Two Holidays on One Day

Hello Friends,

This coming weekend is a big one! Sunday is both Groundhog Day and the Super Bowl. On one hand, we find out if we have an early spring or six more weeks of winter. On the other hand we find out what football team becomes the national champion.

We depend on a hibernating rodent to predict long term weather here in the U.S. Punxsutawney Phil in Gobblers Knob, Pennsylvania is the ultimate source for this prediction. Because of regional weather, local groundhogs are called upon to render their verdict. Flix Brewhouse in Carmel is showing the classic movie Groundhog Day February 1 and 2 at 6:00.

Super Bowl isn't just a game. It is a holiday that marks the end of the football season. Billions of dollars in advertising are spent to capture the attention of viewers. Some people watch just to see the entertaining commercials. Food is a major highlight of the event. Chili, chips, dips, pizza are just a few of the snacks. Here is a link to the 50 best Super Bowl 2020 Foods. Feast. Meet with friends. Watch the halftime show and enjoy the commercials.

International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30, room 100.

We read a great story in Mark that appears to be two miracle stories. To set the scene:

1. Jesus is on his way with a lawmaking leader of the church who is asking Jesus to come and heal his dying daughter, he surrounded by a crowd.
2. A woman touches his clothing and is immediately healed of her female problems, Jesus asks who touched him and then confirms her healing there in public, in front of everyone (and the legal authority).
3. The entourage moves on and is met by others telling them the daughter has died. Jesus says she is asleep. Jesus and the leader go to the house, he tells the girl to get up and she does.

Jesus tells doesn't just heal the woman: he mends her connection with the community (she couldn't/shouldn't go to temple or appear in public while bleeding) with her very public conversation in front of the proper authorities. Jesus raises the girl from dead and she is immediately able to walk. Jesus reminds the family that she needs to be fed.

February 4: Mark 6:1-6 is our reading. Come and talk about celebrity and appreciation.

International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30, room 100.

Thank you to everyone who helped make my dad's birthday a memorable day. Since he has moved here, you have all welcomed him and made his transition to life in Indiana easier and happier. Your care for him and for my family is deeply appreciated. He loves his lap blanket. It warms more than his body, it warms his heart.

February 4: Let's play with plarn. Bring your scissors and a big pile of plastic bags from Walmart or the grocery store and learn to repurpose them into useful, household items.

Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00, upstairs classroom.

We watched the TEd Talk about a solution to drug abuse deaths proposed and executed in Canada. We teased out vocabulary and talked about the issue of keeping safe while practicing illegal activities. We talked about the 

February 5: Free flowing conversation. Bring a topic to talk about.

English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-11:30, upstairs classrooms.

Welcome Beth Ann and Hannah, our new staff. We will enjoy learning from you!

February 6: Join us in learning English. 

English for Children: Thursdays, 9:30-11:30, Bride's Room/Nursery.

We learned about taking care of the people who take care of us. Sometimes even Mom's can get sick. A card or, even better, a hug can help someone feel better.

February 6: We start our new month learning about showing how we care for each other on Valentine's Day. 

on one hand, on the other hand: two options, one thing and another

hibernating: animal that sleeps through cold weather

rodent: animals like rats, rabbits, mice and groundhogs

called upon: asked to answer or do something officially

render their verdict: make an official judgment; juries render the verdict of guilty or not guilty

is showing: is screening, is playing (the movie)

problems: health issues related to menstruation (bleeding)

entourage: attendants, associates, hangers on, groupies

proper authorities: people who are legally able to make a decision and solve a problem

in front of: in the presence of;

Join us for a great food and friendship over the winter days.

Hello, Friends.

We had a very interesting week at our meetings. There is so much in the news and so many interesting topics that we talked about. It is good to get together and talk about what is on our minds.

I will be a guest Family ENL nights at the Carmel Middle Schools. Come and see me if you have a child at our schools. See last week's update on our webpages for the schedule and location.

