April Showers Bring May Flowers

Hello, Friends.

We are wrapping up April. May is a great month to be in Indiana. Schools wrap up the year. Swimming pools open. Farmer's Markets and You Pick Farms.

The eyes of the world turn toward the Greatest Spectacle In Racing.

500 Festival there are many exciting opportunities to celebrate May in Indianapolis. Check the schedule and join the fun.

Indy 500 Race join practice, time trials, and see the race. 

Indiana Things To Do In May This is a favorite site, resource. If you are local, subscribe. If you are not local, it is ok...you can learn about how we like 

Global Village Welcome Center celebrates all the heritages found in our area. Share and learn and celebrate!

International Friends Summertime Meet-Ups

We wrap up International Friends classes and meetings for the year May 13. In the summer we meet in-person in the local parks. After a few years of the pandemic, we are planning some more adventurous field trips around Indy (as well as some meet-ups in the local parks).

June 2, 11:30 AM: First Thursday at Newfields. The museum and gardens are free! Register on line. 

July: Indianapolis War Memorial

August: Meet at CLC for an old-fashioned ice cream social!

Celebrating Ramadan

Ramazan Bayramı is the three-day holiday that follows the end of the holy month of Ramazan. 

Called Eid es-Seghir in many other Muslim countries, Ramazan Bayramı (sometimes called Şeker Bayramı[sheh-KEHR bah-yee-rah-muh, “Candy Holiday”]) starts at sunset on the last day of Ramazan, and celebrates the completion of the holy month of fasting.

it is an official national holiday [in some countries]. On the last day of Ramazan, most offices and businesses close after lunch for “preparation” (arife, ah-ree-FEH). The three-day holiday itself begins at sunset on that day, and lasts until sunset on the third day. So if the last day of Ramazan is Monday, the holiday begins Monday sunset and lasts until Thursday sunset. ~Elif Durmaz

American Sign Language: Monday, 5:30-6:30 PM EST, Zoom

We had a very interesting class where our leader's camera was not working (but she could share her screen). For ASL (American Sign Language) this can be a problem because in order for her to correct us, she had to describe what we were doing wrong. On the other hand (PUN!), this turned out to make us more conscious of our signing.

We also talked about Sugar Cream Pie (called Hoosier pie in other states). Try this delicious recipe.

April 14: Join the conversation! We are going to compare Spanish and signing!

International Bible Study: Tuesday, 9:30-10:30 AM EST, Zoom

We read 1 Timothy 3. Paul informs Timothy of the job descriptions for leaders. People who wish or are called to work as leaders should be above reproach. Verse seven also says that leaders should have a good reputation with outsiders so he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap. Key words from our discussion included propriety, conceit, responsibility, distraction, detraction. While these instructions are specific to this job, they are great traits for everyone who is looking for a position as well as traits to look for in a person. Paul advises that people should be tested before they are appointed. Finally, Paul explains his rationale for these character traits in verse 16: they are the keepers of a great message.

April 26: We are testing our hybrid skills join us on Zoom or meet in person in the Senior High room at CLC to read and study and talk about 1 Timothy 4. 

4850 East Main Street in Carmel

Enter Door Six. Go up the steps by the welcome desk and follow signs.

International Friends: Tuesday, 10:30-12:00 AM EST, in person

Planning for the last three weeks of the year! We are happy to resume meeting in-person. 

April 26: Meet at CLC to play Mexican Train. Children are welcome to join us. 

4850 East Main Street in Carmel

Enter Door Six. Go up the steps by the welcome desk and follow signs.

May 3: Meet at the Indianapolis Art Center (if the weather is kind) to tour the gardens and lunch in Broadripple. 820 E. 67th Street, Indianapolis.

May 10: Our last official meeting! Let's go to Cake Bake. Email Carolyn by May 1 so we can make reservations.

Afternoon Conversation: Wednesday, 4:30-5:30 PM EST, Zoom

We focused on accent versus pronunciation as it directly relates to

April 27: Bring you projects, questions, ideas. Let's talk.

