Making the Most

Dear Friends,

I attended the visitation and memorial service for a friend on Friday. Because she was a Christian, the service was a joyful reunion of friends and family and celebrated a life well lived. Her obituary was the merest glance of who she was and what she did with her life. My friend was a dancer that established and directed several local and national folk dancing groups. She was a teacher, a counselor and a fine artist, so the space in the funeral home was filled with her paintings, videos of her performances, costumes she designed and wore, photographs and scrap books in lieu of flowers and a showing.  On the front was a table with her Bible. Her Bible was filled with scraps and old envelopes with written notes jotted down that contained her thoughts and studies; it was a beautiful insight into her inquisitive nature and desire to understand the love she received from God. She had a great joy in life and her joy came from her faith and trust in God which she was never afraid to share with anyone. Since she spent her last days in hospice, she and her family spent time discussing her last wishes. She loved bringing joy to others and did not what to bring sadness in her passing. She relented, and as a result, more than 200 of us got to meet and get a glimpse of her wonderful 72 years of life and service to the people around her, our community and God.

English Language Tip: Exercise

Like any skill or sport, learning a language means practice makes perfect. Larissa Albano suggests that everyone needs to exercise language skills for at least 15 minutes each day. What is exercising your language skills? Reading, listening to the radio, watching TV. Even easier for us is getting out and experiencing English in your community. You can count shopping, since it involves reading and speaking and listening. As you drive, listen to the radio: music and talk radio are great ways to get your 15 minutes of English in a day. Go to the library and look at the books; check one out to read at home or while you wait. The most important aspect of exercise is that you are mindful of the language learning that is happening. The more casual and daily situations you observe and participate in English, the better your skills will become.

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

I love getting a pedicure! It’s so nice to have a professional make my feet look and feel so good! In the thirteenth chapter of the Gospel of John we read the story of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. That was usually a job for one of the household servants, so imagine the disciples’ surprise when Jesus knelt down and began to wash their feet, one after the next! Peter even voiced his objections, but Jesus told Peter that unless he allowed Jesus to wash his feet, he could have no part with Jesus. Jesus told his disciples that he would only be with them for a little longer, and that they should follow his example of serving one another.~Jan Heimann

February 26: We will read about Jesus final meal with his disciples before his crucifixion and what he shared with them in those final hours. Please join us for great discussion!

International Friends: Tuesdays 10:00-11:30, room 100.

We had a great field trip to The Cool Creek Park Nature Center. There were so many interesting things to enjoy: taxidermy indigenous species, live turtles and a fancy corn snake, and a wonderful viewing window with feeders and speakers to enjoy the outdoors in the comfort of the indoors. The Natures Inspiration Art Show is on display. There are some beautiful works of art by our local artists.

Afterwards, some of us took a trip to Wal Mart to pick up supplies for our crocheting project next week. We found single hooks and Sugar and Cream cotton yarn for under $2.00 each. Otherwise, WalMart has a good selection of other inexpensive but quality yarns suitable for making scarves, sweaters, blankets, hats and more.

February 26: Let's crochet. Bring an H or K hook (or any other size you might have) and yarn (any you might have, or cotton yarn like Sugar and Cream to make a dishcloth). Come and pick one of the designs and learn to start a project. We have several patterns to choose from as well as learn tips and tricks to make your projects progress smoothly. 

If you don't care to learn how to crochet, come anyway! Practice your conversational English skills in our friendly group.

English Classes: Thursdays, 9:00-11:30, upstairs classrooms.

We welcomed three new students to our classes. It is wonderful to have new Friends join us through the end of the year. We are also so happy to welcome a number of our Friends back from visits to their families or breaks to be able to continue their stay here in the United States.

Parents with Children: Thursdays during our classes.

Thank you to our parents and children for helping us to develop this new class and service to our students' families. To meet your needs beyond simple childcare we are offering activities that meet standards for child development.

