Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving, Friends!

As I write this, snow is pouring down! This is our first sighting here in Indiana! Since the ground is still warm and the air temperature will be up to 42, I don't think it will last.

International Bible Study, Tuesdays 9:00-10:30, room 100
We read Luke 5:12-16: Jesus heals a man with leprosy. A man with leprosy asks Jesus, if He is willing, to heal him. Jesus tells the man, "I am willing," touches him and heals him. Jesus warns the man not to tell anyone, but to first go to show himself to the priests (who were responsible for the welfare of the community). Jesus is protecting the man and the community. By following the law and the procedure official and practical documentation. The news about Jesus spreads. Good News travels fast! Luke also tells us that Jesus often withdraws to lonely places to pray. Jesus takes time to talk with God. To spend time alone with Him.

Tuesday, November 24: Let's read Luke 5:17-32.

International Friends, Tuesdays, 10:30-12:00, room 100
I loved sharing this year's feast with all of you. Wow! How delicious! I plan to add so many dishes to our family's  table! I am looking forward to hearing about your families' dinner plans for this great day.

Tuesday, November 24: Let's talk about 

NO CLASSES OR MEETINGS NOVEMBER 25 AND 26

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

pouring: falling rapidly

leprosy: a highly contagious skin disease. Today leprosy is known as Hansen's disease and is cured with antibiotics.

welfare: the health, happiness and fortune of a people group

family's and families': possessive for one family and for several families. Notice the apostrophe is on the after the s on families (you don't have to repeat the s).

Let's Train for Thanksgiving

Good Morning, Friends.

I am excited to be training for Thanksgiving with you this week! We are going to practice our feasting skills this week.

I also got to lead some classes on Wednesday and Thursday. We got off on the subject of the meaning behind people's names. We talked about the meanings behind our names. I love that the Asian names have particular written Chinese characters that both describe the sound but also convey a meaning. This is a beautiful way to encourage our children. In the United States, children can be named for a family member or a good friend. A trend lately is to either make up a name that is similar to an existing name or to create a new name with a new spelling. Parents are trying to give their children a unique gift.

This was a very interesting note to write to you. The vocabulary words function on multiple levels in the context of the sentences. It is not often that this happens. I love a good pun!

International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:00-10:30, room 100
We read Luke 5:1-11 and cross referenced these passages with the calling of the disciples with other books in the Bible. Jesus invites fishermen to follow Him and to become teachers in His footsteps, but first He demonstrates how He will make them successful: he tells them to cast their nets over the side and they catch so many fish that the nets are breaking and the boats begin to sink! When God calls us we can be sure He will prepare us for all things and will provide for us in every situation!

Tuesday, November 17: Let's read Luke 5:1-16

International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-12:00, room 100
This past week we shared the history of Thanksgiving and chatted.

Tuesday, November 17: LET'S FEAST
We will set the tables beginning at 10:15.
Turkey and other dish preparation will begin around 10:30 in the small kitchen.
Then, let's eat!

Don't forget to get me your

Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00, upstairs classroom
We had a very interesting conversation about names and trends in naming. Have you ever noticed that people with the same name often have a similar character? When I was growing up it seemed like all of the boys named Brian were mean, the boys named David were smart, the girls named Kathy were pretty and popular...

We talked about where we live and how we found our homes in Indiana. There was a brief discussion about drugs in High Schools. Our schools here on the North side of Indy generally do not have a drug problem. Yes, you can obtain drugs if you try hard enough, but that is the case in any community. You can always find a way to do something illegal and hurtful if you want.

November 18: Please read Unit 8
Elizabeth will continue to treat us in her language of love: food. This week she promised to bring a traditional Colombian dish. I wonder what it will be?

English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-12:00
I enjoyed visiting all of your classes this weekend to share announcements and conversation with you.

