NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER
2008

HOSTING/SENDING NEWS

Winter tends to be a rather quiet time for hosting, but the quest for families is really never-ending. We often have
need of interim homes for vacation or counseling situations and we hope to place two or three semester students arriving
this winter. School spots are limited for these mid-year arrivals, but if you know of a family who may want a shorter
hosting experience, please pass their names on and we will be happy to begin the process with them. We will check
with the school to determine the availability of a school slot and work with the family to either host now or in the Fall.
In addition, we may have need of replacement or second semester families for some of our participants. As always,
please ‘speak AFS’ and promote the mission of AFS—peace person by person, family by family. This is a good time to
acquaint yourselves with the hosting process because it is not so frantic. Please be in touch, if you would like to begin
learning the hosting ropes. We currently have two families reviewing students arriving in January. This would be a good
opportunity to accompany an experienced volunteer on a hosting interview and assist with the placement process. Give
a call! (503) 452-1868.
Sally Ann, Interim Hosting Coordinator

NEW SENDING COORDINATOR—Emily Leis

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

Emily Leis, Sending Coordinator

THE CHAIR REPORT—Bonnie Richardson-Kott

Calling all volunteers! Would you or do you know someone who would like to
become actively involved with AFS? Would you like to start an AFS chapter?
It’s easy. All you need is a chairperson and a treasurer and lots of enthusiasm
for intercultural exchange. Our “area team” consists of several chapters who
commit to hosting and supporting a certain number of students each year. The
chapters and area team also help recruit, interview and support students who
would like to study abroad. As we head into 2009, AFS is going to be focusing
more on developing local chapters and relying upon volunteers in each chapter
to carry out the functions of the exchange experience. But in order to make
the chapter-based focus a success, we need dedicated volunteers. I
personally think that locally developed chapters is the way to go. Bernice S.
has been heading up the Southeast Portland chapter/cluster for many years
and she and her volunteers have been very successful at managing their small
group of students. In particular, we are looking to set up chapters in
Southwest Portland and Beaverton. We’d really appreciate any volunteer
leads you’d be willing to share with us. AFS, as a nonprofit organization, is
unique in that it doesn’t require money or fundraising from our volunteers as a
measure of success; it just takes dedication, time and a commitment to making
the intercultural exchange experience the best it can be for our young leaders
of tomorrow. Email us at sawells@teleport.com

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

New Liaison Coordinator—James Spears

Liaison Corner
Greetings liaisons. I hope you're all doing well and enjoying the calm before the holiday storm. This is a
special time of the year for us to share with friends, family, and our AFS'ers as well. Already a month has
passed since Camp Adams, and we're well into our support year. If you haven't yet filed your student AND
family reports for both September AND October, please get with your chapter president or with me for any
help you might need. We really should be checking on our students and their families on a monthly basis to
assess their progress with the adjustment process and to identify any school issues. After three months in-
country and in-family, some of the deeper cultural learning is beginning for both the participants and their host
families. They all benefit from the fresh perspective of a caring Liaison. And AFS must have those monthly
reports of contact on file in order to meet State Department requirements.

This time of year brings the joy of sharing traditions of the holiday seasons with our exchange students and
exchange teachers: caroling, baking, family gatherings, theater, concerts, religious observances, holiday lights, home decorations,
holiday cards, etc. As the Liaison, you are another link to American culture for your student and often can provide some additional
perspective to add to his or her understanding of life in the U.S.A. Please make the most of it (for your benefit, too!)

On an administrative note, we have added a Liaison Page to the Area Team's web site (www.afscp.com). From the main page, follow
the link for current volunteers, then select "Liaison Page". If you're having trouble accessing AFS Online for your monthly reporting,
you'll find contact details for the folks who can help you with your log-in information. Or you can do your monthly reporting directly at
the Area Team's web site if you're having trouble with AFS Online. You'll also find a Liaison Toolkit, which might come in handy when
you have questions or need help with a support issue. Hopefully you'll find the page to be useful. If you have any suggestions for
additional content or links that other Liaisons might find useful, please pass them along to me.

Happy Holidays!

James Spears, Area Team Liaison Coordinator, tjspears@gmail.com

AFS Global Leaders Scholarship

Elizabeth Pederson Receives AFS Global Leaders Scholarship to Study Abroad
New York, NY – Elizabeth Pederson, a Dalles Wahtonka High School student from The Dalles, OR, has been awarded an AFS Global
Leaders scholarship. AFS Intercultural Programs/USA has been a leader in international high school student exchange for more than
60 years.

Elizabeth will receive a $3,000 scholarship to study with AFS in Costa Rica, where she will gain firsthand knowledge of what it is like
to live as a member of a family, school, and community in another culture.

Each year, AFS awards more than $1.5 million in scholarships and financial aid to help make it possible for students to study abroad.
AFS also makes it possible for all kinds of families in the United States to have international experiences by hosting outstanding
students and teachers from abroad. For information about AFS scholarships, financial aid, study abroad programs, or how you can
host an AFS student from another country or volunteer in your community, call 1-800-AFS-INFO or visit www.afs.org/usa.

Rymmel Lovell, Columbia Gorge Chapter

VISIT OUR WEB SITE, WWW.AFSCP.COM!

