Welcome November!

Hello, Friends

You never know what is going to happen. Even the best laid plans can become derailed. Some people see this as drama. Others see it as opportunity. What about you?

Scheduling for International Friends

November has very important dates for us in the United States. We have civic events as well as celebrate Thanksgiving. 

November 2: Daylight Savings Ends. Indiana "falls back". Set you clocks back an hour. Sleep in! If you Zoom with us from a different time zone, check the class times. 

November 5: U.S. Election Day: Americans vote for the next U.S. president as well as local officials. 

November 12: 6:30-8:30 PM Creekside Middle School. Practice your English and tell other families about International Friends.

November 14: International Friends Feast--Meet at CLC to learn how to make a traditional turkey and pitch in feast. Bring your friends, family, and your favorite feasting dish. 

November 28: Thanksgiving Day-No classes or meetings November 27-December 1.

November 29: Black Friday kicks off the holiday shopping season. Look for great sales and door busters. Business accounting books used to record red ink as a loss and black ink as a profit in ledgers. Black Friday was the day businesses began making a profit (often thanks to holiday shopping).

American English

Look at our Kid's Conversation to see what we are learning about some unusual singular and plural nouns. When it comes to treats, standard rules do not always apply. Can you think of other words like candy and fruit that are plural/singular? What is the grammar rationale or explanation?

American Culture

November is a month of giving. People are anticipating holidays of thanks and holidays of giving. Christmas "giving trees" pop up in churches and schools. American culture is one of volunteerism and giving. 

Get Out There! What are you finding?

Christmas in October?! Not yet, but they are setting up Christkindlmarkt on Carter Green (and you can find decorations and supplies at Hobby Lobby, too).

Festive shopping at bazaars. Look for craft shows and holiday markets. These are great places to find treasures for your friends and family. Here is a link to Holiday Markets in Indiana. Maybe there is a field trip in your future.

International Friends Meeting Notes

Join us! Click here to register.

International Bible Study: Monday, 8-9:00 PM, Zoom

Two of us were gathered. We caught up with each other and with the beginning of Genesis 25. Again, the genealogy was insightful to this small group. We appreciated the importance of family and roots. We appreciated that Isaac and Ishmael met together to bury Abraham (indicating a familiar and familial relationship) (25:9). 

November 4: Meeting is cancelled.

November 11: Psalm 36 and Genesis 25-27. Indiana falls back. We are keeping our meeting time at 8:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.

American English and Culture: Thursday, 9-11:00 AM, Zoom

Due to downpours, we met inside to "tailgate". Only one pumpkin showed up to be carved, so that didn't happen. We had great conversations about weather and food and had a great steering committee 

November 7: Meet on Zoom. Click here to see a "Where are you from?" worksheet.

American English and Culture: Thursday, 7-8:00 PM, CLC, Carmel, room 102

I hope you had a happy Halloween and worked on your word lists.

November 7: Let's talk about Halloween as well as other celebrations you might have in your home. Bring your "home" word lists. It doesn't matter what language they are in. We will compare them! We will continue the "where are you from" discussion.

American English for Kids: Thursday, 4:30-5:00 PM, private Zoom

Fruit/fruits and candy/candies: these words came up in our conversation. These can be misused and often are. Candy and fruit can mean one or a whole bunch (uncountable amount, like in your Trick or Treat bags). We have candy dishes and fruit bowls (How many are in there? What are the types? No one cares!) But, if you are counting, that is a different story.

• Do you want this candy?
• Do you want these candies?

Use candy (or fruit) generally. Use candy (or fruit) with much or little (How much candy did you get?) You might say candies (or fruits) when specifically talking about a number of or different types of candy (oops!) 

Trunk or treat has become a world-wide answer to Trick or Treating. Our friends told us that this was how they celebrated in their American school.

Piasa birds (see this within five hours of Indy) and Windigos. These creatures are native American/American Indian folklore creatures.  Windigos have become popular in American culture lately. Have you anything like this in your culture?

   

November 8: We "fell back" for our Friends, the time didn't change but notice that our time on Zoom is an hour earlier.

