THIS n THAT

Thursday night, we had dinner guests.

KHS has a new program that markets our brand of 'American education' overseas. Something like 20 students are studying this year, from Asia and Europe.

Last summer, I read what we were planning and frankly, I was skeptical. The corporation purchased a dilapidated building near the downtown middle school and renovated it into a dorm for the male students. 15 seventeen-year-olds would be moving in, living there, going to school, and certainly improving their English. Of course, that includes all sorts of colorful swear words, expressions like "I finna go" and the variety of slang that exists here.

No matter. From what I can see, they are a fresh additional to our school and with busy house parents, the dorm thing is working out OK. A few bugs --- first year, after all -- but OK.

Last semester, I had one guy, Santiago, in class. He hails from southern Spain, the son of two chiropractors. THIS semester, my classes include Santi, plus Miguel (Mexico), Kata (Japan) and "Fan" (China). Their presence is a plus for my other students. Among their assignments, they hand in written responses, double-spaced, and I correct/improve their grammar and diction.

At any rate, Mike and I decided that we would entertain them so they joined us for a very American meal. I had mentioned to Santi that I was not a fancy cook.

"That's OK," he told me. "It will be better than dormitory food."

Anyone who has been away to college can understand that.

So, Mike drove over to the dorm and brought them to our home. After a quick tour, we sat down to
1) shrimp cocktail; 2) steak, baked potatoes and veggies; 3) bread and 4) sugar cream pie. And a lively conversation.

 Fan, whose English is improving, asked many questions. He held up pieces of flatware and inquired about their uses. He said that when he was preparing to come to America, he had learned about 'dinner' and 'supper' but did not understand. He asked if he should removed his shoes. (no)

Then, after dinner, Mike drove them back. I had the place almost cleaned up by the time he got home.

Since he's been off Xeloda, I see some  positives.....Mike is getting some sleep at night and he's not exhausted when I come home from school. I don't know if it's just that omission, but I'm all about seeing positives.

Next Monday, Mike will get some blood tests and then meet with his doctor. We will discuss what, if anything, the newest treatment is doing. We will have some lunch and make some decisions.

So, we ask you, specifically, to pray for wisdom. We know you will. And we know God will provide.