Don’t forget that we have a great resource for both host parents and exchange students at our web site,
www.afscp.com. You’ll find current and past newsletters there as well as pictures from AFS events. Visit the site
now to see the first picture ever taken of you and your host family at Arrival Orientation. The online calendar is a
great source of information. There’s a quick list of all of the mandatory orientations. Remember, AFS Columbia-
Pacific’s website is www.afscp.com.

James Spears, Area Team Webmaster

2
 YOUR AFS WORLD

Spotlight on Kyrgyzstan—Raima, Kyrgyzstan

My name is Raima. I came to America from one
of the youngest countries in Central Asia. It is
Kyrgyzstan. My country is situated on the North-
west side of China.
Kyrgyzstan became independent in 1991,
August 31. The capital of Kyrgyzstan is Bishkek. My
country was one of the members of the Unit Soviet
until 1991. Kyrgyzstan is 17 years old, despite its
age my nation is one of the oldest nations.
The first origins about my country were found in
China 2000 years ago. During its history Kyrgyzstan
submitted to Mongol authority. The power of Chingizhan had spread in All
Central Asian countries. And now, appearance of Kyrgyz similar with the are like chain of separate hills create the favorable conditions for the
appearances of Mongols, especially lines of face.
◄ Kyrgyz-ui (yurt)
► Komuz—
National music
instrument
Kyrgyzstan is country of mountains. The confluence of the mountains
climate, nature and life of people.
The sparse kinds of medicine grasses, plants and flowers you can find
in the mountains.
My departure to America changed my life completely. Rate of life
became more quickly. The days are busy. Every single day I want to try
something new for me.
During 2 months in America I already knew more minutely about the
customs of Americans. I was on the Baby shower . It was very interesting
for me. This tradition was known me in Kyrgyzstan, when only girls or
women gather together and wish each other happiness, give presents for
the future Mum and thank God for the baby.

▲ Kyrgyzstan White House ▲ Ala-Too square in Bishkek

There is enigmatic version that in the beginning of our history Kyrgyz

lived on the territory of Russia, more exactly on Yenisei’s( river in Russia)
space. The appearance of Kyrgyz of that time was absolutely different in
comparing with present‘s. They had red hair and blue eyes.
Historians of Kyrgyzstan often have an argument meaning of word
“Kyrgyz”. One of the version is “Kyrgyz” means “red valley”, the second
version is “ 40 tribes” and the basic version of scientists is “40 girls”. Until ▲ Nature of Kyrgyzstan ▲ Issyk-Kul Lake
present time academics argue about it, but the most of the agree with the
last version. A camp was a great experiment for me. Outdoor school became the
Every year Kyrgyz people celebrate country’s Birthday. We have first camp in my life. In Kyrgyzstan I have never been in any camps, There
parades, shows and concerts, fireworks initiation into Independent Day of I was a counselor and I had 5 girls. Work with 6th grades is so funny. They
nation. are so smart. I liked to play and joke with them.
Another popular holiday in Kyrgyzstan is Before I have came , I could not swim. Although I am 16, I was afraid
Noorus. Noorus is New Year by Muslim calendar. the water a little bit, but now when I registered to the swimming class, I
We celebrate it March 21. People visit each other, can swim even under the water.
then on the main square of the town people lead
different kinds of cultural events like dances,
songs and theater performances. All of these
activities became part of our tradition.
There are many things representing tradition of
Kyrgyzstan. For instance, kalpak is main hat for
men , komuz is national music instrument and
Kyrgyz-ui ( yurt) is a native dwelling of Kyrgyz. By
the ancient custom a mother-in-law always puts on
a white kerchief to the new bride and gives the
gold earrings to her or the mother of a new baby can not carry out the
baby during 40 days.
The next incomparable wealthy of Kyrgyzstan is nature. The immense
spaces of fields, the snow tops of mountains with the majestic arhars ▲ Kyrgyzstan Snowy Mountains ▲ Naryn River
( wild sheep) or snow leopards, the purl of the streams fading in a blue
and limpid Issyk-Kul make up the beauty of Kyrgyzstan.
I think, my year in America unfortunately will finish very fast. I try to
take pleasure of every single moment and show myself in different
spheres which about I have not ever thought. For example, swimming
class or bowling. The same time I am representing my country. I share
with people about Kyrgyzstan. I tell them about customs, traditions,
holidays and history of Kyrgyzstan.
So, I would like to spend one of my greatest year as possible having
many good impressions about America as representing my country.

Raima, Kyrgyzstan
▲ Kalpak—National hat for men

3
 YOUR AFS WORLD

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

I choose to come to the US because I always wanted to travel to the
USA. When we were given the opportunity in my school in Germany to I also got to meet my family in Arkansas, James family. It was so different
sign up for an exchange year and I couldn’t say ‘No’. I took the piece of from Oregon I can’t tell but I could feel it. Both, Tami’s and James family’s
paper home and discussed it with my parents. Both of them were very are such a sweet family.
confident. I mean, it’s a huge opportunity to live for one year in a foreign
country and it will affect the rest of your life. I also think that you will not
be the same person as one year ago. Your views will change about
certain things that you were never thinking of before. What a great
opportunity!
I mainly came to the US because you hear in Europe a lot about
America. I really wanted to travel to the US, someday and I really wanted
to improve my English. But through my exchange year I am not on a
“Vacation”, I am now a part of the way of American Life.