November 19: Butterbraid delivery
Pick up your butterbraid order on Thursday. Make your checks out to Joette Morris or pay cash. Most braids cost $13 each with the exception of the Double Chocolate that cost $14.
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practice: an exercise you repeat to be able to perform something well
skills: abilities to do something well
particular: a specific thing that singles out something above all others
character: letter, number or symbol in written language, this word can also mean the mental and moral qualities of a person, this word can also mean a person in a play or book (words are so interesting because for this topic, character is the perfect word on all levels)
unique: not usual, one of a kind
cross referenced: check other sources to confirm or add to source information
passages: phrases in a book; this can also mean halls in a building or transitions in your life
in His footsteps: to take on a task and perform it as a previous
treat: I am using this word as a pun here: it means both providing a delicious snack as well a behavior or action
language of love: how you show your care for others

Hello, Friends.

November is a great month in the United States. The leaves are falling leaving the trees bare. A popular exercise is raking. Some leaf management tips:

• run over the leaves with your lawn mower: the shredded leaves provide nutrients for your lawn for next year.
• rake the leaves on your garden to protect plants over the winter, the lower levels will rot and make great mulch (you will have to rake off the top layer in the spring, though)
• mow your grass really short and keep it short: the leaves will blow into your neighbors' yard and are their problem

We do a lot of tasting at International Friends meetings and classes. Thanksgiving is one of our favorite events because we get to sample so many feasting dishes. This week alone we tried three new dishes in two of our meetings. By popular demand I am adding a new section to our pages for recipes. Be sure to check it out.

In the Nursery: And speaking of eating...Moms, our nursery snack is goldfish crackers. This is the only snack that can or should be served there. Please do not offer your children other snacks while they are in there. This is very important for the safety of all of the children that use this room.

International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:00-10:30, room 100
We read two stories where Jesus casts out demons and heals sick people. These are two great stories. Some of us felt uncomfortable when reading these stories because the stories were about demons. Interestingly, the demon called out, "Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!" (Luke 4:34). Jesus tells the demon to be quiet and to come out of the man. Our class got concerned with the demons; why would Jesus tell them to be quiet? There were many ideas and explanations. The best answer, we decided was that they were stating the obvious.

We got stuck looking in the wrong direction. Our discussions and attention were distracted by the demons and their behavior. Our real focus needs to be on Jesus: He came to save and heal people. He can tell demons to be quiet and leave. This is what He did in these stories. The people of the towns where He was working did not want Him to leave. He did leave. He went to care for the rest of the people and to meet them one by one.

November 10: Let's read Luke 5:1-11: Jesus calls disciples.

International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-12:00, room 100
This week Yaying taught us to make pumpkin bread. This is a beautiful addition to your fall dinner table (although you can enjoy them any time of year). We also tasted a Brazilian favorite dish: shrimp in a pumpkin. I have added a new section to our pages for recipes. You can find these recipes there.

November 10: Let's plan for Thanksgiving with our International Friends
Join us as we talk about Thanksgiving in the United States. What is Thanksgiving? What are our traditions? What are your favorite feasts in your home country? If you have been in the States for a while, how do you like to celebrate Thanksgiving?

November 17: Let's feast!
Invite your friends and us starting at 10:30 for our annual Thanksgiving Feast. We will prepare a turkey and stuffing and some other traditional favorites. Bring your favorite feasting dish to share. Email or give me your recipe so I can include it in our annual feasting cookbook by Thursday, November 13.

November 25 and 26: THANKSGIVING BREAK! NO CLASSES

Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00, upstairs classroom
We talked about our vacations. It was fun to hear about everyone's favorite places to vacation. Did you know about a staycation? That is when you don't go anywhere, but live in your house and are a tourist at home! How often do you do that?

November 11: Read Unit 7

English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-12:00
Classes were so interesting on Thursday. It was nice to visit each class and to see what all of you are doing. I hope you can join us for the feast on Tuesday, November 17.

Thursday, November 12: Butterbraids will be delivered.
Butterbraids will be delivered on Thursday. Please bring cash or a check to pay for them.

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leaves: more than one leaf
leaving: not staying
shredded: torn into small pieces
check it out: look at it
stating the obvious: saying what everyone can clearly see
glossed over:

Halloween, Falling Back! What a busy weekend.

Boo!

