Columbia Pacific Hosting/Departure News
THANK YOU, HOST The end of the year is upon us!
FAMILIES & VOLUNTEERS
By Bernice Schuchardt
The year is quickly coming to a
close. I would like to thank all of the
volunteers who willingly set aside
weekends and evenings to support
June 2004 our exchange students and their
families. You have made your
contribution towards world peace.
Thank you to our volunteers who
have worked as area leadership
members, group leaders,
chaperones, have housed students
for overnight, been drivers for
outings, spent time counseling with
families and students, organized and
held special activities in their homes,
went out on interviews, helped find
host families, and in all have spent
many, many hours making sure our
exchange students had a memorable
year.
Thank you to all our host families!
You have opened your homes and
hearts to our students from around
the world. You have been there for
them, helped them celebrate their
joys and achievements and also
stood by them through difficult times.
This is not the end of your
relationship. Most of you will
continue to keep in touch throughout
the years, and many of you will meet
again either in their countries or here
in the USA.
I know from past experience. I am
leaving for Italy on the 30th of June to
visit my AFS students who lived with
our family in 1978-79 and 1993-94. I
have two very special Italian
daughters and two Italian
grandchildren who have a special
place in my heart, and four other
special sons and daughters from
Greece, Ghana, Peru and Costa
Rica. I have visited all of them and
several have visited me. We are
also in contact through e-mail and
phone calls. So when you say
“goodbye,” just remember it’s not
forever—your exchange students will
most likely remain your sons and
daughters for a lifetime.
It seems like the year has flown by.
Now you have reached the point where
you need to start packing for your
return home.
JUNE 27 STUDENT
DEPARTURE!
3:00 to 4:00 at Lents park is a point of
departure and goodbye’s from family
and friend.
What’s next?
The students will spend time
together as a group waiting for the
bus. They will be invited to join in
activities or permitted to just hang
out and chat with friends. They will
be fed. Sometime that night the
students will be bused to a central
location in Seattle. There they will
meet with any other students in the
Pacific Northwest (including
Alaska) who traveled with them
from their natural country for their
return flight home. Again, most will
have time to shower before their
flight. Some may even have time
to nap. It all depends upon their
flight schedule. AFS will provide
food for students in transit.
If you have any questions about
the bus trip, please contact the trip
chaperones. Maggie Frieske at
503 659 7958 or by email:
maggiefrieske@attbi.com
NOTE: This information will also
be posted on our website at
http://afscolpac.org .
Thank you once again for all that
you have done to make this year
possible for your student. We
hope that you will continue to stay
connected with AFS by joining our
world-wide family of volunteers.
AFS T-Shirts and CD’s
AFS T-Shirts and CD’s for the 2003-2004
host season are available for host family
through Ron Combs. If you are interested
in either one or both please call
Ron 503-777-8117 or E-Mail
r1p2combs3@aol.com. Please give
shirt sizes.