One of the standards for early learning includes children learning to manage transitions with adult help. Having our parents participate in this process helps our children learn how to cope by following their parents' lead.  Our parents enjoyed listening to a book Johnny Lion's Bad Day with our children. This book is a story about a lion cub that has a cold and has hallucinations. After our parents left, we learned more about how easy it is to get germs on our hands and faces and that they are everywhere! We learned how to get rid of germs by washing our hands. This helps our children understand and meet age standards for health and well-being and self care.

February 28: We will end our February with the last of our healthy classes.

visitation: a gathering with the family of a dead person before the funeral service

memorial service: religious worship service to remember a dead person

reunion: getting together

life well lived: a life that follows beliefs and is full of meaning and a blessing to other people

obituary: notice of death in the news

merest: smaller than small

glimpse: a very short look or sight (I glanced at the update, but didn't read it)

local and national: close to home and across an entire country

folk dancing: dancing in the tradition of a certain culture or people

counselor: someone that listens and helps people solve life problems

the space: the area, the room

the funeral home: where dead people are prepared for burial or cremation 

costumes: clothing worn for a performance

scrap books: binders filled with photos, news articles and other paper pieces to remember events

in lieu of: instead of

showing: display of her physical body for people to see her one last time and say good-bye

notes jotted down: short and quickly written 

insight: understanding

inquisitive nature: character that asks questions and wants to know more

spent her last days: the very end of her life

desire: strong feelings of want

hospice: health care in anticipation of death

last wishes: plans for funeral and after death

passing: dying

relented: gave in, conceded

glimpse: peek

practice makes perfect: a saying that in order to be proficient at something you need to work at it

mindful: pay attention

casual: not formal

daily: a part of your routine each day

pedicure: professional care and treatment of the feet,: removal of corns and trimming of toenail

professional: a person who belongs to one of the professions, especially one of the learned professions

objection: a reason or argument offered in disagreement, opposition, refusal, or disapproval

deny: to state that (something declared or believed to be true) is not true

one another: each other.

taxidermy: preparing and stuffing the skins of birds and animals for a lifelike effect

indigenous: native

projects:

progress: move forward

you don't care to: don't want to, have no interest in

develop: create and grow to maturity
childcare: babysitting

standards: minimum requirements

manage transitions: deal with changes in environment

cope: deal successfully with something that is difficult

following [someone's] lead: taking a cue from someone

germs: microorganism that causes disease

hallucinations: strange visions and dreams

Valentine's Day

Dear Sweeties,

I hope you had a very lovely and loving Valentine's Day. I was glad to share the day with you, even though I didn't get to Accent class to feast! We had a very exciting day and added four new friends to our classes. It's never too late to join us!

Monday is Presidents' Day and everyone has a holiday. There are a number of presidents that were born in February, but originally Americans celebrated George Washington's birthday (February 22) and Abraham Lincoln' s birthday (February 11). Now all the presidents are celebrated on the second Monday of February through the Uniform Monday Holiday Act (late 1960s) that states that Federal holidays are celebrated on a Monday to give workers a three day weekend (and hopefully reduce absenteeism).

Connor Prairie
Visitors of all ages can enjoy FREE admission to Conner Prairie on President’s Day for hours of presidential antics and activities! Join us for this unique celebration of the Presidents of the United States. This free day offers the chance to rub elbows with some of the most notable Presidents, First Ladies, and even Presidential hopefuls. Play games, create, have fun, but don't tell George or Abe about their surprise parties.

Dates for Free Fishing in Indiana Announced
A fishing license is required in Indiana to go fishing in public waterways. Fish for free four days out of the year and learn more about fishing and fishing licenses.

American English and Vocabulary:

There's an old riddle:

What do you lose when you stand up?

• We discovered that in Japanese and in Chinese the answer could be something really different than in English and you don't lose it when you stand up!
• We also discovered that the name for a portable computer makes so much more sense when you know the answer to this riddle.
• Did you find out? When you see me tell me!
• Did you groan? Riddles will do that!

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

We read all of chapter 12 of the book of John. there are four stories here that are often studied thoroughly and independently, but John was wise in combining them in one chapter to be considered. John gives examples of the a vast spectrum of belief and how people behave as a result of their understanding and heart. Jesus' final teaching to the church leaders is documented here: it is clear that the Jewish leaders did not want to believe what Jesus had to say. 

