Halloween, Fall Back, November and U.S. Elections...

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Hello, Friends.

This is a busy week in the United States and Indiana! Can we pack  more in one weekend or even one week? 

• I hope that you are ready for Halloween! Do you have plans to celebrate? Be safe! Stay warm.
• Set your clocks back one hour (from 10:00 to 9:00, for example) when you go to bed on Saturday. Gain the one hour of sleep we lost in the spring. This time change coincides with Halloween and a Blue Moon! This article about Daylight Savings Explained tells you more than you may want to know about the time change, but it is very interesting. Indiana used to be one of the states that did not spring forward or fall back for many years. 
• Tuesday, November 3 is election for president as well as governor and various seats in national, state and local government. Buckle Up!

Music and Arts

Check out the schedule at the Palladium for the weekend and beyond. There are virtual and in person performances available. All poets and musicians should check out the Songwriting 101 class. I will see you there and we can learn how to write country music!

U.S. News

Amy Coney Barrett was elected and sworn on to the Supreme court Monday. Supreme Court Justices may serve in that position for life. While there is so much speculation about this new judge. One fun fact: she is a Hoosier! 

COVID-19 Ongoing

There is an ongoing uptick in COVID-19 cases worldwide. This was expected and predicted by medical experts. Pandemic fatigue is new term that has emerged that means that people are emotionally tired of staying in and worrying about potential hazards from COVID-19. How do we protect ourselves, families, community and still celebrate life? We talked about all the creative adaptations and solutions that have come from the restrictions. Meanwhile: wash your hands frequently and use your hand sanitizer, stay home when you are sick, maintain social distance (six feet minimum, 15 minutes of total exposure time in 24 hours), keep up your personal health with exercise, diet, sleep, wear a face covering to protect others. 

Stories and More: Monday, 10:30-11:30.

We got ready for Halloween with a Clifford the Big Red Dog story. Baby Shark for Halloween is so fun: instead of "doot do do do", sing "boo, boo boo boo".

November 2: Join us as we talk about all things November! Be sure to pick up your packet for all our fun crafts before Monday so you don't miss out!

International Bible Study: Tuesday, 9:30-10:30

We talked about Jesus' coming of age story in Luke 2: 41-52. None of the other Gospels give us insight into Jesus as a child growing up. Jesus does the unexpected. He isn't with the family and friends traveling home after a festival when he is 12 years old. His parents don't discover this until after they had traveled for one day. They find Jesus in the temple. This led to many interesting discussions about the relationship between parents and their children and the expectations we have for them. We talked about where we would expect to find our children if they went missing. After this event, Jesus continues to be an obedient son to Mary and Joseph (which is a feat in teen years through young adulthood as children tend to rebel against their parents). 

November 3: Luke 3: 1-20 tells the story of John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus as He begins his ministry or work as an adult.

International Friends: Tuesday, 10:30-12:00

We carved pumpkins into Jack o Lanterns. We are ready with our decorations now. You can't beat the classic Jack. Our Zoom captures our work!

To toast your pumpkin seeds, set your oven for 400 degrees and season as you like with salt, cinnamon sugar, or any other seasoning. Be sure to stir them occasionally. Alternatively, you can fry them in a frying pan on the stove. 

November 3: Join us and learn to make Chilaquiles from scratch. Here's your shopping list: epazote (either leaves or powder), cheese of your choice, sour cream, five or six tomatoes, one of each pepper: habanero, jalapeno serrano, onion, garlic, cilantro, prepared tostadas, protein of your choice: ham, eggs, chicken, beef cut into strips and marinated with onions, garlic and cilantro. 

English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-12:00
There were a number of parallels in our classes this week. Several classes worked with questioning. Below are highlighted ideas from our classes. As you think about your English study, consider how these tips from our classes can help you move along.

Organizing your ideas can be a challenge in any language. This Sunshine graphic organizer helps write detailed paragraphs. Try to answer "who, what, when, where, why, and how" when you tell a story or share information. Try to think and speak freely in English instead of translating from your native language. 