A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO A HOST MOM
By Yulia Fabrovska
“It can be so difficult to be alone in an
unknown country; stay with an unknown
family which speaks a different language. It is
impossible to show my gratitude to some
people who worked so hard to help me not
only when I felt bad, but everyday. One of
those people is my host mother Deane. You
would have to read this article for a really
long time if you would like to find out all the
good things she did for me.
On Easter in Ukraine people are going to the
church at night to bless the food in their
baskets. Deane was very kind to take me to
the church. The service lasted for couple of
hours during which we were not aloud to sit
and most of it was in Ukrainian. She was
there all the time. I do not think I could make
it, to stand at night and listen to the weird
language not understanding what are people
doing and why. And this was not the only
time when she did that for me.
She has always been a person I could lean
on when I had problems and be sure that she
will help me. She would also share my joy,
too.
There are no words in the world to say how
thankful I am to her and how lucky I feel for
having had such a wonderful host mother.
Now I have two mothers.
Photo of Meng Sirirattanaphonkun from
Thailand (2002-2003) becoming a monk.
Meng attended Tillamook H.S. and lived with
host dad Don Shenenberger. Don tells us that
Meng will become a Buddhist monk for 8
days, which is what many Thai boys do.
Student News
From Mohammad: From Gabriele:
Time Goes Fast, Graduation what a
Word. Time is going so fast, faster than
anything I have ever experienced....
faster than lightning, faster than sound,....
faster than cars, trains, and aero plans,
so fast that I thought, that I just came
here yesterday... or maybe I never came
at all... maybe this was actually a
dream... maybe I am still in Egypt, back
there at home... no wait that can't be
true… I remember memories, I see
faces… I look at my self in the mirror, I
see someone different... Someone who
looks older and more mature, than I ever
was… some one that is not me…. I know
that I have been there; I have lived all
this year. But it just feels that it was a day First is from "Prom" and it's a picture of my
or a week, it doesn't feel like it has been self, my date (Karissa) and her dog (Karmen)
a year, and now they are telling me that I
have to go. And suddenly my heart ;
started to cry… I have to leave now,
leave forever. And then this was the
moment when I wished that time would
freeze. That time would go so slow like
the matrix, that every second would be
like a new day. But then reality just hit me
again. it made me realize that I might
come back someday, I am sure I will…
my second family will always be here
waiting for me… my friends will always
be my friends… maybe I will never see
them again…. But they will always be in
my heart …. And then my heart smiled
again… because I just realized that even
if I leave… they will always be there with
me… there, deep in my heart.
Written by: Mohamed Ibrahim Second picture has been taken before
EL-Naggar, Egypt YES-AFS 2004 the graduation ceremony and I'm torturing
**************** my friend John;
Graduation, what a word! A moment that
everyone waits for and at the same time
wishing it never happens. It’s a mix of
feelings and emotions. You feel happy
that you are done with high school, and
that you are moving to the next level of
your life. At the same time, you feel this
sadness, of leaving home and leaving all
your friends. Its like a puzzle that has no
solution, it’s a riddle that you can't solve.
That’s how graduation felt. It’s a feeling
that doesn't exist in our vocabulary, a
feeling that has no name. A feeling that
you can describe, but at the same time
you can't. It’s a moment in which
everything seems to be over, and at the
same time it feels like you just started, it’s Last but not least a picture of me and Shiori
a new journey and a new adventure. To right after the last AFS orientation.
me graduation will be even more
complicated than that. I knew I was
leaving, leaving forever. Who knows if I Volunteer spotlight
ever come back again? I was scared,
scared of this moment. I wanted to cry, We are blessed with a leader among
but I didn't. I felt I was strong I am a man. volunteers. Ron combs is one of the
Men don't cry. But I still felt sad. But I hardest working people in the northwest.
didn't let this feeling take over me. I
Ron’s wife Pat also helps with several
decided I was stronger, so I felt happy,
happy for everything and for everyone. events including the Christmas party
Happy that I am done and that my friends where she provides that fun Bingo game
are done. And then I realized something. with Holliday characters. You will find
I realized that I already choose to take Ron enjoying himself at almost all of the
that step, much earlier before that. I events because he is a part of the
choose to come here, and leave excitement and not on the sidelines.
everything back there at home. And this This is evident when you look at the
time I will be the one to take that step
pictures in this newsletter.
again. A step to my new journey.