Words and Phrases

answer: solution (answer to something or answer for something)

best laid plans: most thought through and organized

came up: happened

derailed: ruined

door busters: events of special deals that are designed to bring customers into a store
familial: relating or occurring to in a family or to family members
familiar: related to a family; well known

officials: people who hold jobs supporting the state and local government

pop up: appear for a limited time

sleep in: do not get up early

used to: a practice in the past; were

volunteerism: free labor for community service

world-wide: common all around the world

BOOOOOOOO!

Happy Halloween, Friends!

Halloween is an important American holiday. Kids dress up in costumes and go door to door saying, "Trick or treat!" People give the children one piece of candy or some small gift. Communities post Trick or Treat times in advance, and you can find that information via local news. Central Indiana Trick or Treat times. Some neighborhoods have parties and bar b cues in lieu of door to door begging. Trunk or Treat parties are hosted by churches and communities where people sponsor a spot in a parking lot and decorate their car for Trick or Treaters.

Be safe! If you are driving, take extra care since children may not be watching as closely as they should. Look over the loot in your kids' bags to make sure all the candies and treats are age appropriate, wrapped, and safe to eat. Local 

American Politics

We are on the final countdown for the elections. Campaigns and ads swamp the airwaves. Pundits and polls predict outcomes. There is more to these elections than the president (although that is a headliner!). Learn more in this .gov Overview of the Presidential Election Process. Wikipedia offers a broader perspective of U.S. elections in a nutshell. 

There are many places to preview ballots to see candidates and issues. Ballotpedia is a great source for ballots and issues. States have their own informational .gov sites. Here is the one for Indiana. Be an informed voter by doing your homework. If you can't vote, be an informed community member and do your homework to understand the local and national issues and the players and their positions and the party platforms beyond their personality.

Meetings and Classes

Join us! Click here to see our classes and register.

International Bible Study: Monday, 8-9:00 PM, Zoom

Our study group was small, but "where ever two or more are gathered..." We decided to limit our discussion until the others could join us because insight from each other is valuable. Of course we couldn't resist talking about Genesis 25: 1-11 and then 12-18. These lineages and storylines tell more about Abraham and while his "character" was not monogamistic. He was generous in his giving to all his sons while he was living and then after he died, Isaac was his heir.  He sent the sons of the concubines away from Isaac which ensured that they would not be jealous of him or fall under his rule. Verses 12-18 follow the line of Ishmael. These people ended up being hostile with all the tribes related to them (18). Thinking about "Where are you from?"

Psalm 100 is a short song and tells the goodness of God. The final verse (5) is famous for showing God's love that spills over from generation to generation. This was an apt reading as we wrap up the story of Abraham. God was with Abraham and Abraham loved his time with God. 

In the church short hymns of praise are called doxologies. 

• Here is a modern take on Psalm 100 by Crist Tomlin.
• The Celtic Worship has a more traditional feel of "The Old 100".

American English and Culture: Thursday, 9-11:00 AM, Zoom

We had a lively discussion about being bored and being boring. I hope you are rarely bored in our meetings, but you can be sure you are never boring! Notes and Handouts has some additional worksheets to help you with polishing -ed verses -ing endings.

October 31: Bring your pumpkins to carve into Jack-O-Lanterns and a snack to share and let's tailgate in the Cornerstone Lutheran Church parking lot.

American English and Culture: Thursday, 7-8:00 PM, CLC, Carmel, room 102

We had a great discussion about traffic jams and then wrote a "round robin" story. Traffic jams have a lot of very interesting words and phrases to describe the situation. I hope your roads are clear and you have smooth sailing! Check Notes and Handouts to see our boards. Be working on telling where you are from stories.

October 31: No Meeting! Happy Halloween

Words and Phrases

airways: a designated frequency for radio communications

do your homework: be informed

final countdown: counting the days to a specific event

headliner: the principal performer in a show

in a nutshell: a brief statement

smooth sailing: an easy and clear way

spills over: grow in size and scope

swamp: inundate, overload

October Surprises

Hello, Friends

You never know what is going to happen. Even the best laid plans can become derailed. Some people see this as drama. Others see it as opportunity. What about you?