Drilling is a common strategy for memorizing something. Drilling can be boring, but if you have friends to drill along with you it becomes a 

Our Middle class reviewed -er/more (two things) and -est/most (three or more things) for making comparisons: "My Halloween costume was scarier than Kathy's, but Carolyn's costume was the scariest of all. My candy was more delicious. Hers was the most delicious." Be careful with adjective endings. Usually, -ed  describes how you feel: bored, excited, interested, tired. The -ing ending describes the cause of your feelings: a boring speaker, an exciting movie, an interesting conversation, a tiring job. Many words in English are easily confused: recipe/receipt, utter/udder, incident/accident. Some phrases we learned this week include: show off, in a panic, fashionably late, needless to say. Try to have fun with the complexities of English. Perfectionism can cause stress and interfere with learning.

Conversations:

Afternoon: Wednesday, 4:30-6:00

End of the Week: Friday: 10:30-12:00

Many factors influence our usage in any language: personality, audience, levels of formality, subject matter, intention, context. We agreed that civil discourse allows us to resolve conflict, explore cultural differences, discuss controversial topics, and ask questions about political correctness. We may think someone is "bossy, nosy, or messy." We may want to say: "Mind your own business;" "Stay out of it;" "Don't be a busybody;" or "Butt out!" Still, we can "take a deep breath," "get a grip" and "work it out". Try not to "assume," "presume," or "play the victim," but be respectful and resilient, resist "teasing, bullying, or shaming."

Food is always a great topic and our informal learning always leans toward food. Some fun facts:

Butter can be stored at room temperature for 30 days.

Flan from a package is easy to prepare and delicious. It is a favorite for all our students

Andrew Zimmern has some really interesting travelogue with delicious (and maybe unusual) foods.

Smorgasbord is another name for buffet. Neither are pronounced how they are spelled!

Good bye Leaves. Good bye October.

Hello, Friends.

This is the last weekend before Halloween. Have you decorated? Do you plan to decorate? Many people have had a lot of time on their hands and have gone all out to decorate this year! We have a family in our neighborhood who have changed the activities of their skeleton display. So far the skeletons have had yoga class and gotten engaged. This week they were on fall break! The City of Carmel will have Trick-or-Treating from 5:00-8:00. Check here for Central Indiana Trick or Treat Times. The Current in Carmel posted the following:

• Trick-or-treaters and chaperoning adults are encouraged to wear a face mask when physical distancing can’t be maintained and when approaching a door.
• Homeowners are asked to turn on a porch light if they are comfortable handing out treats and to wear a face mask when answering the door. Those who do not wish to participate should keep their porch light off and refrain from answering the door.
• All treats should be pre-packaged. It is not advised to distribute homemade treats this year.
• View Centers for Disease Control Halloween guidance. 

The Carmel Police Department issued additional safety tips:

• Adults should always accompany their children and carry a flashlight at night, staying within their own neighborhood and known homes
• Watch for traffic before crossing any street
• Avoid costumes that are long, which could cause tripping, or costumes that have hard plastic or wood props that could be a hazard
• Inspect candy before allowing children to have it and dispose of unwrapped candy

Want Quick References to International Friends Resources?

Reference websites are under each of Our Meetings and Classes for quick reference. Check it out and see what is there! 

Talking about Fun and Field Trips

• Boo at the Zoo at the Columbian Park Zoo, 1915 Scott Street, Lafayette, IN. Tickets cost $5.00.
• Natural Valley Ranch in Brownsburg has horseback riding! What a fun way to enjoy the fall foliage.
• Hogan Farms in Brownsburg has a corn maze and pumpkin patch. Check the webpages for pricing.
• Beasley's Orchards has fall festival activities. 

Culture Talk

In social or work settings “use discretion“ in asking or commenting about certain topics (money, religion, politics, age, weight, controversial issues). Know your audience and the surrounding culture. Try to find a trusted “cultural ambassador” (like International Friends) whom you can approach to learn about the “norms” in a new environment. We found that different boundaries exist in job interviews, especially for women. Have you ever been asked:

• How old are you?
• Are you married?
• What does your spouse do for a living?
• Do you have children? Do you plan to have more children? Who will help you with childcare or other family commitments?

Are these questions appropriate or too personal, “permissible“ or “prohibited” in your culture?