Well after the vacations were over and I had to go to school I was really
excited. I thought there might be some students who will ask me about
Hitler. That was my biggest worry. I heard from one previous exchange
student that this happened to him, as he was in Brazil. But my first day of
school was just a horrible day. There was a problem with my schedule so
during my third period I had to go see my counselor. Because of this, I
missed lunch. I was starving! Now the school is such fun. I just enjoy the
Before I came to the US, I already had my host family and was e- variety of classes that we don’t have in Germany. I’ve made a lot of
mailing with my host mom Tami Spears. It was so nice of her and James friends and yesterday the swim practice started for me. That was very
to send me a Web album so I could really imagine how everything looked tiring. But I enjoy being in the swim team and I hope I’ll make even more
like. One day in May, I was brave enough to call my host family. I friends.
remember it like yesterday. I was really nervous because I never had a
Telephone conversation in English before. When my host mom said
“Hello”…I was so happy to hear her voice. As I answered “it’s me
Philip”…She was screaming “OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH OH MY
GOSH”. I thought the phone was flying through the house. Couple of
months later I got an invitation from James to join Facebook. I had never
heard about Facebook before so I asked my dad if I could sign up for it.
He said yes. I was so excited. Every day I was always waiting after school
to the evening mail to see if my host mom or my host dad would be online.
It was literally driving me nuts to wait so long. As I chatted for the first time
with my host mom, I was so excited. We were just chatting for hours and
our subject would change. Sometimes we chatted till 10PM (German
Time). So I had to go to bed because I need my sleep. As I awake the
first thing I would do was to check my e-mails for mails from Tami or
James and I’d go online on Facebook. It was kind of funny if I went to bed
the day for Tami and James had just begun. If I came back from school
the day for them was over. I also had a clock in my computer that showed I always thought that Americans and Germans were almost the same
me the time in Oregon. I think through the e-mails and chatting on but now after three months in beautiful Oregon I know that there are some
Facebook I’d really built a good relationship with my host family. My father differences. One example is that Americans have Breakfast, Lunch and
in Germany was a little bit worried about the chatting and e-mailing all the Dinner. In Germany we have Breakfast, Dinner and a light evening meal.
time. He thought we wouldn’t have any Subjects to talk about when I come That’s one thing I had to get used to. The other thing I noticed was when
to them. we went to a Restaurant. I noticed that the people around me were eating
As I finally met them in Camas it was so AMAZING to see and hug with one Hand and the other Hand was underneath the table. In Germany
them after four months of waiting. I really couldn’t wait to go to my new we eat with both Hands.
hometown McMinnville. I was so excited. It was just so weird for me to see I really like the state of Oregon and the variety it has. It’s so amazing to
the Interstate signs and that we’d drive slowly on the interstate. In see a beach and behind the beach is a forest that is just incredibly
Germany you can drive as fast as you want. So as we were finally home I beautiful. The variety of waterfalls is just so cool. It’s just the prettiest state
was so happy. I got to meet the Dachshunds Madison and Kennedy. I was I’ve been to. I hope I come someday with my German family to Oregon
really excited to have two dogs as pets because in Germany I’ve never for visiting my American family.
had a dog. The two cats Lily and Darby were so cute. I had a cat in
Germany. The day after my arrival in McMinnville I got to meet my I’m having the greatest time in my life.
American Grandma and Grandpa. The sister, Brother-in Law and his
daughter were there. It was so exciting to get to know my whole new Philip, Germany
family. We had an American BBQ and it was so delicious.

4
 YOUR AFS WORLD

Why did I come to the US? - Andreas—Denmark

It was in the end of 8th grade, when I was starting to think about what I should do after I
graduated from 9th grade. I had an Idea that I was going to go to a “camp school” for a year, before
I went on to the Gymnasium (Danish equivalent of 11th, 12th, and 13th grade), which is normal for
most students in Denmark. My mother, later on, then told me about the possibility of going an entire
year to a foreign country. The idea of doing this got me very exited, and it sounded like a fantastic
opportunity to have the year of my life. I searched for all the organizations that offered exchange
years in other countries. When I had to choose a country at first, I was very eager to go to New
Zealand, or Australia. These countries were all booked up, so I changed my first priority to USA. I
have always seen a lot of Hollywood movies in Denmark, and the impressions from USA have
been many. So it seemed as a natural choice to try living in the “country of opportunities”, and see
if cars, buildings and everything else really is a lot bigger than in Europe. I applied for a lot of
organizations at first, like EF and my education. I even completed interviews with some, before I
checked Sirius’ reviews of the different organizations. After reading the statistics on EF, AFS, YFU
and rotary is was clear that AFS was the best choice!
AFS’ procedures of accepting exchange students ran smoothly along, and some months later, after visiting the embassy and going
to the local pre-orientation, I received a mail saying: “Hi Andreas, AFS in USA have found a possible host family for you. Though it is a
somewhat untraditional family, since they’re homosexual”. This is probably the most anticipated mail I have, or will ever receive. I read
the attached description of Robert and Curtis, my host family, and ran downstairs to tell my family the good news. My family at home
and I, are not religious or judgmental, so I had absolutely no problem with my host family being homosexual. If anything I saw it as a
new and different experience from having a mom, dad and siblings. The fact that I share just about every interest with my host family,
was a big bonus! Here I am now, about 2 months later and my host family has already provided enough rich experiences in these 2
months, that I would be satisfied if all of it had happened over the course of the entire year. They have let me in, in a way that I have
never experienced with other people than my family at home, and they are truly the best host family I could wish for! Experiencing all
the stuff I do over here, really makes me want to bring that experience to other people, and make them realize as I have, that a year
abroad with AFS is truly a unique experience!