This weekend is quite the weekend! Saturday is Halloween. Get ready for all the little fairies, zombies, Minions* and super heroes to knock at your door in search of candy and treats. If you want to welcome Trick or Treaters. turn on your porch lights. If you don't want to be bothered, leave your lights off. Regardless, be careful driving: many people will be out enjoying this holiday that isn't just for children anymore!

After our long night of fun, remember to Fall Back or move your clocks back one hour. The good news? You get one more hour of Halloween to enjoy: no, it isn't midnight, yet! It is only 11:00! Of course, this is only true if you stay up late enough.

Happy Halloween.

International Bible Study, Tuesdays, 9:00-10:30
We read Luke 4: 14-30. Jesus returns to the town where He was raised. They asked Him to read the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He read a prediction from Isaiah and then sat down to teach. The people didn't expect Jesus to teach this way. They knew that He was popular from his travels, but they still saw Him as the familiar boy that grew up among them. Jesus remarks (from the Bible) that prophets aren't respected in their home town. Eventually, the people want to kill Him: they take Him to the hill in town to throw Him off a cliff. Jesus leaves by walking through the crowd. We noticed in this study that Jesus doesn't become angry; He teaches. We were reminded of the famous verses: John 3:16-17. Jesus came to save the world and not condemn it. We talked about how what Jesus does here isn't supernatural. He is a kind teacher. He is a good neighbor that allows 

Tuesday, November 3: Let's read Luke 4:31-37 and then Luke 4: 38-44
IMPORTANT: Tuesday morning there is a funeral at the church, We are meeting in the upstairs classrooms: Rooms 205 and 207

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

We carved our Jack-O-Lanterns for our porches. Luckily the cool weather held out through the week to help preserve them. You can also spray the inside with bleach water to help save your pumpkins. Next week we will warm up and have what is known as an Indian Summer. This is an unusual warm spell just before winter comes. 

We also toasted pumpkin seeds. This is very easy to do: Wash the seeds from your pumpkin. Season with salt or cinnamon sugar, or Parmesan cheese, or any other seasoning mix that you like. Spread the seeds on a baking sheet and bake at 400. Watch them and stir them to toast them evenly. You can also toast them in a pan on the stove.

Tuesday, November 3: Let's bake pumpkin bread!
Yaying will teach us to make pumpkin bread. We will also talk about the pumpkin craze that is hitting the nation!
IMPORTANT: Tuesday morning there is a funeral at the church, We are meeting in kitchen just off the gym.

Conversation: Wednesday, 4:30-6:00, room 200
We tasted delicious corn cream soup, a popular dish in Japan. Thank you for the treat Elizabeth. Here's the link to the recipe: Japanese Pottage We also shared sports stories. It is interesting to see what sports are popular in the different countries and what we like to do fore exercise and recreation. While most exercise is active, we were introduced to a very still exercise: stand with you legs shoulder width apart, hold your arms in front of you like you are hugging a ball (drop your shoulders and elbows), bend your knees. Hold this stand for 30 minutes to strengthen you total body. This is an amazing practice that requires you to concentrate and relax your tense muscles. It is simple!

Wednesday, November 4: Let's talk about vacation: read Unit 6.

English Classes: Thursday, 9:30-12:00
It was fun to visit the different English classes this week. Everyone was having great conversations and practicing their English skills and discussing some incredible topics. It is so nice to get to know all of you so much better. 


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quite the weekend: a very unusual weekend

regardless: no matter what
*: when you see a * look to the bottom of the page for a note or personal comment
of course: 
raised: grew from a child to an adult
scroll: a rolled book
supernatural: an event tat defies science and the laws of nature
held out: remained the same; was consistent
preserve: maintain an original condition; not rot or decay
spell: short period of time
craze: fad or trend; everyone is interested in it
hitting the nation: widely popular
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*I find it interesting that everyone wants to be the popular movie character. Back in the day we went old school as ghosts (cut eye holes in an old sheet), old people (powder your hair white and dress in your parent's clothes), Old schoolbed time (wear pajamas and curlers in your hair), bride (white dress, veil, flowers, awww, beautiful), mummy (wrap up in you ghost costume from last year torn in strips). Store bought costumes were not popular, at all. Everything was too big, too small and made from stuff you already had at home.

