The Sugar Bush

by Bernice Voordouw

On Friday, March 18, we took a virtual trip through the sugar bush. There was a video that explained the process from sap to syrup. We learned some interesting quick facts about maple syrup, discussed syrups from around the world, sang a song about pancakes, and closed off the evening with another song that had us dancing in our seats! Of course there was a tasting involved as well. Learning is about involving all the senses and that tasting will stick with us for the year! Why not get out into the sugar bushes of Niagara and experience a great Canadian tradition!

Learning more than language at English Café

By Stacey Weeks (*)

Mennonite Brethren Herald

Conversation laced with various accents trickles into the basement hallway of Fairview MB Church in St. Catharines, Ont. The multi-purpose room dubbed English Café buzzes as people of all ages and nationalities converse under the direction of Virginia Dueck, a retired teacher of English as an Additional Language.

Approximately six years ago, Fairview MB Church began teaching immigrants conversational English. A group of volunteers composed of retired professionals and tradespersons meet with learners every other Friday evening from 7–9 p.m. Volunteer coordinator Rudy Siemens strives for a ratio of one volunteer to one newcomer. Dueck uses interesting discussion topics to prompt participants of all ages to engage in dialogue with their volunteer partners.

This diverse group of students includes doctors, teachers, engineers, journalists, accountants, children, university students, and salespeople. Seven different cultures are represented.

Complimentary Bibles are available on the sign-in table, and during Christmas and Easter Scripture is read as part of the teaching on Canadian traditions and customs. However, Dueck does not present the gospel in the classroom setting.

Despite the limited exposure to Christianity, God is moving in the English Café. Volunteers like Siemens take the interaction beyond Friday and aid in the adjustment to Canadian culture by assisting with housing, car purchases, insurance coverage, job searches, and more. They offer assistance in the form of community contacts. “I came to Canada as an immigrant,” says Siemens, “and I understand the stresses they go through in a new setting.”

Dueck and her volunteers invite participants into their lives, “the friendships we develop have led them to show interest in our motivation, our faith, and our church,” says Siemens. “Our interest is to be a friend, a parent, or grandparent figure to them. This happens not only at the English Café but in our homes.”

Volunteers also contribute to a blog at fairviewmbenglishcafe.blogspot.com to extend learning beyond the classroom.

Please Click here to view the MB Herald main page.

(*) Stacey Weeks is a member of Orchard Park Bible Church, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.

An Evening of Games

by Kelly Elgersma

On March 4th an icebreaker game began the evening followed by Charade. Then we split into groups where these popular Canadian games were enjoyed - Scattergories, Euchre, Fuss ball, Pictionary and Crazy Eights.

Game Terminology was also discussed - for example: dice, tied, pass, wild card, suit...... The evening was informal and relaxing.

* A big thank you to Kelly, Aaron, Gail, Alaina, Julie & Mike for organizing the evening and bringing snacks

The Healthy Eating & Fitness

On February 18th we discussed Canada's Food Guide and different ways to eat healthy. The group explored the ins and outs of reading labels and grocery store flyers. Guests considered the need for drinking lots of water, eating 5 - 10 servings of fruits and vegetables and controlling their intake of salt. Healthy snacks were served at the break. We also learned that Bernice loves lattes!

Healthy Eating - by: Bernice Voordouw

Safe food and good nutrition are important to Canadians. Eating a nutritious and balanced diet is one of the best ways to protect and promote good health. It's easy to choose foods wisely when you follow Canada's Food Guide. Some tips found in Canada's Food Guide are:

• How much food you need from each food group; What foods can be found in each food group; Choosing oils and fat Beverages; and Tips for choosing and preparing foods

Click here for more info food-guide

Fitness - by: Debbie MacIntyre

Physical activity improves your health and well being. It reduces stress, strengthens the heart and lungs, increases energy levels, helps you maintain a healthy body weight and improves your outlook on life. Walking, one form of exercise, and the many benefits it reaps, was discussed. A few exercises were demonstrated by the guests and volunteers. Also some exercises were demonstrated using a Pilates ball.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

By: Elsie Siemens.

Valentine's Day is celebrated on Feb. 14. We celebrate by giving flowers, gifts and cards to those we love. We do this to honor Saint Valentine.

One legend has it that Valentine was an imprisoned man who fell in love with the jailor's daughter. Before he was put to death he sent the first "Valentine" himself when he wrote her a letter and signed it "Your Valentine", words still used on cards today.

There are many valentine symbols such as: apple, harp, cupid, rose , Love Knot, and Love birds and doves, but the most common one is a heart. Love blooms when two hearts meet!

On Friday we shared how we met our "life's partner" and what characteristics we look for in a life's partner.

We played a game where each person picked the name of someone in the group, gave him or her a special wish and a small chocolate heart. Debbie and Chris brought Valentine snacks.

Coping with Winter

By Debbie MacIntyre.

The Canadian winter season is 3 months in duration (Dec. 21 - Mar. 20.) The key to coping with winter is to be prepared. The fall season is an appropriate time to prepare for the winter. There are many things to consider: winter clothing, winterizing your vehicle and your home. Winter weather terms were discussed this evening - a few of those being: wind chill, blizzard, freezing rain and snow flurries.

Two serious medical conditions frostbite and hypothermia are preventable. It is always important to dress appropriately for the winter weather. Winter driving can be challenging. Be prepared. Winterizing your vehicle and safe driving tips were discussed. During the winter season people generally spend more time indoors due to the cold temperatures and weather conditions. There are many winter activities to enjoy. The most popular activities are skating, tobogganing, ice hockey and skiing.

Culture Shock

By Virginia Dueck:

This evening we talked about culture shock. This is a feeling. (not a disease) It's very common for people entering a new country to experience feelings of frustration and anxiety. Four phases characterize this process of adjustment. Phase 1 is the "honeymoon" phase. People think Canada is great! In Phase 2 people go through a time of crises - they can feel anger, depression and want to reject their new country. When they enter Phase 3, known as the "getting along" stage, they begin to accept Canadian ways and start to feel more relaxed. In the last phase which is sometimes called "back to normal" the individual feels comfortable living in Canada. No one person experiences the phases in the same way, but all newcomers go through a period of adjustment. Having friends, talking about our feelings, listening to music from our country of origin while realizing that our feelings are normal are healthy ways to gradually help us accept our new home. English Café is a place where we welcome our new friends,extend acceptance and give opportunity for heart to heart conversation.

Not surprisingly, newcomers will likely experience reverse culture shock when they go back to visit their native country!