A Brazilian Friend is Coming to Lincoln Part 2- Giovanna came :)
A few weeks ago I wrote about how a new Brazilian friend was coming to Lincoln in regards to Giovana the baby girl expected by my friend Gabriella and Thiago from Brazil. Giovanna came to Lincoln at 3am Friday morning after her mother Gabriella spent 46.5 hours in labor.
Beautiful little Giovanna
Giovanna may be small now, but based on having tall parents I think she may grow up to play volleyball for the University of Nebraska. Both of her parents are Graduate students, so perhaps she will be a PHD student someday. One thing I do know for sure if that she will be loved and taught about the love God has for her because her parents live out their love for God and others.
Thiago with his new baby girl Giovanna
It was interesting that while I was at the hospital visiting we took time to pray for her and as we prayed she did not cry. She does have a good set of lungs 
. I went to the hospital for a brief visit to pray for Giovanna and for Gabriella. Thiago looked tired but he was beaming with joy. Gabriella was also beaming, but I believe she was far more tired than Thiago. 46.5 hours of labor makes me think Brazilian women must be tough, but then why do American women usually win in Soccer and Volleyball lol.
Giovanna will have several of her parents friends doting over her as well. There will be her American grandmother Linda, numerous “uncles” who will look out for her, many “aunts” who will be happy to hold her, and of course her real uncle Thiciano who will especially dote over her.
The only thing I am not sure of is whether I should refer to her as my new Brazilian friend or my new American friend because she was born here, so she is an American Welcome to Lincoln Giovanna. Just remember until you finish your PHD there are no boys only books
1 Year of Ministry- Spring of Life Christian Deaf Church
This afternoon I went to Ministerio Manantial de Vida to worship with my Spanish Speaking Friends. I have been joining them on Sunday afternoons the past three months. One of the things that has impressed me is how the family of Pastors Rogelio and Chayo has reached out to the Hearing Impaired Community in Lincoln. Their sons Jonathan and David Arteaga are the Pastors for Spring of Life Christian Deaf Church which meets in the basement of the church where Ministerio Manantial de Vida meets for Sunday worship. The two services are at the same time on Sundays 11:30 to 2. The two churches meet in Faith Methodist Church at 33rd and Starr Streets.
Pastor Jonathan and his family
Pastor David
Today was the 1 year anniversary for Spring of Life Christian Deaf Church. There was a special lunch for both churches to celebrate the anniversary. It was awesome to watch as Hispanic and American hearing impaired people communicated with each other using sign language. The funny thing is they do not need translators to communicate with each other since they sign. It is only hearing people who need translators if we don’t speak the other language. I learned how to sign happy, congratulations, and Praise Jesus. Pastor Rogelio taught me. I was able to sign congratulations to the members of Spring of Life who were sitting together.
Members of Spring of Life at lunch
One thought hit me rather strongly today. Hispanics are often criticized in America and there are stereotypes that can be barriers. Too often Hispanics are viewed as taking something away from us. The thought that hit me was the Arteaga family has come to Lincoln and are reaching out to and ministering to people in Lincoln who have limited choices for a place to worship. Jonathan and David are serving the Deaf community in Lincoln. Their father, Pastor Rogelio, and mother, Pastor Chayo, are not only supportive of Spring of Life Church, they also serve. Pastor Rogelio joins them about once a month to assist in their worship service while Pastor Chayo teaches in Ministerio Manatial de Vida. Brothers Jonathan and David are giving to the Lincoln community in ways that most American churches fail to try. Pastors Rogelio and Chayo are behind them one hundred per cent. Jezharela is Jonathan and David’s sister. She is the worship leader for Ministerio Manantial de Vida. The whole family can sign and are giving to our community in this wonderfully unique way.
Congratulations Spring of Life Christian Deaf Church on your first year of ministry. I am excited about your wonderful ministry. I look forward to getting to know more of the members of Spring of Life and about your ministry.
The Teacher Becomes a Student- My Next Español Class
This afternoon I received my textbook for my next español class via UPS. I ordered it from Amazon and it arrived today. It was like getting a Christmas present in the mail. I showed it to my friends from Vietnam that I help with English on Saturday afternoons. They might have thought I was crazy to be so excited about a textbook. Tram helped me record the video anyway. It is exciting for me because it represents the next phase of acquiring a beautiful second language.
mi español libro- my Spanish book for my first three classes
My Vistas book was the one we used for my first three classes. I began with this book in my first class last summer which was baby steps español. I continued with it through last quarter in my Second Year Accelerated class. That was more intense but definitely worthwhile. What began as more of an experiment in my mind last summer, has now become much more of a reality for me. My dream now is to become fluent in español, not simply able to use basic conversation. That is why when I came home and to be greeted by the UPS man and sign for my book, I felt like a kid on his birthday.