October 31 Scheduling for International Friends

Halloween is in two weeks. Get out and see the decorations. October 31 American English and Culture will meet in the parking lot at CLC for a tailgate and pumpkin carving 9:00-11:00. Bring a nice big pumpkin to carve to welcome Trick or Treaters!

We are not meeting in the evening. It is prime time to spend with family and friends celebrating the holiday and handing out candy.

American English

People newer to American English tend to have trouble using the -ing ending. Here is part of Espresso English summary of -ing

Use the -ING form of verbs in continuous tenses

Present continuous:

• I’m studying English.
• She’s watching TV.
• We’re having lunch at the moment.

Present perfect continuous:

• I’ve been thinking a lot about this decision.
• He’s been working here since 1995.
• They’ve been waiting for you for an hour.

Past continuous:

• When I came home last night, you were already sleeping.
• I found $10 on the street while I was jogging in the park.

Future continuous:

• Sorry, I can’t meet with you tomorrow afternoon. I’ll be taking my friend to the airport.

Use the -ING form after prepositions

• I improved my English by practicing every day.
• We left the party after saying goodbye to everyone.
• They’ve made a lot of money since launching their new product.
• I want to talk to you about investing in the stock market.

Exception: Never use the -ING form after “to”:

• I need to practice my English more.
• My mother told me to study for the test.
• We’d like to invest in this technology.
• The girl didn’t want to leave the party.

Use the -ING form after these verbs in English

• admit: The politician admitted stealing millions of dollars.
• avoid: You should avoid eating after 10 PM.
• consider: Have you considered buying a laptop computer?
• enjoy: I enjoy surfing and playing tennis.
• finish: I finally finished cleaning the house at midnight.
• can’t stand: I can’t stand going to parties where I don’t know anyone.
• don’t mind: I don’t mind working overtime.
• look forward to: I look forward to seeing you next week.
• keep (continue): My ex-boyfriend keeps calling me even though I’ve told him I don’t want to talk to him!
• practice: I need to practice writing in English.
• spend (time): My roommate spends hours watching TV.
• stop: He stopped smoking ten years ago.
• suggest/ recommend: I suggest taking some time off.
• The doctor recommended getting more rest.

Start, like, and love can be used with the infinitive or -ing. Both are correct!

• The baby started to cry. = The baby started crying.
• I like to run. = I like running.
• We love reading. = We love to read.

American Culture

What happens when you are suddenly sick and can't get in to see your regular doctor? You can visit an Urgent Care and have assessments done as well get prescriptions to take care of the problem. Ear infections, fevers, flu and cold symptoms, strep throat, urinary tract infections, minor wounds, etc. 

When the problem is more serious, or it is late at night and nothing else is open, go to the Emergency Room at the hospital. The Emergency Room is for heart attacks, broken bones (after regular hours), strokes, car accidents, etc.

Get Out There! What are you finding?

Christmas in October?! Not yet, but they are setting up Christkindlmarkt on Carter Green (and you can find decorations and supplies at Hobby Lobby, too).

International Friends Meeting Notes

Join us! Click here to register.

International Bible Study: Monday, 8-9:00 PM, Zoom

Psalm 2 is a song reminding us that God is in control and any people with authority (world or otherwise) who conspire (or some versions say rage) against God and people or nations that follow God's lead. Verse four tells us that God laughs at the plotting of people against him and leaders/nations that follow his lead. When the world seems to be chaotic and in turmoil  

Genesis 22-24 This week's readings were comforting and beautiful examples of relationships. Abraham and his son Isaac are the main characters.  

October 21: Psalm 100 and Genesis 25-27

American English and Culture: Thursday, 9-11:00 AM, Zoom

We had great discussions about living in the United States and how professional benchmarks and requirements are different than our home countries. For those who have navigated finding jobs on temporary visas, the differences reflect the American law and customs. These may be curious, but the culture and the local systems as well as national benchmarks are important to understand and follow.

October 24: Bring word pages and "where are you from stories" about your career or job growth. Telling and talking about your experience (or the experience of someone close to you) is important in communicating in American English. Remember, more is better.

American English and Culture: Thursday, 7-8:00 PM, CLC, Carmel, room 102

It was so nice to get together in person! Here are our board notes. Can you tell what we were focussing on?