COVID-19

What is news in COVID-19? Cases are rising in the Midwest and in Indiana. Staying at least six feet apart, wearing your mask when you can't social distance and frequent handwashing are still the main defense against this disease. Carmel clay schools reported four teachers and one student having COVID in the entire district (from the Current in Carmel). 

This week Indiana announced the plan for the rollout for vaccinations. You can read the entire plan here.  Generally: Level One provides vaccination protection to healthcare workers, Level Two provides protection to the most vulnerable people and long term care facilities, Level Three rolls the vaccination out to the general public.

The CDC has rolled out new guidance: Eight Things to Know About Vaccine Planning. While development of the vaccines has been rapid, we can be assured that all efforts have been taken to thoroughly test them. 

Stories and More: Mondays, 10:30.

We enjoyed talking about pumpkins this week, looking out our windows to see what colors the leaves are on our trees. We read Biscuit Vists the Pumpkin Patch. We learned the classic poem about Five Little Pumpkins Sitting on a Gate. This fun song can be sung with hand motions. We made a suncatcher using contact paper. Contact paper is great for so many quick crafts. Create reusable coloring pages and activity placemats.

October 27: Get ready for Halloween! Join us as we get ready for Halloween!

American Sign Language: Monday, 5:30-6:30

We expanded our vocabulary to include question words and names of family members. We talked about time and how to ask questions and how indicate the past. We reviewed colors, letters and numbers. We signed vote and learned some of the presidents' nicknames. As we reflect on language learning, having the opportunity to "act" a word helps us to cement it in our minds. 

Signing Savvy is a great reference for finding words.

October 27: We will add feeling words to our vocabulary. Join us! It's fun.

International Bible Study: Tuesday, 9:30-10:30

We had a very moving discussion surrounding the Christmas story. We tend to reserve this story for December, but the Christmas story is relevant year round. We talked about how we love decorating, preparing and traditions that surround Christmas. When Jesus came, the shepherds as well as Simeon and Anna (people who worked in the temple) recognized him. God put the welfare of His Son, Jesus in the hands of Mary and Joseph. This vulnerable baby depended on the love, help and care of His human parents. This is moving and humbling.

In A Charlie Brown Christmas the TV movie from 1965. The cartoon tells how Charlie Brown and his friends are preparing for Christmas with a pageant.  Linus tells the story from Luke beginning at 20:22 in the story. 

October 28: We will talk about Jesus being presented at the temple in Luke 2: 22-40

International Friends: Tuesday, 10:30-12:00

We enjoyed another great cook along. This time we made a spectacular pepper sauce for pasta. This sauce rivals other sauces and is simple with fresh ingredients (and bacon which makes everything better).

October 28: Get your pumpkin to carve into a Jack O Lantern. You will need a serrated knife, a spoon to scoop and a baking sheet to toast your seeds. Newspaper, a bowl and gloves help with collecting the mess. Bleach based cleaner will help your pumpkin survive to the weekend.

Here is a link to some templates from Reader's Digest.

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

There are some perks to Zooming. When you study and learn in your home environment, you tend to relate what you learned to your daily activities. Relating your lessons to your daily life and practicing what you learn helps cement what you know. We have opportunities many times during the week to practice. Don't be shy!

Afternoon Conversation: Wednesday, 4:30-6:00
End of the Week Conversation: Friday, 10:30-12:00

How many hairstyles have you had over the years? When you look at old photos of yourself, do you cringe over a bad perm, a crooked cut, or a “Brazilian blowout”? How have you managed your (thin, thick, fine, curly, wavy, “frizzy”, healthy, damaged) hair during COVID—with a “DIY” cut or a secret trip to the salon? Hairstyles reflect our personality and shape our identity. Just as unique are our stories of dating, romance, marriage, mothers-in-law, and extended family.

a lot of time on their hands: 
gone all out: pulled out the stops, put in a lot of effort, extravagant
check it out: look at
quick reference: short guide to information; easy access
patch: garden area for specific plants: strawberry patch, pumpkin patch, tomato patch 
foliage: leaves and plants
reusable: something that is able to be used more than once.
placemats: 

tend: are apt, usually
templates: patterns
moving: emotional

vulnerable: susceptible to physical or emotional harm
pageant: a historical story or play

rivals: competes with

tend: are apt to, will try

cringe: 

Mid October News

Hello Friends,

Etiquette is always fun to talk about. Lately, good etiquette includes mask wearing and social distancing and not shaking hands or hugging. This Southern Living article lists behaviors that show your regard to those around you. There are some fun Southern dialectic vocabulary. Can you figure out what they mean? 