ASHLAND
Early Saturday, May 8, 23
AFSers and volunteers departed from
Portland in a rain storm on their way to
Ashland for the weekend. The plan was to
arrive in Ashland mid-afternoon, get
situated in our rooms and just enjoy the
city. The rain stopped shortly after we left
Portland and we had no more rain until
Sunday evening. We stayed at the Plaza
Inn & Suites and from the comments
below, you will see everyone loved the
hotel. Saturday evening we all met and
had dinner together at the Jade Dragon
Restaurant, and then everyone spent the
evening just hanging out, playing cards,
hot tubbing, and working out in the
exercise room. The hotel provided peanut
butter and jelly, milk, and chocolate chip
cookies each night. Sunday was the day
we seen the plays: The Royal Family and
Comedy of Errors. Before going to the
evening play, we had a pizza party in the
hotel’s snack room. Monday morning we
headed home. Special thanks to our
drivers: Brenda Langer, Maggie Frieske,
Lynette and Rebecca Ledgerwood, Ron
and Pat Combs, and Garry and Marilyn
Hays.
Special thanks goes out to
Marilyn Hays for putting this trip together
and for doing such a great, efficient job.
Here are some comments from the kids
who attended:
“Great trip! I loved it. The hotel is
awesome and the plays were terrific. Too
bad we were there for such a short time.”
“I really enjoyed spending time in
Ashland. I loved the plays so much. I
wish we could spend more time in Ashland
and see more plays.”
“Not only were the plays strikingly
beautiful, but these kinds of trips also
brings AFS kids together. Everything was
Student News
so great that it seemed to be a dream. I
wish more people would come and we
could spend more time together.” Yuliya
Fabrovska from Ukraine
“The Ashland trip is going to stay in my
memory forever. I enjoyed the plays.
Also I enjoyed spending time with other
AFS students because I know that it is not
much time left for us here…so that was
just wonderful.” Lola Aminova from
Uzbekistan
“I thought the trip was great! I liked the
plays. The hotel was great. I liked it how
we were free to go and explore the city. I
would do it again!!!” Noemi Giuliette
from Belgium
“I had a lot of fun this weekend. It was a
real blast. I particularly liked having the
freedom to do pretty much what we
wanted to do (within reason)—like going
shopping, hot tubbing, or sleeping in some
cases. I really enjoyed the two plays that
we saw. They are both very entertaining.
All the students (I think) enjoyed them
equally as much.” Tegan Hastings from
Australia
“I think that, generally, the trip went very
well. I really liked the fact that we had
some free time to go exploring or just sit
back and relax. It is always a good idea to
leave free time. The choice of shows to
see was well chosen. Both were traditional
Shakespearian plays and also a classics but
in plain English. I wondered whether the
