I realize it has been a few days since I have written--so for this, you have my sincerest apologies! However, there is so much to say and I neither have space nor time to write it, thus I will postpone the many details of my adventures until I actually have time to sit and process all of the things that have happened.
So suffice it to say...today was amazing! And that I had an absolute blast. And that I somehow managed to hold it together while saying, "See you later," to the students. And I am beyond exhausted, so I am going to bed now. While the rest of my packing will get done in the morning.
God is so good!
Friday, August 30, 2013
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Blowing My Socks Off!
As I have been reflecting on my past five weeks here and all I have seen and done; I am greatly humbled by what God has and is still doing--and by everything these wonderful people here have blessed me with.
For so long, I have felt complacent....I had my doubts that I was improving in my Signing and was concerned that I had been loosing what little I have learned. (Last year was so crazy-busy that I barely had time to attend any ASL Socials or interact with any Deaf, thus my Signing suffered greatly.) And although this is my third year studying ASL, I still felt like I didn't know much. I was also anxious about my signing here, fearing I had indeed forgotten things and that I would only confuse the students and create more work for Betsy.
Not to mention the tantalizing idea of becoming an Interpreter seemed to loom before me like an insurmountable mountain. But God continued to make His will for me as an interpreter, clear. So believing that He knew what He was talking about, I came and have done my best to push aside my self-consciousness and to Sign to the best of my ability.
I have realized during these past five weeks that, for one, my Signing has drastically improved! Imagine that? When I first arrived, I struggled with understanding another's Signs. My receptive skills seriously needed some work. I had to really focus, uninterrupted to be able to follow a conversation. And to interpret for someone else--Forget it! I was further irked that I always asked people to repeat things and frequently stumbled over my own words--or, hands, rather. I felt so frustrated at my lack of understanding and my inability to properly put my own thoughts into Signs. I asked others to interpret when I did not understand (which was fairly often) and I would frequently ask, "What's the sign for __________?"
But this past week, I have noticed, to my great surprise that I rarely asked people for the meaning of Signs and I have not needed an interpreter. In fact, I have interpreted many times for the new girl who came and doesn't know Sign. I also began to realize that as I tutor students, I am able to explain their English or math to them without asking Betsy more than two questions. It's a miracle!
At first, when I began to realize that I wasn't asking questions or inquiring about how something should be Signed, I was worried. Was I doing something wrong? Was I not Signing enough? And then I understood--I wasn't asking questions because I already knew. I wasn't asking Betsy how to Sign words because I either knew them or could continue my conversation by using a synonym that I already knew.
As I compare, I see where I have improved: From when I had to work hard to understand someone Signing, to now when I can easily understand someone. Like yesterday for instance...I was at a classroom and Kristian was the entire way across the courtyard Signing to me. He was so far away that at first, I wasn't sure if he was talking to me. Although by the time I realized this, he was Signing so quickly that I nearly missed what he said. But as I squinted and watched him, I understood within seconds and was on my way to fetch Mizael to help clean the kitchen. And I really wasn't concentrating that hard!
Another thing I have noticed too, that also terrified me at first was that I no longer really pay attention if someone is voicing or Signing. Reading Sign has become so natural that I don't think twice about it. Take for instance the other morning in chapel. Betsy was up front Signing her lesson and I was focusing on her Sign, understanding everything clearly. Beside me, Juan spilled his water and when I got distracted and looked down, away from her Signs, I realized that she was voicing as she Signed. I was surprised. I had understood her Sign so well that I hadn't even realized she had been talking. This also happened in church when she was interpreting. She doesn't voice in church, but I understood her Signing so well, that I thought she was and I asked Rosa if she had talked or only Signed. And the other day when someone said something in Spanish, I responded accordingly, not even realizing they were talking in Spanish. I only knew that I understood them, and what my response should be. Spanish, English, Sign--I don't care how you talk to me, just as long as I understand you. Just sayin'....
Another thing is that I had been so afraid I had lost some of my Signs...I really doubt that I did. But just after one day with the students, it all came flooding back to me and it was as if I had never "taken a break!" And I am learning so much about Deaf Culture and tons of new Signs that I wonder how boring and stuffy my conversations had been before....
And I will willingly admit, that obviously I still have such a long way to go and still have so much yet to learn. But I have a funny story. I have gotten into the habit of, if I don't know the Sign for something and there's no one I can ask, I will make it up. I invent it in the moment and if the Deaf person doesn't understand what I'm trying to convey, then we'd go from there, but first, I would do the best I could. So yesterday, I was teaching the new helper some signs and I was interpreting a book for her. I saw several words I didn't know--words I had never used before in all my years of Signing. I invented then off the top of my head and said to use those Sign until I could verify it with someone else. Later I asked about the Signs and realized that all of my "imagined Signs" were actually the correct, legit Signs for those words! Who knew, right!? So cool....And today in the library, Francis was reading a book and asked me what the word "Branch" meant. I thought about it for a second before making up a Sign...(because there is no real Sign for branch.) She laughed and I wondered if I had been terribly wrong. When I asked her what was the matter, she said that Kevin was also answering her question and that, without knowing, he and I were both using the same exact Sign to describe the word "Branch." So he was sitting behind me, doing the exact same thing to describe "branch" that I had just come up with from the top of my head. Neato! How funny!
But in all seriousness, I am beyond surprised! I had no idea I could understand people this well--or express myself for that matter...especially after only four weeks of school! This is certainly an act of God! He told me before I came that He would blow my socks off--I had no idea He meant it like this!
I was also astonished when I was told after only my second week here, that I was considered to be "conversationally fluent." Who knew?! I was told that I was advanced and that I knew what I was doing--but I just needed to believe that and have faith in myself. That there is the kicker. Although, I must admit, the prospect of my becoming an interpreter is beginning to brighten. I may be able to imagine that happening now. It may actually be possible. Although, I know that with HIS help, anything is possible!
For so long, I have felt complacent....I had my doubts that I was improving in my Signing and was concerned that I had been loosing what little I have learned. (Last year was so crazy-busy that I barely had time to attend any ASL Socials or interact with any Deaf, thus my Signing suffered greatly.) And although this is my third year studying ASL, I still felt like I didn't know much. I was also anxious about my signing here, fearing I had indeed forgotten things and that I would only confuse the students and create more work for Betsy.
Not to mention the tantalizing idea of becoming an Interpreter seemed to loom before me like an insurmountable mountain. But God continued to make His will for me as an interpreter, clear. So believing that He knew what He was talking about, I came and have done my best to push aside my self-consciousness and to Sign to the best of my ability.
I have realized during these past five weeks that, for one, my Signing has drastically improved! Imagine that? When I first arrived, I struggled with understanding another's Signs. My receptive skills seriously needed some work. I had to really focus, uninterrupted to be able to follow a conversation. And to interpret for someone else--Forget it! I was further irked that I always asked people to repeat things and frequently stumbled over my own words--or, hands, rather. I felt so frustrated at my lack of understanding and my inability to properly put my own thoughts into Signs. I asked others to interpret when I did not understand (which was fairly often) and I would frequently ask, "What's the sign for __________?"
But this past week, I have noticed, to my great surprise that I rarely asked people for the meaning of Signs and I have not needed an interpreter. In fact, I have interpreted many times for the new girl who came and doesn't know Sign. I also began to realize that as I tutor students, I am able to explain their English or math to them without asking Betsy more than two questions. It's a miracle!
At first, when I began to realize that I wasn't asking questions or inquiring about how something should be Signed, I was worried. Was I doing something wrong? Was I not Signing enough? And then I understood--I wasn't asking questions because I already knew. I wasn't asking Betsy how to Sign words because I either knew them or could continue my conversation by using a synonym that I already knew.
As I compare, I see where I have improved: From when I had to work hard to understand someone Signing, to now when I can easily understand someone. Like yesterday for instance...I was at a classroom and Kristian was the entire way across the courtyard Signing to me. He was so far away that at first, I wasn't sure if he was talking to me. Although by the time I realized this, he was Signing so quickly that I nearly missed what he said. But as I squinted and watched him, I understood within seconds and was on my way to fetch Mizael to help clean the kitchen. And I really wasn't concentrating that hard!
Another thing I have noticed too, that also terrified me at first was that I no longer really pay attention if someone is voicing or Signing. Reading Sign has become so natural that I don't think twice about it. Take for instance the other morning in chapel. Betsy was up front Signing her lesson and I was focusing on her Sign, understanding everything clearly. Beside me, Juan spilled his water and when I got distracted and looked down, away from her Signs, I realized that she was voicing as she Signed. I was surprised. I had understood her Sign so well that I hadn't even realized she had been talking. This also happened in church when she was interpreting. She doesn't voice in church, but I understood her Signing so well, that I thought she was and I asked Rosa if she had talked or only Signed. And the other day when someone said something in Spanish, I responded accordingly, not even realizing they were talking in Spanish. I only knew that I understood them, and what my response should be. Spanish, English, Sign--I don't care how you talk to me, just as long as I understand you. Just sayin'....
Another thing is that I had been so afraid I had lost some of my Signs...I really doubt that I did. But just after one day with the students, it all came flooding back to me and it was as if I had never "taken a break!" And I am learning so much about Deaf Culture and tons of new Signs that I wonder how boring and stuffy my conversations had been before....
And I will willingly admit, that obviously I still have such a long way to go and still have so much yet to learn. But I have a funny story. I have gotten into the habit of, if I don't know the Sign for something and there's no one I can ask, I will make it up. I invent it in the moment and if the Deaf person doesn't understand what I'm trying to convey, then we'd go from there, but first, I would do the best I could. So yesterday, I was teaching the new helper some signs and I was interpreting a book for her. I saw several words I didn't know--words I had never used before in all my years of Signing. I invented then off the top of my head and said to use those Sign until I could verify it with someone else. Later I asked about the Signs and realized that all of my "imagined Signs" were actually the correct, legit Signs for those words! Who knew, right!? So cool....And today in the library, Francis was reading a book and asked me what the word "Branch" meant. I thought about it for a second before making up a Sign...(because there is no real Sign for branch.) She laughed and I wondered if I had been terribly wrong. When I asked her what was the matter, she said that Kevin was also answering her question and that, without knowing, he and I were both using the same exact Sign to describe the word "Branch." So he was sitting behind me, doing the exact same thing to describe "branch" that I had just come up with from the top of my head. Neato! How funny!
But in all seriousness, I am beyond surprised! I had no idea I could understand people this well--or express myself for that matter...especially after only four weeks of school! This is certainly an act of God! He told me before I came that He would blow my socks off--I had no idea He meant it like this!
I was also astonished when I was told after only my second week here, that I was considered to be "conversationally fluent." Who knew?! I was told that I was advanced and that I knew what I was doing--but I just needed to believe that and have faith in myself. That there is the kicker. Although, I must admit, the prospect of my becoming an interpreter is beginning to brighten. I may be able to imagine that happening now. It may actually be possible. Although, I know that with HIS help, anything is possible!
