Hi everybody, Reuben Mitton here. Today we had an awesome time with the VOICE students doing a lot of really fun stuff. So I will give you a run-thru of how my day went. I got up around 6:30 and had my personal devotions, I was also able to finish some reading I needed to get done. At 9:30 all the TESOL guys had team devotions. After we finished, we joined the VOICE students for an awesome brunch. Next on the list was some free time for us TESOL students while the VOICE students took an English placement test. Then both VOICE and TESOL went to see the Oklahoma Capitol building. Many of the VOICE students described the Capitol building as “really really big.” Apparently Oklahoma’s Capitol building is relatively small in comparison to other State Capitols, but the VOICE students enjoyed the experience nonetheless.

After the Capitol we went to a restaurant/soda shop called “POPS” where you can choose from 500 different kinds of pop! Next, we all went SHOPPING!:) It was really fun because we had to buy a small gift for a White Elephant gift exchange, so everyone had a great time trying to find various odd items. After the outing we had dinner, then free time, team prayer, and then off to bed.

As I sat in my room on Thursday night, waiting until I went downstairs to greet the VOICE students, I wondered what it was going to be like for the next couple weeks. I had no idea what to really expect when I came for TESOL, so I had a very open mind.

The firstday was incredible. The level of enthusiasm of all the VOICE students was inspiring. To arrive at midnight, sleep for a few hours, and then start their day, and at the end of it still want to keep talking and interacting and learning, was impressive and showed the level of eagerness that they all have.
After breakfast the VOICE students had their first session, an orientation for the rest of their time here in Oklahoma. The TESOL students had class as well. Everybody got back together for lunch, and after lunch the VOICE students began the assessment tests. The tests consisted of a listening portion, a writing portion, and a speaking portion. These tests are very important so that each student can be placed in the proper level of English class.
After the testingwas over, auditions for the musical started! All of the students were divided into small groups, and practiced one of the scenes, and then performed in front of the directors of the play. It was a lot of fun to practice how to act out the different parts, and help the students learn the lines in English.

One of the most important meals of the day, dinner, was followed by a couple hours of “icebreaker” games. Simple games that helped everybody get to know each other, learn other students’ names, and be comfortable with each other.
Overall, the first day was very long and intense, but it was a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to the rest of my time here in Oklahoma City!

–Alexander Ganahl, TESOL

VOICE 2011 has officially begun! By early Friday morning each student arrived safely and by Friday night had a full day of orientation, introductions, sessions, food, and games.