Thanksgiving

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou

On this Thanksgiving holiday I'm reflecting on how much I have to be thankful for. This has been an incredibly rewarding year. In this post I want to thank the host of volunteers and supporters of the ESL programs both in Broomfield and Brighton. While you probably know who you are, you likely haven't stopped to think about the impact you have had on many lives.

My husband and I saw the movie "Blind Side" yesterday (the true story about Michael Oher). It made me realize that each person involved in the ESL programs with me are impacting lives just as the character portrayed by Sandra Bullock in this movie. And I also realized that what we are doing with ESL (the classes, the materials, the education) are but a side benefit to the real things we are giving: love, respect, acceptance...there's more but I think you get the idea.

The quote above from Maya Angelou really sums it up. Each and every individual giving of their time to make the ESL programs thrive are truly making our students 'feel' more than they 'learn'. They will never forget how special you all (the volunteers and supportes) have made them feel.

I am genuinely thankful to you all! Happy Thanksgiving!

Graduates 2009

Graduation Day 2009!

I am so excited. Today is the graduation ceremony for our first ESL class at Broomfield United Methodist Church! Five students from 4 different countries will receive their certificate of completion this afternoon. And, what they have 'completed' is so much more than the first level of English education. Of course, in raw numbers, they have completed 87 classes representing 174 hours. That alone is impressive. But, there's more. They have completed their first step toward their goals - whatever those may be - that started with learning English as a second language. In class they learned vocabulary and grammar and reading and writing...but, there was more. All of us involved learned about different cultures and countries around the world. And, we learned about some very special people who will be in our hearts and lives for years to come.

This didn't happen without their teachers - Kathy and Sandra and their assistant Russell (not in the picture). In preparation for this event I noted all the additional people who have worked diligently in the background to make this a success: making copies, cuting picture cards, filing...hours of work done by 25 volunteers! Then, there was the unconditional support from the congregation that donated over $2,000 to start this program and the classrooms and supplies necessary to make this work.

But, what we're celebrating today is not an end to this class. Rather, I see a lot of beginnings. The beginnings of friendships, more classes we will offer at the next levels and a citizenship seminar we'll kick off after the first of the year.

While a common interest in English as a language brought us all together, an even more common bond of friendship and love will keep us together for years to come.

I admire these wonderful, brave students and am honored to be a part of their journey.

Neither rain nor snow nor...

No, I'm not referring to our postal workers (although I admire them...). I'm referring to the ESL students who braved the storm today in Broomfield, Colorado to get to their ESL class (and, of course, their dedicated teacher who also showed up!). All across the metro area schools are closed, flights are cancelled or delayed, businesses are closing early...and all but one student (the one with 3 children home from school) showed up ready to continue learning English. One even waited in the cold (30 degrees...burrr!) for the bus.

Doesn't it just warm your heart to realize how important learning English is to these students? And, how committed they are to attending every class? And, need I mention the dedication of the teacher? I'm told the class is on their break right now and the students are discussing how they'll get to class tomorrow - car pool options, etc.

I'm so proud to be a part of all of this. And, so proud of the students and volunteer teachers!

Just shows that 'if you offer it, they will come'...no matter the weather!

(Oh, by the way, class is cancelled tomorrow since we expect as much as 18" of snow by tomorrow evening.)

What we Don't Know...

I was taken aback by something I found out about 'S' from the ESL class in Broomfield. First, let me tell you that 'S' is one of the most energetic, joyful and grateful people I've met. She just bubbles over with happiness. She is from a country at the horn of Africa called Eritrea. I have to admit, I had never heard of this place before meeting 'S' (yet one more wonderful benefit of being involved with ESL).

It turns out that 'S' did not learn English in Eritrea because she had to be hidden for 13 years to protect her from terrorists in her country. Even more tragic is the story behind how she arrived in the United States of America. I learned last week that she was shot five times by terrorists. Twice in her head - actually damaging her brain, twice in the heart and once elsewhere in her body. The Eritrea government didn't believe she would make it, thus, agreed to allow her to come to America. When I ran into her in the parking lot at church before Thursday class she hugged me and told me (again) how thankful she is for the ESL classes. She said she had lived in Broomfield for 8 years and never learned English until now. She also said she recently visited her doctor and spoke English. He asked where she had learned so much English in such a short amount of time - which she told him at the Broomfield United Methodist Church. She was so proud of what she has learned in under 3 months. She said she prays often and thanks God for this program.