International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30, room 100
This week we began Mark Chapter 5 with the story of Jesus healing a man possessed by demons. Jesus commanded these unclean spirits to come out of the man. He allowed the demons to enter a herd of 2000 pigs, and the pigs rushed down a steep bank into the Sea of Galilee and were drowned. The people who saw what had happened were full of fear. Was it because of the loss of 2000 livestock animals, or was it because the man who had been under the control of demons was now healed? The change in the man is described on the website Bible.org as follows:

"Whereas he had been a slave, he was now delivered from demon possession. While he was once wild and uncontrollable, he was sitting quietly at the feet of Jesus. When once he was an instrument of Satanic opposition against the Messiah, now he is a witness to His power. Once naked, he is now clothed. Once a menace to society, now a messenger with words of deliverance and healing." ~ Jan Heimann

January 28: There are more miracles coming: as we continue reading Mark 5: 21-43. Please join us!

International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30, Room 100
We had a delicious day of casserole eating. We made a tuna noodle casserole and ate a breakfast casserole that was cobbled together (combined) from several recipes.

Classic Tuna Casserole
Combine and spread in a buttered 9x12 inch casserole pan.
2 cans drained tuna
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
finely chopped onion
finely chopped garlic
1 cup of frozen peas
1 cup shredded cheese
4 cups cooked wide noodles

Top with:
2 cups crushed potato chips
1 cup shredded cheese

Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes until bubbly and browned to your taste

January 28: Join us to celebrate my dad's 91st birthday. We will celebrate with cake and delicious food. Bring a dish to share and come and sing happy birthday!

Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00, upstairs classroom
We talked about the impeachment hearings. We learned to be sure to empty our cars if we are involved in an accident and our car is towed away: we should be sure to take everything of value out of the car.

January 29: We will watch this TED Talk by Mark Tyndall to talk about.

English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-11:30, upstairs classrooms

There were many interesting side conversations in all the classrooms.

There is an outbreak of a new coronavirus in China. In order to contain the disease, the government has closed access to cities to avoid the spread of the disease. Countries are screening people who have symptoms to avoid a pandemic. There is a great board game called Pandemic. In this game players work together to try and keep a disease outbreak from becoming a pandemic and wiping out humanity.

At what age can you leave your child home alone? We found out that in Indiana there is no law specifying exact ages for children to be left home alone. Children who let themselves into the home after school because parents are working are called latchkey children. Headlines talk about people being charged with neglect for leaving their children unattended at home, in parks, in cars, at the library, in a store, etc. In all but two states, there are no laws specifying when children can stay home alone. 

• When can you leave your child home alone: this article provides guidelines for leaving children from FindLaw
• National Safe Kids: discusses further why there are no specific laws defining an age and recommends that 12 years of age is generally a good age (coincidentally, this is also the age for people to begin babysitting)
  

We also talked about well-meaning individuals, when they perceive ad an unsafe situation where a child is involved decide to intervene. Sometimes reactions are over the top and the situation escalates. We heard stories where the police were called to keep the peace or provide official protection. In all these cases, no one was arrested and the situations were diffused and people went on their way back home safely.

January 30: Join us any time. If you have been absent, come back!

English for Children: Thursdays, 9:30-11:30, Bride's Room/Nursery
We continued talking about getting sick and how to avoid germs.

January 30: Join us as we read and talk about taking care of other people when they aren't feeling well.


on our minds: what we are thinking about, something that might be bothering

demon: an evil spirit; devil or fiend
steep: having an almost vertical slope or pitch, as a hill
livestock: the horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, or other useful animals raised on a farm or ranch

coronavirus: a disease that has symptoms similar to a cold and can be transmitted between humans and animals
symptoms: indications of a disease, for example a headache and runny nose
pandemic: an outbreak that covers the entire world
wiping out: eliminating
humanity: all mankind; people

charged with neglect: legally accused of leaving children alone or by themselves in a life-threatening situation
unattended: not supervised, unguarded
well-meaning: someone who has good intentions
escalates: becomes more intense or serious
intervene: get involved or get in the middle of a situation
perceived: interpreted or looked on
over the top: excessive, more than necessary
diffused: kept from becoming a greater issue

ENL Night at Carmel Middle Schools...Can you help?

