CARP America at the 2014 World CARP Assembly

February 12, 2014, Korea.

Naokimi Ushiroda and Teresa Ferrete of CARP USA on their way in to the 2014 Carp Assembly Dinner.

Brightly colored lights flashed through the audience of approximately 500 students who had gathered for the 2014 World CARP Assembly in Korea. Groups of students cheered when the MCs announced the names of their nations.

We of CARP America had brought our two staff members. We were few, but we figured our energy and enthusiasm for ‘Merica would be enough. When “USA” was called, screams of support also echoed from the many Americans studying abroad in Korea, especially at Sun Moon University. We plan to meet with them over the next few days to see how we can support them; after all, there’s no place like home and being able to share with others who speak your language and understand how badly all you want for breakfast is a simple bacon, egg and cheese sandwich. Oh, the comforts of home!

Naokimi and Teresa are joined by Toby Gullery, Pastor of the Indianapolis Family Church (far left) and other CARP members at the 2014 Carp Assembly Dinner.

Each country prepared performances for the Opening Night Ceremony. CARP America, as we mentioned, had only two representatives, and somehow it was communicated that we would do a duet. … Say WHAT? Luckily we had a very generous and talented friend in town who agreed to save the day. Matt Hill, who graduated from the University of Maryland (Go, Terps!) with a music degree, graced us with his musical talents—a much better alternative, in our opinion! He was the only solo performer and, armed with just a guitar and his charisma, he wowed the crowd by belting it out, giving the Zoolander look to the crowd, and throwing his hipster glasses into the audience (just frames, no lenses).

You have to check out the CARP America page on Facebook to see some of the amazing performances. Warning: Watching those videos may induce seizures or, more likely, rapid blinking. The lights were intense and strong (just how I like my coffee). We were also unprepared for the final performance from CARP Korea, which we figured must have been a recent pop hit. You’ll just have to go visit the videos on our Facebook page to see it.

CARP members from around the world enjoy an evening of entertainment provided by CARP chapters from around the world.

After the performances, CARP members were split into small groups for the evening networking session, at which introductions and dance moves were shared. It was all fun and games as we practiced the dance together as a big group, until they called the CARP leaders to come on stage and demonstrate—definitely a nice touch! It was very entertaining to see these leader-types dance out to K-Pop-style moves. Too bad Naokimi was talking to a student; wouldn’t you all agree it would be awesome to see him break out in his smooth moves? We’ll find another opportunity ASAP. You can’t delegate everything, Mr. President! (His assistant, Teresa, rocked out, representing North America and women among the other leaders—shout out to women leadership!).

CARP members compete in one of the many games played that night.

The assembly will continue on February 13 with more activities, breakouts and networking opportunities. For now, this is CARP America signing out, as we make our way to bed on the Korean-style heated floors.

For more photos of the 2014 CARP Assembly, please visit the CARP America facebook page.