Next Week: March!

Dear Friends,

February 29 is Leap Day. That's the extra day we add to February once every four years to make up for the extra five hours 48 minutes and 46 seconds a year it takes the earth to rotate around the sun. Some fun Leap Day facts:

• A baby born on Leap Day is called a leapling.
• In some countries, legal ages are on February 28 or March 1. In the United States, there is no law for a leapling.
• Leap Day is St. Oswald's Day. In many countries, children are named for the saint of the day. Now you know the birthday of someone named Oswald (but do you throw a party on the 28th or the 29th?).
• It is a tradition that a woman can propose to a man on Leap Day in many countries. If the man refuses, he has to buy the woman a gown or money. There are some laws in Europe that the man has to buy the woman 12 pairs of gloves to hide the fact that she doesn't have an engagement ring!
• In some European countries, Leap Day is called Bachelor's Day.

Do you want to try Chinese Brush Painting? We are meeting this Saturday, 2:30-4:30 in room 205-207. No experience is necessary.

International Bible Study: Tuesdays 9:00-10:30, Room 100

This week we read Luke 8. Jesus tell a teaching parable that explains how the good news is shared to many people, but how the wonderful hope and joy doesn't take hold in their lives. He uses the analogy of a farmer broadcasting seed. This explanation helps Jesus' followers to understand why some people don't grow in their faith and hope. We talked about how in some cases, we can help prepare people to better receive this news!

March 1: Let's read another parable and then see how Jesus' family is reacting to His work.

International Friends: Tuesdays 10:30-12:00, Room 100

We went to Cool Creek Park to see the art show and enjoy the Nature Center. They have a great playground and nice trails. This is a great place to welcome spring! Afterward, we went to Steak n Shake for lunch. Try the new cup of French onion soup and black raspberry chocolate chip shakes. They have a fish and chips fish sandwich for the season.

March 1: Let's color!

Bring your colored pencils, markers, crayons. If you have an adult coloring book and color for fun, bring your work. We will try this relaxing and fun activity. Afterward we will head to Koto and try this new Japanese restaurant by the Lowes.

Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00, upstairs classrooms

We cancelled due to the weather last week. We can't wait to get together on Wednesday and find out about Elizabeth's surgery and talk about Unit 17 (or not).

English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-12:00, upstairs classrooms

We are still open for friends to join our classes. The $60 annual fee covers the costs: your text books, copy costs, markers, teacher's books. Carmel Lutheran Church donates the space and the childcare. Our excellent teachers are all volunteers. Start early, start later, you will always get your money's worth!

analogy: a comparison between two things

broadcasting: scatter by hand or by machine, not plant; this is a very fast way to plant very small seeds

gown: beautiful dress

to hide the fact: to not sow something

bachelor: unmarried man; a women is called bachelorette (but mostly for pre-wedding parties)

analogy: 

broadcasting: when a gardener or farmer scatters seeds (tosses them) rather than planting them.
annual fee: costs for an entire year

February 24 Classes are Cancelled

Carmel Clay Schools just cancelled for the evening.

Our conversation class for Wednesday, February 24 is cancelled.

Stay safe.
Stay warm.

Carolyn

February preview of March!

Hello, Friends!

We had some great discussions this week in the classes. It is so interesting to hear how you spend your time. We are at the point in the "school year" where I would expect you to initiate conversation (in English). Talk to your teacher. Talk to the other students. Talk to the cashiers. Talk to the other shoppers. Don't be afraid of being misunderstood. Don't be afraid to ask someone to repeat what they say slowly. You are all great conversationalists and interesting people with plenty to say (I know. You have all told me some great stories!). Share with others here in Indiana.

International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:00-10:30, Room 100

We read a beautiful story where a "sinful" woman shows Jesus honor at a dinner party. Jesus recognizes her act and reminds his host that no one is better than anyone else. Everyone has done something to offend God and other people. Jesus forgives her sins right there in front of everyone and tells her that her faith has saved her and to go in peace!

February 23: Let's read some parables! Luke 8

International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-12:00, Room 100
We learned to made onigirazu (Japanese "wraps"). We tasted fried pork cutlets (tonkatsu), Spam, Taiwanese roasted chicken, Japanese omlet, kimchee and roasted kimchee, refried beans, avocado and combinations of these. Delicious. Everyone had lunch and we took some to Evelyn and her husband.

February 23: Let's Escape to Cool Creek Park
Join us for a field trip to the Cool Creek Nature Center. This little nature center is a great getaway. If the weather is very fine, we will take a hike and enjoy the playground. Meet at the church to carpool/caravan or join us there!

20000 E 151st Street, Carmel

Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00, upstairs classrooms
We talked about our weekend fun! Wow! This is a busy class.

February 24: Unit 17....Still

English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-12:00, upstairs classrooms
We always welcome new students. Join us!

initiate: start
misunderstood: not interpreted correctly

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope that you had a wonderful day with your sweeties. 