I can't help but be in awe of 'S'. She has seen the worst and survived. And she takes nothing for granted. She sees the positive and good in everything and everyone. And makes sure she expresses her gratitude continuously. Every ESL teacher tells me that she brings such energy and joy to every class (and, she attends all five classes every week!).

'S' told me she prays for me and thanks God for what I've done for her. Little does she know that I thank God for her. She has enriched my life immensly. She has taught me that there is hope and light in every situation. It's all how one views the situation. That alone is a lesson I need to remember...

So, not everyone loves BBQ

Last Saturday my husband and I sponsored a BBQ for my students in Brighton. My husband spent the week leading up to the BBQ making home made ice cream and preparing BBQ ribs. He got up at 5:00 a.m. Saturday morning and put the ribs on the smoker so that they would be ready by 2:00 in the afternoon. We really wanted this to be a special day.

We laughed at ourselves after the BBQ. We were so 'self impressed' over preparing such a delicacy as a treat for my students and their families. But, as we were all sitting down to eat, my husband noticed most of our guests trying to cut the ribs with their knives and wondering exactly what they had on their plates. Looking back it reminds me of my travels around the world and having some hosts in China so proud to serve me chicken feet and fish head soup (literally - a fish head in the soup bowl). I asked some of my students if they eat BBQ normally and they all said "not really".

So, lesson learned. What we consider 'normal' and 'special' others are wondering what we see in it. Looking back we should have thought of this. But, on the other hand, hopefully our guests were happy to experience some of the American culture. (And didn't laugh too much at us later...better yet, got a fun chuckle out of us...)

Overall, it was a great day. Almost all my students and their families came. It was wonderful to meet the spouses and children of these special people I spend two evenings a week with. And, it was great to see how proud these families are of their loved ones over their progress acquiring the English language.

Thank you goes to my awesome husband and also to my wonderful daughter (step) and her boyfriend (who came and helped as well). It was great to have them share in the experience and have my students meet my family too.

People Care

Last night a student who is unable to attend class for several weeks while she is in a college course came in to make a payment on her books. (I'll call her 'J'.) She was beaming with joy over a recent introduction to a volunteer ('A') who offered to meet students over coffee for conversation. They had met last Saturday for the first session. 'J' could hardly contain her excitment over how much she had learned in that one meeting and the new friendship she already forged with 'A'. In fact, they had talked about eventually going to stores and local businesses to practice English in real life situations.

You know, I am continually surprised (pleasantly) by the community outreach to these students of English as a second language. 'A' came to me through the Broomfield library. The library has been extraordinary in their support of the ESL program both in Broomfield and Brighton - yet another example of the outpouring of support. 'A' was interested in helping with the ESL program but travels during the week - thus was unable to commit to regular classroom instruction. But, where there is a will there is a way and immediately 'A' reached out to 'J' and arranged a mutually convenient meeting time.

And, love reflects love ... already 'J' and 'A' are friends. And, I'm sure it will be a lifetime friendship. I could literally see it all over 'J's face. She was thrilled with the experience she had last Saturday and could hardly wait to tell me all about it. I do have to admit I had a twinge of jealousy - I would love to have the time to also give to my students outside the classroom like this. But at the end of the day, what is important is that these relationships are being forged and these students I love so much are truly immersing in the communities they live in.

It's interesting how this facet of the 'program' is growing. There is a similar situation in the Broomfield program as well. 'D' embraced two ladies from Korea who needed conversational experience when we started the Broomfield program in April. They all have children the same age and meet frequently while their children spend time together as well. 'D' has told me these two ladies are her friends and she feels like the blessed one to have met them. I received a letter from one lady ('S') thanking me for the introduction to her new friend.