old English would prove to be a difficulty
for some of the students, but I was
delightfully surprised. Everyone really
seemed to enjoy themselves and had a
great time! My suggestion….a hotel with
a hot tub and a swimming pool!!! [The
Plaza Inn had only a hot tub] Holly Nunn,
USA, a host sib
Lola Aminova has found out how PR and
advertising pay off in the USA. Lola
completed the Red Cross Babysitting
Class, made up a resume for herself,
passed them out in her neighborhood (host
parent along), and within two days had two
babysitting jobs. Way to Go! Lola. These
skills came in handy when Lola served as
Junior Counselor at Outdoor School this
spring.
(FLEX might consider hooking up with
Red Cross to have students take this class.
It's a FLEX-acceptable way for them to
make money and also meets kids and
adults in their neighborhoods. According
to Lola, it would not be acceptable for her
to do this in her country. It's just socially
not acceptable there for kids to be out
looking for work.)
Yuliya Fabrovska has chosen to spend
one of her school class times as a peer
helper in a classroom of multi-
handicapped students. She works and
plays with teenagers with many different
levels of handicapping conditions.
Yuliya's been a rousing success. Lana's
(Younglove) students look forward to
Yuliya's arrival every day, and compete for
her attention. Its especially nice as one
student comes from a Russian-speaking
home, and with Yuliya's English-Russian
skills, we've had a chance to compare
whether the student's level of
understanding is language based or IQ
based. Thanks Yuliya for all you are and
for all you do. We will miss you greatly
when you return home. (Yuliya returned
home in May).
Fee Schaefer (Washougal, WA via
Germany) and her partner Reeva
Webberley finished first in the district
playoffs for tennis doubles. They earned
the right to play in Seattle in the state
tournament. They did not do as well there
but they did win half of their matches for a
7th place finish. They had a wonderful
time and Fee said the experience was the
“best ever” and she will go home to
Germany with a 1st place trophy from
district and wonderful memories.
Matti Kolehmainen, Finland played for
Washougal High varsity soccer this spring.
Having never played organized soccer
before Matti had a remarkable year. He
played in many of the games and received
honors as the most improved player at the
end of the season. Congratulations Matti
for the courage to make it happen.
CONGRATULATIONS TO
FRANCISCO GARCIA AND WIFE
KELLY ANN
Congratulations to Francisco and his
wife Kelly Ann on the birth of Ana
Francisca Myers Garcia on April 21,
2004 at 12:23 a.m. She weighed in at
7 lbs. 11 oz. and was 20 inches long.
Francisco is a long-time AFS volunteer
and a former AFS staff member. He
has been a chaperone and van driver
for Pendleton Roundup, and many
times a group leader.