February 19: Come and read and talk about John 13. Service, betrayal, denial. All of these are in this chapter.

International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:00-11:30, room 100.
We had a great time making sweets and treats with candy melts and forms from Wilton. You can find these things at Michael's, Hobby Lobby, and WalMart to name a few. We had some great conversations and put together a list of fun activities for the next couple of weeks. Remember that meeting together for fun also gives you a chance to practice your English.

February 19: Let's take a field trip to Cool Creek Park and see the art show and nature center. Meet at the church to depart at 10:30 sharp or meet at the park: 2000 151st Street, Carmel

As a bonus, we can run over to Walmart, Michael's and/or Hobby Lobby and pick up supplies for February 26! And then we can go out to lunch, if you still have time.

February 26: Let's crochet. Not only is it an easy and useful craft, it is thought to keep you healthy by helping you to lower your stress and blood pressure! Bring a size K crochet hook (or any other size if you already have something different) and worsted or size four yarn. This size hook is easy to use and makes your project work up fast. Worsted yarn is the most common type of yarn. You can find individual hooks at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, or WalMart for about $2 to $3. If you already know how to crochet, come and bring your latest project (or start a new one). If you don't care to learn, come anyway for the conversation.

English Classes: Thursdays, 9:00-11:30, upstairs classroom
Happy Valentine's Day! We caught a break with the weather and finally were able to get together for our classes! It was great to see everyone again. Thank you to the classes for welcoming Jenna and Tricia allowing them to take photos for her article.

Parents with Children: Thursdays, 9:00-11:30, children's classroom
We had a nice time getting together to celebrate Valentine's Day with special games and activities. We practiced gross motor by playing Heart Hop Scotch, we practiced math by sorting by color and size, we wrote cards and practiced fine motor skills and writing with letters and lines. There is too much to do!

absenteeism: when people regularly miss work or school without a good reason
riddle: a puzzle that makes you stretch your imagination. Want more? Riddles
groan: make a noise when a joke is funny but also not funny--dad jokes are like that
thoroughly: completely
independently: separate from each other
combining: bring more than one thing together
to name a few: for example
bonus: an added event or good thing
run over: make a quick trip
pick up: buy

We hope the weather cooperates this week!

Dear Friends,

Saturday, February 2 was Groundhog Day. Then we had a couple of 60 degree days. Finally, classes were cancelled Thursday: Carmel Clay Schools were on delay for the dense fog. We cancel classes whenever Carmel Clay Schools delay or cancelled. Check this webpage or our Facebook Pages. You can get a jump on things by watching the morning news, checking Carmel Clay Schools on Twitter or the Carmel Clay Schools homepage. Also, I try to send out an email as soon as I know. This email may go into your spam filter or may not get to you. Regardless, we missed meeting together.

Thursday is Valentine's Day. Your children may be celebrating in their classroom. Teachers will tell you whether to put individual student names on the Valentines or if your child should just sign his or her name. Older children practice sorting when they address cards to specific classmates. Younger children practice writing their name! Pick up Valentine cards at any department or discount store. They shouldn't be too expensive. Many students include a small snack or treat. you can add a Hershey's kiss, a sucker or lollipop, individually wrapped sweets. Finally, older students may give gifts and cards to several of their close friends. Middle and high school student organizations offer single flowers for sale for sweethearts to give that also are fundraisers for good causes. Valentine's Day isn't just for sweethearts, it's for everyone!

American Culture and English lesson for the week:

Watch this two minute video first:

JEEP: More Than Just Words on YOUTUBE 

This digital only ad takes the words of the Star Spangled Banner and interprets the words into current American culture. Can you guess the words being portrayed? 

Here are the lyrics:

Oh, say can you see by the dawn’s early light  What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?  Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,  O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?  And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,  Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.  

Oh, say does that star­ spangled banner yet wave  

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

from the USA Flag Site  

This is a fun and interesting interpretation. Could you tell which words matched the picture? Keep your eyes open...did you see my Jeep?