Tomorrow is President's Day. It is a national holiday celebrating the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. There is no mail service, schools and government offices are closed. The Children's Museum, Conner Prairie, the NCAA Hall of Fame have free admission. Click for more details

Has the cold weather got you all holed up with the winter blahs? Never fear! There is plenty to do. And, the summer camps for your kids are all opening their registrations. Summer will soon be here!

Vacation Bible School at Carmel Lutheran Church
Sign up your children for a week of fun here at Carmel Lutheran Church or sign up your high school children as volunteer guides to help out.

Conner Summer Day Camps
Priority Registration Begins Feb. 29

Get a whole summer's worth of fun and adventure packed into one week! Choose from 10 different weeks of Adventure Camp (ages 5-15), and five specialty camps (ages 8-12) including Girls Science Camp, Archaeology Camp, Maker Camp, Art Camp, and new this summer, Boys Science Camp.Conner Prairie Plus-level members and above can register beginning Feb. 29. All others can register beginning March 2.

Learn more about camp and see pictures.

Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation Summer Camps
Registration is open. Browse the schedule for more details.

International Bible Study, Tuesdays, 9:00-10:30, room 100.
We read Luke 7: 1-35. Luke tells us stories about people who trust Jesus. These are examples of how people

February 16: Luke 7:36-50 a story about a woman who is thankful for Jesus and His teaching. We will continue on and read parables or teaching stories in Luke 8. 

International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-12:00, room 100.
Sayuri taught us to make a delicious chocolate candy with cereal, marshmallows, raisins and nuts. We talked about how we celebrate Valentine's Day.

February 16: Let's Onagirazu for Evelyn
Come an learn how to make Onagirazu, the newest spin on Japanese rice balls. This time everyone is pitching in ingredients to make our snack. Bring your favorite sandwich or vegetable filling. Since Evelyn is home from her knee surgery, we will make plenty and take some over to her to enjoy.

Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00, upstairs.
Elizabeth brought chocolate cake (from Fresh Thyme) and cookies (her daughter made) and Mayumi brought delicious chocolate muffins/cupcakes. We talked about how we met our sweet hearts and our perfect date.

February 18: Let's read Unit 17. Elizabeth is having surgery that morning. What is going on with our teachers?

English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-12:00, upstairs.
What a great week to be in classes! We celebrated Valentine's Day in most of our classes. Claire in Level 3 had her baby. Her husband brought birthday cake for us to celebrate with them. 

February 19: Where are you? If you haven't been to class, you are missing out. We miss you!

all holed up with the winter blahs: staying in your home and bored and tired.
going on: what is happening?
What: this time what begins an exclamation not a question.

February brings....so many chances to celebrate!

Welcome to February, Friends.

February is the shortest month of the year, but that is no reason not to celebrate often. Here are important dates on the American Calendar this month:

February 2, Groundhog Day: yes, we look to a giant rodent in Pennsylvania to give us hope that spring is on it's way.

February 7, Superbowl: the final football game that pits the two top teams. This year Payton Manning of the Denver Broncos is quarterback. He played for the Indianapolis Colts for years and is the man behind Payton Manning Children's Hospital on 86th Street.

February 8, Chinese New Year: This wasn't a big holiday until recent years. Be sure to make mochi/red bean soup and give red envelopes.

February 9, Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras: This is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. This is the party day and the feast day before the time of reflection during the Christian season of Lent. This is a big holiday in the French/Creole areas of the United States (think New Orleans). Celebrate with some good Cajun food and King cake!

February 10, Ash Wednesday: This day begins the Christian season of Lent (40 days before Easter excluding Sundays-which are not fast days). Lent runs until Holy Week (the week leading up to Easter Sunday). On Ash Wednesdays, many Christians attend church and get ashes placed on them as a sign of penitence. While fasting isn't a required practice, many Christians will give up something of value to them (chocolate, smoking, tv, video games, etc.). Other people will add something that shows love and service to others (collecting canned goods, saving pocket change, picking up trash, shoveling for neighbors, etc.).

February 14, Valentine' Day: show your sweeties some love! Kids exchange cards or small gifts at school. Families have special meals. Everyone gets involved (unless you gave up chocolate for Lent!).

February 15, President's Day: George Washington's birthday is observed. Back in the day we used to get Washington's (February 22) and Lincoln's (February 12) birthdays off. There were too many holidays, so they combined them into President's Day.

February 28, Oscar Night: Put on your evening gown and see which American films win awards for all things related to the Hollywood movie production. What is the Academy of Motion Pictures pick for the best actors, film, short film, cinematography, costumes?

February 29, Leap Day: we get one extra day this year to account for all those extra seconds and minutes not accounted for over the last four years! Another good reason to celebrate!

That's it? Not hardly! There are other days like Cherry Pie Day, Walk the Dog Day, and Public Sleeping Day! Don't miss a moment!

FEBRUARY HOLIDAYS!

International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:00-10:30, Room 100
We finished reading Luke 6 where Jesus is teaching about judging others (we are not excused from determining right from wrong and we are not excused from having a hypocritical and critical attitude toward others), about how we act and particularly how we speak is evidence of our character. Jesus teaches that His advice is reliable: like building on solid ground so that when the troubles of life threaten to overwhelm us because we follow His advice we and our families won't be swept away (Luke 6:46-49). Matthew 7 is the parallel chapter for this reading.

