Were you surprised to see snow and frost this week? In the Midwest we can expect to see snow and frost as late as Mothers Day! Don't plant until after mid-May. We had some exciting storms that included hail and damaging winds with power outages. This brought a number of questions about how to handle repair. It is perfectly fine to contact plumbers, electricians and more to come and make repairs. Social distance and clean areas. If you rent, be sure to notify your landlord when you need repairs. A leaky toilet or roof not only damage the building, but mold and other health hazards can grow. Your landlord will thank you!
Zooming Around
We are learning so much about communication while we Zoom. Social etiquette can be very different when using technology based on the limitations.
- If you make talk or even make agreeable or encouraging sounds (which is so American), you interrupt the other speaker and break up their sound. Smile, nod, or click the hand clap or thumbs up response.
- Mute yourself if there is background noise that can interrupt you and the others.
- Try adding a written note in the chat area to help others follow and understand your line of thought or help the others in your class.
Our heath care professionals want us to know that they are open for business. All medical services are available. If you feel sick, have pain, or your tooth hurts please call your doctor or dentist! If you have an emergency and need an ambulance, call 911. Don't be afraid to go and get important care to stay healthy.
Opening the Country
The United States is looking forward to opening the economy and resources in different areas. The plan is a gradual and phased approach. Some states or even counties within states will open up sooner than others based upon the levels of disease as well as medical support. On Saturday, for example, Jacksonville, Florida opened beaches an allowed people to exercise, walk and swim during specific, limited hours. People were told not to bring coolers or have gatherings. Our Midwest governors made a pact to coordinate and communicate with each other and move together as they reopen the states.
Hunker Down Hoosiers! Indianapolis/Carmel is in the top 25 metro areas for cases on Saturday. Continue to keep social distance. Wash your hands. We aren't overtaxing our medical systems, but we need to be careful. Follow the federal guidelines of 30 Days to Control the Spread.
E-mail me to get our Zoom links and join us.
International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30, Zoom on over.
Please read (pronounced reed) these stories. Mark 9:14-36.
Jesus drives a demon out of a boy. It is very different from some of the ones in the past. The father of the boy told Jesus that he believed Jesus could help and to help him in his unbelief. He had a "blanket" of faith but was uncertain about how Jesus would help. People came to see a spectacle, but some were skeptical (is Jesus God?). Jesus told them that this type of demon could only be driven out with prayer (talking to God!). Did the father ask a person to help or did he ask God?
We read (pronounced red) the next story: the disciples are arguing about who is the greatest. Jesus tells them, once again, that he will be put to death and rise on the third day. He then takes a child on his lap and tells them that you have to be the least to be the greatest!
April 21: Join us as we talk in English about Mark 9:38-50. We have speakers of Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Portuguese. You don't have to be a believer to join in.
International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30, Zoom over.
We had a great time catching up with Friends and meeting new Friends. We were able to share advice for people who are stuck in the states.
We had a great talk about the U.S. Census. The Census happens every 10 years and is critical for planning. It is important for everyone who is living in the area April 1 complete their census, even if you aren't an American or even going to be living here for a long time. Your answers count!
April 21: What is your favorite stay at home activity? And...Grab a disposable water bottle and scissors for a craft-along.
Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30, Zoom over! Let's talk about what is on your mind.
We had so many good topics to talk about. One very relevant
English Classes: Thursdays, various times, Zoom with your class!
We are continuing to meet. I hope that you have time to Zoom in and meet with our teachers and Friends, no matter how briefly.
English for Children:
Reading aloud is so important for your children. Want to crank up your English skills? Try a read aloud.
Harry the Dirty Dog This book is read by Betty White. It is suggested for Kindergarten through second grade. All ages enjoy this fun story.
Earth Day is April 22. Celebrate with your kids. This is the 50th Anniversary! Check out these cool, fun and interactive links from National Geographic to celebrate this day with your family!
an number of: quite a few
perfectly fine: acceptable
and more: etcetera; other things like this
social etiquette: polite behavior
so American: like an American
break up: interrupt, stop
mute: turn of your microphone; not be heard
line of thought: following an idea or concept
opening: resuming work, opening shops, etc.
gradual: slowly
phased: carried out in gradual steps; add or removed slowly
pact: agreement
coordinate: work together toward a goal
spectacle: an amazing show
skeptical: wary of
least: smallest
greatest: best
great: interesting
stuck: not able to leave
critical: highly important
for a long time:
Covid Terms to Know
surge: highest increase of cases
shelter in place: stay where you are
vaccination: a shot that protects from getting a disease
cure: heal or make well
social distancing: stay six feet apart or two meters from others
symptoms: indication of a disease; for Covid 19 fever, dry cough, shortness of breath
asymptomatic: not feeling ill but still contagious
contagious: able to pass a disease
intubate: put a tube down someone's throat to help them breathe
ventilator: machine that helps people breathe
face covering: a scarf or other fabric cover
face masks: fabric or other masks that keep the wearer from spreading disease; some states require all people in public wear them (along with social distancing)
medical grade masks: there are two kinds
PPE: personal protective equipment (surgical masks, gowns, etc.)
stimulus checks: money given to U.S. Federal income tax payers to relieve
essential business: groceries, pharmacy, hardware stores, pet food stores, plumbers, electricians, yard services, etc.
capacity: the maximum amount something can support
herd immunity: when most of a population is immune to a disease
confirmed: proven by test
probable: likely but not proven by test
cases:
new normal: what is now practiced in a culture that is different from the past; common changes that make things better in a society
opening the country: traveling, shopping, going to church and worship, going to school, eating in restaurants, etc.
lock down: staying in and not traveling
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