Monday, August 26, 2013
Blessings In Disguise!
Ever since I discovered last summer that ESD has a handbell choir, I included it on my "Puerto Rico-wish-list;" hoping that while I was here, I could finally see the kids perform a song. But my dreams were cruelly dashed when Betsy told me weeks ago that she was retiring from her role as "Handbell Instructor." Really? Just my luck.... She said that if I really wanted to hear them, I should talk to Kristian and Kevin and get them on that--because she was washing her hands of it all! In other words: she's finished with the bells. Period, end of story. And the subject is really not open for debate. Hmm, I'd have to figure that one out...
So during these past few weeks I have not forgotten about them, but instead simply decided not to mention them unless directly asked. No big deal.
After lunch this afternoon, we all crowded into the library to watch a movie that had just arrived in the mail--that being One Night With The King since it correlated with our Bible lesson about Esther. I had walked into class a little late as we had lost the dog and I was out searching for him. "...All of the batteries in this remote are dead." I heard Betsy mutter. "In fact all of the batteries seem to be dead! Does anyone else have any I could use?" I had no sooner taken my seat when Betsy paused to turn and look at me. Knowing I was in her sights, I smiled and waited patiently for her to comment. "I need water...would you go to my home and take care of that?"
I looked at her and frowned, "Now? In the middle of class?" The students stared at me as I stood.
"Yeah, now. Stay away for at least three, four, or five minutes--or whenever you come back!"
I shook my head as I weaved my way through the conglomeration of chairs, tables and students that crowded the room. "Trust me," Betsy called out after me. Yeah okay, whatever that meant.
By the time I returned, they had already begun the movie and everyone watched me as I came in. Interesting. So I gathered they had been talking about me. How lovely...what had I done now?
The movie first half hour of the movie was finished and Betsy turned first to Kevin. "What's happened so far?" Her question was met with a blank stare. She returned the stare with an unspoken challenge before reinstating her question. He sighed, "Uh, I dunno...." She glared at him, "Where have you been? I'm sitting here interpreting this for you and you don't remember anything that's happened?"
I glanced from Betsy to Kevin. Oh boy--literally. I could see this was not going to end well. Kevin waved at her and I looked back at Betsy. He shrugged, "Well, there was this one guy...Haman?" She nodded in annoyance, "Why won't you focus?" She ignored his next interjection and turned instead to Kristian. "What did you learn?" Kristian sat back in his chair, "I don't know...."
Betsy shook her head despondently, "Neither of you have been paying me any attention?! I can see I am totally wasting my time!" She shooed them towards the door. "Out! Out with both of you! Go to the chapel, get down on your knees and pray for forgiveness...and that I'll have mercy on your sorry behinds!" They rocketed from their seats and charged towards the door, arguing the entire way.
Everyone was silent. I risked a befuddled glance at Betsy. I had never seen her like that. It was not like her to react that way--something must have been very wrong. Because she was madder than a hornet! At that instant she turned her fiery gaze towards me. My smile instantly vanished. She jabbed a finger in my direction, "You!" Uh-oh, whatever it was, I swear I didn't do it! She thrust money at me--"Go to the store, I need batteries! Now, go!"
Inwardly I was slightly reluctant to leave for the store when my kids where there, but one glance at her face assured me that it was definitely a good idea. So Amanda and Juan escorted me to the store and assisted in my quest for AA Batteries.
We returned within the half hour and when I climbed out of the car, I was surprised to see the campus seemingly abandoned. The classrooms were also vacant, so my only viable alternative being the chapel, which was eerily silent. As I opened the door, I noted with great concern that it too was empty. This allowed for a moment of panic when I wondered if perhaps the rapture had come--and if so--why was I still here?! As I stepped into the room, a cheer went up from the front of the chapel. I jumped and looked to where all of the students stood in uniform behind a table--full of bells and music books! My heart skipped in my chest and my stomach clenched as I bit back the tears that threatened to choke me. It was simply perfect--even down to the little pairs of white gloves.
"Surprise! Ha-ha, we fooled you!" Kevin announced as I struggled to regain my composure. That I couldn't argue with, "Yeah, you sure did!" I managed to choke out. The others joined in with similar comments and I learned that the entire drama in the library was just part of the whole gig. I realized that these people are great at keeping secrets! And that I'm entirely too trusting. Betsy smiled; "The boys had to come set up and I was trying to think of a way to possibly get rid of you...."
Yeah, for the time being it worked...but I came right back. Sorry to say that you won't get rid of me that easily! I took my seat and they began playing their song. I alternately laughed and blinked back tears--my heart was so content. And to think, they went to all of this trouble just for me. How special! They ended the beautiful song with a shout of: "All for you, Rachel!" At that instant, my heart exploded. I embraced each one of those precious students and Betsy, thanking them from the bottom of my heart for all they have done for me! What a precious moment!
Thinking back on it, at the moment when I was sent to buy the batteries we didn't necessarily need, I was less than enthusiastic, but I was blessed beyond words at what was waiting for me!
Thanks guys for making my day so incredibly special--that meant the world to me! Love ya'll!
So during these past few weeks I have not forgotten about them, but instead simply decided not to mention them unless directly asked. No big deal.
After lunch this afternoon, we all crowded into the library to watch a movie that had just arrived in the mail--that being One Night With The King since it correlated with our Bible lesson about Esther. I had walked into class a little late as we had lost the dog and I was out searching for him. "...All of the batteries in this remote are dead." I heard Betsy mutter. "In fact all of the batteries seem to be dead! Does anyone else have any I could use?" I had no sooner taken my seat when Betsy paused to turn and look at me. Knowing I was in her sights, I smiled and waited patiently for her to comment. "I need water...would you go to my home and take care of that?"
I looked at her and frowned, "Now? In the middle of class?" The students stared at me as I stood.
"Yeah, now. Stay away for at least three, four, or five minutes--or whenever you come back!"
I shook my head as I weaved my way through the conglomeration of chairs, tables and students that crowded the room. "Trust me," Betsy called out after me. Yeah okay, whatever that meant.
By the time I returned, they had already begun the movie and everyone watched me as I came in. Interesting. So I gathered they had been talking about me. How lovely...what had I done now?
The movie first half hour of the movie was finished and Betsy turned first to Kevin. "What's happened so far?" Her question was met with a blank stare. She returned the stare with an unspoken challenge before reinstating her question. He sighed, "Uh, I dunno...." She glared at him, "Where have you been? I'm sitting here interpreting this for you and you don't remember anything that's happened?"
I glanced from Betsy to Kevin. Oh boy--literally. I could see this was not going to end well. Kevin waved at her and I looked back at Betsy. He shrugged, "Well, there was this one guy...Haman?" She nodded in annoyance, "Why won't you focus?" She ignored his next interjection and turned instead to Kristian. "What did you learn?" Kristian sat back in his chair, "I don't know...."
Betsy shook her head despondently, "Neither of you have been paying me any attention?! I can see I am totally wasting my time!" She shooed them towards the door. "Out! Out with both of you! Go to the chapel, get down on your knees and pray for forgiveness...and that I'll have mercy on your sorry behinds!" They rocketed from their seats and charged towards the door, arguing the entire way.
Everyone was silent. I risked a befuddled glance at Betsy. I had never seen her like that. It was not like her to react that way--something must have been very wrong. Because she was madder than a hornet! At that instant she turned her fiery gaze towards me. My smile instantly vanished. She jabbed a finger in my direction, "You!" Uh-oh, whatever it was, I swear I didn't do it! She thrust money at me--"Go to the store, I need batteries! Now, go!"
Inwardly I was slightly reluctant to leave for the store when my kids where there, but one glance at her face assured me that it was definitely a good idea. So Amanda and Juan escorted me to the store and assisted in my quest for AA Batteries.
We returned within the half hour and when I climbed out of the car, I was surprised to see the campus seemingly abandoned. The classrooms were also vacant, so my only viable alternative being the chapel, which was eerily silent. As I opened the door, I noted with great concern that it too was empty. This allowed for a moment of panic when I wondered if perhaps the rapture had come--and if so--why was I still here?! As I stepped into the room, a cheer went up from the front of the chapel. I jumped and looked to where all of the students stood in uniform behind a table--full of bells and music books! My heart skipped in my chest and my stomach clenched as I bit back the tears that threatened to choke me. It was simply perfect--even down to the little pairs of white gloves.
"Surprise! Ha-ha, we fooled you!" Kevin announced as I struggled to regain my composure. That I couldn't argue with, "Yeah, you sure did!" I managed to choke out. The others joined in with similar comments and I learned that the entire drama in the library was just part of the whole gig. I realized that these people are great at keeping secrets! And that I'm entirely too trusting. Betsy smiled; "The boys had to come set up and I was trying to think of a way to possibly get rid of you...."
Yeah, for the time being it worked...but I came right back. Sorry to say that you won't get rid of me that easily! I took my seat and they began playing their song. I alternately laughed and blinked back tears--my heart was so content. And to think, they went to all of this trouble just for me. How special! They ended the beautiful song with a shout of: "All for you, Rachel!" At that instant, my heart exploded. I embraced each one of those precious students and Betsy, thanking them from the bottom of my heart for all they have done for me! What a precious moment!
Thinking back on it, at the moment when I was sent to buy the batteries we didn't necessarily need, I was less than enthusiastic, but I was blessed beyond words at what was waiting for me!
Thanks guys for making my day so incredibly special--that meant the world to me! Love ya'll!
Sunday, August 25, 2013
She's Always Watching....
It's Sunday...Let's just take a moment of silence to reflect. And as Betsy so sweetly put it this morning at church: "Ah, it's Sunday! It's the best day of the week because it's the first--but it's also the worst because it's the last day of the weekend...."
So after church this morning and lunch/shopping with Betsy afterwards, I came home and had a relatively relaxed afternoon. I chilled by myself, rocked out to my music as I put away my groceries and wrote some thank-you notes, then read through my journal. I hung out my laundry to dry on the line and then came inside to finish writing...only five minutes later I heard the pouring rain. Seriously? Oh, this is the story of my life.... I should be used to things like this by now!