The following essay is one of the exciting
reasons why the FLEX program will be around
for ten more years and the benefits it provides.
Trip to Washington DC
All FLEX students had special competition in
October 2003. In order to go to Washington DC
and participate in the Close Up program, we
were supposed to write a good essay and receive
positive recommendation from one of our
teachers in high school. Around 1200 FLEX
students participated in that competition, but
only 126 were selected; I was selected too.
It was a one-week program at the end of
February. It was one of the best weeks in the
US for many FLEX students. We had many
different activities: meetings with senators,
representatives, politicians, important people;
visiting historical places, monuments, museums,
theater, neighborhoods, memorials; participating
in seminars, workshops, conferences,
presentations, TV show, etc.
We discussed many issues: economics,
democracy, government infrastructure in both
the USA and former Soviet Union countries.
FLEX students were divided into 6 groups, with
around 20 students per group. Our workshop
(group) leaders were very helpful, and one of
them will come to visit us in our countries.
It was such a great week, and many students did
not want to go back. In general, it was very
useful for all FLEX students. I hope that
experience, which I received in Washington DC,
will help me in future.
Volodymyr Kovalchuk,
Ukrayina
My essay
I came from Ukraine, country, which
little more than 10 years ago was in
structure of Union of Soviet Socialistic
Republics. So, in the United States of
America, in those times USSR was called
Russia, and many people did not hear
about Ukraine. Some people thought that it
was a part of Yugoslavia or somewhere in
Asia. For Americans, Russians were bears
with nuclear weapons, and for Russians,
Americans were imperialistic hawks. And
Student News
a miracle, which 10 years ago was fantasy,
happened. I, simple citizen from former
USSR, am studying in the USA.
And now the question: for what all this
must be? I think it must be.
First, the USA historically, geographically,
economically, and culturally in main are
separated from other countries of our
planet. Historically, because modern US is
very a young country in comparing with
other well-developed countries.
Geographically, because it is situated far
from most countries, and the USA is
separated by oceans from them.
Economically, because it is the most well
developed country in the world with
biggest gross national product and income
per person. Culturally, because American
culture is a mixer of Native American
culture, culture of first European
immigrants, African immigrants and of
immigrants from the entire world. What
does it tell us? It tells us, that complex
separation from the rest of the world
creates ignorance in other nations about
the USA, and ignorance, as all unknowns,
creates misunderstandings and fear against
power of the USA. Does the USA need it?
No, the USA needs respect, understanding
and approval.
Second, Americans don't know much
about life in other countries, especially, in
post socialistic countries. This makes it
difficult for the USA to create the correct
policy towards our countries and it makes
it hard for the USA to understand the
politics and results of reforms in our
countries.
From my being here, benefits are for all
named sides. But the biggest gain is for
me. During the school year, I have an
opportunity to live with an American
family; to study in American school; to
participate in different American activities;
and to develop my English language skills.
It can help me, after arriving back home, to
promote American achievements, to tell
everybody that people, not hawks, live in
the USA. Then, while studying in the
university, I can read books and magazines
in English, which can develop my
knowledge even more. When I start
working, the experience received in the
USA, knowledge of English, and
additional knowledge will help me.
Besides, if I work with a citizen of the
USA, it will be easier for me to understand
him and work more productively with him.
All this will help other students and me to
influence on Ukrainian reforms and
politics.
And now some words about
contributions. Investments grow, if there
is well-developed investment
infrastructure and favorable politics. This
is in main and now more specific.
My being here potentially will result in 4
types of investments.
First, my knowledge, received while
studying in high school; my cognitions,
received while living in the USA; and my
experience, received while participating in
different activities, will be invested in
Ukraine.
Second, investor can be somebody from
the USA. Other FLEX participants and I
can influence on developing of invest
infrastructure and politics by creating and
participating in it.
Third, investors may be from other
countries. Countries, which had exchange
students in the USA. It can help us to
understand each other and find common
interests. All these can help to realize
investment projects successfully.
Fourth, investors can be in Ukraine.
They will trust us, FLEX students, and
commit to realize investment projects.
While being here, I am learning not just
culture of the USA, but also the cultures of
27 different countries. I am learning it
from other exchange students. And they
are learning from each other and me too.
It is real exchange. In future it will make
easier to cooperate with each other.
Everybody knows the phrase: "beauty will
save the world" (by Dostoevsky, Russian
writer). Beauty, in general, is what is nice
for your eyes, but in the wide sense - it is
what pacifies the soul by way of
understanding, mutual help, and
collaboration - this is harmony of relations.
This program helps bring together
separated nations. Other participants and I
are elements of this process. More
elements - better and faster result. In time
quantity will proceed in quality.
At last, all these show that this program
give good results for the USA, Ukraine
and other countries. There are no losers
everybody is winner. We, the youth, will
make reforms and politics in the future.
That is why this program is a successful
investment in future of the USA, our
countries, and the whole planet.
Conclusion, this program must continue
not 10, but 20, 30, 40 etc years more, so,
my children, grandchildren etc. can come
to the USA.
P.S. Thank you very much, Americans,
for your high-minded cause. Come to us.
For beginning, as guests.
Volodymyr Kovalchuk,
Ukrayina