October 24: Bring your "home" word lists. It doesn't matter what language they are in. We will compare them! We will continue the "where are you from" discussion.

Seeing is Believing?

Hello Friends,

We had an exciting week at International Friends and at the Best Practices in the Heartland Conference. We learned about how to use AI and that it isn't perfect: so, look out! I see some AI work in our future. We networked and found new niches to serve. 

Thank you to everyone for reaching out to the Midwest church community with what we do so we can help other people. Thank you for manning our table and chatting with guests. Thank you for Zooming along so that others could see how we go about our lessons.

American Culture

Hunting and fishing are popular sports in the United States. We have laws as well as cultural practices for hunting and catching “wild” animals, birds, and fish that depend on time of year and place. Domestic animals are off the table.

We have hunting and fishing seasons and people need to hold licenses and purchase tags in order to participate in these sports. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources or DNR is the place to go see what animals are in season as well as regulations. Violations include fishing or hunting without a license, bag limits, etc. There are animals that are non-game, meaning they cannot be hunted or bagged. Hunting and killing "game" that is not legal or does not belong to you is poaching.

The Aurora Borealis

We had a spectacular light show from the Aurora Borealis Thursday night. While the Northern Lights were vague to the naked eye. The filters on cell phone cameras were able to offer a great view to share stunning shots. 

   

Classes and Meetings

Our classes are open: click to register!

Meetings are U.S. Eastern time.

International Bible Study: Monday, 8-9:00 PM, Zoom.

We started with Psalm 121 (finally, because we have been carrying this one over for a while!). It is the Song of Ascents. A good way to start and end a day of challenges and set your sights in the right direction.

Genesis 20-21 continued to throw us a curve ball. We hope to see Abraham and his family progress and change, but they remain the same. We continued to do the same: we weigh our years of life and experiences against his over 100 years on earth walking with God as his best friend and guide. We are disappointed in him...this time we heard more of his story and his explanations. Can that change our perspective? Genesis 21 tells of the negotiations between Abraham and Abimelek. God intervenes to make the imperfect work for both sides. There are good lessons here.

October 14: We are setting our sights on reading and talking about Genesis 22-24 and Psalm 2 (a good one to get perspective during political seasons).

American English and Culture: Thursday, 9-11:00 AM, Zoom

Thank you for Zooming for the conference on Thursday. While it was not always optimal, we were able to hear each other well and still have a good meeting. Critical listening continues to be a skill to develop. Interestingly enough, many times listening means inferring and not actually hearing. Context helps so much as does reading. Technically, these silent sounds are called reductions, but we can call them confusing at times.

October 17: Continue to create (and share) word pages. Pick a word or phrase from this Update and make a word page. I am still looking for stories that tell "where you are from". Pick a tradition that you love or that makes your celebration complete. Watch this video from the Productivity Guy

American English and Culture: Thursday, 7-8:00 PM, Cornerstone Lutheran Church, Room 102

October 17: We are meeting in person! Join us. The doors are open and get ready for some three-dimensional learning.

American English for Kids: 5:30-6:00 PM DST, Zoom

Tennis rules this week. While we were on break I took a stroll to a waterfall in a quarry in Ohio. Limestone is so interesting. Limestone is sedimentary rock, and often contains fossils. Much of the Midwest was covered with sea water. Look closely at these slabs. There are sea fossils. What can you find?

   

October 18: Come and talk about the past two weeks. We got a lot of living done!

Words and Phrases

bag limits: the legal, allowable number, size and sex of animals, fish, or fowl a hunter or angler can kill in a set time (day or season)

change our perspective: look at something from a new view in totality and from another mindset

Hobby Lobby: a popular craft store

I see some...in our (your) future: a prediction of something that is going to happen (because it will be engineered to go that way)

naked eye: seeing things without assistance like, glasses, binoculars, loupes, telescopes, filters

network: meet with other people, make connections

niche: a particular field or classification

off the table: not part of the discussion or consideration

rules: takes priority over other things

setting our sights on: a stated goal

shots: photos

stunning: impressively attractive

tag: physical document attached to the animal after the kill detailing hunter identity information, date, time, etc.

three-dimensional

throw us a curve ball: surprise the is unexpected and unpleasant to deal with

violations: breaking morale or legal codes

October at International Friends

Hello Friends,

October is a busy month for Americans and Hoosiers. Homecoming dances and games are scheduled this month. High School and college students celebrate as well as alumni. The current slang for homecoming is hoco (hoe coe).