Andreas, Denmark

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

Why I decided to come to America? Well, that's a good question, I actually choose Australia but the
school year is completely different, and then they told me that it must be only for six months and I
really want to go for a whole year, (i thought if I'm going to go, it has to be complete, i don't want to half
just of my experience). So I had to choose another country, England was to close, South Africa to
dangerous, so America! Why not?
But why I decided to be on an exchange program? I was very bored of doing every day of every year
the same thing, go to the same school in the same car, with the same teacher and the same friends, in
the same house, in the same town, with the same trees... So I just want to change everything, start a
NEW life. Also, my older brother did it, only for a couple months, and he had a great experience it
changed his life, and every time that I heard him talk about it I wished I could do the same thing, have
problems, adventures and fun stories to tell. And as final point, I really want to travel, learn languages,
meet new people with different perspectives of the world and get to know better other cultures.
So with all of this, a lot of insistence to my dad, a little of money and goodwill, I'm here, and very happy to had taken this
decision.

Lucia, Spain

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS—$20 GRAPEFRUIT SALE

We still have Entertainment Books available. Money raised from the books will
help on the Seattle trip expenses...mainly the hotel. The books cost $20 and In late October/November AFS sells grapefruit.
checks should be made out to AFS and mailed to: The grapefruit costs between $13-$15 per box.
Bernice Schuchardt Delivery is usually the first week in December;
4806 SE Long, Portland, OR 97206 deadline for ordering will be in mid-November. If
Here are some of the bargains: anyone is willing to help with this sale; i.e. take
• 50% off at Airport Shuttle orders, promote more community involvement,
• 50% off on one SUPER WASH at Classic Auto Wash etc., please contact Ron Combs
• Safeway has four $5 coupons good on any grocery purchase of $50 or more. R1P2Combs3@aol.com
• DeNicola’s Italian Restaurant—a $13 coupon.

