In addition to host families for students, AFS also makes it possible for teachers to come to the U.S. and they need host families too. Here’s an example of how teachers are embraced by their communities.
When the earthquake happened
I’m an exchange teacher working in International School of Beaverton, Oregon, from Chengdu, China. I am familiar with everything there, lovely students, friendly people, delicious spicy food, pretty views…I love that land!
On the morning of May 12, when I just got to the classroom and prepared for class, the principal, Shelia came in and told me a horrible earthquake had happened in China. I followed her to her office and found out more information about it online. I felt surprised and quite sad, I didn’t know if my family members, colleagues, students and friends were fine, if my middle school was safe…All the tears were in my eyes! The principle and many teachers from ISB came to me and embraced me, they shared my sadness. How warm I felt at that moment! Then I received lots of calls from friends and parents here, and a student’s mum, Jennifer Li bought a phone card, drove the car to ISB and gave it to me by herself…Four hours passed, when I contacted my husband and knew they were fine, I cried harder! They were safe, and I got so much warm support here.
But the aftershocks are still going on, the people in my hometown are still in danger. Every afternoon after I go back home, my host mother, Lori always asks me to call my family members and be sure whether they are well or not. And she often leaves the news paper on the earthquake in China for me…A lot of American friends keep sending me emails and ask if I am OK…I don’t feel lonely or helpless any more! I don’t think China is challenging the earthquake by itself either, because the people all over the world are supporting China! I went to downtown Portland, I went to churches, I went to many schools…Everywhere I can see Americans donating money or other things to help China. I feel excited and appreciate them!
According to geography, China is quite far away from the USA. But from my experience here, the two countries are very close. Because we are full of love, peace, respect and understanding in our hearts!
To be a volunteer of International School of Beaverton I got a lot, especially how to respect and find the students’ creative abilities. To stay with two volunteer families I got more. So I want to say: “Thank you AFS. Thank you, International School of Beaverton. Thank you, my dear American family members and friends.”
Li Li, AFS Visiting Teacher
