Hello, Friends!

I hope you enjoyed the January Thaw. You may wonder why people in Indiana talk about the weather all of the time: it is because it is so changeable. This is always a great topic for small talk with another Hoosier. Gloria and I went to the Local Eatery and Pub (North on Gray Road just past 146th Street). I enjoyed linguine bolognese. How's that for coincidence?

International Bible Study: We read John 6:1-15 where Jesus feeds five thousand people with five small barley loaves and two small fish. Large crowds of people were following Jesus to see miracles. When He saw them following Him out into the middle of nowhere, He asked where they could buy bread to feed everyone. Not only were there no bakeries near, it would have taken a year's salary to come up with a bite of bread for each person. A boy has five small loaves of bread and two small fish; they ask the people to sit down and the count was 5000 men. Jesus gave thanks and then they distributed the bread and the fish to the seated people, as much as they wanted, and they ate until they were full. They gathered up the leftovers and there were 12 baskets full (there where 12 tribes of Israel, this is a significant number showing that God plans to feed His people). They wanted to make Jesus king by force. He withdrew alone to the mountains. The people all got to experience a miracle (which is what they were looking for). This story was meaningful to our class because it showed us:

• that God can take our small possessions and turn them into blessings to everyone around us
• that God has us participate in miracles
• that Jesus didn't come to be a king to one nation, but to be a Savior to all people
• a new idea; several of us have read this story many times, but we each got a new idea and insight this time

International Friends: We practiced small talk encountered during casual meetings (like with the people at the grocery store). We talked about small jokes that are usual (and usually about the weather). We talked about how to end small talk: thank you, have an nice day! And about other shoppers who may start conversations (what are you making for dinner, asked by a man in the produce department::steak for my husband!)

Wednesday Conversation Class did not make Valentines: we will do that next week. Instead, we welcomed some new faces and learned some great slang and enjoyed conversation with Wendy.

Tuesday, January 27
International Bible Study, room 100, 9:00-10:30: Let's read John 6:16-24
Join us as we read and discuss the famous story where Jesus walks on the water.
International Friends, room 100, 10:30-12:00: Let's make Bubble Tea.
Join us as Yaying shows us how to make real boba or bubble tea!

Wednesday, January 28
Casual Conversation, upstairs classrooms, 4:30-6:00: Let's make Valentines.
Bring you card making skills, supplies, and sentiments and we will make cards (and eat Rice Krispy treats!)

Thursday, January 29
English Classes, upstairs classrooms, 9:30-12:00.

Join us to work on your formal English language skills.

Have a great weekend!

Carolyn

changeable: irregular, inconsistent
linguini: long flat noodles or pasta; this is an Italian word
bolognese: Italian for meat sauce. In this case it was made with ground meat: lamb, bison and beef.
How's that for a coincidence?: What do you think of these things happening
coincidence: things that are accidental connected
out into the middle of nowhere: slang meaning away from everything, into the countryside
bakeries: plural of bakery (the "y" follows a consonant, so it is turned into a "i" and then you add the "es")
come up with: get
gave thanks: offer a prayer of thanksgiving before a meal
withdrew: to remove yourself both emotionally and physically; you can also withdraw from a battle strategically.
produce: fruits and vegetables (pronounced pro DUCE) versus produce: to make something or cause something to happen (pronounced PRO duce) Do you get the puns?