My book for Intensive Writing
I am looking forward to my next class. I am also looking forward to doing it online since it will free up more of my time. Last quarter was intense and rewarding but I did have much time for anything but teach, study and my ministry work. This quarter I will be able to study but also have a little time to relax.
What I look forward to the most is when the time comes that I can converse fluently with my Hispanic friends in Lincoln and around the world. Think about this- I took on this new challenge at the age of 52. What new challenges await you? We are never too old to try a new adventure
The teacher becomes a student- Third Course in Español was a Success
Recent news this week that the Hispanic community in America is now the largest minority group in America and the fastest growing group in America according to an article I read on yahoo. This highlights to me the benefits of learning español. It seems like a long time ago that while I was praying in Ensenada México, God showed me He wanted me to study Spanish. I began in July 2010 and discovered that first quarter that yes at the age of 52 I could still learn a language.
I just completed my third course in español last week, and for various reasons I found it to be the most rewarding to me personally. The course was Second Year Accelerated and it was intense. What made it so rewarding to me were the obstacles I had to persevere through. First was my busy schedule which consisted of teaching English classes in the morning, afternoon and right after my Spanish class in the evenings. Secondly I had to press on through a bout of acute bronchitis. There were a few evenings that I had to leave the classroom a few times due to coughing. Just because something is worthwhile does not mean it will be easy. In fact many times it will have obstacles.
I have found that studying a language has given me fresh perspective on how my students feel and exposed me to techniques that some of which I have implement in my English classes. After three courses of español I realize that the more I learn, the more I see there is still more to learn, so I registered for another course of español, Intensive Writing, which begins next week.
The biggest thrill for me about my endeavor to learn español is that I can now communicate with people in español. I have been visiting a Hispanic church on Sundays. I went to a prayer group a few weeks ago and prayed in Spanish. I can also envision possibilities for the future with my new language. We are never too old to learn something new. I hope to keep this attitude for a long time to come.
I am very grateful to have had this opportunity to learn español. I am thankful to my church for their support and to my many Hispanic friends who have helped me practice. I look forward to my next adventure of Intensive Writing in español.
Sunday Fun with my International Friends- Welcome Back Yoshio from Japan
When Yoshio left for Japan in February to visit his family, my prayer for his safety was for his flights. I had no idea at that time that an earthquake and tsunami would hit Japan while he was there. It has been heart wrenching to see all of the devastation and suffering in Japan. I have some friends who went to school here and are now living and working back in Japan. I have been trying to find out how they are and rejoice when I hear from one of them that they are okay. All of my Sunday friends wanted to know if I had heard from Yoshio. I was glad to be able to tell them last Sunday that he was okay and on his way back.
This morning we had a special welcome back morning for Yoshio. We shared about how God is with us even when hardship strikes. We also took turns sharing about how God was with us and helped us in difficult times in our lives. We then gathered around Yoshio to pray for him, his family and for Japan. It was a meaningful time. In class we had Daniel from China, Phung and Yen from Vietnam, Brandon, Carol, Kirste, Mike, Rex, Robb and Shawn from America. many of our other international friends are currently traveling for Spring Break.
me with Yoshio
At the end we had fun taking pictures. I had Yoshio go around the room and sit or stand next to different people kind like the old Where is Waldo game.
Yoshio with Yen
Yoshio with Daniel
Yoshio with Phung
Yoshio with Mike and Carol and their daughter Kirste
Yoshio with Shawn
Yoshio with Rex
Yoshio with Brandon
It was a fun ending to a poignant morning. I know Yoshio would rather be home in Japan with his family at this time, but he had to return for work. His city was not hit hard by the earthquake and was far from the tsunami, but there are other problems arising. It is a time for compassion, so I plan to donate to Samaritan’s Purse because they do such a great job of getting aid quickly to places hit hard by disaster. Hopefully all who read this will also give to the organization of their choice to help the people of Japan.
We were all happy to see Yoshio safe back here in Lincoln. He came back to a very busy work week and hopefully this morning was a bit of an oasis for him in his crazy schedule. Welcome back Yoshio. My prayers are with your family and with Japan.
Weekend Fun with my Sunday friends- Happy Birthday Brandon and TIngting
A few weeks ago we had a surprise birthday lunch for Brandon and Tingting. They had their birthdays a few days apart. Brandon’s mom called and asked me if our group could come to their house for a surprise lunch for Brandon. Brandon has been a part of my Sunday class for several months and has made friends with our international friends. They were glad to participate in the surprise.