Hello Friends,

There are some more great videos in this update. You won't have access to them via the email, so please click to go directly to our pages.

I hope you are hunkered down against our weekend of cold weather. We have been lucky not to have severe weather this year to date.

HELP WANTED...
Are you available to help and talk to parents (in home languages)? Carmel Clay Schools has invited International Friends to their ENL Family Nights to share more about or meetings and classes one on one at a table. Please call or email me! You don't have to be a current participant to help.

Clay Middle School
Monday, January 27, 6-7:15 pm
5150 E. 126th Street, Carmel
languages: Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin

Creekside Middle School
Tuesday, January 28, 6-7:00 pm
3525 W. 126th Street, Carmel
languages: Spanish Arabic, Korean, Mandarin

Carmel Middle School
Thursday, January 30, 6-7:00 pm
300 S. Guilford Road, Carmel
languages: Spanish, Japanese, Arabic

International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30, room 100.

We finished the fourth chapter of Mark this week by reading the story about Jesus calming the storm, which begins with verse 35. A sudden storm had come up while Jesus and his disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee. The disciples feared they would drown and cried out to Jesus for help. He responded, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” At his command, “Quiet! Be still!” the wind and the waves ceased. When our lives are spinning out of control and we are freaking out, doing everything we can to fix our problems but losing the battle, Jesus says, “Quiet! Be still!” Sometimes he calms the storm, and other times he calms us. Here’s a link to a music video about this very idea: Sometimes He Calms the Storm

Debi is just recently back from the Holy Land. She told us about her trip on the Sea of Canaan. I can't get her pictures to load on this website. Join us to see some first hand views of the area where these stories take place.

January 21: Join us as we read Mark 5:1-20.

International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30, room 100.
We enjoyed playing Pictionary. This is a great game that doesn't mean that you need a huge vocabulary to give clues. Can you draw? Don't worry. Sometimes the least of symbols carry your message and coming up with the right way to efficiently communicate the idea can be hard. Drawing is a way of communicating via symbols. Do you need a decent vocabulary to guess what the clues are? Maybe. We began playing by the rules, but then we all wanted to guess and then we started making up our own rules. That is often how this game ends up.

January 21: Casseroles are a great way to make dinner to go or when you are on the go. Come and learn the basics of casserole making and taste some classic American casseroles.
January 28: Karol turns 91! Come and celebrate this great day with us!

Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00, upstairs classroom.
One great way to practice listening is to watch the weather channel. We discovered that the "z" sound can be difficult. We practiced blizzard (blowing snow storm), wizard (magical person), lizard and gizzard. Then Kay found this band: King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard!

Weather terms that we discussed:
cold snap: several cold days that come suddenly
January thaw: we often have several warm days in January
biting and bitter cold: What is the difference, in your opinion?
wintery mix
bundle and bundle up

January 22: Join in the conversation. Bring your stories, questions, opinions to the table to discuss.

English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-11:30, upstairs classrooms.
There were many great lessons on Thursday. American Accent offered information about why "z" can be difficult to pronounce depending on your native language. We welcomed Polina and Gaga as staff.

January 23: We never close! Join us for English, conversation, culture, media and more!

English for Children: Thursdays, 9:30-11:30, the Bride's Room/Nursery
We read about Jonny Lion and his very bad cold. Since our regular teachers were not there, we had some substitutes. It is nice to get to know more teachers and practice English. We bought tissues, hand sanitizer, soap, paper towels to go along with our unit on staying well through the winter season.

January 23: Join us as we learn about germs and preventing illness.

hunkered down: to take shelter against the wind.
calm: to make still or quiet
cease: stop; discontinue
spinning out of control: when circumstances in life feel overwhelming
freaking out: to become frightened, nervous, or wildly excited
losing the battle: not accomplishing personal goals according to schedule
Holy Land: Israel
symbols: mark, sign, word, gesture that represents an idea, object, relationship, etc.
coming up with: remembering, creating
ends up: ends...often Midwesterners add "up" to the end of sentences
terms: words
January thaw: usually the several warmer days in January that make us excited for spring (this year we have had a lot of warm days in January, so hopefully we just have a cold snap or two and move into spring).
to the table: when people gather to share food, thoughts or food for thought

The email doesn’t do us justice

See the videos by going to our update webpages:

http://indyinternationalfriends.blogspot.com/

There’s so much more there, too!