English Classes: Thursday, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM EST, Zoom 

We reviewed prepositions. We are talking about our "dream jobs" and writing letters of introduction. Write your letter telling us what you would like to do and your qualifications. We are using these letters as the basis for our study.

April 28: Let's look at each other's dreams.

Kids Conversation: Friday, 5:30-6:30 PM EST, Zoom

April 29: Meet 

above reproach: not 

Celebrating National Sovereignty and Children's Day Westfield, Indiana

Our neighbors from Turkey are celebrating Children's Day.

Learn more about this holiday from The Turkish Coalition of America.

 

Happy Easter

 Hello, Friends. 

In the United States, Easter is celebrated as a secular event with "egg hunts" and Easter baskets filled with treats and toys. Children search for candy and small gifts. Communities come together and offer Easter egg hunts. Adult hunts harken back to childhood and give adults the chance to relive those fun days. People greet each other: Happy Easter!

What We Are Watching/Reading

The Power of Voice by Denice Woods: an entertaining and practical book that coaches breathing and relaxation that teaches not only now to be heard but how to correctly pronounce and speak American English to be heard and to relax to speak.

CODA: the Academy Award winner coming of age movie about a girl whose family is all deaf. She is the translator/bridge to the hearing world. She finds her voice in song. Watch on Apple TV or in the theater.

Ip Man series: a martial arts series in Chinese on Netflix that traces the story of the grand master that trained Bruce Lee.

Rurouni Kenshin series: a Japanese live action three part series about samurai based on manga. 

Wrapping Up the Year

This week was full of learning and growing together and growing together. American Accent Class met in person and went out to lunch. Our other meetings (on Zoom) see Friends from all over making transitions to summer and winter activities.

We have four more weeks to our official school year. Our last meeting/class for the year is May 13. Many of our Friends here in Indiana have become comfortable and are getting jobs and becoming involved in American life. We are always happy to hear of these success stories. We currently do not have plans for workshops or classes. We do have plans to meet up in the park. Watch for announcements.

Freedom Of Religion

In the U.S. we have laws to outline offenses against each other. We also have rights or moral and legal behaviors that are understood to be inherent and are protected. The Bill of Rights specifies these things which are understood to be human rights and are protected. In other words, these laws protect people from the government as a whole (not just individuals). 

The First Amendment in the Bill of Rights guarantees freedom of religion. This week there are three religions observing major holy days: 

• Holy Week and Easter: the Christian 40 days of Lent ends with the observance of Holy Week. This week memorializes the persecution, crucifixion, resurrection of Jesus freeing the world from sin. (Find out more and read the stories from the Bible)
• Passover: Jewish people remember when God freeing the people from slavery in Egypt. (Find out more from explanations and Bible verses)
• Ramadan: Muslims observe 40 days of fasting from sun up to sun down as a time of spiritual reflection, self improvement, devotion and reflection. (Find our more about the practice and basis of Ramadan)

As we observe, fast, and feast we can be sure that we respect each other's right of freedom to worship. This opinion article by Todd Rokita is a discussion about the necessity of preserving this right.

Indiana Fun

Indiana Department of Natural Resources Bulletin has some very interesting articles about invasive species. 

American Sign Language

We talked about the movie CODA (you can see it in the theaters and on Apple Play). Child Of Deaf Adults. These children are often hearing and experience two communities: the deaf community and the hearing community. The deaf and hearing communities are often separated by virtue of the language barrier which is physically difficult to overcome.

April 18: We continue to pursue our language and vocabulary study to fit our interest and our class.

International Bible Study

1 Timothy 2 can cause pause since there are many implications that may be read to exclude women from full participation. On closer examination, we discovered that Paul was addressing a specific audience and conveying specific opinion. We discussed the importance of instruction as direction, or detailed information of how to accomplish a goal that is specific to a leader or situation. This is very different from law that crosses all boundaries. We found that we became embroiled in debate about women's rights. Was that really Paul's intent? We know that Jesus (and God the Father) wants all people to know His love and fully participate in His kingdom. Why are women shut down and excluded? We peeked ahead.

April 19: 1 Timothy 3 addresses these concerns. There is further direction for people to demonstrate their love to one another.

International Friends

We met to dye eggs virtually. This is a fun, secular tradition for families. 