More about this ad in particular can be seen here: Forbes Jeep's Digital Only Ad...New Super Bowl Strategy. This article tells that there are more than 106 million views of this YouTube versus the approximately 98 million Americans watching the game (and how many of those were busy doing other things rather than watching?)! Now you just watched and added to the views...Do you think this strategy worked?

Indy Summer Planning

It may feel too cold to be thinking about summer, but camp registrations are opening up. Here's a short list to get you started discovering adventures for you and your family.

Young Writers Camp: Butler University helps our young authors explore 

Connor Prairie Kids Camp gets the kids outdoor all day canoeing, ziplining, horseback riding, swimming, making ice cream, making crafts, exploring Connor Prairie while making friends.

Indianapolis Art Center has classes for everyone and every age

Prairie Pursuits are classes for adults and teens. They have some really interesting classes like blacksmithing, raising backyard chickens, traditional woodworking and more.

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

As we read and discussed Chapter 11 of the Gospel of John, the story of Jesus raising his friend Lazarus from the dead, we found ourselves talking about a couple of interesting English idioms. After Jesus gave sight to the man who had been blind from birth, public sentiment toward him was divided. Many believed he was the Messiah sent by God. Others labeled him a blasphemer who was falsely claiming to be God. The tension was rising. Jesus and his disciples left Jerusalem to return to the area where John the Baptist had previously spent time preaching.

Then a messenger arrived, informing Jesus that his friend Lazarus was deathly ill. Did Jesus rush back to the little village near Jerusalem where Lazarus lived, in order to heal him? No, he waited.
He waited long enough that by the time he arrived, Lazarus had already been dead for four days. Although Jesus knew the danger involved, he called Lazarus forth from the grave and restored his life.

This, in many ways, was “the straw that broke the camel’s back” or “the last straw.”
Wikipedia explains: The idiom "the straw that broke the camel's back", alluding to the proverb "it is the last straw that breaks the camel's back", describes the seemingly minor or routine action that causes an unpredictably large and sudden reaction, because of the cumulative effect of small actions. This gives rise to the phrase "the last straw" or "the final straw", meaning the last in a line of unacceptable occurrences, provoking a seemingly sudden strong reaction.

When the Jewish leaders realized the impact of this latest miracle performed by Jesus, they started making plans to kill him. They were afraid that if the people began to believe in Jesus and follow his teachings, it could bring about the end of their religious structure and perhaps even the end of Israel as a nation. ~ Jan Heimann

February 12: Join us as we discuss John 12.

International Friends: Tuesdays, 9:00-10:00, room 100

We played dice games to help combat cabin fever. We played Farkle and a garden game using a pair of die. Just in case you didn't get enough of these types of games, check out the A to Z List of Dice Games where you can look at hundreds of games and print the directions all for free! We had a great discussion about "fruit" and "vegetables" and their definition in their home countries. We discovered that fruit usually means a sweet, dessert kind of thing or a vegetable that is used as a part of a main dish. We found out that in China they use the pink part of a watermelon as a fruit and the white or green part close to the skin as an accompaniment to shrimp in a stir fry.

Playing games is a great way to have fun and enjoy casual conversation. 

February 12: Let's make Valentine treats for our sweeties. We will enrobe cookies (Bring Oreos or a similar size cookie. We experimented with crackers and cereal at the cooking test with great results.  maybe pretzels?) or fruit in chocolate and vanilla. We will enjoy a little fondue while we work. Bring something you would like to dip in chocolate like fruit, or marshmallows, or crackers, or pretzels, or pickles, goldfish, or...you decide1

Parents with Children: Thursdays, 9:00 through 11:30

Join us to read a valentine story with your children. After you return to your English class, we will continue the party with fun games and crafts designed to help your children develop physical skills that are helpful in life and prepare them for school. This week's activities include gross motor and counting playing hop scotch. Fine motor card making. Prewriting exercises as well as tracing and writing. Color and size sorting and identification.

If you would like copies of the hand outs, please see Carolyn or stop by the classroom

Vocabulary

digital only: something that appears only on the internet

dense: thick, heavy (I was late to work because of the dense traffic.)