JUNE 27 STUDENT DEPARTURE
400 p.m. at Lents Park
Students must be at the designated
drop off point between 3 & 4
o’clock. At this point, students will say
their last good-byes to their family and
be taken to the site of the Departure
Orientation. Although it is difficult to
say good-bye, it is VERY important for
everyone to let go. When a helper
asks you to load your luggage into the
truck or board the van, please comply.
We all realize how difficult it is to say
good-bye. Students will NOT be
permitted to make phone calls, and we
ask that friends and family not contact
the students before they leave the
country.
Directions to Lents Park
S.E. Portland at 89th and S.E. Holgate Blvd.
From I- 205 South take exit 17 Turn left
nd
onto Powell, go to first light turn left onto 92
to first light turn right on to Holgate park will
be on your left about two blocks.
From I 205 North take exit 19
Division/Powell Stay in right lane towards
Powell turn right onto Powell get into center
nd
lane go to first light turn left onto 92 . Go to
Holgate that will be the first light turn right.
Entrance to the park will be on your left about
two Blocks.
Should you get lost, call Ron Combs on his
cell phone: 503 – 314 – 5243
Host Family Orientation Schedule for
2004
They are fun, informative and required! In order
to
comply with CSIET (Council on standards for Susan Riggs, 3239 NE 20th
International Exchange and Travel)
Requirements,
each host family must have an orientation
separate
from the initial home visit interview. Host
families
deserve the opportunity to meet with others who Maggie Frieske, 14951 S.E. El Rancho Rd.,
are
plunging in to this life-changing experience.
We want them to feel supported and informed. Monday, August 9 at the home of
We all benefit from sharing stories and I
informing new families of the expectations and Portland, 6:30-9 p.m. I will have sub-
guide
lines. Please make sure the families you have RSVP 503 774-4161
recruited feel supported and informed.
Encourage
them to attend one of the orientations listed. If Contact Bernice Schuchardt at 503
you
are an "experienced" host family
and would like to share your expertise with
others, we would love to have you join the
delivery side of orientations.
Vancouver-Battleground Tuesday
July 20 7:00 PM
Upcoming Events
Portland Metro North/Northeast
Portland Monday July 26 7 PM
Sandy-Milwaukie-Estacada
Wednesday July 28 7:00 PM
Portland Metro Westside
Thursday August 5 7:00 PM
Portland Metro Southeast Monday
August 9 7:00 PM
Washington North - TAB
Oregon Coast - TAB
Columbia Gorge - TAB
Tillamook Sunday August 8 2:00 PM
Longview/kelso Saturday July 24
10:00 AM
Tuesday, July 20 at the Sisson home,
8810 Beacon Ave., Vancouver, 7-9
p.m. Directions from north or south:
go From I-205: Take I-205 to Hwy. 14.
Exit west toward Vancouver onto Hwy
14. Take the first exit, Leiser Rd., and
head north up the hill. From I-5: Take
I-5 to the Camas exit. Head east on
Hwy. 14. Take the Leiser Road exit
(about 4 miles) and head north up the
hill. Then: at the 4-way flashing light
on Leiser Road, turn right onto St.
Helens Ave. In a couple of blocks
you'll see a parking lot on the right.
Park there. Look for the two-story
house on the east side of the lot at the
corner of Beacon and St. Helens.
Lost? Call Mary, 360 695-9148.
Monday, July 26 at the home of
Avenue, Portland, 7-9 p.m.
RSVP. Please contact Chris
cradler at 503 287-6601 or Susan
Riggs at 503-287-0585.
Wednesday, July 28 at the home of
Millwaukie, 7-9 p.m. RSVP 503 659-7958,
Bernice Schuchardt, 4806 S.E. Long,
sandwiches available for dinner.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
775-4161, bmschuch@aol.com, for
other volunteer opportunities.
Student/Family Liaison - This
individual works with one student and
one host family by maintaining monthly
contact with each party. The liaison
also periodically contacts host school.
By doing so, the liaison provides
ongoing support to all participants
(host families and students and
school) throughout the year to optimize
the relationship and intercultural
learning opportunities for all parties.
The liaison achieves this learning by
helping facilitate communication and
understanding between the host family
and student and sometimes school
though not as often.
Aunt/Uncle Family - A family or
individual that spends time with the
student on a regular basis in addition
to the host family. For instance, may
take student for a weekend trip, hiking,
or out to a movie or ice-cream.
((August 11 - 13 – Lents Park
Orientation Site for August 14
Orientation - to be announced)
Contact: Ron Combs, 503 777-8117,
R1P2Combs3@aol.com.
Host families (Gateway Families) for
next year’s students. A Gateway
Family hosts for 1-3 days and
transports student to orientation site on
August 14.
To find out more about volunteering for
arrival or departure, Ron is happy to
answer any questions- 503-777-8117.
COLUMBIA PACIFIC LEADERSHIP
TEAM MEETING
SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY July 12
Our next Leadership Team meeting
will be held on Monday, July 12, at the
AFS office, 506 SW 6th Ave., from
6PM to 8PM. All leadership team
