New FUNVAL Class

We started our second FUNVAL (Fundamental Values) class since we have been in the Dominican Republic. We teach 20 returned missionaries and men "The Teachings and Doctrine of the Book of Mormon"--an Institute class that is a requirement for their job-training. We love the young men at FUNVAL! They are motivated and have great testimonies.  The name cards we have them fill out the first day are no longer needed as we now know them by name.  When we enter their classroom--every Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon--not only do they get excited to see us but the same is true for us.  They make us happy!  It fills us with the great joy to join them in the devotional, singing the hymns with gusto and to them pray with great sincerity. We feel the spirit the minute we walk into their classroom.

This semester, the Funval director asked us to teach an additional hour of English pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary and U.S. Culture beyond the Institute class. Since these men will be providing telephone customer service to U.S. customers, we teach U.S. regional geography, customs, and culture,  We are working on reading for pronunciation and comprehension practice on pronouncing difficult English words.  Several of their difficult words are:  world, jewelry, aren't, judged, laughing, "any word with "th" in it like through, words with "v" because they pronounce a "v" as a "b"when to use past tense "ed,"  The first word we gave them to learn to pronounce in English is "Funval" and not "Funball." They laughed and agreed with us.

We are having fun teaching and watching these young men improve their ability to speak English.  Speaking proper English will help them get a good job, provide financial stability and ultimately help them to support a family and provide strength to the Church here in the DR.  Our ecclesiastical leader Elder Hugo Martinez of the 2nd Quorum of Seventy told us in a recent interview, "Elder and Sister Park, you are training the leaders of the DR for the next 50 years."    We know and feel the purpose of our calling here.  It is rewarding,gratifying and a memorable experience we are having.  We know we are blessed! Randy