2011- New Friends at Ministerio Manantial de Vida and a New Hobby
I celebrated New Year’s Eve and early New Year’s Day last year with a Hispanic Church Ministerio Manatial de Vida. I had never been there before, but was invited through facebook, so I joined them in their celebration. That night led to meeting many new friends at la Iglésia Ministerio Manatial de Vida. I also bought a new camera last year that allowed to me to explore my new hobby of photography. My new friends and my new hobby combined for some memorable moments in 2011.
my friend Fidel at Father's Day celebration with his family
My camera and I were able to join in on some holiday celebrations such as a Father’s Day lunch, Labor Day Buñuelos party, and Christmas Day services. Perhaps to the relief of my friends at my weekend group I had a new outlet for my fun with photography. It has been a joy to be able to snap some photos for my friends at Ministerio.
1st worship service at their new location
It was a meaningful moment when my friends at Ministerio were able to celebrate having their own building to worship in and no longer need to rent a facility.
Pastor Rogelio teaching before baptisms at the lake
My camera and I were able to join in on some events that were celebrations for the church such as a baptism celebration at a Wagon Train Lake. We were also able to join in on some salient moments such as a Quinceañera, 15th birthday party, for a young lady at the church.
My new hobby led to me being asked to take pictures of a wedding at Ministerio Manatial de Vida. That has led me to another new hobby which is using my iPhoto to produce slide shows etc.
It is my belief that we are never too old to try new experiences and to meet new people. In 2010 it was studying Español. In 2011 it was meeting my new friends and my new hobby. I look forward t seeing what 2012 brings. In 2011 my camera and I had many fun moments with my new friends at Ministerio Manatial de Vida. This next picture that I end with shows how much fun we had. I helped to make buñuelos and my assistant stood in awe of my ability lol.
me with my assistant buñuelos maker Ely
Christmas Present- Christmas this year with 2 cultures :)
This year was a wonderful Christmas time for me with my friends from Vietnam and my Hispanic friends. Celebrating Christmas with people from other countries makes me think about the beauty in what Jesus said in John3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…” God loves each person in each culture equally and being able to spend time with my international friends is a blessing at Christmas.
My Christmas Eve started with going to Christmas Eve service at my home church First Evangelical Free Church Lincoln. I was supposed to meet some of my young friends from Vietnam, but they had a flat tire and ran late, so I began by sitting with a family from Honduras for the beginning of the service. It has been great to watch as their lives have improved over the years. Then my friends from Vietnam came and I moved over to join them. One of them was a 5 year old girl who I had the privilege of taking to the front to children’s story time. I gave each of my young friends a candy cane before they went home.
Next I went to a Christmas play at a Vietnamese Catholic Church to see some of my current and former students in their play. One of my students played the role of Mary. Another one played an angel. Three of them sang in the choir. I also saw some of my other former students there too. I did not understand the language, but I understood the meaning of the stories in the play. It was great to be able to wish them Chuc Mung Giang Sinh- Merry Christmas in Vietnamese.
On Christmas Day I went to worship with my friends at Ministerio Manatial de Vida. It was awesome to sing Silent Night in español 
One thing I especially appreciate about Ministerio is how they provide children opportunities to grow and develop in their skills. The children came up front to sing a song. I was able to give out some more candy canes to the children.
It was a meaningful way to celebrate Christmas and cap off a year of fun adventures with my international friends. I look forward to seeing what next year brings
2011- A Year of Saying Goodbye to Good Friends
This past year it seemed like one of the unfortunate things I had to do too often was say goodbye to friends who were moving away. Not just moving to another city moving away. They moved back to their home countries moving away as in moving to a different continent moving away. When we had going away parties, they were times to celebrate friendships and honor the person or people who meant so much to us.
