Welcome June, FIFA, Summer Vacation

Click here to go directly to our webpages and read the Update and other pages.

Click here to listen to and follow our podcast "Sorry! What Did You Say?"  on Spotify in your browser

We now have transcripts and episodes are divided into chapters. Be sure to check the AI's work.

Hello, Friends.

It's summertime and the living is easy! Here in the states, we take our summer seriously. Seriously, let's go to the pool, take a road trip, go to camp, read a summer novel, bar-b-que, street fairs, fests, outdoor concerts. Take the plunge and jump in with both feet! 

This summer we get to host the FIFA 2026 World Cup. 

International Friends is on break, but you might notice some meetings pop up here and there. Most of our Friends, though, are busy with kids and vacations and heading back to home countries for a visit. Carving out time to meet over the summer is not easy.

America 250 and the National Archives in Washington D.C.

Free and Independent: Special Major Exhibition Opens as a “Celebration of the Declaration” shares the riveting story behind America’s most important founding document.

The Charters of Freedom are the documents of, by, and for the American people that are documented in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. The handwritten documents are on display in the National Archives. Take a virtual peek. These documents were quickly drafted during dramatic times.

Read the history of the Declaration of Independence straight from the Archives. The story of the people that worked to define and preserve the ideals and freedom that we enjoy today.

Citizen Voice on the Hill

I had a fantastic opportunity to go to Washington D.C. and meet with Indiana congressional members or their staff to advocate for funding to be included in our federal budget for international initiatives. Since Congress had just convened, many of the members were in meetings. In some cases, we met with a staffer who took notes, answered questions, and directed us to further contact and opportunities to meet.

While all of the meetings were relatively brief, we all found that we were welcomed into the offices of the representatives and listened to. Meeting as a non-partisan group gave our message a that could be carried across the aisle.

Football or Soccer?

Welcome to the U.S. for football (or, as we say, soccer). The Netherlands brought their orange, double decker bus See More Here. Meanwhile. the Japanese don't talk trash, they take it out! Thank you for bringing your best and most fun to the U.S.

We hope that you have a great time! Excuse us if we say, "soccer". We won't change our "football".

Casual Business Conversation 

American culture follows a certain pattern that is used in many conversational situations both socially and formally. 

General, polite greeting: Hello. Good to see you. How have you been? What have you been up to? (not specific to our "work" topic).

A back and forth about general health and life for a couple of sentences. 

During this part of the conversation, find out about your colleague's current projects, needs, direction.

Introduce the specific topic about the meeting. This is for you to introduce. Please change the topic to the point of this meeting to the focus or goal of the meeting.

Begin with some general information

Lead your target colleague to ask questions and learn details. 

Include personal details for to add memorable interest and focus. Use "interesting" language like adjectives.

Wrap up and summarize the content in a couple of sentences (main points or ideas).

Ask if your colleague has any questions.

Set the next action which could be the date/time and agenda for the next meeting and the purpose.

Thank you and goodbye statements.

Try this formula out in different situations. Observe whether simple or more complex sentences structures work the best in this type of conversation.

American English for Kids Summer Program

Email International Friends for the restricted summer link.

This summer we are meeting on Zoom, 8-8:30 AM Eastern Daylight Savings Time on Zoom

• Wednesday, June 24.
• Wednesday, July 1 
• Thursday, July 30

We are practicing a Casual Business Conversation format. See the above article.

Words and Phrases

advocate: speak in behalf of or support

back and forth: giving and sharing in a conversation 

carving out time: making time, adjusting a schedule to do something

Congress: the law-making branch of the U. S, government that includes the Senate and the House of Representatives

convened: assembled or come together as a body

initiatives: legislative actions

 staffer: one of the group of people appointed to support or assist a member of congress

While all of the meetings were relatively brief, we all found that we were welcomed into the offices of the representatives and listened to. Meeting as a non-partisan group gave our message a that could be carried across the aisle.

Congratulations and Happy Semiquincentennial

Click here to go directly to our webpages and read the Update and other pages.