Helping people directly and indirectly

Hello, Friends.

Today is a truly fall day. The skies are gray and leaves are flying. I find it strange that even though the skies are dark, the atmosphere is bright with the yellow light from the leaves. This is really amazing! Our life can be like that: it seems dark when there is really light all around us. It is a beautiful time to be in Indiana!

We are always encouraged to help other people, but sometimes we need to pass on an opportunity and redirect someone to others. One of our teachers and I were approached in the parking lot at the church by a woman asking for money for food. It is important to direct these requests to the church. Tell the person that they need to talk to Jill or Tina at the desk inside door number six. The church has special funds to help these people. Since they are greeting you on church property, it is right that the church should be responsible for handling this situation and not the individuals going in and out of the building. Please let me know if people are approaching you in the parking lot for money. This can become a problem since sometimes people are trying to take advantage of the great hearts and generosity of people who are at the church. This is also the correct procedure when you are approached by someone in a parking lot and are asked for money or other help (like at the shopping mall or other store, or on the street).

You can help people indirectly and practice your English at the same time by joining Janie Willenbrock and other people at the Easter Seals Crossroads at 4740 Kingsway Drive (between Keystone and Allisonville Road North of 46th Street) Mondays from 10:00am-12:00pm. They are currently getting ready by pricing and counting items for the Gift and Hobby Show to raise funds. Easter Seals helps people with disabilities. This organization was originally established to help fight polio. Since that disease and its effects have diminished, they have moved on to help with other relevant social problems.

International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:00-10:30
We talked about when Jesus was tempted by the devil. This is a great story because it shows us so much about the character of Jesus. Jesus goes into the desert after His baptism and fasts for 40 days and is tempted by the devil. 40 is significant for it symbolizes trial or testing. The devil tests Jesus in three (the number that indicates God) ways. We noticed that Jesus doesn't condemn the devil, but teaches him using the Word ("it is written"  "it says"). We know that the devil is not finished with Jesus for in verse 13 we read that he leaves Jesus "until an opportune time." Jesus teaches from the Old Testament; He leads the devil from God's word...when we are tempted, we can turn to God to provide us with His wisdom to overcome all arguments in this world. The devil may think he has power here, but God has greater power and even the devil knows this and leaves. We can be assured that when the devil comes back at "an opportune time" we can be prepared with God's Word to overcome the temptation. We can also be assured that if Jesus (the Son of God: Luke 2:49, Luke 3: 23) would teach the devil, He would also teach us. We pray (talk to God) that we are ready to hear His Word and be teachable and recognize His great love for us. We pray that God give us the words to overcome temptations when they are presented to us and we can be sure that God will teach and lead us.

October 27: Join us to read Luke 4:14-30 where Jesus is rejected in his home town. Do you ever return home and feel like you are not accepted by your friends and family? How could this happen?

International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-12:00
We began our discussion of Third Culture Kids: these are children that are being raised in a culture that is different from their parent's culture. Many of us have third culture children, but we also discovered that within a country there can be drastic differences in cultures from one region to another. We will continue this discussion in the future and talk about what we are doing to retain our traditions and to add new traditions that make our family stronger and help us to grow together.

October 27: Let's carve pumpkins into Jack-o-Lanterns and talk about American Halloween customs.
Please bring a pumpkin to carve and a serrated knife. We will toast pumpkin seeds and enjoy this delicious simple snack that is so popular in many cultures. You don't want to carve? Join us for the lively discussions.

Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00
Last Wednesday we shared some Turkish foods and practiced ordering from different menus. We talked about how to ask for details about different dishes.

October 28: Let's talk about sports.
Come and share sports stories. Read Unit 5.