Then when Francis and Rosa returned from their shopping excursion, I hung with them for the rest of the evening. Gosh, that girl is hilarious! She is definitely a comedian. And I know now why my abs are feeling sore.... At one point, I was laying on my bed, talking to my mother and Francis was sitting across the room, trying to get my attention. But since I couldn't see her calling for me, I didn't look at her. But when the flip-flop came hurling through the air and hit my leg, I immediately reverted my attention to her. This method seemed to work swimmingly; she'd have a homework question and when she tossed a shoe at me, I would turn around and answer her. After the first half hour, one would have thought she'd run out of shoes. But that wasn't the case; somehow she always had a steady supply to use as ammunition. But just watch; tomorrow morning everyone will wonder about all of the bruises covering my body. And I will simply say, "My little, seemingly innocent roommate is actually quite vicious and went on a wild rampage. She attacked me in my room...." Well, it's the best I can come up with off the top of my head. However, I know for a fact that the nasty bruise on my elbow is from when I banged it on the wall. Betsy, your shower is too small! Or maybe my arms are too long. I have no idea...but whatever the case may be, that injury was not roommate inflicted.
But between all of that, I did find time to look over the "report" that my mom had given Betsy to fill out. (It was more like a performance review.) Betsy handed me the paper at lunch and while we had discussed some of the more prominent points, I was dying to know what the rest of the letter contained. So as Betsy's been watching me throughout the past couple weeks, she has been taking notes on my skills as a Signer, my conduct towards the students, my interaction with the other staff, my behavior during class time, and my overall performance.
Reading it over, I must admit, I was surprised. She gave me an A on virtually everything, summing it up by saying that, "I (Rachel) definitely know what I'm doing...but I just need the courage to do it!"
I had not expected that. She also said that I would make a great teacher--Wow, I had so not anticipated that either! Who knew?!
So while I am feeling encouraged, there are still a few things I know I need to work on (like my Non-manual-markers, for one.) Those silly facial expressions get me every time. But when she told me that she thought there could be improvement in that department--her comment warranted an expression she finally did approve of. So I have decided to dedicate my last week here to fixing the errant mistakes I have been making.
Facial expressions...I've got this. And Kevin will be wondering why I'm insisting we do so much math homework this week...because that's where I can most effectively practice. When he gives me a hard time--I give him a look (actually many looks, depending upon the situation)...but usually one that says, "I'm not amused...." Ha, just kidding. I'll gladly leave the math to someone who actually doesn't despise it and I will go find another, safer place in which to practice my NMMs! Just think; if I stayed with the math, the only facial expression I'd be able to accurately replicate would be that of me hurling...but that won't get me far in my interpreting career, now would it? I can see my professor now, quizzing me about my NMMs...My response? "Well, sometimes I throw up." Uh, yeah, good luck getting a diploma.
So after church this morning and lunch/shopping with Betsy afterwards, I came home and had a relatively relaxed afternoon. I chilled by myself, rocked out to my music as I put away my groceries and wrote some thank-you notes, then read through my journal. I hung out my laundry to dry on the line and then came inside to finish writing...only five minutes later I heard the pouring rain. Seriously? Oh, this is the story of my life.... I should be used to things like this by now!
Then when Francis and Rosa returned from their shopping excursion, I hung with them for the rest of the evening. Gosh, that girl is hilarious! She is definitely a comedian. And I know now why my abs are feeling sore.... At one point, I was laying on my bed, talking to my mother and Francis was sitting across the room, trying to get my attention. But since I couldn't see her calling for me, I didn't look at her. But when the flip-flop came hurling through the air and hit my leg, I immediately reverted my attention to her. This method seemed to work swimmingly; she'd have a homework question and when she tossed a shoe at me, I would turn around and answer her. After the first half hour, one would have thought she'd run out of shoes. But that wasn't the case; somehow she always had a steady supply to use as ammunition. But just watch; tomorrow morning everyone will wonder about all of the bruises covering my body. And I will simply say, "My little, seemingly innocent roommate is actually quite vicious and went on a wild rampage. She attacked me in my room...." Well, it's the best I can come up with off the top of my head. However, I know for a fact that the nasty bruise on my elbow is from when I banged it on the wall. Betsy, your shower is too small! Or maybe my arms are too long. I have no idea...but whatever the case may be, that injury was not roommate inflicted.
But between all of that, I did find time to look over the "report" that my mom had given Betsy to fill out. (It was more like a performance review.) Betsy handed me the paper at lunch and while we had discussed some of the more prominent points, I was dying to know what the rest of the letter contained. So as Betsy's been watching me throughout the past couple weeks, she has been taking notes on my skills as a Signer, my conduct towards the students, my interaction with the other staff, my behavior during class time, and my overall performance.
Reading it over, I must admit, I was surprised. She gave me an A on virtually everything, summing it up by saying that, "I (Rachel) definitely know what I'm doing...but I just need the courage to do it!"
I had not expected that. She also said that I would make a great teacher--Wow, I had so not anticipated that either! Who knew?!
So while I am feeling encouraged, there are still a few things I know I need to work on (like my Non-manual-markers, for one.) Those silly facial expressions get me every time. But when she told me that she thought there could be improvement in that department--her comment warranted an expression she finally did approve of. So I have decided to dedicate my last week here to fixing the errant mistakes I have been making.
Facial expressions...I've got this. And Kevin will be wondering why I'm insisting we do so much math homework this week...because that's where I can most effectively practice. When he gives me a hard time--I give him a look (actually many looks, depending upon the situation)...but usually one that says, "I'm not amused...." Ha, just kidding. I'll gladly leave the math to someone who actually doesn't despise it and I will go find another, safer place in which to practice my NMMs! Just think; if I stayed with the math, the only facial expression I'd be able to accurately replicate would be that of me hurling...but that won't get me far in my interpreting career, now would it? I can see my professor now, quizzing me about my NMMs...My response? "Well, sometimes I throw up." Uh, yeah, good luck getting a diploma.
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Uh, Oops....
For certain, each day brings me further out of my comfort-zone. I mentioned on Thursday that I expected to be a very busy bee yesterday--True that! Oh, if I had only known....
But now that I know what not to do, hopefully I will be better equipped in the future.
So first thing after our daily staff meeting, I scurried over to chapel and prepared for the worship I would be leading. The students chose their favorite songs and together we interpreted them for worship. But finally, when the dude who was coming to speak arrived; I vanished to a dark corner where I hunched over my clipboard and wrote furiously, hurrying to gloss my newspaper article into ASL before it was time for my class to start. You see, I had not anticipated this. On Wednesday, I had given the article to Betsy so that she could interpret it for her students in her writing class. But apparently this assumption was erroneous because on Thursday she handed the paper back to me and told me to interpret it for my students in my journalism class. A holi-day-whodi-whati? I'm gonna what?! I blinked. I glanced at her, then at the paper, and back again. Surely I had heard wrong....My pulse quickened and the heat rushed to my cheeks. Oh dear. "Uh, I can't interpret this article...there are many multi-syllabic words and idioms...." I tried to dissuade her. "You don't understand!" But I need not have bothered protesting.
She simply wrinkled her nose, "Well, remember to not add so many big words in the future--but you wrote it, you interpret it."
She turned to go and I stared at her back, "But...but...but." This was so not a good idea. She stopped and turned back around to face me; my mouth shut with an audible snap. The expression on her face clearly said, "If you have any questions...ask me when you're done." I made a few more lame attempts to try and convince her otherwise--but her mind was made up. End of story. Oh, fine, I'll do it! Not that I had a choice in the matter, though. So as I glanced over my gloss, I suddenly realized I had forgotten one of the words in Sign. "How do you sign the word 'president'? I have never had to use it before...."
Betsy looked at me with a bored expression on her face. "You used the word, you figure it out."
I sighed. Oh, honestly. I tapped my pencil on my knee...now what? Having an idea, I waved discreetly at Kevin and when he looked at me, I finger-spelled the word to him from behind my book. I glanced at Betsy where she sat at her computer and slowly shook my head. He immediately got the hint and turning his back towards her, he subtly signed the word to me. Bingo.
So as the kids traipsed single-file into the classroom and were finally situated behind their desks, I slunk to the front of the room and sat in the "hot seat," my heart beating a million miles an hour. Betsy had meanwhile, apparently changed her mind; so instead of sitting behind the computer, she took a seat against the wall and turned to watch. Not exactly what I was anticipating. I mean, no pressure.
With eight pairs of eyes watching me intently, I took a deep breath and willed my heart-rate to slow to a somewhat normal pace before jumping right into my story. After the first several minutes, I was finally confident enough to make eye contact with the kids. To my surprise, this was a great help. I looked at them as I explained about my adventures in Boston and my encounter with Native Americans. They nodded in understanding and began asking questions. Yay, it was interactive! And once I finally began, I realized it was not as bad as I had anticipated. But finally I came to the end and they all applauded. Betsy gave me a reassuring smile as I gracefully left the "stage." Only to be called back up moments later.
Betsy had explained that they needed to write a story in which to apply their spelling words. "Rachel, come up here." She handed me a marker, "If they have questions, answer them."
I stood with the marker in hand and looked into the tanned faces. Okay then. So I was doing more teaching. I guess it was time to take action then. "Well, you saw the lady," I waved them to their books. Time to get crackin', as my aunt would say.
And did they have questions! Every couple seconds, I would see a hand waving and would be asked how to spell a word or need to explain a situation. I am beginning to understand what it means to be a teacher--and while I must admit that at times it is quite tiring, it is also so much fun!
Then, after an hour, came the conclusion of that project. Next, it was into the kitchen for my Home Ec. Class. Putting things out on the counter, I prayed everything would work out well. Betsy was slightly stressed, so I was hoping this would be easy and virtually painless. She wouldn't have to worry about anything, right?
Ha-ha. Truth be told, I was trying something fairly new. I had decided to make mini-pizzas using Pillsbury Crescent Rolls and rolling the sauce, cheese and pepperoni inside before baking it. That seemed like such a quick and easy thing to do, but once the kids began assembling their own, I watched on with increasing unease. Okay, so...maybe this was not such a great idea. I smiled as they slapped pizza sauce on their biscuit. I pondered if I should at that moment have lowered my expectations. Eh, fo shizzle, they would be fine. I whispered (signed discretely) to Kevin and Larimar, "This is a new recipe--an experiment. I hope you all like it." Larimar giggled and Kevin shook his head. Now, after all this time, you would think I would have learned by now that Betsy sees and hears everything. So it should not have surprised me when she looked over at me with the look on her face that said...well, I wasn't so sure I wanted to know at that moment what it said. Oops, was the only thing that came to my mind. Then, as if deciding the look wasn't enough, Betsy evenly asked, "What did I just see you say?"
I wiggled my eyebrows at Larimar and slapped pepperoni on my roll, trying my best to act nonchalant. "Oh, I'm trying something relatively new," She stared at me and I began to have third thoughts about this idea. Yup, scratch that--back to the drawing board...."But, Rosa has made them before and I have made very similar things...so, no worries." I reassured her with more confidence than I really felt. Actually, I was reassuring myself as much as I was her.
Betsy frowned, "Honestly, that was the last thing I really wanted to hear right now...."