Click here to listen to and follow our podcast "Sorry! What Did You Say?"  on Spotify in your browser

We now have transcripts and chapters! 

Hello, Friends.

It’s summertime, and the language is easy.  

This summer it is back to basics with a twist (presented in a different or unusual way). Fire up (get excited or start something) some new techniques to kick up (get stronger) and crank up (get more intense or louder) communication skills and language learning. Understand language and language learning to grow.

We are going to go back to basics in honor of 250th anniversary of the United States. Learn the language of our founding documents and compare the words and styles to today's (current) language.

Words for a Reason. Words for a Season.

Vocabulary is what vocabulary is. 

What is vocabulary? A list of words specific to a person, situation, or topic. So, what words do you need and what words do you use. And then how do you find and use them? 

There are words you use for times of fun.

There are words you use to get stuff done.

May is for graduations and congratulations.

Say congrats to the kids throwing their hats.

Play with your words:

Repeat a phrase and end with a rhyme

Count the beats to keep the time.

Semiquincentennial, Bisesquicentennial, Sestercentennial

These grand and auspicious words are the title for the celebration of 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of the United States. Can you pronounce them? Ask a native American language speaker. Get ready for good giggle. American English words are made of combinations of other words (often from other languages). These three words are great examples of this type of word. And they will only be important until July 4, 2027 when the United States turns 251 years old.

Semiquincentennial: the Roman way to say halfway to 500 years

Semi: half of

Quin: five

Centennial: 100-year anniversary

Bisesqui: twice 150

Centennial: 100-year

Ses (from semi): meaning half

Tercentennial: three hundredth anniversary

literally signifying a two hundred fiftieth anniversary

Semiquincentennial, Bisesquicentennial, Sestercentennial, or Quarter Millennium: all mean 250th anniversary. 

America250 or America at 250 are two other titles.

Fun read resources (not found by AI)

Why “Semiquincentennial” for Norfolk’s 250th?--Notice that what makes David S. Potter credible is that he is the son of longtime residents of Norfolk.

The Meaning of the ​​Semiquincentennial--This historical six-minute read provides the historical background along with a prospective perspective. Look at the bottom of the screen. There is a button to listen to a perfect broadcaster read of the article.

Rage and the Republic by Jonathan Turley 

This book provides insight into the American (and other revolutions). The United States is in a new era of AI and robotics and radical reformers who are calling to scrap our Constitution. Turley "offers a hopeful account of how the lessons of the past can guide us into the future." Listen on the Libby libery app.

The Declaration of Independence

Read the Declaration of Independence in its original language. This fancy language is not common, but the sentiment that drove the founding fathers (yes, they were all men) to organize the ideas and wishes into these phrases. 

Storytelling and American History

Beyond the Headlines: Veteran Stories, June 26, 2:00-4:00 PM A panel of veterans will share stories  with some going back to the Revolutionary War. Learn how communication and technology have evolved and shaped our military. Bring the family.

Wrapping up 2025-2026

 Click here to go directly to our webpages and read the Update and other pages.

Click here to listen to and follow our podcast "Sorry! What Did You Say?"  on Spotify in your browser 

Hello, Friends.

May is upon us. We are meeting for the last time for this year. Is this really a break? Probably not. We have plans to get together once a month. The summer will fly by just as quickly as the school year did!

I have really enjoyed growing with everyone this year either in our classes on Zoom, through these updates and through our podcast. 

Sorry! What did you say? Podcast? Yep! Keep up to date and practice your listening. We have some great episodes recorded to produce and release. We have some great episodes waiting in the wings to be recorded. Listen, like, follow, comment! Let us know what you want to hear next.

Maslow and Memoirs and More

In conversations about memoirs, Maslow's Hierarchy came up. While this model is debated, it has stood the test of time. Articles and discussions and studies show that many people are content with meeting their social and esteem needs. 

A Very Well Mind offers a brief overview of the hierarchy and how it can be used.