5
 YOUR AFS WORLD
Spotlight on Georgia—Ketevan, Georgia
Hello to every AFS newsletter reader. I am
Ketevan, exchange student from Republic of
Georgia and I have the honor to tell you about
a country with ancient history, traditions,
gorgeous countryside and the oldest religion.
This is “The Mystery of the Caucasus.” This is
Georgia.
Bordered by the Caucasus Mountains to
the North, the Black Sea to the west,
Azerbaijan to the east, and Turkey and
Armenia in the south, Georgia is at the
crossroads of Europe and Asia. It is a land whose geographical position
with its exquisite beauty has always attracted an excessive number of
conquerors. It has suffered at the hands of Arabs, Mongols, Seljuk, Turks
and numerous tribes from the North Caucasus, but it has always been
rebuilt. Despite a lot invasions and occupations of their land, Georgian
people proved extraordinarily tenacious in maintaining their own language,
religion, traditions, and culture which dates back to the Bronze Age.
Georgian poets and writers were writing masterpieces with our language
(which is one of the 14 world alphabets and the oldest known inscriptions
in Georgian script is dated c. AD 433) one of them is Georgia’s “Golden
Age” writer’s poem “The Knight in the Panther’s Skin” which is considered
our national epic. Generally art is in Georgians nature. Polyphonic folk
songs and dance will surprise you. Georgian dance is a reflection of our
history. It will tell you different stories about men and women
relationships and how men respect females. In many aspects we can say
that our culture is based on our religion. St. Nino of Cappadocia brought
Christianity to Georgia in 330 AD and after this religion is the vital strength
of my country. A lot of Georgians suffered for their belief but did not deny
it. There are numerous churches both old and new whose amazing
architecture illustrates the deep meaning of the Georgian religion.
Georgia is considered as a homeland of wine. We cultivate over 500
grape varieties throughout the country. It is an ancient art. Hugh Johnson
in his book Vintage: the story of wine has this to say: “the oldest pips of
cultivated vines so far discovered and carbon dated were found in Soviet
Georgia, and belong to the period 7000-5000 BC.” I think this oldest “art”
defines one of the main characters of Georgians. I feel free to say we are
among the most hospitable people on Earth. One day if you will wake up
in Georgia by chance you can knock on any door for directions and you
will find yourself five seconds later with a glass of wine in hand and an
invitation to stay with this family as long as you need. After this I think you
won’t be surprised if I tell that friendship is the greatest virtue for
Georgians. We are a very brave nation and our history is the confirmation
of this. Georgians are proud and fiercely individualist, we would give Appreciate and thanks,
everything for freedom. We want to be as beautiful and free as our nature
is. Georgians themselves tell the following story about how they came to Ketevan, Georgia
6
possess the land which we deem the most beautiful in the World. When
God was distributing portions of the World to all the people of the Earth,
the Georgians were having a party. They were singing, dancing and
toasting to God, for friends and for love. As a result they arrived late and
were told by God that all the land had already been distributed. But
Georgians were not worried about this. They did not want to bother God
and they offered God a glass of wine to drink for peace and for them. God
was surprised by their braveness and beauty and gave the Georgians the
part of Earth he had been reserving for himself. And this “paradise” has
the very beautiful capital city Tbilisi which reveals its charms slowly. “In the
morning walking along the banks of the Mtkvari River, you will think you
are grasped the essence of the city that’s somewhat akin to Florence on
the Arno. Later, on Rustaveli Avenue you’ll come upon the Moorish-style
Opera House and you’ll think of the Mezquita in Cordoba. Both are
correct. The city is neither entirely European nor entirely Asian. You, like
so very many before you are standing at the crossroads between these
two great continents.
This “crossroad” has a small town called Khoni, where I am from. It is a
small town but a big family where almost everybody knows each other.
We are proud of our seventh century church, 150 -year-old beautiful park
and that we live in the city where an educational level was always high
and where several famous Georgians were born.
There are a lot more things I want to tell you about Georgia, but I think
you should visit this country and experience them by yourself. Remember,
you are always very welcome!
P.S FLEX is a Future Leaders Exchange Program. I do not think that it
is necessary for FLEX students to gain high positions in a government, but
I think that it is necessary to be good ambassadors of our country this year
and be very helpful when we return.
It was too difficult for me to leave Georgia, because just several days
before our departure Russian’s troops bombed our one of the big city
which is very close to South Ossetia, the part of Georgia which is a fight
between two neighbors _ on the one side a huge Russia and the other
side small Georgia. It would be too complicated to explain the
circumstances but I need to say that everybody was concerned about this
deliberate act. Russians troops were in Georgia until recently. But at last
they left Georgia and I am happy and proud that we are still as brave as
our ancestors. I hope that this is the last time not only for Georgia but for
every other small country to deal with these kinds of problems. I hope that
in the 21th century everybody will be more civilized.
I want to thanks to every country which supported Georgia, among
them is the US.
 WHAT THE STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY...
What did the Students have to say when they were asked the following questions?
1. Did you dress up for
Homecoming week?
• Hippie Dress—Juulia, Finland
• I dressed all in RED—Vera, Germany
• Pajamas (very cold!), ninja pirates,
opposite gender, sports and green—
Lucia, Spain
• Crazy Fan Day—Philip, Germany
• All Black for Senior colors—Nazumi,
Japan
• Camouflage—Tomas, Brazil
• I wore sport shorts on the outside like
Superman because the theme of our
homecoming was super heroes! -
Maggie, Thailand
• A dress in country style—Carlotta,
Italy
• Ugly sweater, hippie, jungle animal,
Rome coming, & color war—Ellen,
Germany
• Toga Day—Karolina, Chili
• Carlotta, Italy
Duct Tape Day—Monica, Costa Rica
2. Favorite American Music
Band?
• Underoath—Killian, Germany
• Jack Johnson—Juulia, Finland;
Tomas, Brazil
• West City Boys—Vicki, China
• Dave Matthews Band—Vera,
Germany
• System of a Down & Linkin Park—
Daniel, Austria • The Drum line—Daniel, Austria
• Backstreet Boys—Raima, Kyrgyzstan; •
Nazumi, Japan
• Pussycat Dolls—Philip, Germany
• Savage Garden!!! - Maggie, Thailand
• Those Dancing Days—Carlotta, Italy
• Rocker—Diane, China
• Bon Jovi—Ellen, Germany
• Simple Plan—Warat, Thailand
• Beatles—Karolina, Chili
• Norah Jones—Tiantian, China
Do you have a question you would like to know the
answer to? Email it to me. tami@spearsintl.com
• Black Eyed Peas—Monica, Costa
Rica • Football—Warat, Thailand
• Dance Team—Karolina, Chili
3. What is the strangest thing you
• Mock Elections—Tiantian, China
have eaten in the U.S.?
• Group Dynamics—Monica, Costa
• Sushi—Killian, Germany; Juulia,
Finland
• Raw Vegetables—Vicki, China
• Cheese Sticks—Vera, Germany
• A croissant with a sausage inside for
breakfast—Lucia, Spain
• Crabs—Raima, Kyrgyzstan
• Deep fried pickles—Philip, Germany
• Root beer. It smells and tastes like a
band-aid.—Nazumi, Japan
• An Elephant ear because at the time I
ate it, I thought it was a real elephant
ear.—Tomas, Brazil
• I eat everything with syrup & ketchup
even the bagel.—Maggie, Thailand
• Bread with butter at dinner time—
• An Olive—Diane, China
• Greek Food—Karolina, Chili
• Artichoke—Tiantian, China
• Peanut butter sandwich—Monica,
Costa Rica
4. Favorite school activity?
• Lunch—Killian, Germany
• Football & Soccer games—Vera,
Germany
Soccer—Lucia, Spain; Tomas, Brazil;
Ellen, Germany
• Nature Class field trip & Choir—Raima,
Kyrgyzstan
• Swim Team—Philip, Germany
• Art Class—Nazumi, Japan
• PE Class—Lena, Germany
• Soliloquy Club & English Class—
Maggie, Thailand
• Theater—Carlotta, Italy
• Diversity Club & International Club—
Diane, China
Rica
5. Have you dreamt in English?
• Not yet :((( - Juulia, Finland; Daniel,
Austria; Killian, Germany; Nazumi,
Japan; Lena, Germany; Karolina,
Chili
• Yes. It felt very good.—Vicki, China
• Yes, my first dream was 1 week ago
and since then I always dream in
English! - Vera, Germany
• Yes, the first time that I dreamt in
English it wasn’t exactly English. I was
saying a word and I knew that the word
was wrong but I continued saying it
even though no one understood me. It
was very frustrating.—Lucia, Spain
• I dremt in English when I was at
Outdoor School. It was really strange
for me when I recognized it.—Raima,
Kyrgyzstan
• Absolutely! - Philip, Germany
• Just a small dream—Tomas, Brazil
• Very often & once I dreamt that my
natural family were talking in English! -
Maggie, Thailand
• I dreamt partially in English once—
Carlotta, Italy
• Yeah...that’s soooo scary...i dreamt
that I talked with somebody but he
couldn't understand me at all. I felt
really tired when I awoke because I
explained all the time in my dream—
Diane, China
• I haven’t dreamt since I have been in
the US—Ellen, Germany
• Yes. I even think in English
sometime—Tiantian, China
• Yes all the time about crazy things, I
can’t explain it.—Monica, Costa Rica
7
 CAMP ADAMS—Post-Arrival Orientation
Post Arrival orientation CAMP ADAMS
October 12th and 13th
For the post arrival orientation, all 47 exchange students from 22
different countries, living in the Columbia pacific area team met in Camp
Adams OR.
We had a great COLD time. The strangest thing, for me, was to speak
Italian again. After 2 months of English, to listen to an Italian conversation
sounded so strange and unusual...
On Saturday afternoon we practiced cutting our pumpkins for
Halloween, we enjoyed doing funny face, and we did a very good job.
On Saturday evening almost every student shared something about their
own country. People sang, danced, talked about their country and played
Hi, I'm Teya from exchange student from Thailand.
instruments. Someone brought also some typical dress, like Kimono from
I very enjoyed in all of activities in Camp Adam!! I never used to do
Japan. After our performances the dance started, and at 11 the dance was
carving pumpkin for Halloween before because in Thailand we didn't
over. We were also divided into groups to talk with AFS volunteers about
celebrated in this day.
any problems we could have so far with our families and at school...
So this is the first pumpkin I did and I have a really good time. I
We passed two enjoyable days together, two very cold days. I really
and my friends from Thailand, Joe ,Maggi, Patty ,Tan and my host
liked when we had to share countries, it was very interesting, and it let me
sister, Erika we work together and do you know, this is the good
understand how beautiful the world is…
chance that I and my host sister have a great time together. While we
In Italy we say: “Il mondo é bello perché é vario” → “The world is
carved the pumpkin, my host father touch me how to be a good
beautiful because is different”. Do you also say it here???
carver and he touch one word that really funny," Hoy Hoy Hoy....",
and it very useful it's make me carved the pumpkin better. I, my
Emily, Italy
friend and my host sister have a good time in this camp. Thank you
AFS.