Welcome back!

Welcome back, Friends.

I hope that you are well rested and ready for the new year. Are you ready for the new decade? 2020 looks like it will bring so many new surprises and experiences. Be look over all of this update so you don't overlook accent, pronunciation, and cultural information.

How do you like winter here in Indiana this year? It has been unseasonably warm, but this weather isn't necessarily unusual. I remember 24 years ago we had a similar, mild winter. Can we predict how the rest of the year will go? You may have sniffles and sneezes. Is it a cold? Is it the flu? Is it an allergic reaction to the hardwood trees that are blooming? (What? So soon? Is this normal? Do the trees know something I don't know?) Will we have a cold February, snow in March and April? After the last few years of record cold days and snow, this just be a nice little respite. Don't be fooled, though Indiana weather can turn on a dime!

I was playing with adding video to our updates. Here is a great little clip. Do you get the punchline?

Hint: 🦈 possessed by an 🦉

International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30, room 100.
It was good to be back together as we continued our Bible Study in the fourth chapter of the Gospel of Mark, beginning at verse 21.  We read three parables that Jesus told to his followers. Once again we see that the Bible (God’s love letter to us) encourages people to trust the smallest seeds of faith to grow and mature and bear good results.

January 13: Please join us as we discuss Mark 4: 35-41: the story of Jesus calming a storm.

International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30, room 100.
We celebrated Christmas, finally! Our party was small but so very fun!

January 13: Join us as we play Pictionary, a fun family party game. You don't have to be fluent in English to play!

Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00, upstairs classroom.
Thank you to our class members that helped prepare lessons for our preschool students. While we cut out mittens and animals, we talked about the word "mitten" and how it is pronounced "mi-nnn". The "t" makes no sound and more of a break.

Our conversation touched on opioid addition and the epidemic/crisis here in the United States. You can visit the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) webpage addresses this issue. Some of our topics:

• Illinois made Marijuana legal, but Indiana has not. Is marijuana is really a risky drug (given that it is legal in some states, but not legal federally). 
• What is the difference between hemp and pot?
• Opioids have a good reason for existing as a pharmaceutical to help relieve pain, but they also can be addictive when misused. How do you protect yourself and your loved ones from addiction? 
• What do you do if you find a syringe on the ground or in a public restroom?  

English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-11:30, upstairs classrooms.
It was great fun to visit with each of the classes. I missed seeing everyone over the last few weeks. There were so many interesting conversations in each of the classes. I learn so much from everyone and every class. The Accent class talked about giving someone a "cold shoulder" which is "dissing" or ignoring someone.

Preschool English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-11:30, upstairs classrooms.
We read The Mitten by Jan Brett and did mitten and counting activities. Enjoy this read aloud by the author herself.

Listen. You can hear a perfect American pronunciation of the word "mitten". There are so many great idioms in this story. For example, the bear doesn't want to be "left out in the cold" and "noses" his way into the mitten! Getting left out in the cold doesn't necessarily mean being outside in the weather...it can also mean being ignored or forgotten or not included in an activity. Nosing is pushing your way into somewhere you aren't invited. When an animal noses his way into something, he uses his nose to get in.

We will continue the rest of January learning about getting sick, caring for ourselves and others and keeping well.

look over: view
overlook: miss
similar: like something else
mild: gentle
will go: result, end
sniffles: when your nose runs and you need a tissue
clip: short piece of video
punchline: the funny point of a story or joke
hint: suggestion
parable: a short story designed to illustrate or teach some truth, religious principle, or moral lesson
encourage: give hope, confidence, support
bear: proDUCE PROduce (fruit and vegetables)