A Few Fun and Festivities in May

May 9, 10 AM-4 PM:  Art Fair on the Square, Noblesville

May 16: Indiana Peony Festival, Noblesville

May 16:International Festival, Westfield

Find a Farmers Market

International Friends Meeting Notes

Practicing your American English is important. Join us! Click here to register and get the Zoom link.

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

Near the end of the year, we start setting our calendars for the coming year. As we are wrapping up Leviticus: Leviticus 23 offers a calendar of the feasts. Hebrew for Christians offers descriptions of how the feasts are and were celebrated. 

Leviticus 24 gets back to giving instruction and telling stories that clarify the given instruction. Once again, the role of the priests and their mutual care by God through the people are illustrated. This chapter underlines that these people are set apart and that the most holy part of their share should only be consumed in the temple.

The second story in Leviticus 24 deals with cursing and blaspheming (the second commandment). When the people take the man to Moses for breaking this law, they are to lay their hands on his head (to recognize/acknowledge his guilt, the community shares in the responsibility of enforcing the law--not arbitrary but formalized according to the law) and then the entire community is to stone him. In addition, this law was enforceable not only for the Israelites, but for foreigners. Leviticus 24: 17-22 cites the famous "eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth" quote. It does not imply or indicate that the Israelites should take the enforcement into their own hands but should follow authorized legal proceedings. 

May 4: We completed Leviticus. The last three chapters were full of information about how to live a good life with God and with each other as the Israelites would go into the promised land. God does not leave them hanging. He is clear about the consequences of breaking their covenant with Him.

June 15: We are Zooming to touch base and hear about the summer travels and celebrations! Happy Summer!

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

Discussing our gifts, talents, aptitudes, and career paths, we shared mini-memoirs before our gathering next week. With the prompt "Learn one, do one, teach one" we recalled how experiences have helped us discover who we are and what we are meant to do with our lives. Once we have gained life and work experience ourselves, we can "pay it forward" by teaching what we know to others.

Wise words from wise women:

• Plan to fail.
• Learn from mistakes.
• Welcome change.
• Expect challenges.
• Enjoy every season of life.
• Dignify all the roles you play. They ALL matter.
• Nurture relationships.
• Be a critical thinker.
• Seek the truth.
• Search for evidence.
• Show empathy for others. Seek to understand.
• Be reliable.
• Just do it!
• Don't procrastinate.
• Seize the day.
• Life is short. Make it count!
• Stay young at heart.
• Daydream! Escape, imagine, relax, explore possibilities, experience wonder, feel refreshed.

Homework: Collect your thoughts to share your memoir at our pizza party on Thursday,

May 7: Last day of classes...Pizza party! Bazbeaux Pizza 111 West Main Street, Carmel

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

We are looking into May for dates without a conflict to work on our memoirs and finalize our year. Maybe we will go into writing mode?

Words and Phrases and Punctuation

The Colon: Colons function like an “equals sign,” introducing or emphasizing what follows. They are used to:

• Introduce lists: During the inspection, I saw the following: a dead rat, a live rat, dozens of cockroaches, and countless ants. 
• Introduce explanations or elaborations: He blamed his divorce on one thing: beer. 
• Introduce quotations: He said: “Curiosity killed the cat, but for a while I was a suspect”. 

The Comma: 

Moving into May

Click here to go directly to our webpages and read the Update and other pages.

Click here to listen to and follow our podcast "Sorry! What Did You Say?"  on Spotify in your browser 

Hello, Friends.

April is ending and May is beginning. May is a great month in the U.S. for endings and beginnings:

• School is ending and summer break is beginning
• Graduation (from high school or college) and adulting is beginning
• Winter/spring is ending and spring/summer is beginning

For people in the United States, Memorial Day and Mother's Day are key holidays in May. Do not plant outdoors until Mother's Day (or be prepared to plant again after Mother's Day). Yes, there are exceptions.

Save the Date

Japanese Spring Festival 

May 3, 2026

12:00-5:00 PM

1 Civic Square Carmel

MOMoirs

Mother's Day is coming up. What are your memories of your mom? What are your memories as a mom? How do you celebrate this day?

I thought I knew my mom. Then I found a grainy Polaroid that forced me to reconsider.