Teya, Thailand

Camp Adams was one of the most memorable experiences for all
It was October 11th and 12th when we arrived in the middle of nowhere-
the AFS exchange students, host siblings as well as AFS volunteers
welcome to Camp Adams!
and staff members this year. It was a two-day camp in Molalla city.
We were all happy to see each others after a long time (Pendleton)….
There were forty-seven students from twenty-two countries and we
We went together in our groups and talked about our experiences so far in
had a great time together. The credit for the fun we had at the camp
the US. It was actually pretty interesting to hear all the problems of the
goes to our volunteers, staffs and our very dear host families
other exchange students. I realized the first time that I have really a good
obviously. AFS staffs and volunteers were very helpful, they helped
host family and a nice place in Portland.
us in solving our problems, we discussed about school, life with
One of the highlights of Camp Adams was the pumpkin carving. We
host parents, safety, we talked about the differences amongst our
made funny faces of it. For our surprise we get prices (bubblegum and
countries and the USA, and we also talked about the ways in which
mints) for it!
we all were similar.
After that we had dinner and then we learned something about the
After all that discussion, we had an amazing time carving
culture from the other exchange students! Some sang their national
pumpkins. Carving a pumpkin was the most exciting thing for me
anthem, others showed pictures, traditional dances,…
because I had never carved the pumpkin before. We worked in teams
Another fun activity was the dance! But there is no dance which could beat
and we did an awesome job. As a reward, got candies and gums.
Pendleton! *Jiiiiiiiiiiiiiiihaaaaaaaa*
Then we took all the lit pumpkins outside in the dark and that was
Over the night most exchange students slept or not too in wooden
quite a sight!
houses and it was really cold! Then we talked again what we should and
Sunday night was the cultural night. We all presented the glances of
what not. And then we had this amazing potluck! It was so delicious and
our countries. We had students from countries like Germany, France,
Juulia and me felt so bad after it because we ate too much Brownies!
India, Spain, Norway, Finland, Thailand, Japan, China, and many
That was our 2nd Orientation and we really enjoyed it!!!
others, which I wasn’t acquainted with. I particularly liked the
presentation by Thai students. After cultural show we had a blast at
the dance floor and we danced till midnight. And next morning we
were saying good bye to each other, anticipating our next gathering
together. Alas! Our host families came to pick us up.
At the end I would like to thank all the AFS volunteers, staff and
host families for arranging such a wonderful camp for us.