And speaking of current dialect or phrases people are saying, have you heard someone say...

• Yeah, absolutely. "Can you tell me where I can find the white bread?" "Yeah, absolutely. Look in aisle three."
• Yeah, great question! Thanks for asking! 
• All that being said... A transition to a new topic of discussion. 
• Blah, blah, blah or Yada, yada, yada: saying that people were talking on about a subject. "And they said, blah, blah, blah about their picnic."
• Exactly! That's right or I agree.

Recommendations for Around Indy

• Cataract Falls is a beautiful place to celebrate fall.
• Fort Harrison State Park is on the East side. This is a great place hike that doesn’t mean a long drive. This park is the site of a military fort. 
• Ritchey Woods in Fishers offers a great place to get away close to home.
• 13 Spooktacular Alternatives to Trick or Treating from Indy's Child has suggestions for a fun Halloween.
• The Harvest Fest at Newfields has a fun for the family both days and nights.
• Silly Safaris at the Peanut Butter and Jam: November 7 at the theater for $10.

Virtual Fun

• Escape at Home with some Virtual Escape Rooms during your fall break.
• Center For the Performing Arts virtual performances. 

Stories and More: Mondays, 10:30-11:30

• We enjoyed a wonderfully funny play on the story There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly (click for the   There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed Some Leaves. This story is so fun and takes advantage icons of harvest season.
• Repetitive stories help build memory and build language learning. 
• We practiced sorting leaves by color and then counted them. Practicing counting is always fun. Not everyone had the same set of leaves, and that helped us see how everyone doesn't always have the same things but it is fun to see and share differences. 
• Fall colors are red, yellow, orange and green. These colors are often hard to pronounce for young children. 

October 19: Let's have pumpkin fun and do pumpkin crafts! We will practice counting....pumpkins!

Sign Language Conversation: Mondays, 5:30-6:30

It was very exciting to beginning to this new conversation group. ASL (American Sign Language) is perfect for Zooming because there are no awkward pauses. Everyone can "talk" at once! We started with some basics: the alphabet, colors, basic "people words", and common words with similarities how they are signed. We talked about English about the culture of signing in the deaf community. 

October 19: Join us as we build on our vocabulary. 

International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30

We talked about the birth of John the Baptist and Zechariah's proclamation. He praises God and tells of the wonders of His love. Luke 1: 76-79 Zechariah then tells that John will be a prophet "of the Most High" and that he would "prepare the way for the Lord".

October 20: Let's have Christmas and talk about Luke 2: 1-26!

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

We were back in the kitchen together for a cook along. It was so very much fun to make rice pudding together. The simmering rice and delicious aromas of cinnamon and vanilla. 

October 20: Let's cook pasta. Ingredient list: peppers (red, green, yellow), garlic, onion, bacon, sour cream, shredded cheese (suggested Gouda or Mozzarella) and your favorite pasta.

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

Our classes are continuing to meet. Our Basic class continues to work on 1000 vocabulary words. This list is excellent for adults and has words that are common to adult life. 

• Write a sentence or two using the word
• Compare sentences with others
• Draw pictures to go along with the word or to explain the word
• Say the word a minimum of seven times
• Try to write sentences that combine several vocabulary words in one sentence

Our Meeting in the Middle discussed the beauty and complexity of languages and admitted the challenges of learning and living in a new language. Conversations about how children seem to learn and adapt quickly, but may feel anxiety about school assessments. "Report cards" are issued about four times a year in American schools. Keeping grades in perspective includes: staying positive, encouraging our children and having open conversations with teachers for additional support when necessary. Exploring the boundaries between public and private: topics acceptable for casual conversation or others that are too personal, "taboo" or inappropriate. Learning polite phrases to use when to use when we prefer not to discuss something.

Casual Conversations:

Afternoon Conversation: Wednesday, 4:30-6:00

Maybe because it is close to dinnertime, this group often ends up talking about what to make and our favorite food. Screen sharing helps us to share recipes. 