International Friends Meeting Notes

Practicing your American English is important. Join us! Click here to register and get the Zoom link.

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

We plan on finishing Leviticus by the end of this year which is the first week in May. We dug deep into Leviticus 21 and 22. In contemporary Christianity, priests/pastors declare forgiveness of sins. While only God can forgive sins, one of the responsibilities of the priest/pastor/leader is to declare (after the people confess) that a person's/congregation's sins are forgiven once and for all through Jesus. For example:

• The Catholic priest says, "...I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
• The Lutheran minister says: "In the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
• The Methodist order of worship states: "The confession should be followed by declaration of pardon, which may be as simple as, "In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!" Confession and pardon together remind us that we are sinners saved by grace."

Is any of this different from Old to New Testaments? In Leviticus, priesthood (and roles, practices, responsibilities) is established. The new covenant involves the Word because the final sacrifice is done through Jesus' death and resurrection.

April 27: Read beginning with Leviticus 23 which is about festivals. 

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

You are storytellers. You remember things about your life. You CAN write a memoir--your memory of a slice of life that was significant to you in some way. During our warmup, you spoke memoirs. We heard stories about travel, and volunteer work, and relocation, and parenting, and grand parenting. The details frame a story, but the motivation and feelings around the details finish the story. We heard about a sense of adventure, a desire to help, a sense of gratitude, a fear of judgment--both judging others and being judged. We heard about fear, and determination, and anxiety, and dignity, and indignity, and courage. We noticed how our culture and values may put us in conflict with the world around us or with ourselves. From our own narratives and those in films we had viewed recently, we observed the arc or frame of most stories. They have a beginning, middle, and end. They usually have a hero or protagonist. They usually start with some spark or conflict, even an internal conflict. The details build to a climax or turning point (rising action) and then approach a resolution (falling action) or realization. Memoir may follow a slightly different pattern. The conflict may be small or large. You yourself or someone else may be the hero. Maybe the conflict isn’t fully resolved, but you learned something about yourself, about others, or about the human condition. Be brave. Just tell us a story. We look forward to sharing and learning from each other's memoirs at the pizza party in May.

April 30: Spend some time daydreaming this week. Tell us next week what came to mind during your moments of revery. Were they wishes, memories, imaginings?

International Friends Wrap-Up: Memoir Month

Not everyone can make every meeting as we wrap up the year. Here is the end of year plan: follow along. Even if you are not coming to class, try these steps to better tell your story.

• April 9: Talking about a memoir. A slice of your life.
• April 16: Priming the pump: three things that stopped me in my tracks (from Now Write! Nonfiction Sherry Ellis) Notice three things that stopped you in your tracks throughout the week. What is common about these things? What is uncommon?
• April 23: What is the conflict? Who is the hero? Stories need conflict to move them along. 
• April 30: Watch one. Do one. Teach one. How does your learning, experience, and then help someone else learn inform your memoir?
• May 7: Last day of classes...Pizza party! Bazbeaux Pizza 111 West Main Street, Carmel

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

We are looking into May for dates without a conflict to work on our memoirs and finalize our year. Maybe we will go into writing mode?

Words and Phrases and Resources

adulting: performing the acts typically associated with being an adult (paying rent, taxes; making medical appointments; getting insurance; finding living accommodations) and do not include getting a pet that is left with parents when life circumstances change adulting means that you take that pet with you...

Christian denominational discussions: conversations related to the various branches within the Christian church

dug deep into: thoroughly examine (dig deep into)

narratives: stories

once and for all: finally; now and for the last time

priesthood: the office of a priest

spend some time: 

A Bit for April

 Click here to go directly to our webpages and read the Update and other pages.

Click here to listen to and follow our podcast "Sorry! What Did You Say?"  on Spotify in your browser 

Hello, Friends.

I don't know about you, but I have spring fever. I am ready to plant a garden and pack my bags for a summer get away, but we still have the opportunity for frost. Start getting your agendas together for the summer. 