February 9: Let's read Luke 7:1-17. Luke gives us specific examples of people who fulfill the teaching of Jesus teaching.

International Friends: Tuesday, 10:30-12:00, Room 100
Yaying taught us to make delicious rice ball soups Taiwanese style for the Chinese New Year. She also taught us to make Sesame Balls from scratch! Wow! Delicious! I can't wait to make this for my family this weekend. Hyuna brought us baby boc choi kimchi. She is the kimchee master!

February 9: Let's make Valentine Chocolate treats and cards for our sweeties!
Sayuri and Beth will show us how to make some delicious chocolate treats. Bring card making supplies and we will make Valentines. I will be in the mood for a Mardi Gras lunch! Plan to join me

Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00, upstairs classrooms
Elizabeth was back and brought a delicious Austrian Plum Cake. We talked about what we would do if we had baby sitters and time to spend with no responsibilities. We talked of onsen, going into the mountains and zip lining, festing...

February 10: Read Unit 16 to build your romantic vocabulary just in time for Valentine's Day.
We expect a full house!

English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-12:00
Where have you been? Our class numbers have slowed down. Yes, it is winter. Yes, we may have colds and flu. Yes, it was snowing. This is one of the finest times of the year to come out and practice your English! We miss you!

February 10
That being said, I may not be at class at all on Thursday! I have been called to serve on jury duty! This is the first time in a very long time that I have been called. When a person is accused of a crime in the United States, they present their case before a judge and jury with lawyers to speak for and against them. The judge presides to make sure the law is being followed and the trial is fair. Whether the person is guilty or not is determined by 13 jurors. They have to agree that yes there is enough evidence to prove that the person is guilty. The judge, then assigns the sentence or fines. Jurors are citizens of the United States in the community where the crime is committed. I may be excused on Wednesday evening if they don't need me on Thursday, or I may have to appear on Thursday and not get picked for jury. Whether I serve or not, it will be a great experience!

This list is "slang-o-licious":
is the man behind: sponsor, the philanthropist, the person who "foots the bill"
we look to a giant rodent: we get advice from a really big rat-type animal
think New Orleans: when imagining what this could be be, imagine something like...New Orleans in this situation
fasting: not eating for a period of time
That's it? Not hardly!: is that all? No there is so much more!
Don't miss a moment!: be there for ever second, have a great time
parallel chapter: is another reference; tells the same information/story
fulfill: are an example
full house: everyone to come
That being said: but
presides: watches

Hello, Friends,

We will experience a true January Thaw this week complete with spring-like rains and temperatures. Don't be fooled! Winter will return. Since we are all eagerly looking forward to spring, in the United States we look to the ground hog to be our predictor of spring! Watch to see if we will have six more weeks of winter on February 2. Will Puxatawny Phil (the famous ground hog in Pennsylvania) see his shadow?

Keep washing your hands! Cold and Flu season is still with us. Have you had a sinus infection or an ear infections? Be sure to take all of your antibiotics so that you can be cured!

International Bible Study, Tuesdays 9:00-10:30, room 100

We read Jesus' command to "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." This advice is amazing. How hard is it to speak kind words to someone who is rude to you? How hard is it to smile and wave and acknowledge someone who "flips you off" or honks at you when driving? How hard is it to help a neighbor when they have spread mean or untrue rumors about you? How hard is it to reach out toward a child who has hurt your child's feelings? There are many times in the day when we can continue to carry the anger and hurt that is passed to us from others and let that become our way of life and eat up our our thoughts. Jesus shows us another way. He says, "love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back....and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."

This reading also contains The Golden Rule: Jesus teaches in Luke 6:31--"Do to others as you would have them do to you." 

February 2: Let's read Luke 5:37-42. Jesus teaches us about judging others.

International Friends, Tuesdays 10:30-12:00, room 100

We feasted on Hot Pot, nabe, kimchee and chocolate fountain. Wow! How delicious. This is such a nice way to share a meal. By cooking and eating out of one pot on the table, you can enjoy some delicious conversation on these very cold days.
To make the dipping chocolate, combine a bag of chocolate chips with 1/4 C of of Coconut Oil. Heat them in the microwave on high for a minute or so. 

February 2: Let's get ready for Chinese New Year! Yaying will teach us to make Taiwanese Red Soup and Sesame Balls.

Conversation, Wednesdays 4:30-6:00, upstairs classroom

We talked about hobbies and holidays. We had a question about feral cats. In the city, cats that aren't owned by anyone are called alley cats.

February 3: Let's read Unit 14. We will talk about things to do in Indiana and in the United States. What is your favorite things to do? 

English Classes, Thursdays 9:30-12:00, upstairs classroom

It was so fun to visit your classes and talk about so many different things.

true: authentic
January Thaw: This is Mother Nature's reminder to the Midwest that spring is on it's way
eat up our thoughts: be the only thing we think about
your Father: God
The Golden Rule: the standard taught in American schools and by American parents.