meetings are open meetings. All are
welcome to come. For more
information call Ron Combs 503-777-
8117 or E-Mail r1p2combs3@aol.com.
IOF PICNIC – Sunday, July 25
The Independent Order of Foresters
has extended an invitation to all AFS
families, volunteers, and friends to
come to their annual picnic which will
be held on Sunday, July 25, at Oaks
Park. Hamburgers, hot dogs,
beverage, and ice cream will be
provided. registration fee of $1 per
person will be charged. If you want to
go on the rides, ride bracelets may be
purchased for $5. Bracelets will be
valid all day. Contact Ron Combs, 503
777-8117 to register E-Mail
r1p2combs3@aol.com
 Hosting Page
Columbia Pacific Hosting 2004-2005
There have been and will be some staffing changing that you need to be aware of. Our dear Sara Vandepeute is on her way to DC with Rodrigo, where Rodrigo will
enter Graduate School and Sara will be finding a new niche. We will miss her, but we are fortunate to have a familiar face taking over for her. Cliff Johnson, who
used to be Northwest Hosting Coordinator, will be the new Field Coordinator for Columbia Pacific and two other teams. Cliff has been serving in the same capacity for
Southwest teams, but decided he would rather cover the region he lives in and reduce the amount of traveling away from home and wife. Welcome Cliff! We have also
lost our wonderful Margena, in Admissions, whose experience was "gifted" to the Central States Region--an area that has suffered many staff changes. We look
forward to working with Sybille Langer, who is catching on real fast in Admissions.
We are still seeking host families to fill out our hosting commitments and assist the region with some of the "overmatrix" students who will be coming. The
"overmatrix" students present a particular problem and one that is sometimes hard to understand. We make an Area Team Commitment for hosting and sending
numbers 1 1/2 years before the kids arrive or go, in order to plan budget and so our partners can anticipate our needs and we theirs. In order to meet numbers, we have
to build in a certain attrition rate. Some students do withdraw; change their mind or "rollover." Unfortunately, the national withdrawal rate is higher than the historical
withdrawal rate in the West, so we end up with a few kids who haven't really been spoken for or committed to. They are coming and they will need homes. Keep
Asking!
We have found the single very best way to recruit a new host family is to ask them. People often won't answer newspaper or waiting room ads; a few people do actually
call us, but more often than not, it is that personal persuasion--telling your own story and wanting to share the joy that convinces a new family to say yes. So I
encourage all of you to keep a sheet of bios and AFS material handy and bring it out when there is a lull in the conversation--at work, at play, at church, in the
neighborhood and at social gatherings.
Speaking Peace--talking about the mission of AFS is easy these days because there is so much war, violence and terror being reported--we can be the counter. We need
exchange now more than ever! We each can be the change we hope for this world. Look over the bios. Think of families with and without children (they don't have to
have high school siblings to make a "perfect" family!) Think through your list of friends, business associates, relatives (even in other parts of the US--there are kids to
place everywhere!) and see if there is someone who might fit one of these kids. A family with adopted Chinese Children; a great teacher who might make a wonderful
host or liaison for one of our teachers; a newly retired teacher looking for some way to be involved in a new volunteer venture. We need host families and we also need
Aunt-Uncle Families and Liaisons. Our goal this year is to have our liaisons and aunt-uncle families in place before arrival. If someone you talk to doesn't think now is
the right time for a hosting commitment, try to get them to say yes to being an Aunt-Uncle.
Schools are closing so we need to move quickly to secure school slots. There is an advantage to local chapter or cluster taking "welcome" ownership of a given student.
If your neighborhood wants to adopt a student and assign them to a school, please let us know. We'd prefer permanent placements, but we will consider Welcome
Family Placements, as needed. We prefer a welcome family be willing to host for a minimum of 6 weeks, three months is better. It gives us time to secure the
permanent family and allow some stability for the student. Sometimes Welcome Families decide they can't give up their "welcome student" and of course they are
given first dibs to keep the student. Welcome family placements enable us to secure the school slot and allow the student to begin the visa process, while we search for
the permanent home. It narrows the focus of the recruitment process and does have the advantage of local investment.
Our new staff is available to assist in any way they can. If you need materials to distribute; assistance with AFS Online; coaching on how to ask; or other questions that
may come up, please call on us!

