ILTI

Each summer, LEI hosts its International Literacy Training Institute (ILTI) in Tulsa, OK.  Students come from all over the world and live in the LEI dorm for five weeks while they attend classes about everything LEI has to offer.  Many different professors come to the ILTI to teach its courses: ESL (English as a Second Language), English Literacy, International Literacy (in the language of the student's choice), Literacy Primer Construction (learning how to design an LEI curriculum in a new language), Leadership, and more.  We do our best to teach them everything we know, so that each student is fully equipped to build their very own literacy program in their home countries and beyond.

Students taking notes during class

Last year we had students from the United States, India, Kenya, the Sudan, Brazil, Korea, and Burma.  This year, we had students come from the United States, Canada, Japan, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Guyana.  At LEI, we want each country to have a growing and thriving literacy ministry, so that each and every person will be able to read-- not just well enough to write their name, but well enough to read their Bible.  So, the ILTI is all about sending out people with the power and passion for literacy ministry to every group of people in the world.

These 11 students come from 8 different countries

Brad and I have both attended the ILTI training in the past, and this year we were invited back to be teachers and to help out at the dorm as "house parents."  Amy taught English as a Second Language during the first week.  Brad led the inductive bible study each morning and taught English Literacy during the second week.  The teaching was so fun and gave us great experience for when we will be teaching these things overseas.

Amy teaching about how to teach a conversation for ESL

A group of students learning to teach English conversations

Brad teaching about supplementary materials for a literacy lesson

The students working together and learning from each other

When we weren't teaching, we were "parenting."  Our duties as dorm parents included preparing supper, buying groceries, driving the "kids" where they needed to go (walmart, the doctor, the airport, etc.), celebrating birthdays, and making sure that all the household chores got done.  We loved being parents!  Granted, we had great kids who did everything we asked with a joyful attitude and as true Christ-like servants.  It was hard work, but so rewarding.  We built wonderful relationships with the students, teachers, and LEI staff.

They're glad to have finished the dishes...
It's not easy cleaning up after 25 people

We're ready to say our mealtime prayer

We loved the fellowship with the students

The beavers at the Tulsa aquarium were really fun

But Amy's favorite were the playful otters

Our time in Tulsa flew by, and before we knew it, graduation was over.  We were so blessed by our summer at LEI and the people we met there.  Please pray with us for our brothers and sisters who attended the training to be blessed as they begin their literacy and ESL ministries.  Praise God for their calling to share His love with LEI!

Celebrating after graduation