End of the Week Conversation: Friday, 10:30-12:00

Are you a "packrat" who keeps everything or a "minimalist" who clears the clutter and lives with less? We had some "sentimental savers" and some "pragmatic pitchers" in our group. Most people keep some mementos to remind them of a special person, place, or season; however, we can simplify our lives if we "reduce, reuse, recycle: and choose to sell, "swap", or donate things we no longer use. or donate things we no longer use. There are many charities and donation centers in Indiana that appreciate your generosity. 

We all celebrate gathering and giving through major holidays and festivals, as well as in the ways we recognize and reward those who serve us. Tipping is not universal, but it is expected in the U.S.

etiquette: polite social behavior within a group, manners

dialectic: language idioms and sayings particular to a physical location

play on: humorous double meanings

icons: symbols

simmering: cooking slowly; cooking with small bubbles

aromas: pleasant smells

screen sharing: showing something to others from your computer over Zoom

clutter: extra stuff all over the house

tipping: giving money as a thank you for service; typically we give 15%

donation centers: think Goodwill

Fall Fun

For your best experience and for more click visit our webpages.

Hello  Friends,

Fall is a beautiful time to be in Indiana! Have you noticed the trees? Have you noticed the sunsets? 

• Ride the Nickel Plate Express out of Noblesville. Two fun trains are running in the fall.
• Make a bonfire. Here is a link to the YP (Yellow Pages*) that lists places to buy firewood. You have to be very careful this time of year with fires since it is so dry...make sure you use a fire ring to contain your fire. Have a bucket of water on hand to douse your flames. Don't forget marshmallows, graham crackers and Hershey's bars to make s'mores.     
  
  
• Pumpkin Spice is back! Go crazy for pumpkin spice shakes, lattes, candles, donuts, pancakes, beer, cookies, cup cakes... Sweater weather and pumpkin spice just go together!

Movie Recommendations

Radioactive: the story of the scientist Marie Curie and her work in the field of nuclear science and radium. Watch the trailer.

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara: This Bollywood Hindi language movie is about three friends on a bachelor party road trip. Read the captioning to follow the story. What a great way to practice your English and travel. The Official Trailer. The making of the song Senorita, so fun! Hindi, Spanish and English all so danceable!

                     

Zoom

Our meeting and class offerings are growing . You are welcome to join any of our classes and offerings. Use the links emailed from International Friends after registration. If you have registered, please check your email for our latest listings and log ins. Look for an updated email with our new classes and log ins.

• It is important for you  to use the Zoom link from International Friends. The link and your email together provide security for our meetings. That email also is your key to easy entry into our meetings.
• It is important that you do not share/re-email these links: sharing can compromise our Zoom as well as cause problems with your logging into the classes.
• Be sure to click on the link for the class or meeting you wish to attend (if you are coming to English Classes be sure to click that link and not one of the others).
• Please text or email me directly with your concerns. 

Columbus Day

Monday is a federal holiday recognizing Christopher Columbus for "discovering" North America in 1492. Columbus was an entrepreneur who was looking to find and expeditious trade route to China and India and gambled on the emerging science that the world was round and not flat. Columbus was Italian, but got financial support from Spain to test his theory. The European countries of Spain, France and England began sailing East to explore and settle the Western Hemisphere for political, religious and economic reasons. Not all states recognize this holiday. In the past months statues of Columbus have been torn down during protests and riots. There are a number of reasons cited for defacing and destroying. Some states renaming the day Indigenous Peoples Day. Read more about these current events in this Wall Street Journal article.

Poetry is a way to learn. From this poem, children would learn the history but also the rhythm or song of the English language.

Stories and More: Mondays, 10:30-11:30, private Zoom 

(Register or contact for more information). 

We Zoomed together to read 10 Apples Up on Top by Dr. Seuss. This fun counting and rhyming book is a great complement to apple season. Our preschoolers practiced counting apples red and green. They watched Miss Tomoko make our craft for the week. 

As parents, we talked about the importance of rhyming stories and poems for building an ear for the English language as well as learning the "song" of this language. We talked about how to make squishy "apples" (or use orange for pumpkins) as an alternative to play dough or as a stress ball. We talked about fine motor and gross motor skills and how our craft helps with developing dexterity.