Oh, right. I nodded, "You have my sincerest apologies." I turned back to the students, some of whom had witnessed our exchange. "Ha-ha, wish me luck," I told Kevin as I gave the other kids a huge grin.
"Okay Rachel, I'm trusting you on this!" Betsy chuckled and turned around. Nothing like pressure, huh? I bit my lip. Oh, Lord; I don't know how, but get me out of this one.
We finished assembling what then looked like big hunks of chunky, red, saucy dough...wonderful. How appetizing. The kids were then herded towards the tables and were encouraged to play Uno until their food came out of the oven. I took a deep breath and waited--and waited. That had to have been one of the most suspenseful ten minutes of my life. I shuddered to think what could have been happening to those little balls of clumpy dough inside that oven. Heaven only knows what could have been going wrong behind that door. But finally, to my and everyone's great relief, they came out, looking and smelling wonderful. Which had far exceeded my expectations. If they had even survived the oven, it would have been an accomplishment.
But the students said they liked them, the staff complimented me, and Betsy was impressed, so I guess the Lord did indeed answer my prayer after all! Oh, what a day!
But now that I know what not to do, hopefully I will be better equipped in the future.
So first thing after our daily staff meeting, I scurried over to chapel and prepared for the worship I would be leading. The students chose their favorite songs and together we interpreted them for worship. But finally, when the dude who was coming to speak arrived; I vanished to a dark corner where I hunched over my clipboard and wrote furiously, hurrying to gloss my newspaper article into ASL before it was time for my class to start. You see, I had not anticipated this. On Wednesday, I had given the article to Betsy so that she could interpret it for her students in her writing class. But apparently this assumption was erroneous because on Thursday she handed the paper back to me and told me to interpret it for my students in my journalism class. A holi-day-whodi-whati? I'm gonna what?! I blinked. I glanced at her, then at the paper, and back again. Surely I had heard wrong....My pulse quickened and the heat rushed to my cheeks. Oh dear. "Uh, I can't interpret this article...there are many multi-syllabic words and idioms...." I tried to dissuade her. "You don't understand!" But I need not have bothered protesting.
She simply wrinkled her nose, "Well, remember to not add so many big words in the future--but you wrote it, you interpret it."
She turned to go and I stared at her back, "But...but...but." This was so not a good idea. She stopped and turned back around to face me; my mouth shut with an audible snap. The expression on her face clearly said, "If you have any questions...ask me when you're done." I made a few more lame attempts to try and convince her otherwise--but her mind was made up. End of story. Oh, fine, I'll do it! Not that I had a choice in the matter, though. So as I glanced over my gloss, I suddenly realized I had forgotten one of the words in Sign. "How do you sign the word 'president'? I have never had to use it before...."
Betsy looked at me with a bored expression on her face. "You used the word, you figure it out."
I sighed. Oh, honestly. I tapped my pencil on my knee...now what? Having an idea, I waved discreetly at Kevin and when he looked at me, I finger-spelled the word to him from behind my book. I glanced at Betsy where she sat at her computer and slowly shook my head. He immediately got the hint and turning his back towards her, he subtly signed the word to me. Bingo.
So as the kids traipsed single-file into the classroom and were finally situated behind their desks, I slunk to the front of the room and sat in the "hot seat," my heart beating a million miles an hour. Betsy had meanwhile, apparently changed her mind; so instead of sitting behind the computer, she took a seat against the wall and turned to watch. Not exactly what I was anticipating. I mean, no pressure.
With eight pairs of eyes watching me intently, I took a deep breath and willed my heart-rate to slow to a somewhat normal pace before jumping right into my story. After the first several minutes, I was finally confident enough to make eye contact with the kids. To my surprise, this was a great help. I looked at them as I explained about my adventures in Boston and my encounter with Native Americans. They nodded in understanding and began asking questions. Yay, it was interactive! And once I finally began, I realized it was not as bad as I had anticipated. But finally I came to the end and they all applauded. Betsy gave me a reassuring smile as I gracefully left the "stage." Only to be called back up moments later.
Betsy had explained that they needed to write a story in which to apply their spelling words. "Rachel, come up here." She handed me a marker, "If they have questions, answer them."
I stood with the marker in hand and looked into the tanned faces. Okay then. So I was doing more teaching. I guess it was time to take action then. "Well, you saw the lady," I waved them to their books. Time to get crackin', as my aunt would say.
And did they have questions! Every couple seconds, I would see a hand waving and would be asked how to spell a word or need to explain a situation. I am beginning to understand what it means to be a teacher--and while I must admit that at times it is quite tiring, it is also so much fun!
Then, after an hour, came the conclusion of that project. Next, it was into the kitchen for my Home Ec. Class. Putting things out on the counter, I prayed everything would work out well. Betsy was slightly stressed, so I was hoping this would be easy and virtually painless. She wouldn't have to worry about anything, right?
Ha-ha. Truth be told, I was trying something fairly new. I had decided to make mini-pizzas using Pillsbury Crescent Rolls and rolling the sauce, cheese and pepperoni inside before baking it. That seemed like such a quick and easy thing to do, but once the kids began assembling their own, I watched on with increasing unease. Okay, so...maybe this was not such a great idea. I smiled as they slapped pizza sauce on their biscuit. I pondered if I should at that moment have lowered my expectations. Eh, fo shizzle, they would be fine. I whispered (signed discretely) to Kevin and Larimar, "This is a new recipe--an experiment. I hope you all like it." Larimar giggled and Kevin shook his head. Now, after all this time, you would think I would have learned by now that Betsy sees and hears everything. So it should not have surprised me when she looked over at me with the look on her face that said...well, I wasn't so sure I wanted to know at that moment what it said. Oops, was the only thing that came to my mind. Then, as if deciding the look wasn't enough, Betsy evenly asked, "What did I just see you say?"
I wiggled my eyebrows at Larimar and slapped pepperoni on my roll, trying my best to act nonchalant. "Oh, I'm trying something relatively new," She stared at me and I began to have third thoughts about this idea. Yup, scratch that--back to the drawing board...."But, Rosa has made them before and I have made very similar things...so, no worries." I reassured her with more confidence than I really felt. Actually, I was reassuring myself as much as I was her.
Betsy frowned, "Honestly, that was the last thing I really wanted to hear right now...."
Oh, right. I nodded, "You have my sincerest apologies." I turned back to the students, some of whom had witnessed our exchange. "Ha-ha, wish me luck," I told Kevin as I gave the other kids a huge grin.
"Okay Rachel, I'm trusting you on this!" Betsy chuckled and turned around. Nothing like pressure, huh? I bit my lip. Oh, Lord; I don't know how, but get me out of this one.
 |
| The students making snacks before the near pizza-disaster! |
But the students said they liked them, the staff complimented me, and Betsy was impressed, so I guess the Lord did indeed answer my prayer after all! Oh, what a day!
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Anticipating Tomorrow!
It has been yet another wonderful, busy day! And I am anticipating another even busier day tomorrow. I am responsible for leading the morning worship in Chapel and then I will be teaching about journalism--using one of newspaper articles as an example. After a petty "argument" that continued in front of the students, Betsy insisted that I stand before the students tomorrow and interpret my article. It has not taken me long to realize that resistance is futile! Betsy always wins an argument. Period.
And so it is. After Chapel, I will make my way to the front of the classroom and interpret my story while Betsy enters grades into the computer. At least, that is what she said she'd do. She offered to do that so I would feel more comfortable, knowing she wasn't watching. Oh, okay then. I'll let you know how that works.
Then while I attempt to recover from that, I will arrive in the kitchen where I will teach my Home Ec. Class. I went shopping for this this evening, so I am feeling fairly prepared for this--thankfully.
Well, it's getting really late and I am exhausted, so "hasta mañana," my friends! I will let you know tomorrow how things went in the chapel, classroom and kitchen!
And so it is. After Chapel, I will make my way to the front of the classroom and interpret my story while Betsy enters grades into the computer. At least, that is what she said she'd do. She offered to do that so I would feel more comfortable, knowing she wasn't watching. Oh, okay then. I'll let you know how that works.
Then while I attempt to recover from that, I will arrive in the kitchen where I will teach my Home Ec. Class. I went shopping for this this evening, so I am feeling fairly prepared for this--thankfully.
Well, it's getting really late and I am exhausted, so "hasta mañana," my friends! I will let you know tomorrow how things went in the chapel, classroom and kitchen!
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Brainwaves and Facial Expressions!
Monday began as a typical day with all of the students arriving bright and early. I again joined the students in the classroom for another wonderful day of school. Now note, that according to Betsy, she gets her best thoughts and all of her ingenious ideas when playing Angry Birds. (Weeks ago, she had agreed to quit, but that only lasted a few weeks. When we confronted her about this issue, she admitted that she had stopped having good ideas, thus she had begun playing again...knowing that it would stimulate her brain and aid in its thought process.) So apparently she had been playing again yesterday because during math class, she rushed into the classroom and slapped Kevin's desk before shouting, "I just had a brainwave!" I know what you've been doing, I thought, envisioning her playing Angry Birds. But without waiting for us to recover from our sudden start, she began to excitedly explain to us the ingenious plan she had just devised.
After lunch, I sat in the library reading the book my mother had sent along with me. Yeah, I know--the kids were astonished that I homework to do, too. I mean, what was my mother thinking, sending oodles of books across the ocean with me, hoping I'd read them in my "spare-time?" So anyway, as I sat reading The Screwtape Letters and listening to the students practicing their guitars in the background, the door flew open and Betsy stepped into the room, laden with various school-related items. She took a seat next to me and spread her conglomeration of things on the table. At that moment Amanda burst into the room with Juan in tow. "What are we doing for story time?!" She asked as Juan darted towards the bookshelf in search of his favorite book.
Without looking up, Betsy slowly shook her head, "Ya know, I really haven't gotten that far." She shrugged dejectedly, "I just seem to have no inspiration." (I choked back a laugh and bit my lip.)
Amanda frowned, "Well, we could at least do a Bible story or something...tell it, act--"
"I've got it!" Betsy jumped up from her chair, hands desperately chopping the air. "I just had a brainwave!" We all braced ourselves for whatever was coming next. "We should act out the story of Esther...well, you act it out, I'll narrate/interpret it." Without waiting for a response, she nodded decidedly. "Good." So that was that.
Gone was my laughter as I sat stunned, wondering what exactly had just happened in those previous twenty seconds of my life. And why had my name just been mentioned? Inwardly I cringed...that was not a good sign...literally. And while I really should not have been surprised, I couldn't help the little flutter in the pit of my stomach when they informed me that I would be Esther in our Bible play. Oh dear. But, in reality, it was so much fun! Amanda was a fantastic Vashti and made a wonderful candidate as we girls all stood in a line awaiting our turn to "meet the king." Amanda grabbed Larimar's guitar and with a grin, she called over her shoulder, "I'm going in with a bang!" Oh my gosh, this girl is hilarious!
We continued the story this afternoon with me as Esther, Betsy as Mordecai, Amanda as the scribe and Mizael as Haman. Let me tell you, we laughed so hard! And just a warning: tomorrow is the day Mizael (Haman) will be hanged! And while I'm not anticipating anything too drastic, I am thankful that Rebekah (a qualified nurse) is on the premises.
Then it was on to math class. You all know what that means.... *involuntary shudder* I no sooner sat my butt on a chair (which by the way, I'm finally able to do as it's been slowly healing from the traumatic encounter at Charcol Frio) when Betsy told me to grade Kevin's homework. Oh boy--literally. But then, when I found a repetitious error, I kindly confronted him, asking him to reread the problem to see if perhaps he could find where he had originally made the mistake. Let's just say; that entire ordeal was much more than I'd bargained for. Instead of simply fixing that one errant problem, he then asked for guidance on several of the other problems he had to solve. And problems they were indeed! I conceded to helping since no one else needed me at the time, and leaning over his book, I read the equations. After a while, we formed a system that actually worked quite efficiently. He would figure them out by himself while I used the answer book (an advantage of being the teacher's assistant) and then we'd compare answers.
He would figure out a problem and then look at me, with an eyebrow raised, "Correct?" I would nod and he'd continue to the next one. It did not however, take him long to realize that apparently my facial expression changed slightly as he wrote his answers, depending on whether it was correct or not. I noticed this after he wrote an answer and I smiled. "I knew it was right," he told me proudly, "Your face told me 'yes.'" Now it was my turn to raise an eyebrow. Okay, Mr. Smarty...bring it on. He finished the next one and looked at me. I fought to keep my facial expression neutral. He stared at me quizzically, "That right?"
I stared back at him, "What do you think?"
He caught on within seconds and knowing that I laugh at everything, he devised what he must have thought to be a brilliant plan. I on the other hand, disagreed. After each problem, he made a goofy face, thinking that if I laughed, his answer was correct. Honestly, I don't cave that easily! So I devised a plan of my own....I desperately needed to work on my facial expressions (one of the Signing parameters, I don't excel in, but am determined to.) This was the perfect opportunity to practice. I waited until he had completed the next problem, checked his answer and then looked to me for conformation. He wiggled his eyebrows and made a face. My stony expression remained unchanged. It was obvious that he had not expected this reaction...His facial expression clearly told me so. I chuckled inwardly as he tried once more to get a smile out of me. Again, so such luck. I didn't even blink. He heaved a sigh. "Tell me! Right?"
I raised an eyebrow and shrugged nonchalantly, signing, "What do you think." I laughed as he groaned and rolled his eyes, responding with, "I think yes!" I glanced down at the book and paused for suspense before adding, "I think yes, too." I watched as he scrawled his next answer and again looked at me. I forced a frown and ducked my head. "Oh Kevin, really?" I rolled my eyes and compared his answer to that of the book, still hidden on my lap. I grabbed my red pen and shook my head, still frowning.
One glance at his perplexed face and I about lost it--very nearly blowing my cover. He was beginning to freak out. "No! No! It's not wrong--" He signed dramatically. "Ugh, really!?" He ran a hand over his face and I bit my tongue as he wearily eyed the red pen moving closer and closer to his book. His fingers drummed nervously on the desk, "I understand it..." he tried again to dissuade me and prolong the inevitable.
I shrugged. Willing myself to keep my face blank, I lowered the pen. The instant it touched his book, he yelled before slapping a hand to his forehead and slumping in his chair, seemingly defeated. I squelched the nearly overwhelming urge to laugh. Seriously, dude--It's not that big a deal. He jumped up and cracked his knuckles as he watched me write with the dreaded red ink on his paper. =) A smiley was all I wrote. After several seconds he glanced at me. "What?! It's right?" He slapped his knee and only then did I release the laugh I had been suppressing all that time. "Yup, it's correct."
He jutted up from his chair, arms/hands flailing. "What?! What?! It's right? Why did you do that?"
I simply smiled and signed. "Because you said I was so easy to read. Do you truly think so?" He slumped back in his chair as I continued. He wasn't getting out of this that easily. "You also said that my facial expression always tells you yes. Does it really?" I tapped my pen on the desk. "I'm not as easy to read as you think...."
That seemed to subdue him for a little while at least. And a little bite of humble-pie would never hurt anyone. But what made it all the funnier, was thinking back on it, I had asked many individual people a few weeks ago about their opinions of my signing...ironically, him being one of those persons. His immediate advice to me? "You need more facial expression!" Ha-ha, yeah, you got it, Amigo! No problem....
After lunch, I sat in the library reading the book my mother had sent along with me. Yeah, I know--the kids were astonished that I homework to do, too. I mean, what was my mother thinking, sending oodles of books across the ocean with me, hoping I'd read them in my "spare-time?" So anyway, as I sat reading The Screwtape Letters and listening to the students practicing their guitars in the background, the door flew open and Betsy stepped into the room, laden with various school-related items. She took a seat next to me and spread her conglomeration of things on the table. At that moment Amanda burst into the room with Juan in tow. "What are we doing for story time?!" She asked as Juan darted towards the bookshelf in search of his favorite book.
Without looking up, Betsy slowly shook her head, "Ya know, I really haven't gotten that far." She shrugged dejectedly, "I just seem to have no inspiration." (I choked back a laugh and bit my lip.)
Amanda frowned, "Well, we could at least do a Bible story or something...tell it, act--"
"I've got it!" Betsy jumped up from her chair, hands desperately chopping the air. "I just had a brainwave!" We all braced ourselves for whatever was coming next. "We should act out the story of Esther...well, you act it out, I'll narrate/interpret it." Without waiting for a response, she nodded decidedly. "Good." So that was that.
Gone was my laughter as I sat stunned, wondering what exactly had just happened in those previous twenty seconds of my life. And why had my name just been mentioned? Inwardly I cringed...that was not a good sign...literally. And while I really should not have been surprised, I couldn't help the little flutter in the pit of my stomach when they informed me that I would be Esther in our Bible play. Oh dear. But, in reality, it was so much fun! Amanda was a fantastic Vashti and made a wonderful candidate as we girls all stood in a line awaiting our turn to "meet the king." Amanda grabbed Larimar's guitar and with a grin, she called over her shoulder, "I'm going in with a bang!" Oh my gosh, this girl is hilarious!
We continued the story this afternoon with me as Esther, Betsy as Mordecai, Amanda as the scribe and Mizael as Haman. Let me tell you, we laughed so hard! And just a warning: tomorrow is the day Mizael (Haman) will be hanged! And while I'm not anticipating anything too drastic, I am thankful that Rebekah (a qualified nurse) is on the premises.
Then it was on to math class. You all know what that means.... *involuntary shudder* I no sooner sat my butt on a chair (which by the way, I'm finally able to do as it's been slowly healing from the traumatic encounter at Charcol Frio) when Betsy told me to grade Kevin's homework. Oh boy--literally. But then, when I found a repetitious error, I kindly confronted him, asking him to reread the problem to see if perhaps he could find where he had originally made the mistake. Let's just say; that entire ordeal was much more than I'd bargained for. Instead of simply fixing that one errant problem, he then asked for guidance on several of the other problems he had to solve. And problems they were indeed! I conceded to helping since no one else needed me at the time, and leaning over his book, I read the equations. After a while, we formed a system that actually worked quite efficiently. He would figure them out by himself while I used the answer book (an advantage of being the teacher's assistant) and then we'd compare answers.He would figure out a problem and then look at me, with an eyebrow raised, "Correct?" I would nod and he'd continue to the next one. It did not however, take him long to realize that apparently my facial expression changed slightly as he wrote his answers, depending on whether it was correct or not. I noticed this after he wrote an answer and I smiled. "I knew it was right," he told me proudly, "Your face told me 'yes.'" Now it was my turn to raise an eyebrow. Okay, Mr. Smarty...bring it on. He finished the next one and looked at me. I fought to keep my facial expression neutral. He stared at me quizzically, "That right?"
I stared back at him, "What do you think?"
He caught on within seconds and knowing that I laugh at everything, he devised what he must have thought to be a brilliant plan. I on the other hand, disagreed. After each problem, he made a goofy face, thinking that if I laughed, his answer was correct. Honestly, I don't cave that easily! So I devised a plan of my own....I desperately needed to work on my facial expressions (one of the Signing parameters, I don't excel in, but am determined to.) This was the perfect opportunity to practice. I waited until he had completed the next problem, checked his answer and then looked to me for conformation. He wiggled his eyebrows and made a face. My stony expression remained unchanged. It was obvious that he had not expected this reaction...His facial expression clearly told me so. I chuckled inwardly as he tried once more to get a smile out of me. Again, so such luck. I didn't even blink. He heaved a sigh. "Tell me! Right?"
I raised an eyebrow and shrugged nonchalantly, signing, "What do you think." I laughed as he groaned and rolled his eyes, responding with, "I think yes!" I glanced down at the book and paused for suspense before adding, "I think yes, too." I watched as he scrawled his next answer and again looked at me. I forced a frown and ducked my head. "Oh Kevin, really?" I rolled my eyes and compared his answer to that of the book, still hidden on my lap. I grabbed my red pen and shook my head, still frowning.
One glance at his perplexed face and I about lost it--very nearly blowing my cover. He was beginning to freak out. "No! No! It's not wrong--" He signed dramatically. "Ugh, really!?" He ran a hand over his face and I bit my tongue as he wearily eyed the red pen moving closer and closer to his book. His fingers drummed nervously on the desk, "I understand it..." he tried again to dissuade me and prolong the inevitable.
I shrugged. Willing myself to keep my face blank, I lowered the pen. The instant it touched his book, he yelled before slapping a hand to his forehead and slumping in his chair, seemingly defeated. I squelched the nearly overwhelming urge to laugh. Seriously, dude--It's not that big a deal. He jumped up and cracked his knuckles as he watched me write with the dreaded red ink on his paper. =) A smiley was all I wrote. After several seconds he glanced at me. "What?! It's right?" He slapped his knee and only then did I release the laugh I had been suppressing all that time. "Yup, it's correct."
He jutted up from his chair, arms/hands flailing. "What?! What?! It's right? Why did you do that?"
I simply smiled and signed. "Because you said I was so easy to read. Do you truly think so?" He slumped back in his chair as I continued. He wasn't getting out of this that easily. "You also said that my facial expression always tells you yes. Does it really?" I tapped my pen on the desk. "I'm not as easy to read as you think...."
That seemed to subdue him for a little while at least. And a little bite of humble-pie would never hurt anyone. But what made it all the funnier, was thinking back on it, I had asked many individual people a few weeks ago about their opinions of my signing...ironically, him being one of those persons. His immediate advice to me? "You need more facial expression!" Ha-ha, yeah, you got it, Amigo! No problem....