Star Spangled Banner: the anthem of the United States

lyrics: words in a song

portrayed: interpreted in a picture either visually or in words

interpretation: a creative representation

approximately: about, not a precise number

views: when something is watched or seen on line they call it a view; you can view a painting, movie, beautiful scenery, etc.

strategy: plan of action

idiom: an expression whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its constituent elements, as kick the bucket or hang one's head, or from the general grammatical rules of a language 
public sentiment: an attitude or opinion of the people toward something
blasphemer: one who speaks irreverently of God or sacred things
cumulative: increasing or growing by accumulation or successive additions

cabin fever: when you get sick of being stuck in the house.

kind of thing: for example 

main dish: the main food of a meal

accompaniment: to go with or complement something

enrobe: cover or coat

a little fondue: when we use "little" like this (in this context) we are implying (indicating; saying) a simple and small amount often used in a party setting (for example: a little black dress ((LBD)) is a cocktail dress that is short but not too fancy or trendy).

Classes are Cancelled February 7, 2019

English classes are cancelled today, February 7, 2019

Stay home and stay safe.

Carolyn

Hello, Friends.

Do you wonder why Hoosiers love to talk about the weather? This past week has been an exciting one for us! This latest snow caused bogged down traffic. If you have school aged children, I am sure you are all beginning to get cabin fever. One thing to be sure, you always have to be prepared for changing weather. I was surprised to see Sandhill Cranes flying Thursday evening. You can't deny that its a beautiful time of year.

Saturday is Groundhog Day. We are facing a spectacular warm up. Do you think our local groundhogs will see their shadows? Do you think they are hunkered down waiting for nicer weather? They won't have to wait for long! Did you see the forecast for Monday?

Sunday is Superbowl Sunday! What does this mean? Even if you don't care for football, even if you don't care about the Patriots or the Rams, even if you don't have an opinion about Tom Brady or the scandalous calls that boosted the Patriots into the game, you can still enjoy the spectacle. Watch to see the latest and greatest commercials. Meet friends at a sports bar or someone's home with the excuse to eat, drink and have a party. Every year there are new trends in snacking. Check out these fun and a selection of snacks from Chowhound and listen to top sports news from CBS Sports.

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

In the tenth chapter of John, Jesus continues to explain who he is. In verses seven and nine he says, “I am the gate.” He promises that whoever enters through this gate will be saved. In verses 11 and 14 he says, “I am the good shepherd.” This claim established him as a royal caretaker of God's people.
These declarations once again divided the Jews. Some believed in him as the promised Messiah, others became angry and wanted to kill him for blasphemy. It was a conundrum!
In this chapter of John we read some of the most beautiful passages about Jesus’s purpose for coming to this world. “I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full,” he says in verse 10. In verses 27 and 28 he declares: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” How comforting!

February 5: Join us  as we read and discuss chapter 11 of the Gospel of John. 

International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:00-11:30, room 100.
We took over the kitchen and everyone brought their favorite dumpling fillings. We shared our ingredients and tried some home made doughs for the "skin". Find the ingredients on our Recipes page. Fair warning: we only shared our ingredients. Now you know what was in the dumplings, but we didn't specify amounts. This is so you can make them to taste.

February 5: We didn't specify anything. That means that it is Carolyn's choice! Hmmm. What do I want to talk about? What do I want to do? Come and see! It will be fun


seven and nine; 11 and 14: writing tip-always spell out single digit numbers when writing in formal English; use numerals or numbers when writing numbers of two or more digits

bogged down: slow down progress or cause problems

cabin fever: stuck inside and ready to get out and enjoy company and fresh air

facing: anticipating, looking forward to

declaration: something that is announced or proclaimed
once again: another time
blasphemy: impious statement or action concerning God or sacred things in this case saying he is God
conundrum: a thing that puzzles
perish: to die or be destroyed
snatch: grab or steal

took over: snatch!

make them to taste: put as much or as little of an ingredient as you prefer to suit your taste buds

specify: define or describe or determine