April 19: We would like to get together and celebrate. See you at 11:00 

Afternoon Conversation: Wednesday, 4:30-5:30 PM EST, Zoom

April 20: Meet at 4:30 to chat. If no one comes by 4:45, the room closes. 

English Classes: Thursday, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM, Zoom

We wrapped a detailed discussion of prepositions. Staff debated what is a preposition and whether words or word groups on our list were truly prepositions. This was in lieu of lecture or discussion. Did you find yourself listening and learning to think critically about how these parts of speech are classified and used in everyday English?

April 21: Join us to play some preposition games. Bring your letters of reference (email them to us to preview). We will break into very small groups to talk about them. As usual, we will have some great conversation and spin into learning about American English casually and naturally.

 

 

harken back: remember or look back to past days

live action: not a movie, not manga

truly: actually, in fact

Spring Break Quick Note

 Hello, Friends.

Here are some quick screen shots of egg hunting, community, Easter fun not to be missed.

Check out the Hamilton County Reporter for more local news.

Have a great weekend and see you next week on Zoom!

Hello April and No Classes or Meetings Next Week

 Hello, Friends.

We are looking forward to Spring Break! Here in Indiana, we keep getting snow surprises. The flowers and birds are not fazed by the cold weather and are continuing to bloom. Even the frost hasn't nipped the new growth.

No International Friends classes or meetings April 2-6, 2022.

April Holidays and Fun

1: April Fool's Day
14: Maundy Thursday: a Christian religious date
15: Good Friday: a Christian religious holiday remembering the death of Jesus

15: Federal (and most state) Income taxes are due; file an extension of you need more time
16: Easter: both secular and religious holiday 

American Sign Language: Monday, 5:30-6:30 PM, Zoom

We made conversational sentences and referenced online resources. We recorded our conversations so we could review them and gather feedback about style and improve our study.

April 11: Look for more vocabulary and refining of our skills and understanding.

International Bible Study: Tuesday, 9:30-10:30 AM, Zoom

We began reading 1 Timothy (first Timothy). This is letter from Paul to Timothy who is serving the people of Macedonia. Our discussions centered around verse 9. We talked about laws and freedom. We compared laws of man and laws of God. Man's laws can be faulty, but God's laws stand firm. Paul points out that laws are written for the people who intentionally wish to harm others. Paul, himself, was someone who broke laws and persecuted righteous people. He points out that all is not lost because he became one of the loudest spokesmen and teachers.

April 12: Read 1Timothy: 2 and be ready!

International Friends: Tuesday, 10:30 AM-12:00 PM, Zoom

We met together, in person at a Friend's home and enjoyed delicious Turkish food. 

April 12: Let's dye Easter Eggs and talk about Easter customs in America. Easter is celebrated as a secular as well as a religious holiday. Dying eggs is a fun tradition as well as Easter egg hunts. We will dye eggs on Zoom. This is a very fun spring tradition for the whole family! Hard boil eggs and pick up an egg dying kit from the grocery store, drug store, Walmart or Target or any other name store.

  

Afternoon Conversation: Wednesday, 4:30-5:30 PM, Zoom

April 13: Bring your conversation topics.

English Classes: Thursday, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM, Zoom

We worked on prepositions. We made on the fly sentences and compared meanings as well as similarities and differences. 

April 14: Bring prepared sentences using prepositions that have not been used. Also, write a letter that outlines your skills as if you are applying for the job of your choice.

Kids' Conversation: Friday, 5:30-6:00 PM, Zoom

Pranks for April Fool's Day were mostly about our relationships with each other. Everyone is busy with exams and tests. Everyone is working hard in school, but we make time to have fun (even if it is studying).

April 14: We will talk about Easter customs and fun.

as: since

as if: as would be the case if

centered around: a concept or idea the is the focus of discussion

fazed: bothered or disturbed

feedback: information 

gather: collect

loudest spokesmen: vocal supporter of a cause

nipped: damage or kill new growth on plants

of your choice: something you would choose if you have no limits

on the fly: quick decisions

outlines: describes briefly

pranks: jokes, tricks to tease others

with the possible exception: