The first day of reading in an LST project can be exciting or deadly. Fortunately, today is exciting! (Deadly is all new readers, not with good English, starting at the introduction to Luke.)
First was Lindberg, not your typical Brazilian name (He said his father named him for the famous American pilot. I restrained myself from mentioning the missing “h.”)
Next was Edmar, pronounced “edge-mar ,” who lived in the USA several years ago and is trying to regain her fluency. When we read about the man who tore down his old barns to build new ones, she said, “Financial achievement is not true riches.” Point made!
Speaking of pronunciation, Natal is “Naa-taw,” with the “t” needing your tongue against your top front teeth, like you’re trying to spit a hair off your tongue.
Then was Danielle, a psychologist. Eager to learn and pleasant to work with.
The last two so far (two more coming up), are Thais and Ana Paula, who are both moving to the USA in August. Ana Paula has gotten married since she was my reader two years ago and her husband will attend grad school in Oregon. Thais will be a grad student in physical therapy in Salt Lake City. I talk more normally with them because they should get used to normal American speech patterns. We talked about “ought to” meaning the same as “should.” News, especially when I said it often sounds like “otta.”
Thais said she’d like to know the difference in 4 and 2. At least that’s what I heard. What she actually said was “the difference in ‘for’ and ‘to.'” Okay! We had a good laugh at that one.
So the day started our sunny and we’ve now had our obligatory rain, so I’ll go back downstairs for my last two readers. Yes, that’s 7 readers my first day, and more new ones tomorrow. Glad the Lord is providing so many souls who want English and the Bible.






Mac Reeves
Thankful that you are now set in motion with your mission. Glad you had a good first day. It’s amazing how we take for granted our own language and how easy it seems for us. Many who are learning English for the first time have difficulty because of similar spellings, and sounds, but different meanings. I’m sure that other languages have their own issues as we do with our language. May God continue to bless you in your efforts there as you share His love and message. Prayers are with you each day.
Deloris
Delighted to be introduced to your readers.
As we celebrate the 4th of July here in the U.S.A. with great fanfare and appreciation for freedom, you remind us of what is good about our people.
May God bless you and Steve as you serve others.
Deloris
Annelle R-
Glad all arrived safely and that your work is going well!