License and/or Permit

As you think of summer, be sure to have the right licenses and permits to enjoy your time. If you want to go fishing, be sure that you have a fishing license if you are dipping your line in public waters (and you are of legal age). If you take your family to go fishing on the White River, your license will cover your children. If your kids are fishing, and you are there, you will need a license. Indiana is a pretty typical state for these types of recreational licensing. Take a look here, and then compare this to your home state.

• A license gives ongoing authority to participate in something (a fishing license to use in a particular state public water for a set time)
• A permit gives temporary approval for an action (a building permit to add a patio)

International Friends Meeting Notes

Practicing your American English is important. Join us! Click here to register and get the Zoom link.

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

We read/talked about Leviticus 17-20. These chapters continue to provide detail about how the Israelites were to live and maintain their relationships with God and with each other. 

• Leviticus 17 is about food practices. 
• Leviticus 18 specifies that the Israelites should not people should not have sex with family members and should protect their family from being victims. At first, we feared this would be an awkward discussion, but God is quite straightforward. We found ourselves smiling at the "you should know this" type of commentary.
• Leviticus 19 covers "various laws" that include extensions of the original 10 Commandments. 
• Leviticus 20 lists the consequences of committing any of the sins talked about in the preceding chapters.

April 21: Three chapters to go!

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

Our conversation turned to talking about American English and comparing it to Korean. We leaned into talking about how our languages written forms represent our auditory forms. Korean evolved from Chinese writing, and many countries use Chinese written words within the various languages. These "words" are often pronounced in the various languages even though they have a common Chinese written 

April 23: We are talking about conflict and resolution in our story. Does every story need a hero?

International Friends Wrap-Up: Memoir Month

Not everyone can make every meeting as we wrap up the year. Here is the end of year plan: follow along. Even if you are not coming to class, try these steps to better tell your story.

• April 9: Talking about a memoir. A slice of your life.
• April 16: Priming the pump: three things that stopped me in my tracks (from Now Write! Nonfiction Sherry Ellis) Notice three things that stopped you in your tracks throughout the week. What is common about these things? What is uncommon?
• April 23: What is the conflict? Who is the hero? Stories need conflict to move them along. 
• April 30: Watch one. Do one. Teach one. How does your learning, experience, and then help someone else learn inform your memoir?
• May 7: Last day of classes...Pizza party! Bazbeaux Pizza 111 West Main Street, Carmel

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

We talked about the difference between an autobiography (a person writes the story of his or her life in a factual manner) and a memoir (a person tells a story from his or her life in a reflective manner that describes the feelings and lessons learned).

We recounted how English words are made of meaningful units or clumps. 

April 24: No class--a tennis match

May 1: No class--teacher conflict

May 8: Tell your memoir story.

Words and Phrases and Resources

auditory: heard

common: elements that are the same

cover: take care of, include

lean into: embrace a situation (Since I painted my living room purple, I am going to lean into royal decor)

lean in to: actively engage in a situation or challenge (Can you substitute and for to? lean in and listen)

April Memory Making and Writing

Click here to go directly to our webpages and read the Update and other pages.

Click here to listen to and follow our podcast "Sorry! What Did You Say?"  on Spotify in your browser 

 Hello, Friends.

Warmer days. Cool nights. April is famous for showers (that bring the May flowers). Spring breaks are winding to a close and we are looking forward to the end of the school year. In the United States, Summer begins on Memorial Day, which is the first Monday in May (more about that later). While classes may run into May. Families are planning for summer camps and events. Check locally for summer programs for children. Resources include and are not limited to:

• Librarys
• Scouting
• 4-H
• Parks and Recreation
• Churches and Vacation Bible Schools
• Schools
• Colleges and universities
• Community and clubhouses

People are planning their vacation. You may be returning to your home country to visit family, or you may take the time to explore North America. 

International Friends Wrap-Up: Memoir Month

Not everyone can make every meeting as we wrap up the year. Here is the end of year plan: follow along. Even if you are not coming to class, try these steps to better tell your story.

