Dear fellow members, you would be delighted to hear that our activities have already started. A couple of subgroups met a few days ago and everything went well, although we could have done a lot better in terms of attendance! But nobody is to blame here since we know how hard it is to keep one’s time in this new life, with so many things to handle in the day-to-day life.

It is never easy to start something and it is even more difficult to keep up, but as John C. Maxwell put it: “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success”. We will definitely get there with your enthusiasm and perseverance.

One of the major challenges most of us are facing during this transition period in our lives is probably the English language, as it is spoken in America. We all have studied English at school, in college, at private language centers...but when we get here, it is a different story. We are very fortunate to have our friend Vidya Kumtakar, a WB Spouse who kindly volunteered to lead the English conversation group every Tuesday from 1:00 to 2:15 pm at the WBFN Office. Vidya, though from India, grew up in Indonesia and has conducted classes for English level tests like TOEFL and ESL, besides working in Human Resources Management. She has completed her dual Masters in Economics and Commerce and is currently pursuing a PhD. Vidya is excited at this opportunity to work with her fellow spouses. The first class with Vidya was very interesting, and we really encourage you to join, even if it is just to share experiences and exchange views. If there is interest/need, we may increase the rhythm to two or three classes per week. These are not really academic classes but just an opportunity for us to practice. Remember that practice makes perfect!

One of the main objectives of the Male Spouse Group is also to “match” people who share the same interests. Willy Raparaoelina, who has kindly volunteered to set up the Chess Group was happy to find that other people from the group share his passion for chess. Willy is from Madagascar and he has experience in Project Management. The Chess Group meets every Friday from 10:00am to 12:00pm at the WBFN Office. Feel free to just pop in, if you have not done so yet. There is no deadline for joining.

Now, suppose you are a male spouse but you already speak good English and you are not interested in playing chess? Do not worry…We have more for you. We can still have our monthly happy hour and you know what? We are sure you certainly have passions, hobbies, and interests...you are most welcome to set up a subgroup for that. The more the merrier!

The WBFN Male Spouse Group will never let you feel lost or lonely in the DC area! We are here to help in any way we can, and if we cannot, we can certainly find someone who can.

Please come and bring in your ideas, your good mood, your enthusiasm, your creativity ...It is never too late to join existing activities or to suggest new activities! Well, see you there!

Robert Marson