Sally Ann Wells, Volunteer Hosting Coordinator, (503) 452-1868; sawells@teleport.com

Field Coordinator: Cliff Johnson at (503) 241-1578 ext 1574; cliff.johnson@afs.org
Admissions Advisor: Sibylle Langer at (503) 241-1578 ext 1525; sibylle.langer@afs.org

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

Shanna is a YES Scholar from Indonesia

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

Nurullah YES Scholar from Turkey

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

Norodin, YES Scholar from the Philippines

Wally is very active in the performing arts, as a dancer, singer and public speaker; he loves the works of Shakespeare. He is also the VP of
his student government, and is involved in the local "Clean and Green" environmental cleanup program.
Despite being so heavily involved in his community, he is a dedicated and successful student. Teachers describe him as a natural leader, and
he makes friends easily. His parents call him a courageous optimist who believes in himself. Wally requires access to a mosque.
Wally lives with his father, stepmother, caretaker and six siblings in Cotabo City. They are surrounded by farmland, on which the entire
family works. They are demonstrative, busy, and religious; education is very important to them. For religious reasons, he does not eat pork.
Kurumi from Japan
Kurumi plays the piano times a week and listens to music almost everyday. She is an assistant for her school's volleyball club. As an assistant,
she throws and collects balls for the players. She enjoys taking care of the team.
She said her family and friends would describe her as shy. She gets nervous when she talks to strangers, but likes making as many new friends
as she can. She is compassionate and thoughtful, and always feels better when her relationships are going well.
She lives with her family in Takaoka, a rural town with many famous sites. She is excited to travel abroad, meet new people and learn a new
culture. She would like to make friends with many people and teach them about her country and her culture.

Daniel from Australia -

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

Chalit from Thailand - Welcome family in The Dalles

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

Wasu from Thailand

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

Yevgeniya a FLEX Scholar from Russia

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

Natalia from Paraguay - School Placed in Sandy High School

Nati's is very active in many sports, but she spends the majority of her time with the school volleyball team. She also enjoys dancing. She's
the vice president of her church youth group and the president of her class at school. Leadership comes naturally to Nati because of her talent
at working with and for people. She is fun, outgoing, and cheerful, and loves people. She has a friendly and confident nature. She's also a
diligent and responsible student.
Nati lives in Asuncion with her parents, grandmother, brother, and his brother's wife and 4 children. They often spend weekends together,
going to church and sharing meals. They ar busy during the week with their independent schedules.

Rattiya Visiting Teacher from Thailand matched to Trillium Charter

Tick spends her days teaching at a primary school. She teaches 3 hours of English, 4 hours of computers and 1 hour of Scouts. She then goes
home and has dinner and watches TV with her family. On weekends, she likes to go visit with friends and relatives.
Tick describes herself as a friendly, helpful and caring person. She says that her parents tell her that she is flexible, self-confident and has relates
easily to all sorts of people. She also likes to talk to people and learn about their experiences.
Tick was born on 10/20/1970. She loves pets, and can live with a family that has cats and/or dogs indoors.
Tick lives with her parents in a large house with a nice yard. She has two brothers who live close to home, and have their own families. Tick is
very excited at the prospect of learning new teaching styles from her American counterparts.

Temsiri Visiting Teacher from Thailand for Springwater Trail School

Nokyoong enjoys aerobics & jogging 3-4 times a week. She's always learning new things to keep her students informed;enjoys travel,meeting
new people,reading &movies. She drives 20 miles to work each day to teach English to her 7-to-12-year-old pupils.
She's grateful for her mom's influence, saying her teacher mom has inspired her to travel & broaden her experiences. Nokyoong's colleagues
describe her as "friendly, warm, active, flexible and reasonable with high responsibility."
Nokyoong lives in a village of fewer than 4,000 people, most of whom are farmers, shopkeepers & government employees. Her dad and older
brother both died several years ago; she now lives with her mom, two dogs & one cat.
Student Pic’s
 AFS
COLUMBIA
PACIFIC
Bernice Schuchardt
4806 SE Long
Portland, OR 97206

SAVE THE TREES AND POSTAGE

Want electronic newsletter?
E-Mail Bernice at brnschuch@aol.com

Want souvenir/scrapbook hard copy snail mail?

E-Mail Sally Ann at sawells@teleport.com

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

Pacific website:
Http://www.afscolpac.org

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

The Calendar

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

Sunday, July 25 IOF Picnic – All AFS families, volunteers and friends invited. Register with Ron Combs, 503 777-8117. $1 registration
fee includes food, ice cream, and beverage. (See p. 2 for more details)
Sunday, August 1 NEWSLETTTER DEADLINE. Submit to Bernice Schuchardt at bmschuch@aol.com

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

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

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