• April 9: Talking about a memoir. A slice of your life.
• April 16: Priming the pump: three things that stopped me in my tracks (from Now Write! Nonfiction Sherry Ellis) Notice three things that stopped you in your tracks throughout the week. What is common about these things? What is uncommon?
• April 23: What is the conflict? Who is the hero? Stories need conflict to move them along. 
• April 30: Watch one. Do one. Teach one. How does your learning, experience, and then help someone else learn inform your memoir?
• May 7: Last day of classes...Pizza party! Bazbeaux Pizza 111 West Main Street, Carmel

Is American English Difficult?

People are saying that English is a tough language to learn. Adults who learn English throughout school and are fluent readers can be intimidated when they are called upon to speak. Our written language is not a phonetic language, or is it?

• English is not Phonetic by Joseph Essburger argues that it is English spelling that is the problem for some people.
• Is English a Phonetic Language by Thurston Womack comments that English is phonetic (because it is spoken) but that the letters or physical representation (written) was not imposed after the fact, but has evolved and grown with the language. By the time children are six years old, they have the basic sounds, grammar patterns, and a fundamental vocabulary mastered. Language growth and development is a lifetime project.

Listening and speaking can be easy. With today's tools, dictating and then correcting writing is one way to overcome fears and hesitancy. Notice the surprise spellings and/or pronunciations. 

Remember that no matter what language you are most comfortable in, you are always building vocabulary and experiences. Remember to coordinate and orient English with other languages to keep words from being "filed" in a "language" space in your brain rather than in practical locations.

There are many tools out there to help you. This one from Scribens offers grammar, paraphrasing and much more.

International Friends Meeting Notes

Practicing your American English is important. Join us! Click here to register and get the Zoom link.

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

Our journey in Leviticus is taking us through more religious mandates to bring reconciliation between God and the people as well as between the people. Leviticus 13-15 talk about skin diseases and bodily discharge. These things could convey disease within the community. These "treatments" offer solutions rather than singularity. Chapter 16 speaks of atonement, reconciliation or reparation, which includes placing the sins on a goat: 

20 “When Aaron has finished making atonement for the Most Holy Place, the tent of meeting and the altar, he shall bring forward the live goat. 21 He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites—all their sins—and put them on the goat’s head. He shall send the goat away into the wilderness in the care of someone appointed for the task. 22 The goat will carry on itself all their sins to a remote place; and the man shall release it in the wilderness.

This is the origin of a "scape goat"!

April 13: Leviticus continues with discussions that protect the health and wellbeing of individuals and the community.

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

Vocabulary and Context: Remember when . . . ?

We had an interesting discussion about traditions and family heirlooms. Some cultures discard personal items after someone has passed away. Objects can spark memories and nostalgia. Treasures can be large or small, tangible or intangible, but memory of people and places is a timeless and precious gift. In eulogy and through memoir, we connect with others through shared human experiences across cultures, languages, and traditions. In the weeks ahead, we will continue to explore memoir and to compose our own. At the pizza party in May, we will enjoy sharing a story of the events and emotions of a memory that changed, informed, or affirmed us in some way.

April, 16: Continuing to work on our individual memoirs, here are some pump priming activities:

• List three things that "stop you in your tracks" this week. What do these observations have in common? How do they seem different?
• Explore a sense of place. In your mind, put yourself in a specific place in your memory.
• List as many sensory details of this place as you can. How do you feel when you re-live this experience?

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

We talked about return to school, Artimis mission, and a little about quantum physics.

April 17: We will look at this video and talk about the concepts and how this teacher helps us understand complicated concepts.

Richard Feynman lecture on quantum mechanics and nature: 

Here is a good biographical video that explains Feynman's life.

Notice the story telling as they recount Richard Feynman's life.

Words and Phrases and Resources

eulogy: an expression of words at a funeral or memorial service to honor the person who has passed away (died)

looking forward to: anticipating

memoir: our own retelling of meaningful stories and events in our lives

nostalgia: heartfelt longing for the past and people of the past

object memory:

passed away: died

recount: tell someone about something, give an account or an eaperience

No Foolin': It's April

Click here to go directly to our webpages and read the Update and other pages.