English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-12:00
I got to spend the morning with the Conversation and Accent Class this past Thursday. What a fun morning! We had a rambling conversation during the second half. I hope to visit with each of the classes over the next few weeks.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone next week.
Carolyn
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pass on an opportunity: in this situation, say no. This can also mean that you are sharing an opportunity...
redirect: send someone to a different person or place
direct these requests: tell someone where to tell these requests
funds: money set aside for a certain purpose
right: correct, proper
individuals: people
approaching: talking you; asking you. This word also means coming toward.
take advantage of: use
great hearts: kindness; having a kind heart
indirectly: not a straight connection
generosity: being kind and giving
disabilities: physical or mental conditions that limit a person's abilities
diminished: gone away
relevant: appropriate or current
raise funds: earn money
serrated: a knife with "teeth" or bumpy edges
got to: had the opportunity

Fall is in the air and on the ground!

Hello, Friends.

Fall is here! The leaves are beautiful and raining down. We turned on our heat today. That meant that I had to check my filters and close my furnace damper. Do you know what that means? Be sure to ask me when you see me!

International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:00-10:30
We had great discussion over two Bible verses: Luke 3:21 and 22. Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist. This is an important event in Jesus' life and the account is told in all of the Gospels (biographies of Jesus in the Bible). You can read them for yourself:

• Matthew 3:13-17
• Mark 1:9-12
• Luke 3:21-22
• John 1:29-34

In all accounts:

1. Jesus was baptized: He hadn't sinned, but he followed the practice to "fulfill all righteousness"
2. Jesus was baptized by John (you can not baptize yourself, someone else performs that service for you).
3. All three persons of God were present in one place, separately. God the Father clearly identifies Jesus as His Son. The Holy Spirit (usually a spirit isn't seen) appears.
4. We got off on a discussion of how, why, when, etc. people are baptized in the different Christian churches. We realized that the Bible never specifies any of these details (and where practice details are important, the Bible is very explicit. For example, see Numbers 17. We decided that the important point was to be baptized with water and "in the Name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit" and the rest is negotiable.

October 20
Let's read Luke 4:1-14: Jesus is tempted by the devil.

International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-12:00
We had "swearing class" this past Tuesday. Wow! We discovered so many things that are inappropriate in some countries that mean something else in another country and mean absolutely nothing in other countries. This is always a strange meeting to lead, because it is hard to actually say some words because of our training. These words are always important to know because you want to avoid them in your own conversation (probably....) and you want to stop them in your children's vocabulary.

October 20: Let's talk about raising our children in another country.
How do you hang on to your traditions? How do you add new traditions? What do you take home with you?

October 27: Let's carve Halloween Jack-o'-Lanterns.

Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00
I was sorry to miss this past week of English classes. I really missed you and was experiencing my own road trip!

October 21: Read Chapter 4. I'll bet my favorite topic will be discussed!

English: Thursdays, 9:30-12:00
I was sorry to miss Thursday classes. Thank you students and teachers who touched base with me to keep me up to date. You know I like to know everything that is going on with all of my classes. You are all special to me!

October 22: We are still meeting for English classes. I know many of you are gone for your Fall Break. I hope you have a great time and look forward to sharing stories when you come back.

See you soon!
Carolyn
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the account: the story; not the bank account which is your money
got off on: followed a course of discussion
practice: how something is done
explicit: stated clearly without room for confusion or doubt
fulfill: complete a task
all righteousness: the quality of being morally right and justifiable
His Son: I am going "old school" here and capitalizing his because I am referring to God (in honor) and son because it is Jesus' name and title.
negotiable: open to discussion
inappropriate: just don't do it!
touched base: contact someone to share information (not running for a home run)
going on: happening (not moving forward ahead of the rest of the group)

CORRECTION!

Hello, Friends,

I was so excited I skipped all of next week when I gave you dates. We are meeting as follows:

International Bible Study: 9:00-10:30
October 13: Let's read about Jesus' baptism and His genealogy. Luke 3:21-37.

International Friends: 10:30-12:00
October 13: Let's talk about swearing in English.
Join us as we talk about bad language. What are swear words and gestures? What is rude and bad language? What words in your home language can be confused for swear words?

I am sorry for any confusion.
Carolyn

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are: when something is written in bold type it is emphasized. We are meeting next week.
as follows: means that the the information that is listed next explains further