me with Isis at her graduation from her Master's program
Isis moved back to Brazil in March. I had a lot of memorable moments with Isis and her husband Eduardo. Isis and I studied together for her TOEFL test. Her graduation was a highlight for me being able to see her walk across the stage to receive her diploma after all of her hard work. We had a lot of fun together such a meals at their apartment, fun day trips such as going to Nebraska City with a group, and spending Christmas Eve together in 2010. Isis and I used to have fun discussing who was more of a geek and of course it was her
Tingting
Tingting and Johnny are the only ones who moved to another city. She moved to Buffalo New York to work on her Master’s Degree in July. I met Tingting her first night in America when I greeted her at the airport. I mostly saw her on Sundays during the school year in my Sunday morning class. We also had some fun together such as dinners at Mongolian Grill with a group of friends from China or special activities at church. Of course Tingting moving away meant that Johnny was sure to follow
Tingting and Johnny at China Night
Johnny transferred to the University of Buffalo in August. Now he can live where Tingting is living
Jochen, Julia and Ben
Jochen, Julia and Ben moved back to Germany in August. I first met Julia when I was substitute teaching a morning Advanced ESL class. Jochen and Julia graciously hosted my groups at their house for barbecues and for Christmas parties. They went to the Omaha Zoo with me and several young people from China and Vietnam. I enjoyed our conversations and fun times together such as a Nebraska City trip to see Arbor Lodge. I did not see them as much during their last year in Lincoln because they had a very welcomed new addition to their family, Ben their baby boy. He was the star attraction at their going away party
Thiago and Gabriela with their baby girl Giovana at Thiago's Phd graduation
Thiago, Gabriela and Giovanna moved back to Brazil in August. I first met them at a birthday party for mutual friends from Korea. We stood outside on a cool afternoon and talked for a long time about our mutual faith in Jesus. They were the ones who invited me to several Brazilian parties. One mutual friend from Brazil shared with me that when he and his wife were new to Lincoln, Thiago and Gabriela were their best friends. That sentiment was shared by many people from Brazil and other countries. Giovanna was born in Lincoln, so she is learning a new culture at a young age
"Uncle Yoshio" with his many "nieces"
Yoshio moved back to Japan in November. My young friends in my groups called him Uncle Yoshio which always made him smile. Yoshio was a great helper for our friends. he would drive them places or help if they needed help. He also helped in anonymous ways that only he and I know about. We had many fun moments such as days trips to numerous places like the Omaha Zoo. At his going away lunch I told the server at the restaurant that it was his birthday. It was actually a few weeks early, but I wasn’t going to be able to see him on his actual birthday. The server brought over some balloons and lollipops for Yoshio and we all sang happy birthday to him. Several people came to the airport to say goodbye to him.
So I now have friends spread out across the globe, in Brazil, Germany, Japan and New York. Such is the nature of friendships with internationals. We have meaningful friendships while they are here. I know when I meet them that I will some day say goodbye, but knowing that in a small way I could be of help while they are here makes it worthwhile. Having great friends and interesting experiences with them makes it even more worthwhile. If I ever have the money, perhaps someday I will take a long trip around the world to see my friends who have moved back to their countries over the years
Christmas’s Past- Sharing a Living Nativity with Friends
My home church used to have an event for Christmas called Once Upon a Village which included Bethlehem shops and a Living Nativity. One year stands out in my memory because it was a year that friends from Brazil, Belgium, China, Germany, Japan, Peru and Vietnam joined me for the Living Nativity. It was a blessing to spend time with my friends and to share the Living Nativity with them. For some of them it was the first time they had experienced a Living Nativity while others were happy to be able to experience one here in Lincoln too.
The Bethlehem village area included some animals such as sheep and goats. We walked through the village which had people dressed as shopkeepers and Roman soldiers. Then shepherds came in and announced what they had heard from the angels and how they had seen the baby Jesus. Then we walked to the Living Nativity.
After out time at the Living Nativity, we went to another church that was having a concert. Once Upon a Village and the concert at New Covenant Church were part of a collaboration called Christmas on 84th Street. The concert included some brief dramas, Christmas music, and readings from the bible about the birth of Jesus.
After the concert, we were invited to go to the home of our friends from Germany, Jochen and Julia. We enjoyed some good food and great company. It was a great way to cap off the evening.
This Christmas memory is special to me because it illustrates to me what Christmas is all about,which is a time to remember God gift to us the first Christmas – His Son Jesus- and spending time with friends and family. May you have a truly blessed Christmas this year and experience the love of God in your lives.