We posted not one but THREE Sorry! What Did You Say? episodes this week. Who knew there was so much to talk about and listen and learn? Listen, like, comment to let us know what you think or what you want to hear. 

Click here to listen to and follow our podcast "Sorry! What Did You Say?"  on Spotify in your browser 

 Hello, Friends.

Spring is in full swing! Every day gets greener. You might think that winter has gone away, but here in the northern hemisphere, conventional wisdom (and the Farmer's Almanac) tells us to wait to plant until after Mother's Day (in the U.S. this is the second Sunday in May). We have forgotten about sunburn and sunglasses and have to relearn these lessons.

April is famous for rain and rain and rain. But, do not be surprised if wintery mix and snow covers all the beautiful blooming bushes and bulbs. But as the saying goes: April showers bring May flowers...that would be for your garden, be patient and wait for Mother's Day.

International Friends Wrap-Up: Memoir Month

We start with an elevator pitch, which is a very short and engaging conversation starter that tells who you are or what you need or what you can provide. We are ending the year with a memoir. A memoir is a reflective story about an event or events that relate the storyteller's emotions, memories, and experiences that were life changing.

April 9: Talking about a memoir. A slice of your life.

April 16: Priming the pump: three things that stopped me in my tracks (from Now Write! Nonfiction Sherry Ellis) Notice three things that stopped you in your tracks throughout the week. What is common about these things? What is uncommon?

April 23: What is the conflict? Who is the hero? Stories need conflict to move them along. 

April 30: Watch one. Do one. Teach one. How does your learning, experience, and then help someone else learn inform your memoir?

May 7: Last day of classes...Pizza party! Bazbeaux Pizza 111 West Main Street, Carmel

Personal Safety

Sometimes you just do not feel safe. You can not quite put your finger on it and maybe you shrug it off. In the United States, the police are there to help you and to help others from becoming victims of the people who commit the crimes. Gavin De Becker's book The Gift of Fear addresses the many ways that people can become victims or be manipulated. Wikipedia has a nice summary of the points.

Do not feel silly if you feel unsafe (fear). Take action and be prepared. 

People may have been told/taught by some conventional wisdom that they are being racist or are making decisions based on feeling uncomfortable because the people around them are different. On the other hand, people have been told/taught that they are unsafe because of their race. Be prepared and rational. Do not let doubts override a gut feeling. And remember 

The UCLA Police Department posted this article: Personal Safety—Be Prepared. This is common advice from many American police. They are here to help.

By taking a few simple precautions, you can reduce the risk to yourself and also discourage those who commit crimes.

• Always be alert and aware of the people around you.
• Educate yourself concerning prevention tactics.
• Be aware of locations and situations which would make you appear vulnerable to crime, such as alleys and dark parking lots.
• Street Precautions
• Be alert to your surroundings and the people around you—especially if you are alone or it is dark.
• Whenever possible, travel with a friend.
• Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible.
• Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys where someone could hide.
• Walk confidently at a steady pace.
• Make eye contact with people when walking.
• Do not respond to conversation from strangers on the street—continue walking.
• If you carry a purse, carry it securely between your arm and your body. Although a purse-snatcher's intent is to steal the purse, your personal safety may depend on not clinging to it.
• Do not use or wear anything that will impede your vision or hearing (i.e. iPods).

Car Safety

• Always lock your car doors after entering or leaving your vehicle.
• Park in well-lighted areas.
• Have your car keys in your hand so you don't have to linger before entering your car.
• Check the interior of your vehicle for intruders before entering your car.
• If you think you are being followed, drive to a public place or a police or sheriff station.
• If your car breaks down, open the hood and attach a white cloth to the car antennae. If someone stops to help, stay in your locked car and ask them to call the police, sheriff or a tow truck service.
• Don't stop to aid motorists by the side of the road. Make a phone call requesting help for them.

While Waiting for a Bus

• Be alert to your surroundings and the people around you.
• Try to avoid isolated bus stops.
• Don't open your purse or wallet while boarding the bus—have your pass or money already in your hand.
• Keep jewelry out of sight; don't flash jewelry; turn rings around so the stones don't show.

