Yesterday we had the good fortune of being able to celebrate a birthday in our group. It was Shelly’s birthday and of course we had to use the opportunity to have a party. Late last week we talked to the cooks (with the students translating for us) and explained that we needed a birthday cake. We decided on a chocolate cake with chocolate icing and purely by accident picked Shelly’s favorite flavor of cake. The cooks added a coconut filling and it tasted much like a German chocolate cake. I think we managed to pull of the surprise and Shelly told us it would be a birthday she would never forget.
Many of the students enjoy playing basketball during group activity time. Rather than sitting and playing cards, this group will shoot hoops. As an example of how teaching occurrs while we play, we taught the students how to play HORSE. We get to show the students how to spell a new word plus explain the instructions to a game they had never played before now. Last night the girls beat up on the guys with Aline and Fabi winning two of the three games we played.
Most nights after supper we break into groups and play games with the students. But last night at two of the dinner tables we became involved in theological discussions. I was amazed at the ability of the students to discuss complex issues in English. At one point I told Carol and Cristy that I thought they were about ready to preach a sermon in English. The students struggle with confidence more than ability. Apart from needing an occasional translation, we had no trouble having these discussions and understanding their point of view.
Today’s vocabulary lesson involved breakfast foods. The language helpers opened the lesson with a skit showing a couple at a restaurant ordering breakfast foods. Not to be outdone, the students were able to put on skits of their own on the same theme. Of course, the students’ became much more involved using costumes and props in their self-prepared skits. The second picture shows Robson, Aline, Irene and Daniel in the first skit while the third picture shows Fabi, Carol, Cristy and Ricardo. The final picture is of waitress Carol who clearly won the award for best costume. By the end of the morning the students were asking for pancakes and maple syrup (which many of them have never had) and all of us were hungry for a traditional US breakfast.
Everything else is going well here and the team is in good health. This morning at our team meeting we commented on how fast the time has flown by and that it will be the end of the week before we know it. Our thoughts and prayers are with Team 3 as they begin to prepare for their travel to Brazil.
Blessings from Brazil,
Dan and Team 2
Many of the students enjoy playing basketball during group activity time. Rather than sitting and playing cards, this group will shoot hoops. As an example of how teaching occurrs while we play, we taught the students how to play HORSE. We get to show the students how to spell a new word plus explain the instructions to a game they had never played before now. Last night the girls beat up on the guys with Aline and Fabi winning two of the three games we played.
Most nights after supper we break into groups and play games with the students. But last night at two of the dinner tables we became involved in theological discussions. I was amazed at the ability of the students to discuss complex issues in English. At one point I told Carol and Cristy that I thought they were about ready to preach a sermon in English. The students struggle with confidence more than ability. Apart from needing an occasional translation, we had no trouble having these discussions and understanding their point of view.
Today’s vocabulary lesson involved breakfast foods. The language helpers opened the lesson with a skit showing a couple at a restaurant ordering breakfast foods. Not to be outdone, the students were able to put on skits of their own on the same theme. Of course, the students’ became much more involved using costumes and props in their self-prepared skits. The second picture shows Robson, Aline, Irene and Daniel in the first skit while the third picture shows Fabi, Carol, Cristy and Ricardo. The final picture is of waitress Carol who clearly won the award for best costume. By the end of the morning the students were asking for pancakes and maple syrup (which many of them have never had) and all of us were hungry for a traditional US breakfast.
Everything else is going well here and the team is in good health. This morning at our team meeting we commented on how fast the time has flown by and that it will be the end of the week before we know it. Our thoughts and prayers are with Team 3 as they begin to prepare for their travel to Brazil.
Blessings from Brazil,
Dan and Team 2
2 comments:
It looks like you are having a wonderful time. Say hello to my buddy Shelly, her and I have known each other over 50 years. I am so glad you surprised her for her birthday, tell her for me that her card should be at her house when she returns. Safe trip to all of you. What a wonderful opportunity to do this for these people.
SHELLY, DEBRA AND CREW...
Sounds like things are going great.We have been praying for all of you and can't wait to hear about your trip.Happy Birthday Shelly!!!!!
God Bless you all,
Becky and Kevin Neuman
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