Welcome Fall. Welcome October.

 Hello Friends,

This past Wednesday was the first day of Fall for us here in the Northern Hemisphere. Our Friends South of the Equator welcomed Spring. 

Fall means:

• Football (not soccer)
• Tailgating
• Homecoming
• Fall Festivals
• Pumpkin farms
• Apple picking

October brings scary fun with:

• Haunted houses
• Haunted woods
• Halloween

Let's Get Together

Most of our classes and meetings are on Zoom, but people still want to see each other in person! 

October Tailgate and Halloween Friends Meet-up

October 26: 10:30-12:00 

Cornerstone Lutheran Church, 4850 E. Main Street 

American Sign Language: Monday, 5:30-6:30 PM EST, Zoom

We enjoyed conversation in sign language. Learning American Sign Language shed some light on how "what" is used in the English language.

• What: What do you want to do?
• What: Rhetorical what or when making a statement rather than asking a question.
• What: What is this?
• What: Exclamation or huh?

Throughout the week we talked about how ASL is a distinct language that while it is related to American English, when we learn it we are directly translating from our home language and not from American English.

September 27: Join us as we talk together in ASL and learn more words and more the deaf culture in the U.S.

International Bible Study: Tuesday, 9:30-10:30 AM EST, Zoom

In Galatians 2, Paul writes about acceptance and justification. Paul, who persecuted Christians, is accepted by the Apostles as a teacher and leader. This acceptance fulfils and displays all the meanings of this word. Paul then writes about justification. Paul discusses where he was at odds with the original apostles when it came to the practice of believing about the relationship between Jesus and people. Paul makes the argument that following the law precisely or performing ritual actions does not mend the relationships between God and people, but it is what is in the heart of the person and then the grace of God not obeying laws of man that creates and secures the relationship.

September 28: Let's talk about Galatians 3. Paul speaks further about the relationship between faith and law.

International Friends: Tuesday, 10:30 AM-12:00 PM EST, Zoom

It was nice to Zoom together and touch base for the week. We had a great chat about life in Indiana and in Carmel. We then moved on to talk about the impact that 9/11 had on us twenty years ago and what the actions of that attack signified for us as we lived in other countries and had other nationalities. We reflected on how the actions of the attack impact our lives today. We considered the withdrawal of Americans from Afghanistan and the setting up of the Taliban as the ruling government and what that means for the world as well as the American people who had family members who died in the attacks as well as the subsequent war.

September 28: Fall Fests, Football, Fun! Welcome fall (unless you are Zooming in from South of the Equator). What does the Fall season bring to American life? Let's see!

Casual Conversation: Wednesday, 4:30-6:00 PM EST, Zoom

Casual conversation follows the wind. This week we mainly got to know each other and then we talked about academia vs boot camps and beginning new careers. Which is better? There are many considerations including: cost, time, type if certification, quality of the program or education.

September 29: Bring your questions. Bring your answers. Bring your life and let's talk.

English Classes: Thursday, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM, Zoom

We kept the big group together for English classes and had some great discussions around

September 30: Back to class. Meet in smaller groups for class and discussion with your teachers.

Kids' Conversation: Friday, 4:30-5:00 PM, Zoom.

We had a nice meeting catching up on our projects. We had fun with Mad Libs. Are they a game? Are they a joke? Are they nonsense? Yes!

October 1: Try this neat experiment. What is the science? Did it work for you?

 

acceptance and accepted: approve

boot camp: intensive training

does: in this complicated sentence use "does" (the singular form) because of the "or".

• Following does not mend. 
• Performing does not mend.

follows the wind: is unscripted; does not follow any particular plan

justification: showing something to be right or reasonable

makes the argument: presents an idea for discussion

neat: very cool

shed some light: reveal

touch base: make contact with someone

throughout the week: different times during the week

when it came to: considering

withdrawal: departure, pull out, evacuation

September Rocks!

Hello Friends,  

It was good to get back together this week and begin our classes and meetings. The first few weeks are always interesting as our groups form and people become acquainted. 

Everyone is welcome to join any of the classes and meetings. Our Thursday English classes are set, so please talk to Carolyn if you want to try a different level/class. Our American Accent class is currently full, but we have a great formal conversation class as well as higher level American English class.

We have several open conversation groups. Look at our offerings below to learn more. Register and try a meeting.

Stuff to Do

• Center For Performing Arts  virtual programs offer opportunities to see and hear artist performances and learn more about their music.
• October is a great month to enjoy all that Indiana has to offer. Festivals and Events in Indiana lists information for apples, sunflower, and pumpkin festivals; corn mazes and boo-tacular fun for all.
• Michael’s offers free, online classes. Get ready for fall and October. Try a new craft or project. 
• Oliver Winery fall kickoff begins this weekend with samples and tours. 
• Carmel Octoberfest 
• Glow in the Dark in Fishers September 18. Wear your white t-shirt and get ready to glow!

And the International Friends favorite social is back:

Oktoberfest at Cornerstone Lutheran Church

September 24, 4:00-10:00 PM

American Sign Language: Monday, 5:30-6:30 PM EST, Zoom

Welcome back! We started with review and introductions. It was nice to see old friends and catch up. This year we will continue to build and use our vocabulary.

September 20: Join us as we review, learn more about deaf culture (because culture is important in understanding and communicating), and have great conversation.

International Bible Study: Tuesday 9:30-10:30 AM EST, Zoom

We began our reading and talking about Galatians. We has a great discussion about Paul and his life before he became a follower of Christ. The first, introductory chapter tells:

• Paul is an Apostle of Jesus. Jesus taught him. Read the story (Acts 9:1-39).
• There is only one Gospel and that is the truth taught by Jesus and the Apostles.
• Grace is God's gift; traditions are works and habits of men. 

September 21: People don't change. A leopard can't change it's spots. Join us as we talk about whether these statements hold up and whether people accept change in others Galatians 2

International Friends: Tuesday, 10:30 AM -12:00 PM EST, Zoom

We had a great time talking about our favorite vacations. People are moving and traveling again, so it is great to feel comfortable and to move around. We chose our topic for next week:

September 21: Join us as we talk about 911 and the impact the attack on the U.S. has on us in our home countries. Is there a lasting impact 20 years later?

Afternoon Conversation: Wednesday, 4:30-6:00 PM EST, Zoom

Time flies in conversation. We chatted across the board about many things. We usually don't prescript our conversation time, but let it flow. 

September 22: Join us with your own questions or ideas and let's talk.

English Classes: Thursday, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM EST, Zoom 

Are you ready to try something new? Don't feel like you have to stick to the same teacher or the same class every year. This year (by student request) our classes are continuing on Zoom. We are always happy when you come back and tell us what you want to learn. All of our teachers are spectacular and have so much experience to share with you, so you can't go wrong. Try a new class this year. We love when you mix things up.

September 23: Join us as we continue to grow our American English.

Kid's Conversation: Friday, 4:30-5:00 PM EST, Zoom

It was fun to catch up with old friends. We talked about our favorite classes this year as well as our least favorite classes. It is so cool to learn about what other people are studying. Everyone loves homework! How about a Grammar Worksheet? How about a Science Experiment? How about a snack (candy sushi)? 

September 24: Join us to go over your homework. 

rocks: is great

Welcome Back!

Hello Friends:

Welcome to September! The kids are getting back to school and the pools are closing. Fall is creeping into the air. Apple farms, pumpkin farms, sunflower patches and more are open. 

Our meetings and classes began September 7. Register to get the Zoom links for the 2021-2022 year. You are welcome to join us any time; we have rolling admissions. Thanks to Zoom, you do not have to be local. 

Register for the 2021-2022 Year

In America

Labor Day

Labor Day signals the official end of summer. Pools close. Kids return to school. This federal holiday is often celebrated with parades, picnics and speeches. After Labor Day, white shoes, dresses, pants, etc. are not fashion choices. Read more about the history of Labor Day from the Department of Labor.

20th Anniversary of 9-11

Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of the attack on America. News and television programs highlight the lives of the people lost as well as the survivors. These images and stories are heart wrenching. This unexpected attack that took the lives of American citizens (and not military) was and continues to be shocking.

