I am writing this with apple cider simmering on the stove. What a delicious way to celebrate a cool morning. When I make hot cider, I add an orange, a cinnamon stick and whole cloves to the pan and let it simmer. If I am making just a cup, then I might splash a little orange juice and a dash of ground cinnamon and cloves (or even pumpkin pie spice).
We had a great trip to Stuckey Farm on with the International Friends on Tuesday. The weather was perfect, even if the quinces were not!
At International Bible Study John the Baptist is asked to testify who he is. The people wondered if he was the Christ (the Savior), or the Prophet, or Elijah (a prophet who God took directly to heaven without him dying, see 2 Kings 2:11). John tells them that he is the one who is telling the people to, "get ready, get prepared." John was baptizing (washing) the people who heard and believed what he said (faith). Through baptism sins are forgiven and a new life of faith is born. This is grace: free and undeserved favor of God that is given to anyone who hears about it and believes. In this story, we see that God gives us every opportunity to be successful in our lives and our relationship with Him. He doesn't try to trick us or trap us, but wants us to be fully aware of His intentions and purpose and see His love and care for us. We, in turn, love and care for each other.
At Wednesday Conversation we looked at articles in the Current in Carmel to see what was interesting this week. The Current in Carmel, Fishers, etc. are a great place to find out what is going on and opportunities to see and do things. The Barktember article was interesting. At the close of the swimming season, the Monon Center opens the pools to the dogs. This fundraiser for the Hamilton County Humane Society always has a great turn out. We enjoyed reading about a Colombian dessert made with coconut and brown sugar. Yum. We also looked at some ALS challenge videos on YouTube. The ALS challenge is sweeping the nation. This fundraiser combines fun and media: dump icy water over your head, or contribute to the cause and post your challenge to your friends on Facebook. While it has been a great fundraiser it has even further raised the awareness of this disease.
Thursday English Classes have continued to move forward. As you get comfortable with your teachers and the materials, your English skills will grow. The tip of the week: listen to the radio as you drive. You don't have to try to decode every song and every word. Just listen and enjoy the sound of English. You will be surprised how soon you begin to pick up the language.
It looks like we might have a return to summer this weekend. Get your shorts out!
Carolyn
Tuesday, September 23
International Bible Study, 9:00-10:30: Jesus is baptized and calls disciples
Join us as we read John 1:29-15 to see how Jesus begins His ministry.
International Friends, 10:30-12:00: Let's Tailgate!
Tailgating is the national pastime of picnicking in the parking lot before (and after) a sporting event. Fans tailgate at football and soccer games.
- Bring your comfortable chairs or blankets,
- BYOB (bring your own beverage (usually the last b stands for booze or beer, but it's a bit early for some?)),
- Bring a snack to share. If you want to try traditional
- Wear your spirit wear (who is your favorite team?)
I will bring my portable grill and charcoal (required at any tailgate I attend! Gotta have the meat!) and my cornhole game. We will meet in the parking lot behind the church.
And here is an enthusiastic game day meal, all dressed up to look like the stadium! Overachiever!
Casual Conversation, 4:30-6:00
Join us for casual conversation highlighting whatever is on Wendy's mind. And, this week we will all try 8 Form Taichi so that we can all participate at the Carmel International Arts Festival, September 27-28.
Thursday, September 25
English Classes, 9:30-12:00
Join us for formal English Classes. The Conversation class will be taking a field trip to Journey to practice buffet conversation.
simmering: boiling slowly
splash: in cooking a small amount of liquid
dash: in cooking a quick sprinkle
quinces: plural form of quince; an tree from Asia that produces an acidic (No kidding! Blah. Don't taste it when it isn't ripe) fruit.
testify: give evidence in court
in turn: as a result
pick up: learn
overachiever: usually someone who has a greater success rate than most people; in this case it is someone who makes everyone else's snacks look like amateurs. Yes, I'm jealous!
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