Tahseen, India

8
 YOUR AFS WORLD

Veteran’s Day Parade

Veteran’s Day Parade – My, was it wet! But it did not dampen students, Monica from Costa Rica and Giulia from Italy; with
our spirits. Thanks to the efforts of Barbara Rogers and the Laura, Monica's host sibling; and Elina from Sweden and Tammy
Vancouver-Battleground Chapter, we had a good turn-out for the from Germany (other exchange programs)—thanks for your ‘esprit
very rainy Annual Veteran’s Day Parade. We brought honor and
recognition to the Veterans who we consider to be our Founding
Fathers—the volunteer ambulance drivers of WWI and WWII.
Unfortunately, our local hero, Driver Robert Dodds was not able to
attend this year.

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

d’corps,’ Rymmel! Camas-Washougal was represented by

Valentina and Giulia from Italy who were graciously transported
by fellow school chum, Devin.

▲ It was a wet Veteran’s Day Parade

Vancouver Chapter was well-represented with Barbara

Rogers, her granddaughter Caitlin and friends, Morgan, Crystal
and baby Jonathan; Barbara and John brought their college host
daughter, Jesse from China; and a new volunteer Shane Todd
joined us. Rymmel Lovell came in from The Dalles with her two

▲ Volunteers make it happen

Thanks for making the trip! Portland was well-represented with

Jan and Dennis Burkhart bringing their hosted son, Emilio from
Argentina; Mike Soller bringing his two hosted daughters, Maggie
from Thailand and Kayo from Japan; Mami from Japan and
Andreas from Denmark rode with Sally Ann to round out the group
of hearty souls. Did I mention it was really raining? But we all
had fun at the pizza party afterwards.

▲Marchers carrying the colors Sally Ann Wells

Outdoor School—Raima, Kyrgyzstan

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

Raima, Kyrgyzstan

9
 VOLUNTEER NEWS/DEVELOPMENT
We are excited about the national AFS re-structuring as it relates to Volunteer Development. (See letter from
National Board Chair) Damayonti Rowe has been assigned as our Western Region staff member dedicated to
volunteer development and retention.
We are thrilled with this vote of confidence by national to dedicate a regional staff person, in each of our three
regions, to work with Volunteers for recruiting, training, and retention. Be watching for new developments as
Damayonti settles into her new position.

We are still searching for the right person (s) to take on the task of Hosting Coordination for our Area Team. It may
seem like a monumental job, but as we work to involve more local volunteers as “local coordinators” in the Portland
Metro Area, the coordinators job really can become one of coordinating—working with local volunteers for the
attainment of our hosting goals. We have strong volunteers in place throughout most of our area team: The Gorge;
Lake Oswego; Camas-Washougal; Longview-Kelso; Vancouver-Battleground; Northeast Portland; Southeast Portland; North
Clackamas; Columbia County; Yamhill and The Coast all have coordinating volunteers in place. (there is always room for more!)
Each chapter/cluster hosts one to five or six students and may send one or two. The local coordinator makes contact with the
schools; follows up on hosting and sending leads; tracks paperwork; arranges interviews for host families; and then has fun with the
local families and students at planned occasional social gatherings.
Simple and fun, right? We can do this!

The tiger we need to tame is Portland Metro West, Southwest and Beaverton-Hillsboro (and beyond.) A significant portion of our
students are traditionally hosted in this area. We have 16 hosted in the area, this year—easily three or four clusters. The schools in
this area tend to be flexible and open to placement. What we need are volunteers to take on one or two schools and work with area
volunteers to recruit, interview and support the hosting and sending in their local school area. Our team is open to suggestions that
any of you may have for attaining this structure and recruiting new volunteers who might be
willing to take on a small portion of these activities.

In addition to Westside development, we are always in need of new volunteers to work with both hosting and sending, on the local and
area level. If you have an interest in even a small part of hosting or sending; supporting host families or natural families; working with
students at orientations; chaperoning optional activities and events, please let Sally Ann (sawells@teleport.com) or Bonnie
(bonnie@kirklinfolawn.com <mailto:bonnie@kirklinfolawn.com> ) know of your interest. You can begin the volunteer registration
process by entering this link: http://www.usa.afs.org/usa_en/focus_on/volunteer

Sally Ann Wells, Volunteer Coordinator

Open Volunteer Positions—Area Team and Local Chapters

Area Team Volunteer Positions:
Area Team Chair-Elect
∼ The AT Chair-Elect will be elected and
serve for two years, assisting the AT Chair
and filling in for the AT Chair when s/he is
not available. At the end of two years, the
AT Chair-Elect will take over as Chair and
the AT will elect a new Chair-Elect. The AT
Chair is responsible for coordinating the
operation and management of the AFS
program, maintaining a quality AFS
program, and pursuing opportunities for the
growth of AFS within the AT. AT Chair
presides at all meetings of the AT and acts
on behalf of the team. The AT Chair also
serves as the principal liaison between the
AT and the Regional Service Center for
procedural and policy issues.
Area Team Hosting Coordinator (AT HC)
principal liaison between the area team and Liaison
the Regional Service Center for procedural
and policy issues related to host family
∼ The AFS Liaison is a volunteer identified as
the primary contact for an AFS participant
finding and student placement.
for the duration of their program. As such,
the Liaison has a role that is extremely
Local Chapter Volunteer Positions:
important in maintaining the communication
link between an AFS participant and the
Chapter Chair AFS organization. Liaisons are key to the
∼ The Chapter Chair advises and manages success of the AFS support network by
chapter volunteers in goal-setting, providing ongoing community friendship
recruitment and support activities. The and support for AFS students and their host
Chapter Chair also facilitates regular families. The Liaison serves as the “first
contact among the local AFS community. responder” in the communication network
connecting with the local AFS volunteer
Chapter Sending Coordinator leadership and staff as needed to provide
participant support.
∼ The AFS Local Chapter Sending
Coordinator develops and implements a
student recruitment plan that meets local
Team goals and ensures adherence to AFS
-USA standards and mission.