October 13: We will continue to grow and learn together! Everyone has their "packet" for the month. This will be a fun week since we can craft together. We have plenty of spots in the class! 

American Sign Language: Mondays beginning October 13, 5:30-6:30

Join us as we start this new adventure in American English. This is an opportunity to watch and learn ASL or American Sign Language. Many parents teach their toddlers sign language to help with developing early language skills.

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

What a great discussion about Mary's response becoming the mother of God. She sings about the history of Israel and the promises God made to all people to send a Savior. Mary sings how God's actions seem counterintuitive to human values. God's justice is different than what humans demand. Mary acknowledges Jesus' role (summarized in John 3: 16-17) as the Savior bringing perfect justice and mercy.

October 13: Let's talk about the birth of John the Baptist, Luke 1: 57-66, and maybe 67-80 for Zechariah's Song.

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

Cooking together in our kitchens has been so fun. Learning from each other to make special dishes while chatting has be a great way to become friends. My family and neighbor were happy to have the Brig

October 13: Let's make rice pudding. You will need a cup of rice (uncooked), a can of sweetened condensed milk, a can of evaporated milk, and plain milk as well as cinnamon and raisins.

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

Our classes are continuing to meet and learn so much. Language learning is all about being able to communicate with the people around you. These first weeks of class are our time to get to know each other so that we can easily and confidently talk together. Some people seem like they are more confident speakers. Some people are more deliberate. 

Tricky words we talked about in our Basic class that even trip up natural English speaker:

• alone and a lone: A lone coyote stood alone in our yard. (One coyote was by itself in our yard)
• along and a long: I ran a long extension cord along the wall. (The 10 foot cord is against the wall.)
• already and all ready: Are you all ready to go already? (Are all of you finally ready to go?)
• also and all so: The baby rabbits were all so tiny also. (All the baby rabbits are very tiny, too.)
• always and all ways: At a four way stop, all ways always stop. (Every car has to stop at a four way stop.)

Afternoon Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00

End of the Week Conversation, Fridays, 10:30-12:00

We always cover surprising ground in these meetings. We learn about each other and about living in Indiana and other places. Trying to tell you everything we talk about is daunting. Join us! Share your questions and answers. 

bonfire: a fire for social

YP or Yellow Pages: the pages in the paper phone book that has businesses listed; the paper is actually yellow which makes it easy to find

fire ring: something to contain your fire

sweater weather: cool days

trailer: promotional video for a movie

making of: a mini documentary 

offerings: options 

compromise: open the door for people to enter our computers and classes

recognizing: 

expeditious: quickest or most efficient

gambled: a guess and action with a risk

emerging: not established

cited: said or listed

defacing: damaging 

current events: what is happening in the news

complement: something that goes well with something else

a ear: able to hear differences

squishy: soft nice to feel

dexterity: skilled at crafts or activities using your hands

plenty of spots: space available

deliberate: thoughtful

tricky: not obvious

daunting: intimidating

So Much to Know!

 Click here to go directly to our webpages. 

Hello, Friends.

This has been an amazing week of conversation, sharing and learning. All of our meetings and classes have been so interesting. It is impossible to recap everything we have talked about and learned about. Some of these things are surprising and looking closer will make your life a little easier. Take a peek at each section to learn more:

• Counting in the United States, use your fingers. (Stories and More)
• The prepositions for and with have many meanings! (Bible Study)
• There are no charges for emergency services. (Conversation)

Indiana has so much to offer. You can start with Visit Indiana and see a schedule of what is going on as well as what is available to see in an area where you are planning to visit or plan a visit around something you would like to see.

Halloween is on in Indiana! COVID-19 May make some changes in what we do, but haunted houses will be open (wear your 😷 and wear you👺, keep six feet away from other scary monsters, use your hand sanitizer). Carmel trick or treating is from 5:00-8:00. This is the year to get creative with your candy dispensing. Do you have any ideas? 

Check out the recommendations from the CDC for the upcoming fall holidays. There are some helpful advice for staying well but still enjoy the season.