Congratulations Gabriel- My Friend from Congo Graduated with His Phd
me with Gabriel
Gabriel was my student in an ESL Class several years ago. When he was in my class, he was still a fairly new immigrant to America and was working while also studying to improve his English. We had a conversation at the end of the quarter and talked about him pursuing a graduate degree from the University of Nebraska Lincoln. When he was in my class, it was obvious to me that he is an intelligent man and capable of accomplishing many wonderful things.
with some of his friends and former students
There were many people there to celebrate with Gabriel from diverse countries. Some of his former students came to congratulate him. They spoke highly of Mr. Kwambamba. One of his former students told me that she only had him for one semester of French, but that her experience in his class was a very positive experience for her, so she wanted to come to congratulate him. Everyone I spoke with had something positive to say about Gabriel.
Gabriel and his wife Coco
One concern I have had many students share with me about not being able to pursue their dreams is being busy with family. Gabriel is married and has children. He pursued his dream of a Phd while being married and being a father. It was great to see his children enjoy the celebration. His wife Coco smiled the whole evening. Gabriel’s graduation was the culmination of many years of dedication not only by Gabriel, but also his wife Coco.
a happy graduate
Many of Gabriel and Coco’s friends were there. There were American friends who have befriended them and helped them with their new lives in America. There were many African friends that Gabriel and Coco have befriended and helped. I was glad to be able join in the celebration and congratulate my friend. There was plenty of delicious food and some dancing at the end of the evening.
If you are an international student who is wondering can it be done, I offer my friend Gabriel to you as evidence that yes it can be done. It takes dedication and persistence, but you can do it. Congratulations Gabriel!!
Christmas Past- Sharing Christmas with My Friend Trang
with Trang at Christmas Eve Service
In the story A Christmas Carol by Dickens the character Scrooge is visited by three spirits, Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future. The visits change Scrooge for the better. I would like to share the next few days about Christmas’s Past that have been meaningful to me and have helped me to grow as a person.
It seems fitting to begin with my friend Trang. She came here from Vietnam with her family. She had not experienced much of what Christmas is about before coming to America. I met with Trang, her brother Trieu and three other young men from Vietnam Dnag, Do and Tu at the library to study English for a few years. We had a lot of fun at times and I would share with them about American culture especially when we had a holiday coming.
Trang, Trieu, Dang, Do and Tu came with me to church to experience a Christmas Program that we used to have called Once Upon a Village which included a Living Nativity Scene. They also came with me to a Christmas Eve Service to see what it one is like. We took pictures in front of a Christmas tree in the church. We held candles as we sang Silent Night. Trang sat next to me which gave me a chance to share with her about why we held candles when we sang, who Mary and Joseph are and who Jesus is. She asked why we had Christmas Trees and why we had a big Nativity Scene. it was an honor to explain such things for her. It was the first time Trang had been to a Christmas Eve service and it was my privilege to share it with her and the young men.
I learned a lot about teaching young people through our weekend classes and will always appreciate Trang as a special young lady. One of my fondest memories is the Christmas Eve Service we shared and sitting next to each other, so I could explain aspects of the service to her. Such moments should be embraced and valued because they may be our only opportunity.
Sadly Trang passed away a few months ago in September. I am grateful that I met her and that she was my student and friend. I am even more grateful that I was able to share what Christmas is really all about with her. How it is really about God loving us so much that He sent His Son Jesus. That Christmas Eve Service will always be a special memory for me. One that I will always treasure.
Thanksgiving Day with Friends from China
Alex, Nancy and Huiyuan
I celebrated Thanksgiving Day with my friends from China, Alex, Nancy and Huiyuan. I told them I would prepare dinner for them and bring with me. The preparation consisted of buying the food from HyVee Deli. I promised them a taste of an American Thanksgiving, so we had Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing and Pumpkin Pie.
Thanksgiving is an American Holiday, so it does not have emotional attachments for my international friends. For them it is nice to have time off from classes or work depending on their situation in life. Alex, Nancy and Huiyuan were glad to have time off from classes at the University of Nebraska. They have holidays that are important times to be with family and friends in China such as Chinese New Year’s or Fall Moon Festival, but Thanksgiving is mostly time to relax or travel for international students. Some may feel lonely if they are stuck in their dorm rooms with no one around. Many travel to see the USA.