∼ The AT HC is the area volunteer with the Chapter Hosting Coordinator

principal responsibility for coordinating
volunteers, returnees, and schools in the
∼ The AFS Local Chapter Hosting
recruitment for and implementation of the Coordinator develops and implements a
AFS hosting program in the area. As such, host family finding plan that meets goals
the AT HC facilitates and monitors the and ensures adherence to AFS-USA
recruitment of area host families and standards and mission.
student placement process, and works to
develop and support local hosting
volunteers. The AT HC also serves as the

10
 AREA TEAM
Chair
Bonnie Richardson-Kott The Calendar 2008-2009
Chair-Elect NOV 15 AFS AREA TEAM MEETING – Airport Shilo Inn Restaurant, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
OPEN
NOV 23 SOUTHEAST CLUSTER MEETING—Meeting for SE cluster, their liaisons and aunt/
Treasurer
James Spears uncle families. Michele Vixathep home. RSVP Bernice Schuchardt
bmschuch@aol.com
Hosting Coordinator
Sally Ann Wells (Interim) NOV 27 THANKSGIVING—Enjoy the family time.
Sending Coordinator
DEC AFS AREA TEAM MEETING – Date, Location and Time TBA
Emily Leis
Orientation Coordinator DEC 6 EAST SIDE CHRISTMAS PARTY – The party will go from 6 to 10 PM, 89th and
Ron Combs Division SE Portland, Ron Combs (503) 777-8117
Support Coordinator DEC 15 NEWSLETTER ARTICLES DUE—Articles due to Tami Spears tami@spearsintl.com
Bernie Gerhardt
Volunteer Coordinator JAN 24, 2009 MID-YEAR ORIENTATION – REQUIRED – This is a required event for all AFS
Sally Ann Wells students. Franciscan Earth Montessori School, Southeast Portland.
Liaison Coordinator JAN 24-25, 2009 SKI TRIP – This is an optional event. Students will leave after the Mid-Year
James Spears
Orientation. Must be Pre-Registered.
Returnee Coordinator
Lynette Ledgerwood FEB 22, 2009 WORLD QUEST COMPETITION – Lewis & Clark Campus, Sally Ann Wells (503)
703-8223
Newsletter Editor
Tami Spears MARCH 7 LEWIS & CLARK COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL FAIR—Portland
Website Coordinator
MARCH 8 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS—”Spring Forward” - Turn your clocks ahead 1 hour
James Spears
MARCH 9 NEWSLETTER ARTICLES DUE—Articles due to Tami Spears tami@spearsintl.com
CHAPTER/CLUSTER
COORDINATORS MARCH 23-27 OREGON SPRING BREAK
Beaverton/Hillsboro/Aloha MAR 30—APRIL 3 WASHINGTON SPRING BREAK
Linda Landreth
Columbia Gorge APRIL 24 EARTH DAY
Rymmel Lovell
MAY 2-4, 2009 ASHLAND SHAKESPEARE TRIP – Ron Combs (503) 777-8117 Must be Pre-
Columbia County
Registered.
Charlotte & Mike Kocher
Lake Oswego MAY 10 MOTHERS DAY—Don’t forget your Moms!
Lorie James
MAY 16, 2009 PRE-RETURN ORIENTATION – REQUIRED – This is a required event for all AFS
McMinnville/Yamhill County students. Columbia Presbyterian Church, Vancouver, WA
Tami & James Spears
MAY 25 NEWSLETTER ARTICLES DUE—Articles due to Tami Spears tami@spearsintl.com
North Clackamas
Maggie Frieske
JUNE 6 PORTLAND GRAND FLORAL ROSE PARADE
North/Northeast
Chris Cradler JUNE 21 FATHERS DAY—Don’t forget your Dads!
Northwest/Southwest JUNE 28, 2009 END OF STAY ORIENTATION – REQUIRED – This is the end of stay. Lents Park,
Sally Ann Wells
Portland, OR
Southeast/Gresham/Sandy
Bernice Schuchardt
Tillamook/Oregon Coast
Sue Cudd
Camas/Washougal
Ruth Ladage FG 
Vancouver/Battle Ground Dear Host Families, Liaisons, Volunteers, Returnees, Students going Abroad, and Friends:
Bernie Gerhardt
Columbia Pacific AFS has recently made the decision to discontinue mailing hard copies of the newsletter
Longview/Kelso/Toledo
due to the high costs. The exception is our present students, who will still receive a hard copy. This
Debbie Erickson
decision went into effect with the March 2008 issue. Future newsletters and earlier editions will be available
YES/FLEX Student Coordinators
on www.AFSCP.com.
Maggie Frieske
Rustam Kocher When at that site, go to “View Newsletters”. When viewing the newsletter from this site, you will find everything
Rymmel Lovell in color, including photos! Enjoy!!!!!
Visiting Teacher Coordinators Peace, 
Barbara Rogers Tami 
Jerrie Nelson
Sally Ann Wells 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