Fall leaves:

• Leaves from space: NASA Satellite View
• Closer to home: Brown County Leaf Cam

A COVID-19 Indiana

Governor Holcomb issued Executive Order 20-43 which moved Indiana into Level 5. You can click on the link to read the order for yourself. This order rescinds previous orders identified except for wearing face coverings when around others. Specific orders for our new pandemic normal begin on page four. You will notice the word "whereas" which is always found in legal documents and means "taking into consideration..."

Stories and More: Mondays, 10:30-11:30

We kicked off stories and more by talking about being nice to your friends. We counted to 10 on our fingers. Did you know that each country counts on their fingers in different ways? Knowing how people use their fingers to count is important in being understood. In the United States we use two hands to count to 10. When you are trying to be clear how many you want, showing the expected fingers helps a lot!

Lesson packages for are ready! Be sure to pick yours up from Carolyn's house before class on Monday!

October 5: We will continue counting and reading. Get ready to count to 10!

International Bible Study: Tuesdays 9:30-10:30. 

Luke opens his biography of Jesus with stories of babies being given to two women in with very unusual circumstances. Luke then goes on to tell how these relatives meet for the first time. Mary is beginning her pregnancy and she travels to stay with Elizabeth as she completes her pregnancy. Luke documents this welcome and joyful meeting between the women. Elizabeth tells Mary that the baby inside her jumped with joy at hearing her voice!

We talked about the versions of the Bible that we were using to understand as well as enjoy what we are reading. By reading older translations we could appreciate poetic language of ages past. With modern translations, the words are current while conveying or telling the same message. We focused on the end of verse 37 and the how the use of pronouns help us understand the message. We read in Portuguese, Spanish and English. We observed how the versions used the pronouns “with” and “for” and how these pronouns direct action. 

• For nothing is impossible with God. NIV Luke 1: 37
• For with God nothing is impossible. King James Version

Click on the definitions of the prepositions above. This isn't the usual, common usage. Can you tell what is meant by the preposition in each case? 

October 6: Join us and read the famous poem in Luke 1: 46-56. Enjoy this praise version.

International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-12:00.

We visited my kitchen and learned to make wings in the oven. I used hot sauce mixed with an equal amount of melted butter. Another option was to brush the wings with butter and shake on powdered Ranch Dressing. I also made a few wings with Banana Ketchup. By the way, my husband liked this version with Filipino Sauce! Bake your wings at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes or until the are cooked. Dip in your sauce of choice 

October 6: Learn to make Brigadeiro and Rice Pudding.

Grocery list: 

• 1 Can of Sweetened Condensed milk
• 50 g Dark chocolate 70% more
• 2 1/2 Tablespoons of butter
• 1 C granulated chocolate as needed (also known as sprinkles or jimmies

• Evaporated milk
• Sugar
• Vanilla 
• Rice

Conversation Groups: 

Afternoon Conversation: Wednesdays 4:30-6:00

End of the Week Conversation: Thursdays, 10:30-12:00

This week our groups talked about so much it is hard to keep up. One important topic is Emergency Calls and response in the United States. 

When you call 911, it is an emergency. It is always good to know your local police phone number for non emergency calls. 

Carmel Police (317) 773-1282

• When you call 911 to your home, a fire engine, ambulance and police car will come.
• You are not charged money for the emergency calls.
• If someone calls for emergency services on your behalf (or for you) you are not charged. Neither are they.
• You do not have to take the ambulance. You have a right to refuse medical help. (But please accept the help!)
• Emergency fire and medical response in Carmel is around five minutes.
• The police will come and come quickly when called.
• Call the police to report unusual or suspicious activities.
• The police, fire and emergency services people.
• Police and emergency services are paid for through local taxes. 
• Fine: money charged as a penalty for 
• Fee: payment for a service
• Ticket: notice for breaking a traffic law
• Citation: notification to appear in court before a judge for breaking a minor law

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

We are continuing to accept new students into our Thursday classes. Tell your friends.

If you are having trouble Zooming: 

1. You need to be sure to use the email link from Carolyn. 
2. Be sure that you are logged into Zoom using the email you registered for classes. If you or someone else uses the computer for Zoom, the application may go directly from that log in.

Contact Carolyn for a new link or to make an appointment to practice logging in at a time that is different than our classes.

Here is a video to help you get into our meetings.