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Always Learning....
Yesterday, after an afternoon spent writing Thank-You notes, de-homefying my room, cleaning up the kitchen, and doing other various things, Amanda, Rosa and I embarked on a journey into the mountains in search of a watering hole called Charcol Frio. The drive through the country and around the mountain was absolutely lovely. We then parked the car before beginning our long, treacherous hike up the mountain....Now, this is the point in our journey where I should have paused to asses the situation. Had I done this, I assure you that I would not be in the predicament I am right now. But, be that as it may, I see now that I should of have first, invested in some decent footwear. Having only flip-flops, I decided to make do with what I had. Please take care that you heed my warning: one must never neglect something so crucial, despite the fact it may seem trivial at the moment. I wish now that I had followed my own advice. And also, find a reliable resource and remember to ask detailed questions before setting out on your excursion. I too, neglected this. I was told there was a dirt path leading to the river (or swimming hole.) My feeble mind envisioned walking for ten minutes along a wide, dirt path and soon reaching a large body of fresh water. Such unrealistic expectations! I have decided to never trust myself again.
I soon discovered that after leaping rocks and walking through the current, it was a complete upward climb as we scaled the side of the mountain, using only trees and roots as hand-holds to avoid slipping in the mud. We finally crested the top of the mountain and to my discouragement, I saw a rocky trail, only two feet wide. I would not even dare to bring a horse through there. Moreover, my flip-flops were constantly falling off and after struggling on for ten more minutes, I admitted defeat and threw them to the side. Who needs shoes anyway, right? Wrong. It wasn't until I began seeing shards of glass littering the trail, did I regret my decision to continue barefoot.
Thus, muttering a prayer with every step, we trudged on ahead. Climbing over bamboo limbs, scampering for footholds in the mud, and clambering over roots, we finally made our way towards the water. Gosh, I have never seen anything so crazy-steep and treacherous as that trail! But alas, half an hour later, to our relief, we reached the watering hole/spring at the top of the mountain.
With sweat dripping from our chins, we dove straight into the fringed water and swam across the stream. We hiked through the forest until we reached a huge rock formation. Amanda, our fearless leader, led us atop a cliff, "This is a natural rock slide," she motioned towards a legit rock-slide, formed by two boulders next to each other. She demonstrated the importance of keeping your arms and legs close to your body and rocketed down the steep slope. I followed and with a rushed of water from the waterfall, I slid down and jutted out the other end; falling ten feet through the air into the water below. When I came to the surface, I gasped for breath and tried to reorient myself. So far so good!
Amanda led us to another ledge where a rope hung precariously over the edge. "Scale the cliff using the rope to pull yourself up!" She called when she reached the top.
I eyed the worn rope suspiciously before shrugging off my doubt and swinging on the rope.
Once on top, I slowly made my way towards the edge of the cliff. My heart skipped a beat as I peered at the now tiny people below. This was utterly insane! I couldn't believe I was about to do this. Had I completely and totally lost my mind? Suddenly, I was having second thoughts. I took another weary step closer to the edge. "My mother would never approve of this," I muttered to Rosa as the guys below encouraged me to jump. I was convinced I had lost my mind. I glanced again at the couple who stood with their phones poised, already video-taping my jump. So you can look for me on Youtube. Oh, lovely. Suddenly, with a burst of adrenaline through my veins, I crouched and prepared myself to jump. Go in straight, go in straight...the words pounded rhythmically through my head, matching the beat of my raging heart. I was going to do this--I had to. This might be my only opportunity, and I couldn't waste it by being a scaredy-cat. It was time to put my new-found boldness to the test. I glanced over my shoulder at Rosa..."But if I die, tell my mother I died happy!" I called. And without another thought, I launched myself over the edge!
Falling...falling...falling! I felt the wind in my hair and watched at the water became closer and closer. Ten feet from the water, I suddenly wondered what I had just done. "Oh crap..." were the only words that came to mind. Too late! I had already scrunched up my body and was now in the fetal position. I was falling to fast and had no time to correct my posture. I braced myself for the sudden impact. But not good enough. With a sickening thud, I slapped the surface of the water with my butt and thighs. O.u.c.h! All of my internal organs had suddenly migrated North and I felt they were all trapped in my ribcage. With the air completely knocked out of me, I struggled to swim to the surface. That was such a bad idea. As my head popped up, I heard my audience collectively draw a breath and all said, "Oh, ouch!" Duh, ya think? I drew in a shaky breath and slowly managed to make my way back to the group who sat on the rocks. I eased my traumatized body onto a rock and tried to figure out where all my organs had relocated. I could certainly cross this off my list of stupid things to do.
I couldn't feel my toes and ran a hand over the backs of my legs. Within minutes, I could already feel the welts forming. Great. My tail-bone was already so sore, I couldn't move. Gosh, one would think water would absorb the impact of a fall--but I've heard that from such a height as that, it's like falling on a sheet of glass. I understand and can now agree whole-heartedly!
When Rosa finally jumped, she was falling straight...until the last ten feet, when like me, she curled up. We all heard a deafening slap and said, "Uh-oh! That'll leave a mark!" And that it did, too. Her thighs are all black and blue and splotchy from the welts. I on the other hand am not quite as bruised, but my tail-bone is so sore, I dread sitting. I couldn't sleep well last night and it was quite the awkward experience today in church, sitting in a pew, propped up so as to not sit on my bottom. And I refuse to answer any questions on the matter...but I will admit, it was certainly a pain in the butt!
But as Rosa so honestly said, "I hate the pain, but don't regret doing it--it was a once in a life-time experience. But I won't ever do it again!"
But she sums it up even better when later, I was explaining our adventures to Francis and I turned to Rosa and asked, "How deep do you think the water was?"
Rosa simply stared at me, "I dunno, but I really wish I would've stayed straight!"
I soon discovered that after leaping rocks and walking through the current, it was a complete upward climb as we scaled the side of the mountain, using only trees and roots as hand-holds to avoid slipping in the mud. We finally crested the top of the mountain and to my discouragement, I saw a rocky trail, only two feet wide. I would not even dare to bring a horse through there. Moreover, my flip-flops were constantly falling off and after struggling on for ten more minutes, I admitted defeat and threw them to the side. Who needs shoes anyway, right? Wrong. It wasn't until I began seeing shards of glass littering the trail, did I regret my decision to continue barefoot.
Thus, muttering a prayer with every step, we trudged on ahead. Climbing over bamboo limbs, scampering for footholds in the mud, and clambering over roots, we finally made our way towards the water. Gosh, I have never seen anything so crazy-steep and treacherous as that trail! But alas, half an hour later, to our relief, we reached the watering hole/spring at the top of the mountain.With sweat dripping from our chins, we dove straight into the fringed water and swam across the stream. We hiked through the forest until we reached a huge rock formation. Amanda, our fearless leader, led us atop a cliff, "This is a natural rock slide," she motioned towards a legit rock-slide, formed by two boulders next to each other. She demonstrated the importance of keeping your arms and legs close to your body and rocketed down the steep slope. I followed and with a rushed of water from the waterfall, I slid down and jutted out the other end; falling ten feet through the air into the water below. When I came to the surface, I gasped for breath and tried to reorient myself. So far so good!
Amanda led us to another ledge where a rope hung precariously over the edge. "Scale the cliff using the rope to pull yourself up!" She called when she reached the top.
I eyed the worn rope suspiciously before shrugging off my doubt and swinging on the rope.
Once on top, I slowly made my way towards the edge of the cliff. My heart skipped a beat as I peered at the now tiny people below. This was utterly insane! I couldn't believe I was about to do this. Had I completely and totally lost my mind? Suddenly, I was having second thoughts. I took another weary step closer to the edge. "My mother would never approve of this," I muttered to Rosa as the guys below encouraged me to jump. I was convinced I had lost my mind. I glanced again at the couple who stood with their phones poised, already video-taping my jump. So you can look for me on Youtube. Oh, lovely. Suddenly, with a burst of adrenaline through my veins, I crouched and prepared myself to jump. Go in straight, go in straight...the words pounded rhythmically through my head, matching the beat of my raging heart. I was going to do this--I had to. This might be my only opportunity, and I couldn't waste it by being a scaredy-cat. It was time to put my new-found boldness to the test. I glanced over my shoulder at Rosa..."But if I die, tell my mother I died happy!" I called. And without another thought, I launched myself over the edge!
Falling...falling...falling! I felt the wind in my hair and watched at the water became closer and closer. Ten feet from the water, I suddenly wondered what I had just done. "Oh crap..." were the only words that came to mind. Too late! I had already scrunched up my body and was now in the fetal position. I was falling to fast and had no time to correct my posture. I braced myself for the sudden impact. But not good enough. With a sickening thud, I slapped the surface of the water with my butt and thighs. O.u.c.h! All of my internal organs had suddenly migrated North and I felt they were all trapped in my ribcage. With the air completely knocked out of me, I struggled to swim to the surface. That was such a bad idea. As my head popped up, I heard my audience collectively draw a breath and all said, "Oh, ouch!" Duh, ya think? I drew in a shaky breath and slowly managed to make my way back to the group who sat on the rocks. I eased my traumatized body onto a rock and tried to figure out where all my organs had relocated. I could certainly cross this off my list of stupid things to do.
I couldn't feel my toes and ran a hand over the backs of my legs. Within minutes, I could already feel the welts forming. Great. My tail-bone was already so sore, I couldn't move. Gosh, one would think water would absorb the impact of a fall--but I've heard that from such a height as that, it's like falling on a sheet of glass. I understand and can now agree whole-heartedly!
When Rosa finally jumped, she was falling straight...until the last ten feet, when like me, she curled up. We all heard a deafening slap and said, "Uh-oh! That'll leave a mark!" And that it did, too. Her thighs are all black and blue and splotchy from the welts. I on the other hand am not quite as bruised, but my tail-bone is so sore, I dread sitting. I couldn't sleep well last night and it was quite the awkward experience today in church, sitting in a pew, propped up so as to not sit on my bottom. And I refuse to answer any questions on the matter...but I will admit, it was certainly a pain in the butt!
But as Rosa so honestly said, "I hate the pain, but don't regret doing it--it was a once in a life-time experience. But I won't ever do it again!"
But she sums it up even better when later, I was explaining our adventures to Francis and I turned to Rosa and asked, "How deep do you think the water was?"
Rosa simply stared at me, "I dunno, but I really wish I would've stayed straight!"
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Stepping Out of the Boat!
As I sit here spending some quality time with my Savior, I have been reflecting on all that God has done and is still doing, in and through me these past several weeks. He never ceases to amaze me!