On Board Buses

• During off hours, ride as near to the bus operator as possible
• If someone bothers you or makes you feel uncomfortable, change seats. Inform the driver of the situation.
• Carry your wallet inside your coat, or in a front pocket.
• Keep your belongings in front of you and hold close to your body with both hands.
• Be alert to pickpocketers on crowded buses; check your purse or wallet if someone is jostling, crowding or pushing you.

Office Security

• Never leave your purse or wallet in plain view or in common accessible areas.
• Don't leave cash or valuables at the office.
• If you work alone or after business hours, keep the office door locked.
• If you work late, try to find another worker or a security guard to walk out with you.
• In an elevator, be mindful that there is a distress alarm on the control panel.
• Be alert for pickpocketers on crowded elevators.
• Report all suspicious persons and activities to the proper authorities (office manager, building security, law enforcement).
• Be aware of escape routes for emergencies and post the police and fire department numbers near telephones.

Finally, if a crime does occur...REPORT IT! Everyone should consider it his or her responsibility to report crime. Many criminals develop favorite areas for committing crime, as well as predictable methods of operation. When you report all the facts about a crime, it helps the police assign officers in the places where crimes are occurring or where they are most likely to occur, and your report may help prevent a crime from reoccurring.

At least half of the crimes in the Unites States go unreported, either because people don't think the police can do anything about it, or because people don't want to get involved. If you don't report a crime, this allows the criminal to continue to operate without interference.

In many cases, it is the information provided by victims and witnesses that leads to the arrest of a criminal. So, tell the police as much as you can; no fact is too trivial. The police need the eyes and ears of all citizens.

International Friends Meeting Notes

Practicing your American English is important. Join us! Click here to register and get the Zoom link.

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

We reviewed Hebrews in light of Leviticus. This book parallel and describes how Jesus is the perfect and final sacrifice. We talked about how the Word and the Spirit of God touches us individually and uniquely. As we considered Jesus' Passion in Matthew and then read the explanation of Hebrews we can only end with a common understanding and meditation to take us through Easter in Hebrews 13: 20-21

20 Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

April 6: We return to Leviticus and chapter 13.

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

Vocabulary and Context:

As we talked our spring break plans, we reviewed time and sequence phrases for the future and the past. Here are some examples:

Future: Tomorrow I have class. On Friday, we have a team meeting. This Sunday is Easter. Next Sunday, we leave for Florida. The Sunday after that we return and go back to school the next day. In two weeks, my presentation is due.

Past: I haven’t seen my family in Japan since we moved here three years ago. Last year we planned a trip, but we had to cancel it. 

Last Tuesday was her birthday. Last week we threw her a party. The week before that, I took her shopping for a new dress. 

On our anniversary we will have dinner at a nice restaurant. We have been married for 39 years.

We also discussed “Safety” as a practical and cultural concept and compared our language acquisition experiences.

April, 9: Reflecting on experiences you have had in the past is a good way to begin your memoir. Think this week about a personal story you could share at our pizza party in May. Tell us details about a meaningful event in your life. What did you learn from the experience? How has it informed your life since then?

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

This YouTube channel called Up and Atom (a great pun on the idiom "up and at 'em" (them)) that has  many science and math videos. This video explains Entropy: the most misunderstood concept in physics.

April 10: What Is Quantum Physics? from CalTech and here is a great documentary from PBS Nova series: Decoding the Universe: Quantum. This is a great program. This field of study is so interesting and mysterious. You will love it!

Words and Phrases and Resources

beautiful blooming bushes and bulbs: this is a phrase that begins with the letter "b"; when a phrase begins with the same letter it is called an alliteration and adds interest and "color" to your message

cannot quite put your finger on it: identify a specific reason or source

feel silly: discount your instincts

in light of: draw knowledge from or take into consideration

inform: give facts for someone to use

memoir: a nonfiction narrative that focuses on a specific period, theme, or event in the author’s life, emphasizing personal memories and emotional truth