Spooky Halloween decorations are sprouting up in yards. Spectacular spooky decorations are sprouting up all over. Creative and quirky displays with ghosts and skeletons are funny as well as haunting.

Pumkin spice is the taste to enjoy from donuts to coffee to cocktails and desserts. Pumpkin spice is a combination of cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and ginger. This is the spice of pumpkin pies and does not contain pumpkin.

International Friends at the Glimpses: Best Practices Conference

October 9-11 International Friends American English and Culture meeting Friends are attending Glimpses: Best Practices in the Heartland. Friends can attend and be ambassadors 

• Hosting an informational table 
• Zooming our American English and Culture class for an on site to demonstration
• Presenting an informational breakout session

Friends can participate by signing up to host our informational table [Oct 9 4:30 pm, Oct 10 10:45 AM and/or 3:15 PM, Oct 11 9:45 AM and/or 11:55 AM]. Check your email.  Zoom the class as usual, attend the breakout session led by Carolyn to help others learn about International Friends and how we can help in other Midwestern communities. Register here.

Attend any of the breakout sessions as well as socialize with others at the conference.

American English and Culture

In the United States titles are used to show respect. 

• Mr. (Mister)=a man
• Mrs. (Missus)=a married woman
• Miss=an unmarried woman
• Ms (Miz)=a woman

These are commonly used with last names. Very young children may be encouraged to call teachers Miss (first name) instead of the more formal last name in daycare or preschool (a Southern practice).

When you don't know the gender or marital status of a professional (or maybe even the name) and are writing an email or speaking directly to, you can defer to the title. The title is almost always used with the surname with the exception of talking to clergy (Pastor, Reverend, Father, Sister, Mother):

• Principal
• Professor
• Doctor (either medical or academic, this is
• Congressman
• Mayor
• Director
• President (of a company or a country)

Adults do not address their teachers as "teacher" when speaking directly to them,. Instead use the requested . Children may (Teacher, can I go to the bathroom.). We do not use a title of "Teacher" with a surname, but use Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Ms. (MS stands for the state of Mississippi).

Sir or ma'am are other respectful ways to address people around you when you do not know their name. This is common in the South.  For example, "Excuse me, ma'am, you dropped your keys."

Classes and Meetings

International Bible Study: Monday, 8-9:00 PM, Zoom

We read two difficult chapters in Genesis. The story of Sodom and Gomorrah and how the cities are destroyed is a well-known story in Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religions. This story is difficult because although we were warned about the evil of the people in the cities, we were discomfited by the demands for Lot to turn over his male guests to the mob and shocked that Lot offered his daughters in lieu of the men. (This is on the heels of Abraham showing gracious hospitality to these same guests negotiating for the protection of the cities.) Why would Lot offer his daughters? Did he not love them? Got Questions offers answers and regarding Genesis 19:1-11 offers:

We may sit in judgment of the culture of that day, but protecting one’s guests required great sacrifice. Was Lot right to offer his own daughters in place of the men the Sodomites wanted? No. We can see in the story that the Lord’s messengers protected Lot and his daughters in spite of Lot’s lack of character and worldly viewpoint. Lot meant to appease the men of Sodom so that the hospitality of his house would not be damaged, but he makes the wrong choice in offering his own daughters, and God’s messengers overruled him.

The family is led by the hand and escape the destruction of the cities. Then, Lot's daughters get Lot drunk and get pregnant by him. For us, this is a horrible outcome of their saving. We continue to see that even though people behave willfully and make decisions that are harmful, God still provides for them.

October 7:  Genesis 20-22. We will open with Psalm 121

American English and Culture: Thursday, 9-11:00 AM, Zoom

We explored what to expect at the Heartland conference. Friends talked about the value of talking to people we don't know in a welcoming community. 

We talked briefly about the Vice Presidential debate. The candidates were cordial and civilized. Read the transcript, watch a replay. 