I have always struggled with being shy--I know this might surprise some of you, but nonetheless, it's the honest truth. It typically takes me a while to warm up to people, and when I do finally become comfortable, I don't have a problem talking and interacting; but if am uncomfortable, then forget it...I'm not saying a word. Call me weird, but that's just the way I have always been. And it irks me to no end!
For the past three years or so, I have strongly felt God calling me into ministry. How and where, I had no idea; but I knew without a doubt that I was meant to reach out to people for Him. That sounded wonderful and I was all for it...but there was just one small problem. How could I talk to people about Christ when I got nervous just ordering a burger from the cashier at McDonald's? I mean seriously...this was a problem. After my trip here to ESD last summer, I knew without a doubt that God was calling me to work with the Deaf. I returned home, passionate about the Deaf and so on fire and ready to share the goodness of God (not only being a Christ-like example to those I met, but by being obedient and praying for people when God prompted me.) But there was something holding me back: my fear and insecurity.
Isa.6:8, says, "Whom shall I send? Here am I; send me." Isa.40:9, says, "Lift up thy voice with strength; be not afraid!" Isa.62:6b, says, "Ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silent!" Mk.16:15, says, "Preach the gospel to every creature." Mat.28:19, says, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations!" I knew all of that and wanted to step out, but how did I go about this and overcome my shyness?!
Finally, overwhelmed and frustrated beyond words, I cried out to God in a burst of righteous anger. "There is nothing I want more than to serve You and share You with those I meet, but in the natural, I can't see that happening. I am so sick and tired of being shy and nervous all the time. I am seventeen, for crying out loud--It's high time I act like it. I desire to serve You in all I do, but I can't do that if I'm always scared. I need You to give me boldness! Strengthen me so that I might step out into the things You have called me to do!"
For over a year, I repeated this prayer, fighting the discouragement and the continued feelings of anxiety. What was God doing? I was still scared to say anything to anyone. Why wouldn't He give me the boldness to step out of my comfort-zone? Didn't He want me to serve Him?
Then one day last month, when my mother and I went to the store, I heard without a doubt, God tell me to approach a cashier and tell him that He loved him. This guy was obviously homo-sexual; from his lipstick and long hair, to his high, shrill voice. "God what are You doing?" I asked nervously. I had never approached someone or done anything like this before. God responded, "You want to be used by Me, now is your chance to step out in the boldness I am giving you. Don't worry about what to say, for when you open your mouth to speak, I will fill it and give you the words." So long story short, I approached the guy, shaking in my flip-flops and wondering if I'd gone completely insane. But when I opened my mouth, I had words...imagine that! I made eye contact with him and I didn't stutter or confuse myself. God touched his heart and he actually began to cry as I explained that God loved him and neither He nor I judged him.
I left the store and couldn't get to sleep that night...so pumped from my first encounter with the Holy Spirit giving me a word of knowledge.
So the next week, just one day before embarking on my journey here, God told me this during my quiet time with Him: "You must know your authority and the power you possess through Me. Never doubt yourself or the fact that I am always with you! Through Me, you can move mountains. During your time in Puerto Rico, you will learn to trust your ability to hear and obey My voice. And trust yourself. You will learn how much strength you have and you will get to exhibit your newfound boldness. You will also see firsthand, how strong I am through you. Be willing to be used by Me and I will undoubtedly use you. Get ready because I'm about to blow your socks off. Teach the kids how to pray and above all, be a conduit of My love for them. Be my hands and feet! I will stretch you, but I know how far to go without breaking you. Trust me, I know what you are capable of. Just be willing to be obedient and I'll give you the words to say and the boldness to say/do it. Now is the time for boldness...and I am about to take you to an entirely new level!"
Excited beyond words, I left the country; wondering how God was going to use me and praying that He would continue to give me the boldness I so desired...and do as He had promised.
Within days of my arrival, Betsy was already coaxing me out of my comfort-zone--and when I hesitated, she pushed me completely out. That wasn't quite what I had anticipated. It seemed that each day, something newer and more intimidating was being asked of me. From overseeing an entire VBS program, to interpreting a song at her church, to teaching crafts/a devotional (all in Sign,) to teaching the group of Deaf kids Home Ec. Class (also, all in Sign!) You'd think that after all that, I would be confident...but not quite. I am still nervous before stepping out and doing it, but once I start, I gain confidence. But why am I still afraid? I had always thought of boldness as "being fearless," or doing things unafraid. But I learned that is not the case.
So as I contemplated my dilemma and considered my newfound boldness, I came to a sudden realization. Number 1: Boldness isn't about not being afraid. Boldness simply means that you are strong enough to continue without submitting and allowing your fear to hold you back. Number 2: Each time may get slightly easier, but you will always have to do things afraid. That's just life. But only when you are determined to push past your fear, are you rewarded!
I know that God will continue to ask me to step out of the boat. And although I am still afraid, I will continue to push past my fear and in faith, step out onto the water. I have learned that when I am comfortably seated in the boat, I don't need to trust Him. But when I take that single step out on the water in faith, He is always there to catch me if I falter--and He will never let me drown. I remind myself of this every time Betsy asks me to the front of the classroom or of her church. And I am still unnerved when I am asked to step out, but again, I remember that boldness isn't the absence of fear; it's simply the act of stepping out in faith and believing that Jesus is there to catch you!
I have always struggled with being shy--I know this might surprise some of you, but nonetheless, it's the honest truth. It typically takes me a while to warm up to people, and when I do finally become comfortable, I don't have a problem talking and interacting; but if am uncomfortable, then forget it...I'm not saying a word. Call me weird, but that's just the way I have always been. And it irks me to no end!
For the past three years or so, I have strongly felt God calling me into ministry. How and where, I had no idea; but I knew without a doubt that I was meant to reach out to people for Him. That sounded wonderful and I was all for it...but there was just one small problem. How could I talk to people about Christ when I got nervous just ordering a burger from the cashier at McDonald's? I mean seriously...this was a problem. After my trip here to ESD last summer, I knew without a doubt that God was calling me to work with the Deaf. I returned home, passionate about the Deaf and so on fire and ready to share the goodness of God (not only being a Christ-like example to those I met, but by being obedient and praying for people when God prompted me.) But there was something holding me back: my fear and insecurity.
Isa.6:8, says, "Whom shall I send? Here am I; send me." Isa.40:9, says, "Lift up thy voice with strength; be not afraid!" Isa.62:6b, says, "Ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silent!" Mk.16:15, says, "Preach the gospel to every creature." Mat.28:19, says, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations!" I knew all of that and wanted to step out, but how did I go about this and overcome my shyness?!
Finally, overwhelmed and frustrated beyond words, I cried out to God in a burst of righteous anger. "There is nothing I want more than to serve You and share You with those I meet, but in the natural, I can't see that happening. I am so sick and tired of being shy and nervous all the time. I am seventeen, for crying out loud--It's high time I act like it. I desire to serve You in all I do, but I can't do that if I'm always scared. I need You to give me boldness! Strengthen me so that I might step out into the things You have called me to do!"
For over a year, I repeated this prayer, fighting the discouragement and the continued feelings of anxiety. What was God doing? I was still scared to say anything to anyone. Why wouldn't He give me the boldness to step out of my comfort-zone? Didn't He want me to serve Him?
Then one day last month, when my mother and I went to the store, I heard without a doubt, God tell me to approach a cashier and tell him that He loved him. This guy was obviously homo-sexual; from his lipstick and long hair, to his high, shrill voice. "God what are You doing?" I asked nervously. I had never approached someone or done anything like this before. God responded, "You want to be used by Me, now is your chance to step out in the boldness I am giving you. Don't worry about what to say, for when you open your mouth to speak, I will fill it and give you the words." So long story short, I approached the guy, shaking in my flip-flops and wondering if I'd gone completely insane. But when I opened my mouth, I had words...imagine that! I made eye contact with him and I didn't stutter or confuse myself. God touched his heart and he actually began to cry as I explained that God loved him and neither He nor I judged him.
I left the store and couldn't get to sleep that night...so pumped from my first encounter with the Holy Spirit giving me a word of knowledge.
So the next week, just one day before embarking on my journey here, God told me this during my quiet time with Him: "You must know your authority and the power you possess through Me. Never doubt yourself or the fact that I am always with you! Through Me, you can move mountains. During your time in Puerto Rico, you will learn to trust your ability to hear and obey My voice. And trust yourself. You will learn how much strength you have and you will get to exhibit your newfound boldness. You will also see firsthand, how strong I am through you. Be willing to be used by Me and I will undoubtedly use you. Get ready because I'm about to blow your socks off. Teach the kids how to pray and above all, be a conduit of My love for them. Be my hands and feet! I will stretch you, but I know how far to go without breaking you. Trust me, I know what you are capable of. Just be willing to be obedient and I'll give you the words to say and the boldness to say/do it. Now is the time for boldness...and I am about to take you to an entirely new level!"
Excited beyond words, I left the country; wondering how God was going to use me and praying that He would continue to give me the boldness I so desired...and do as He had promised.
Within days of my arrival, Betsy was already coaxing me out of my comfort-zone--and when I hesitated, she pushed me completely out. That wasn't quite what I had anticipated. It seemed that each day, something newer and more intimidating was being asked of me. From overseeing an entire VBS program, to interpreting a song at her church, to teaching crafts/a devotional (all in Sign,) to teaching the group of Deaf kids Home Ec. Class (also, all in Sign!) You'd think that after all that, I would be confident...but not quite. I am still nervous before stepping out and doing it, but once I start, I gain confidence. But why am I still afraid? I had always thought of boldness as "being fearless," or doing things unafraid. But I learned that is not the case.
So as I contemplated my dilemma and considered my newfound boldness, I came to a sudden realization. Number 1: Boldness isn't about not being afraid. Boldness simply means that you are strong enough to continue without submitting and allowing your fear to hold you back. Number 2: Each time may get slightly easier, but you will always have to do things afraid. That's just life. But only when you are determined to push past your fear, are you rewarded!
I know that God will continue to ask me to step out of the boat. And although I am still afraid, I will continue to push past my fear and in faith, step out onto the water. I have learned that when I am comfortably seated in the boat, I don't need to trust Him. But when I take that single step out on the water in faith, He is always there to catch me if I falter--and He will never let me drown. I remind myself of this every time Betsy asks me to the front of the classroom or of her church. And I am still unnerved when I am asked to step out, but again, I remember that boldness isn't the absence of fear; it's simply the act of stepping out in faith and believing that Jesus is there to catch you!
Friday, August 16, 2013
Don't Like My Name!
It is Friday; as if anyone needed reminding. *sigh* All of the students, including the dorm kids went home before dinner, so the Staff are all regrouping and having an evening to ourselves to catch up with family/friends and other miscellaneous things. I certainly have mixed feelings regarding this. I must admit that while the prospect of sleeping in past 6:30am is enticing, I am already missing the students! Monday seems like forever.