The surprise was that we came for lunch. He wanted to go out to eat, but I told him we couldn’t that day but maybe the next week. We showed up at the house while he was in the basement and he walked up to see all of us in the living room. We had a delicious lunch prepared by his mom. It was great to surprise him and also awesome to see my international friends enjoy some fun in an American home and have a brief break from their busy lives as students.
Brandon with Daniel from China and a friend from Korea
The surprise did not end with Brandon. When Brandon’s mom Diane called me about the lunch, I shared with her that Tingting’s birthday was two days after Brandon’s and she told me she would put Tingting’s name on the cake. She went even further and gave some flowers to a young woman living far from home that she had not met before. Diane was very gracious.
Diane and with Tingting
Tingting wiht her "grandmother" Pat
Brandon’s parents Diane and John were both very welcoming to our international friends. It was a blessing how they opened their home to us and combined Tingting’s birthday in with Brandon’s.
Diane and John working in the kitchen
It was a day of little surprises and fun. I look forward to more little adventures with my international friends. Seeing them enjoy life is one of my biggest blessings. I was also pleased to see Brandon have fun. He has been a good friend to many international students. Opening our friends to people from other countries blesses them, but it also blesses us in return whether those friends are refugees, immigrants or international students.
Saying Goodbye to Isis my Wonderful Geek Friend
Last Saturday I spoke with my friend Isis on the phone and found out she will move back to Brazil Sunday March 6th. It was surprising to hear that. Life can change quickly sometimes. I wanted to make her last Sunday morning in my Sunday class a time for her to remember. I wanted her to leave with some good memories of Lincoln and of my Sunday class. I called people in my class to let them know that Isis was moving and that we would say goodbye.
me with Isis
I am proud of her and all that she has accomplished while living here. I met her when she was taking ESL classes and needed to pass the TOEFL test. We studied together for the TOEFL. She completed her Master’s in Computer Science last summer. She has been a busy woman the past four years. Her husband Eduardo also completed a Master’s here. I am confident they will do very well living in Brazil and someday I hope to visit them there.
Isis with her friend Amelia from Peru and Lien from Vietnam
In class I taught about how God makes all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purposes. We talked about how God said in Jeremiah “I know the plans I have for you……. plans to give you a future and a hope.” Then we went around the room and each person shared something with Isis. It was a poignant morning.
me with Isis, Lien and Amelia
Kathy joined us
It has been wonderful to have Isis as my friend here in Lincoln and to spend time with her and her husband Eduardo. I took Isis and Eduardo out for lunch Sunday at Olive Garden to say goodbye. I have many great memories such as Christmas Eve with them last year and Isis’s graduation last summer. I will miss them and miss seeing Isis on Sunday mornings, but also know God has a plan for them back in Brazil.
I am proud of Isis and all that she has accomplished, but I must say one last time- Isis you are much more of a geek than I am My best wished to my wonderful geek friend
A Brazlian Friend is Coming Soon- Baby shower for Giovanna
Last Saturday I went to a baby shower for some friends from Brazil who are expecting their first child. Gabriella and Thiago will have a baby girl soon and have chosen the name Giovanna for her. They are excited for Giovanna’s arrival and I know they will be wonderful parents.
Gabriella and Thiago
It was only the second baby shower I have attended, so I am not sure if I can say anything about cultural universals except what I observed when we made a video story for Giovanna. We went around to group adding to a story about Giovanna and when one person mentioned boyfriend Thiago was overwhelmed with a protective father reaction lol.
There were some nervous husbands when Gabriella’s friends put balloons under their shirts for some pictures. On of them put two balloons under her shirt saying she wanted twin boys.
Gabriella and Thiago may be living far from home and family, but Giovanna will have many aunts and uncles willing to spoil her. I am sure she will get a lot of attention from her aunts and uncles living here Lincoln. She will also have an American grandmother Linda who is excited to meet Giovanna.
Thiago with Linda
Gabriella with Linda
Cristiane and Daniel with Thiago's brother Thiciano
some of Giovanna's "uncles" who will help watch out for her
I have a feeling that Giovanna will make a grand entrance in some way such as interrupting her mom and dad during church service or while they are out with friends at a restaurant. When she comes, she will certainly be welcomed by loving parents and all of their excited friends.
me with Gabriella and Thiago
About
I teach English Second Language and have a ministry for internationals at my home church First Evangelical Free church in Lincoln Nebraska. I have had the pleasure of traveling in Austria, Canada, England, France, Germany, Mexico, Romania and Switzerland. My hobby is to learn words and phrases from other languages. I have learned how to greet people in 30 languages.
My blog is about my experiences with international friends, my travels, and people I meet along the way. My international friends’ stories are fascinating to me. Experiencing other cultures makes life rich for me.
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