Nancy getting her food
They were curious about why we eat certain foods for Thanksgiving, so we talked about the first Thanksgiving and what the Pilgrims ate such as Turkey, Cranberries, Pumpkin etc. We also talked about why Thanksgiving is a Holiday and the meaning behind it.
Huiyuan getting her food
In a way it was a fitting way for me to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. The first Thanksgiving the Pilgrims, who were new to America, had a celebration dinner with the Americans living here who were the Native Americans. Likewise I was the American having dinner with newcomers to America. The difference was that I prepared the food for them. Another difference would be the fact that there were no Delis to buy food from at the first Thanksgiving. The main similarity was that I had a chance to share with my friends and show my appreciation for their friendship
Goodbye Week for Uncle Yoshio- Moved Back to Japan
Goodbye Lunch
After 6 years in Lincoln Yoshio returned to Japan last Saturday. He leaves having made many friends here from many countries. His nickname with the young people was Uncle Yoshio. Some of them would call him when they needed help to go shopping. He was always willing to help with driving people to activities or class. His goodbye lunch had people from America, China and Vietnam. At the airport he was greeted by people from America, Belgium, China, Japan and Vietnam.
at the airport with Thuy's family
Thuy came with her family. Thuy and Yoshio were together in a class of mine about 5 years ago. Yoshio worked with Thuy’s husband. They were like a family away from home for Yoshio.
with Brigitte at the airport
I went out to the airport to say goodbye Yoshio. He was the last of a a fun group. The others have moved back to their countries. It speaks well of him that people from diverse places wanted to say goodbye.
When I meet a new friend from another country who is here working or on a student visa, I know the time will come we say goodbye. The times between initially meeting someone and saying goodbye make it all worthwhile though. Our friends had a lot of fun with Yoshio such as trips to the Omaha Zoo, Mahoney State Park and for lunches. I am sure Yoshio will make new friends in his new city in Japan.
Sunday Fun- Daniel and His Birthday Cake
Yesterday in class we celebrated Daniel’s birthday with some cake. He is 22 but for fun I wrote on the board Happy 30th Birthday Daniel. I appreciate his sense of humor in class, so it seemed fitting to have some fun. We have interesting conversations each week in my van as we drive to class and back to his dorm at the University. He is studying here far from his family, so it is great to help him celebrate his birthday.
I took some fun pictures of Daniel enjoying his birthday cake with friends in class. For instance the picture below shows him preparing to eat two pieces of cake. He must really like cake
with 2 pieces of cake
In this next picture he doesn’t seem to be sharing his cake, but rather showing off with his friends.
with his friend Rex and Pat
I didn’t notice two of our friends getting a piece of cake. Maybe he didn’t share with them.
He did share some with Yoshio though.
Ok so this was just one last bit of fun. Truth be told- he did share cake with everyone. Everyone had fun. After class he was a big help translating for an American mother in church who adopted a girl from China. He studies hard and is doing quite well. I know he puts in numerous hours with his studies and he lives far from family, so I am glad to help him have a little fun. Happy Birthday Daniel
Chuc Mung Ngay Phu Nu Vietnam- Happy Woman’s Day in Vietnam
October 20 is Woman’s Day in Vietnam, so today I would like to say Happy Woman’s Day to the women I know who are from Vietnam. I have had numerous Vietnamese women as my students and have enjoyed helping them with English. I have also enjoyed the opportunities I have had to meet their families and spend time with them. The times I have been invited to their homes to eat some Pho, the times they have given me some egg rolls, and seeing how their children thrive in school because of their moms encouraging them are some of the fond memories I have.
my friend Duyen and her husband- I had some Pho that night
As students women from Vietnam tend to be diligent and motivated to improve. As mothers they give their all to their children. As homemakers they devote themselves to their families. As cooks they make the best egg rolls
Chin in her new kitchen
I have also learned from some of the Vietnamese women who are my friends. I used to meet my friend Thu Huong at the library to study. We would sit in the ELL room and sometimes use the computer. She patiently showed me how to use Power Point and other things.
So out of gratefulness for my many friendships and what they have meant to me I would like to say Chuc Mung Ngay Phu Nu to the women from Vietnam who are my friends. I would also like to REMIND the men from Vietnam to buy your mother, wife, girlfriend, or sister flowers today. Don’t forget!! lol
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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