Welcome Back. Really, this time!

Welcome back, Friends. Really.

It was so good to get together this past week after a very, very long break! This weekend we may get a peek at warmer weather. I think that anything over 40 degrees will feel like a heatwave. Don't worry, winter isn't over yet. Enjoy the beautiful weather while it lasts.

Thank you Masami and Ai (and all the helpers) for hosting a mochi party at International Friends. What a delicious way to come back from our break.

In International Bible Study we read John 5: 31-47. Jesus continues to discuss who He is and His role with the legal authorities of the Jewish community. He has a compelling argument.

It was good to get back to classes. Welcome back from South Africa, Debbie. We are glad you are back home again in Indiana! Many of you took home poinsettias. Thank you! You can find month by month instructions for caring for these beautiful holiday flowers here. According to the next article, poinsettias are not poisonous (but they aren't edible, either). You may have a reaction if you get the milky, white sap on your skin. Wash your hands after handling your plant to avoid problems.

Tuesday, January 20
International Bible Study, 9:00-10:30, room 100: Let's read John 5:31-47
This is a famous story of Jesus feeding 5000 people (and more) with five loaves of bread and five fish.

International Friends, 10:30-12:00, room 100: Let's make small talk and learn more about American humor in small talk.
By popular demand: when the cashier at the grocery chats with us: what are they saying? How can we answer?

Wednesday, January 21
Conversation Class, 4:30-6:00, upstairs classrooms: Let's make Valentines!
Bring your sentiments and your card making supplies, and we will make Valentines for our sweethearts.

Enjoy the beautiful day.
Carolyn

Really: when someone says really like this, they are saying that something is finally happening
peek: a quick look
while it lasts: a situation is tempory
heatwave: days of warm weather
compelling: demands attention; is strong and forceful
argument: reasoning and discussion that an idea is right or wrong
back home again in Indiana: the opening lines of the Indiana State song refrain (this is a pun)
make small talk: conversation for social purposes only
edible: able to be eaten
handling: touching
have a reaction: an allergic response, in this case you may break out in a rash
sap: liquid in the stems of plants
chats: makes friendly informal conversation
sentiments: thoughts and ideas written to convey feelings