These are perfect examples of how prejudices and stereotypes evaporate as we open our hearts and lives to one another. While each of these situations in isolation seem small, I can see the big picture. The world is getting smaller...one person, one hour, one conversation at a time.

(Note: the picture in this post is by tompagenet on Flickr.)

Bitter Sweet

We had a farewell party for one of my students who is moving back home to be with her family. She has been my student and friend since I began this journey. I will miss her immensely as she has truly been a bright and joyful part of the class and my life.

I am so very proud of her - for many reasons - but specifically because upon her return to her native country she already has a job teaching English to children in Kindergarten! She tried to give me some credit for her English skills (commenting that I had given her so much and noting how we were able to communicate through 'one language'). I can't take credit for how well she has learned English. For every thing I taught her, she then spent time on her own continuing to learn grammar and pronunciation. Throughout the years she has shown me all the books and audio CDs and websites she has found to help her learn and practice on her own. She also sends me emails and wants feedback on sentence structures and grammar. It was through her continued efforts that she has become fluent.

Thinking back to when I first met her almost five years ago until now, and realizing her progress in acquiring English, makes me realize I did touch a life. I made a difference. And, she touched my life...more than I can express. It's bitter sweet to see her taking what she has gained and returning to her home country. I'd like to say "I wish her well" but I don't need to. She is a special lady with extraordinary qualities...she'll do well. And every life she now touches will be blessed!

Farewell song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9OKsUSKn50

New Friends

I just received a call from Amy, a lady from China. I originally met her at the registration for the Broomfield classes back in February. We hit it off right away when we met. She has a great, outgoing personality and is so intent on immersing in our culture. During the first class in March she asked how she could participate in a Bible Study at the church. I reached out to our small groups who participate in Bible studies all year long. Immediately, Joyce responded saying that her group would be thrilled to 'adopt' Amy and within a week she was welcomed into their group and has been participating ever since.

The call today from Amy was to let me know she is unable to continue attending the class and since she had not yet paid me for her books she wanted to return them. Rather than just dropping them off at the church, she asked how she could arrange to meet me, because she wanted to see me again. It warmed my heart to realize that she thought more of me than just someone facilitating ESL classes and introductions for her. She didn't want to opt for the easy way out to just drop the books off. Instead, we have made arrangements to meet and spend some personal time together. She kept telling me thank you for helping her and that the people in the Bible study were so nice to her.

Even as I sit here after finishing the call I have a smile on my face and a sense of awe at how with one seemly small gesture at a time we are all changing the world and bringing down the walls between people (real and imagined). (I had to use that metaphor so that I could include my picture of the Great Wall of China from a trip back in 2002 (wink)).

The Beginning...

It all started in 2004 when I answered an ad in our local paper (The Brighton Blade) to teach adults English as a second language at the Brighton Library. We had just moved into the area and I wanted to really immerse and be a part of the community. Never being a teacher, yet being a native speaker of English with a passion to help others, seemed to be all it took. Little did I know the students I would meet along the way would not only win my heart, but send me on an incredible journey.

Five years later I have my own English as a Second Language (ESL) program in Brighton (we soon outgrew the facility and material at the library and moved across the street to the Brighton United Methodist Church). I've had over 40 students come through my program in Brighton. Some students have actually been with me for the entire five year period.

We have celebrated holidays (the picture in the top right corner is from Dia de la Candelaria) and special events (upper middle is a baby shower for one of the students). We are friends, we are family, we are all learning together. They are learning English from me, I am learning how special diversity is and how loving and grateful these students are.

In January of this year, my pastor asked if I would be willing to start an ESL program at our church: Broomfield United Methodist Church. With overwhelming support from our church congregation and the community (the Broomfield High School and Broomfield Library) we have 30 students in our ESL program (and a wait list for our Fall classes)! In this program we have a true united nations with students from Albania, Cambodia, Mexico, China, Korea, Eritrea, Vietnam, India and Nepal. And other countries represented on the wait list including France.

I've started this blog with the hopes I can share what an awesome journey it is to be involved with adults learning English as a second language in our beautiful United States of America. And, hopefully, to dispel some of those myths one hears about this population...

Check back soon! I've only just begun! (smile)