Friendly Conversations ESL

TAMPA! Visit Steeped Market at Coffeeme on Busch Blvd and say hi to my friends with El Pueblo Unido-Tampa Bay! Pick up a pay-what-you-wish bracelet for their fundraiser or drop off donations of non-perishable food and essential items. Everything goes toward supporting local immigrant families experiencing hardship. 10am-3pm!

Last year, I taught my children's class about Ukrainian egg decorating. This year, we talked about Easter traditions in Guatemala 🇬🇹 including alfombras!

I first learned about this tradition from a student I had from Guatemala. He told me about how he helped build them with his sons and how important they were to his faith.

The kids found Guatemala on the map, watched videos about the making of alfombras and the huge procession during Semana Santa, then created their own crafty interpretation of alfombras using cardstock, chalk, tissue paper, and other items. This activity was a hit!

Check out El Pueblo Unido-Tampa Bay at the monthly market at Salt Your Soul! Pick out a bracelet and pay what you wish with all funds supporting local immigrant families facing hardship. (I've been helping make the bracelets!)

My student passed their driving test!!

I wish I could have captured the reaction from my student in Japan upon learning the term "belly button." 😆

Coming up!

Looking forward to uplifting immigrant women this Sunday for

This Sunday, the weekly vigil at Payne Park will have a special focus on immigrant women in honor of International Women’s Day. As always, all are welcome 💗

Este domingo, la vigilia semanal en el Parque Payne se centrará especialmente en las mujeres inmigrantes en honor al Día Internacional de la Mujer. Como siempre, todas/todos son bienvenida/os 💗

It was great to see Booker High School honoring Black History Month! Black history is American history!

Happy new year!
Mutlu Yıllar!
Yoi otoshi o (良いお年を)
Bonne année !
¡Feliz Año Nuevo!
Feliz Ano Novo!

Wishing you great health and happiness in 2026!

I have grapes for good luck at midnight tonight! What are your traditions?

Happy holidays to everyone!

For the past month, I have been volunteering with the Holiday Toy Drive with El Pueblo Unido-Tampa Bay and Voices of Florida Fund. I put out calls for donations, collected donations, and helped with The Big Shop to fill the gaps. It's been a wonderful labor of love, knowing children who weren't expecting anything for Christmas will now receive some joy and fun this holiday! These are children ages 0-17 who have been experiencing hardships, loss, and grief. May their smiles light up their homes and may their excitement be felt around the world!