October 10: Email a picture of your word brainstorm to be posted on the Notes and Handouts page. Do you have words on your list needing clarification?

American English for Kids: Friday, 5:30-6:00 PM, private Zoom

We talked about the Japanese "Middle Exams" which are given in the middle of the school year. These tests cover Social Studies, Math, Science, and English. In the United States, Middle School students take midterms and finals that are specific to the class and are developed by the teacher, rather than a standard, national exam. 

October 18: No class the 10th. When we get back be ready to talk about the results from Science and English exams. Be ready to talk about how the schools use the results of these exams.

Words and Phrases

clergy: formal leaders in an established religion

discomfited: made to feel uncomfortable or embarrassed

in lieu: instead, as a trade

last names: surname, family name

on the heels: immediately following

stands for: represents

turn...over: give something to be used for a different purpose

LOOK OUT! It's October.

Hello Friends,

October has some weird and wild dates that are observed and obscure (Check out this article from USA Today to add some fun and fest to the month). Plan to meet with us in-person for some fun:

October 31: Happy Halloween: Pumpkin Carving and Tailgate in the Cornerstone parking lot 9-11:00 AM

Weathering the Weather

Fall brings changing weather conditions. Indiana is land locked, but we still feel the effects of hurricanes, which is surprising since we are land locked. This past weekend we could smell the Gulf air while we picked up sticks, leaves and other debris from our yards. 

The rain didn't dampen the fun at Cornerstone's Oktoberfest or at the Carmel International Art's Festival. I hope that you got out and enjoyed the weekend.

Meanwhile, being prepared for bad weather is important. Makes sure you are prepared because fall brings quick changes. Here is a page in our Quick Start with advice.

Fall Book Sale at the Carmel Clay Main Library

Discover great bargains on used books (and more) during these special sale dates. Just $10 for a bag of books. Presented by the CCPL Foundation Friends.

Friday, October 4, 9am–5pm
Saturday, October 5, 9am–4pm
Main Library Community Room

Glimpses: Best Practices in the Heartland Conference

Free three day conference hosted at Cornerstone Lutheran Church October. Click here to register. Click on "Get the App" and then click the cover to see the events and break out sessions. The "context" of the conference is Lutheran Christian and will communicate with that language set and feeling. There are many topics that are relevant to all people, not just church workers and Christians.

International Friends is having a breakout session and hosting an informational table. We are also Zooming from the conference so other communities can learn more about what we do and see us in action. 

Register and participate (for American English and Culture grade points)

• Improve your conversation skills and help communicate what we do: help host the information table.
• Come to our breakout session and talk to interested people and contribute to the presentation.
• Attend interesting breakout sessions and learn more about the American Christian culture.
• Eat with other people and practice your conversation skills. Meals are

American English

Have you ever....

The question phrase, "Have you ever ...?" Trips people up (and not just people new to English). This 5 Minute English Lesson gives an explanations, exercises, and examples. Don't miss the common questions at the end.

Something that always causes confusion for listeners is the question is phrased as a negative: 

"You haven't been to the Mexican restaurant on Main Street, have you?"

Many people new to English answer "Yes." or "Yes, I haven't." The correct way to answer is to answer "No." or "No, I haven't." The simple question is "Have you ever..."

Meeting and Class Notes

Register and join us in our classes!

International Bible Study: Monday, 8-9:00 PM. Zoom

We started with Psalm 19. This beautiful song  

We then read and discussed Genesis 15-17. God seals the deal with Abram who is renamed Abraham following a practice that seems odd to us in this modern day, but was common in the early days. The article What was a blood covenant? explains verses 9-21 in chapter 15. The stories in these chapters were sometimes difficult to read because of the topic and content. We find that God does not play favorites, but cares for everyone in a way that is unique to their situation and to their special needs.

September 30: Psalm 121 and Genesis 18 and 19 the famous story of Sodom and Gomorrah

American English and Culture: Thursday, 9-11:00 AM, Zoom

Our conversation revolved around social events and about gaining vocabulary. Vocabulary is not limited to words, it also includes phrases. 

