation. Must be Pre-Registered.
James Spears FEB 22, 2009 WORLD QUEST COMPETITION – Lewis & Clark Campus, Sally Ann Wells (503)
CHAPTER/CLUSTER 703-8223
COORDINATORS
MARCH 7 LEWIS & CLARK COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL FAIR—Portland
Beaverton/Hillsboro/Aloha
Linda Landreth MARCH 8 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS—”Spring Forward” - Turn your clocks ahead 1 hour
Columbia Gorge MARCH 9 NEWSLETTER ARTICLES DUE—Articles due to Tami Spears tami@spearsintl.com
Rymmel Lovell
Columbia County MARCH 23-27 OREGON SPRING BREAK
Charlotte & Mike Kocher
MAR 30—APRIL 3 WASHINGTON SPRING BREAK
Lake Oswego
Lorie James APRIL 24 EARTH DAY
McMinnville/Yamhill County
MAY 2-4, 2009 ASHLAND SHAKESPEARE TRIP – Ron Combs (503) 777-8117 Must be Pre-
Tami & James Spears
Registered.
North Clackamas
Maggie Frieske MAY 10 MOTHERS DAY—Don’t forget your Moms!
North/Northeast MAY 16, 2009 PRE-RETURN ORIENTATION – REQUIRED – This is a required event for all AFS
Chris Cradler
students. Columbia Presbyterian Church, Vancouver, WA
Northwest/Southwest
Melody Boyce MAY 25 NEWSLETTER ARTICLES DUE—Articles due to Tami Spears tami@spearsintl.com

Southeast/Gresham/Sandy JUNE 6 PORTLAND GRAND FLORAL ROSE PARADE

Bernice Schuchardt
Tillamook/Oregon Coast
JUNE 21 FATHERS DAY—Don’t forget your Dads!
Sue Cudd
JUNE 28, 2009 END OF STAY ORIENTATION – REQUIRED – This is the end of stay. Lents Park,
Camas/Washougal Portland, OR
Ruth Ladage
Vancouver/Battle Ground FG 
Bernie Gerhardt Dear Host Families, Liaisons, Volunteers, Returnees, Students going Abroad, and Friends:
Longview/Kelso/Toledo
Debbie Erickson Columbia Pacific AFS has recently made the decision to discontinue mailing hard copies of the newsletter
due to the high costs. The exception is our present students, who will still receive a hard copy. This
YES/FLEX Student Coordinators
decision went into effect with the March 2008 issue. Future newsletters and earlier editions will be available
Maggie Frieske
Rustam Kocher on www.AFSCP.com.
Rymmel Lovell
When at that site, go to “View Newsletters”. When viewing the newsletter from this site, you will find everything
Visiting Teacher Coordinators in color, including photos! Enjoy!!!!!
Barbara Rogers
Peace, 
Peggy Harkins
Tami 
ED
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

12