• The History Channel provides an overview of the plot as well as additional video documentaries.
• 9/11 As Events Unfold provides audio and video clips of first responders, air traffic controllers and people on the planes and in the towers.
• This photo montage from Bored Panda provides pictures as well as comments.

Our Meetings and Classes

International Bible Study: Tuesday, 9:30-10:30 AM EST, Zoom

We met for the first time and set our study for the year. This year we have decided to read shorter books so that we can complete our studies. 

The Bible is the most read and translated book in the world. This is perfect for our individual study in any language and common discussion in English. We are able to explore and express philosophical, spiritual and social ideas within the context of the Bible. This week our discussion was an overview and to determine where we would start.

What is the Bible?

• Many books in one "library": history, biographies, law, poetry, predictions.
• How God speaks to me offering: support, direction, peace, love, companionship, empathy.
• God's love letter to us inviting us to know Him and giving us a vision of Him.
• A guide for living.

Who is the Bible for?

• Anyone and everyone.
• God created the world for our enjoyment so everyone can enjoy the Bible.
• No formal religions forbid the reading of the Bible so anyone can read it.
• Governments, political groups, individual people may forbid the reading of the Bible.

September 14: Galatians 1 is our first read. Join us as we begin to talk about this short letter to the Galatians.

International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30 AM-12:00 PM EST, Zoom

Our first meeting was a truly International Meeting with Friends Zooming from Turkey, Hong Kong and the United States. We had a very nice time comparing cultures and getting to know each other. 

September 14: Bring your stories about your favorite travel location. Do you have pictures? You can share your screen.

Afternoon Conversation: Wednesday, 4:30-6:00 PM EST, Zoom 

Join us for unscripted conversation. Meet new Friends and talk about what is happening in your life. We never know where the discussion leads. This is what makes us more proficient in our speaking and communicating skills.

September 15: Zoom over to meet new Friends.

English Classes: Thursday, 9:30 AM- 12:00 PM EST, Zoom

We kept the school together to get to know each other, answer questions and take care of housekeeping.

We as we got to know each other, we practiced small talk through questions and answers. We looked at the pages referenced on our site that help you to build your vocabulary with common words and to improve your pronunciation. Check for the resources under English Classes on this page.

Language learning tips: 

• Four seconds or "take a breath": when your mind is racing to communicate with others, take a breath. When you take that breath, focus on the air coming in and going out. That short break helps your body and mind reset. It is like refreshing the page on your computer.
• Disrupt your habits: learning a new language isn't easy. We are all used to talking and communicating but it isn't easy to switch to a new mode of talking. Switch things up to become comfortable with being a little uncomfortable in our daily life: take a shower in another bathroom, eat dinner for breakfast or breakfast for dinner. 
• Watch American TV with the Closed Captioning on and read along. This engages more senses.
• Skip translating as much as possible. Draw pictures for flash cards. Write sentences using vocabulary words combining as many as possible in the sentence or story.
• Think about your listener's ears rather than your voice and mouth. If you focus on your listener, you become a better communicator.
• Speaking is communicating. It is an experience to be enjoyed. Relax and learn from each other.

September 16: Join us as we move into our individual classes and begin to study together.

Kids' Conversation: Friday, 4:30-5:00 PM EST, Zoom

It was so fun to get together and talk about what we did over the break. I am glad to hear that everyone is back in the classroom! We talked about the book the Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznek. Is this really a book? Is it something more? Check it out from the library (because it is free!) and be sure to look at the webpage The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick. Why would a book have it's own webpage?

September 18: See if you can create some Rice Krispie Sushi. Here is a site to hep you get started. You may want to get creative using different fruit or even other ingredients. (Is this a STEAM project?)

Rice Krispies Treats® Sushi Rolls (kelloggsawayfromhome.com)

check it out: borrow

clips: short video or audio
heart wrenching: extremely sad or emotional
housekeeping: details about the operations of a program

local: a person living in a specific area
marks: highlight or important notice

unscripted: unplanned