We talked about how adult brains love the comfortable paths and that information that is not regularly accessed will "grow over" and fill in as other information takes precedence. The more you "play" with information, the more

October 3:  Pick a word or phrase from your lists and set your mind free and follow the connections. Freely write, sketch, use colors…..

American English and Culture: Beginning October 17 Thursday, 7-8:00 PM, Cornerstone Lutheran Church, Room 102

In person meetings begin Thursday, October 17 in room 102. Enter door 6. Register today. If you have already registered for our classes. Join us if you have already registered for classes, but not this one.

October 17: First meeting. 

American English For Kids: Friday, 5:30-6:00 PM, Private Zoom Link

What do you love to do? Tennis is a sport enjoyed by many. Tennis has a special language of its very own. It also has its own counting system. Talking about how to play can be complicated. Diagrams and practical examples are necessary.

October 4: Come prepared to talk about the big school event for the week.

Words and Phrases

The Gulf: The Gulf of Mexico; sometimes we shorten a name of a common reference. Sometimes we add "the" as to refer to a specific thing or place the Meijer on Meridian. Sometimes we add "the" as an honorific: "We love the Goodwill for bargains."

land locked: surrounded by land (not sea)

play favorites: 

revolved around: discussion or topic covering multiple facets

seal the deal: an official act to confirm an agreement or sale of a major purchase. "We shook hands to seal the deal."

Welcome Fall: September 22, 2024

Hello, Friends.

Fall is a special time of year in the Midwest. Football is in full swing but that's not all. Back to school means many interesting topics to explore and learn.

Learning, Participating, and Fun

Woods Lectures at Butler University:  Check out this grab bag of science and social science lectures. One might grab your interest.

Glimpses at Cornerstone Lutheran Church in Carmel is hosting the Best Practices in the Heartland Conference. International Friends is participating both at the tabling event as well as an informational session to help other people to learn about our school to help their communities with learning as well as teaching. If you are local, consider coming to learn about American culture and how people in the church serve each other and in the community. October 9-11. The event is free.

Things to do in Indiana offers all the fun and interesting opportunities here in our home state. Get out there and enjoy the fall!

Bump Into

Bring your family and friends for fun and food. Look for familiar friendly faces and say hi.

Oktoberfest at Cornerstone Lutheran Church, September 27, 4-10:00 PM. A family evening of fellowship with friends and neighbors! Entry to the event is free! Buy tickets for food and drinks. A discount is offered on tickets purchased before September 22. 

Carmel International Arts Festival, September 28-29. Check out the website to see the artists and opportunities. This is an excellent event

American Culture

National Constitution Day was September 17. The Constitution is this document is 

Constitution Annotated is a .gov site providing a no nonsense approach to the "supreme law" of the United States. Find the Constitution as well as links to court cases and rulings that inform decisions.

American English and Pronunciation

What is it? BMV. BMW. One is a government entity and the other is a fancy car. Do you misunderstand someone or does someone not get what you are saying? Maybe you are confusing /V/ and /W/. There are many English word pairs that if they are mispronounced with a V for a W or vice versa can be quite odd, frustrating or confusing. Minimal Pair initial /v/ and /w/ gives a lists of words for comparison with audio clips to tune your earn and your tongue. 149: Practicing the /w/ and the /v/  provides listening and the transcript to read along.

Meetings and Class Notes

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International Bible Study: Monday, 8-9:00 PM Zoom

Genesis 13 and 14 offer stories about Abram and Lot. They separate because their "families" are arguing. We love the idea that Abram and God chat (v. 14) after Lot and his crew take off for what appears to be the better part of the land, God promises that He will bless Abram.

September 23: Read and journal (write your thoughts in notes) for Genesis 15-17 and  Psalm 19. Next week!

American English and Culture, Thursday, 9-11:00 AM, Zoom

We had a new mix of people join us today. Building our relationships in the early weeks of classes is important to becoming confident with talking to others. Practice. Practice. Practice. But having good discussions, conversations and telling and hearing stories are all a part of language learning.

September 26: Bring stories about friends. What is on your social word list?

Words and Phrases

.gov site: any website ending in ".gov" is from the U.S. government.

grab [interest, attention]: gain or get [interest, attention]

grab bag: a mix of things included together
no nonsense: direct

take off: leave