The AFS 2010 Arrival Orientation this year was simply fantastic. I am amazed at how many awesome people there are in the world. Seriously. Every year I wonder if it's possible to know all of the kids out there. The good type. The life changing ones. And what is shocking? Intercultural programs have a hard time finding host families.
Here's how it works. The students (MinnKota) flew from X country to Chicago. From there, they took an 8 hour bus ride to Minnesota, and another hour or so ride to us- who relocated our orientation to a summer camp location. This year the students arrived in groups over a three day time period. The first group arrived at 2:30am on Thursday, with breakfast at 8am to follow. Orientation doesn't take too long, with me and four other volunteers going over rules and such. The afternoon was free for activities. Host families attended an orientation while us kids went on a boat ride. It's impossible to tell someone everything they
need to know for one year, or everything to expect from an exchange student. Just think. If you were to live in your next door neighbor's house, simple changes such as, "Where do I put my shoes? What expectations are there from me? or What time does everybody wake up?" are taken for granted by routine. Got that down? Good. WHOA! Everyone is speaking in a different language! And then, the realization you don't know anyone.
Seeing host families meet their student is really powerful. Mostly by the fact of knowing what the End of Stay orientation looks like. Crying. Everywhere. For some, not so much, but for many- heartbreaking. It's not easy to say goodbye to a lifestyle you will never have back. Sure, visit them. But the everyday things? Gone.
The next two groups went through the same routine. Saturday was our last day. One of the most exciting as we wrapped up the weekend. We went canoeing! Great idea, I mean, we are in Minnesota, right? A student from the Czech Republic and myself were canoeing (and doing quite well, really) but got too close to another canoe and pushed out of the way. I suppose that results in a flipped canoe. Embarrassing, yes. But funny. And even better? All of my clothes were in a volunteer's car an hour and a half down the road. Awesomeee :) Canoe pictures are credited to Marilyn.
What else? In the midst of things people are starting to almost scare me about my trip. If you repetitively had people ask you questions like:
"Are you ready?... A year? WOWW! Isn't that a long time? Won't you miss it here?...This is your last time doing this!...What if this happens, then what?"
Wouldn't you be a bit intimidated? Not all these questions come from my friends, either. They come from adults. As in, have lived on their own for many years.
I am soo soo so so so happy I was able to spend this past weekend with my German American friend Grace. There is nothing more relieving than talking to an AFSer who knows exactly what you are going through. AFS is like a culture of it's own. You can be AFS, speak AFS, teach AFS, and experience AFS. But no one knows AFS better than AFSers themselves. Adults don't get it sometimes. The little things, or big, for that matter. Sure, anyone can say "I know what you're going through." But they can't. They simply do not have one clue as to what you are going through. The mixed emotions, uncertainty, unknown, excitedness, or nervousness...
Grace and her family are also a welcome family for an Italian student this year. If you are not able to host for a long duration of time, you can volunteer to be a welcome family for as long as you'd like. The duration of a welcome family does not last more than 8 weeks and is a great experience.Today on my countdown to Departure Day the number of days is down to single digits. I received two emails from AFS, containing about 50 pages of rules, information and such. I solumnly swear I will not walk barefoot in the house, and will never wear jeans to bed, no matter how tired I am. And 220 can give a good shock. Sound like jibberish? Sorry, I was speaking AFS. :)
As the days pass the reality becomes more obvious as I will start to pack in just a few days. And also, I have NO SCHOOL tomorrow! I wonder if I'll get weird looks from people during school hours.
chau chau -mb
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