But I know everyone is tired, myself included. And Betsy admitted to feeling slightly decrepit, so I know that she will enjoy her two days of mental relaxation. Amanda has been baking nearly every day which is a welcome treat--gosh, this girl is one good cook. And Rosa and I chilled at the beach for an hour before dinner, which was heavenly. But already today, I have taken two showers (once before school and tonight after the beach,) and I am already feeling hot again. What is this? They tell me that back in PA, it's only fifty degrees...here, it's like one-hundred! I also learned that not only does milk here cost $6/gallon, it also only lasts about four days because of the heat. If it's left out on the counter for more than ten minutes, it will sour. And I am reminding myself not to open the refrigerator any more than necessary...because this also speeds up the souring process. Interesting, huh? And we are also anticipating some torrential downpours--I'm not entirely certain when to expect this, but as Betsy explained, "It happens when it happens." (Some true words of wisdom right there.) And thus I have gathered, it will be sometime in the near future.
But neither rain nor hurricane will keep me from my appointed duties; thus I have continued assisting in the classrooms and helping with each subject of study. Oh my word, this is so much fun! So the same as every other day, I was teaching Mizael his math...or attempting to anyway. OMGosh, I love this little kid. Whether he turns around in his seat to give me a wiggly eyebrow when he earns an A in spelling or simply rolls his eyes when he's annoyed at what he's being asked to do, I cannot help but chuckle. There are many occasions during our study time that I cannot help but laugh. With his little mannerisms, he reminds me so much of myself that it's almost uncanny! He too is not particularly fond of math which becomes painfully obvious when I sit him down with his textbook and he dawdles. He watches the other students study, he plays with his pencil, he finds his eraser intriguing, he asks me questions completely unrelated to his math and invents any kind of distraction possible.
I have learned that I too must stay focus in order for him to stay focused. This is an increasingly difficult task, as there are others needing my attention regarding math and English. But I have come to the conclusion, that while I may not be learning what they are, I am learning how to multi-task and take control of a situation as it comes. (Both of which are beneficial life-lessons.)
And no two days are the same as he always surprises me by doing/saying something new. This afternoon, we were in the middle of a practice page in math (doing virtually the same thing as yesterday.) And although he understood, he insisted on needing my help. I shook my head, "Dude, you know what to do and this is will be graded...I really can't help you." He heaved a deep sigh and slumped forlornly in his chair. "Then just sit next to me." After he completed that page, he moved onto another book. He read the first problem and froze. "Help me." He voiced and Signed, "I don't know what to do."
I pointed to the page and Signed/voiced, "Read this again and pay close attention to the words."
Betsy, sitting at the end of the table and overhearing our conversation, told him that Rachel now needed to help Kevin with his paper and that he could do his math if he would only focus. A few minutes later, he poked my elbow and again pointed to the problem. "I need--" He froze and cast a weary glance at Betsy, before touching a finger to his lips. "Shhh," he hunched over and Signed. "Don't talk or she'll know I'm asking you," he Signed so she wouldn't know. What can one do?
Minutes later, Betsy handed him his math homework from the day before (the test I had graded earlier this morning.) The grade happened to not be splendid and he sat staring at the paper before taking his pencil and scribbling out the offending digits at the top of the page. He shot my a sideways glare. Confused, I wiggled my eyebrows at him, asking him to explain. He showed me the paper, "Thanks a lot," he muttered. As if it was my fault...I'm simply the helper who happened to grade it....
Meanwhile, Betsy was also being bombarded with questions as we sat there. With five students in a room, I was doing my best to answer any questions I could--but there were just some I don't know the answer to. Frequently, there would be two or three students at the same time calling for Betsy's attention. She moved from student to student answering questions and helping wherever needed. But there were a few moments of stress. I was busy helping Mizael with his math and while he was writing his numbers, I would answer Kevin's questions regarding his paper and help Kristian with his math. Suddenly, Kevin, Mizael and Larimar all chose that moment to ask Betsy their questions. Betsy looked up from where she was helping Francis with her math and leaned over to glance at Kevin's paper. Meanwhile, the others continued calling her name for what seemed several like minutes. Finally she looked up and got their attention. "I do not like my name!" She Signed and voiced. They all looked around in confusion until she continued, "All I've heard is, Betsy, Betsy, Betsy! I am really beginning to not like my name...so please stop saying it! I'll help you when I am finished helping him....Be patient, I'm coming." Oh my, there is never a dull moment!
But I know everyone is tired, myself included. And Betsy admitted to feeling slightly decrepit, so I know that she will enjoy her two days of mental relaxation. Amanda has been baking nearly every day which is a welcome treat--gosh, this girl is one good cook. And Rosa and I chilled at the beach for an hour before dinner, which was heavenly. But already today, I have taken two showers (once before school and tonight after the beach,) and I am already feeling hot again. What is this? They tell me that back in PA, it's only fifty degrees...here, it's like one-hundred! I also learned that not only does milk here cost $6/gallon, it also only lasts about four days because of the heat. If it's left out on the counter for more than ten minutes, it will sour. And I am reminding myself not to open the refrigerator any more than necessary...because this also speeds up the souring process. Interesting, huh? And we are also anticipating some torrential downpours--I'm not entirely certain when to expect this, but as Betsy explained, "It happens when it happens." (Some true words of wisdom right there.) And thus I have gathered, it will be sometime in the near future.
But neither rain nor hurricane will keep me from my appointed duties; thus I have continued assisting in the classrooms and helping with each subject of study. Oh my word, this is so much fun! So the same as every other day, I was teaching Mizael his math...or attempting to anyway. OMGosh, I love this little kid. Whether he turns around in his seat to give me a wiggly eyebrow when he earns an A in spelling or simply rolls his eyes when he's annoyed at what he's being asked to do, I cannot help but chuckle. There are many occasions during our study time that I cannot help but laugh. With his little mannerisms, he reminds me so much of myself that it's almost uncanny! He too is not particularly fond of math which becomes painfully obvious when I sit him down with his textbook and he dawdles. He watches the other students study, he plays with his pencil, he finds his eraser intriguing, he asks me questions completely unrelated to his math and invents any kind of distraction possible.
I have learned that I too must stay focus in order for him to stay focused. This is an increasingly difficult task, as there are others needing my attention regarding math and English. But I have come to the conclusion, that while I may not be learning what they are, I am learning how to multi-task and take control of a situation as it comes. (Both of which are beneficial life-lessons.)
And no two days are the same as he always surprises me by doing/saying something new. This afternoon, we were in the middle of a practice page in math (doing virtually the same thing as yesterday.) And although he understood, he insisted on needing my help. I shook my head, "Dude, you know what to do and this is will be graded...I really can't help you." He heaved a deep sigh and slumped forlornly in his chair. "Then just sit next to me." After he completed that page, he moved onto another book. He read the first problem and froze. "Help me." He voiced and Signed, "I don't know what to do."
I pointed to the page and Signed/voiced, "Read this again and pay close attention to the words."
Betsy, sitting at the end of the table and overhearing our conversation, told him that Rachel now needed to help Kevin with his paper and that he could do his math if he would only focus. A few minutes later, he poked my elbow and again pointed to the problem. "I need--" He froze and cast a weary glance at Betsy, before touching a finger to his lips. "Shhh," he hunched over and Signed. "Don't talk or she'll know I'm asking you," he Signed so she wouldn't know. What can one do?
Minutes later, Betsy handed him his math homework from the day before (the test I had graded earlier this morning.) The grade happened to not be splendid and he sat staring at the paper before taking his pencil and scribbling out the offending digits at the top of the page. He shot my a sideways glare. Confused, I wiggled my eyebrows at him, asking him to explain. He showed me the paper, "Thanks a lot," he muttered. As if it was my fault...I'm simply the helper who happened to grade it....
Meanwhile, Betsy was also being bombarded with questions as we sat there. With five students in a room, I was doing my best to answer any questions I could--but there were just some I don't know the answer to. Frequently, there would be two or three students at the same time calling for Betsy's attention. She moved from student to student answering questions and helping wherever needed. But there were a few moments of stress. I was busy helping Mizael with his math and while he was writing his numbers, I would answer Kevin's questions regarding his paper and help Kristian with his math. Suddenly, Kevin, Mizael and Larimar all chose that moment to ask Betsy their questions. Betsy looked up from where she was helping Francis with her math and leaned over to glance at Kevin's paper. Meanwhile, the others continued calling her name for what seemed several like minutes. Finally she looked up and got their attention. "I do not like my name!" She Signed and voiced. They all looked around in confusion until she continued, "All I've heard is, Betsy, Betsy, Betsy! I am really beginning to not like my name...so please stop saying it! I'll help you when I am finished helping him....Be patient, I'm coming." Oh my, there is never a dull moment!
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Not Part of the Plan!
I just got my final lunch plans finished so I am now feeling slightly better about teaching my Home Ec. Class tomorrow. *deep sigh of relief* I may have actually conquered that procrastination problem of mine--well, at least for the time being anyway.
So after Amanda and Nate's lovely chapel time this morning, I accompanied the students to their classroom and took my seat between the girls. Just like yesterday, I joined them for all of their classes and assisted in whatever capacity I needed to. But first things first. They all had a spelling test and while I did have faith in her, I must admit, I was watching Francis closely. I so badly wanted her to get that 100% that I could scarcely sit still. Gosh, one would have thought I was taking the test! But when they had all finished their quizzes, Betsy announced that almost everyone earned an A+! Francis being among the top, A+ group! Oh, I'm so proud of them all!
Then after the Bible lesson, and the short English lesson, we all went on to music class. Curious, I decided to sit in on that class as well. Hector, the guy who plans the music and speaks at Betsy's Spanish church, came to give the students music lessons. (For the past three years, he has been teaching Kevin and Larimar how to play the guitar while Betsy has been teaching Kristian how to play the violin.) So sliding into the room, I quietly took a seat in the corner and waited as they all began to warm-up. I watched on, feelings of excitement and amazement coursing through me. They were amazing! They tuned their guitars before playing and they sounded wonderful, all playing together in the perfect tune.
After a failed attempt to repair a broken guitar string, I sighed and looked up from the string dangling hopelessly from the guitar. What I saw, stole my breath. At that moment, I saw Hector, seated across from Mizael and Francis, guitar on his lap, doing his best to show Francis how to position her fingers. When her fingers were cooperative, he leaned back and began playing and singing the song in Spanish. Francis watched him intently, bobbing her head with the beat and swaying her shoulders in rhythm with the song. Behind Hector, Kevin and Larimar both laid their instrument down and began Signing the song Hector was signing, so Francis and I could understand. In perfect unison, they Signed as Hector sang. My heart clenched. This is what I have waited thirteen long months for! These are the kids I have spent everyday thinking about. And as I sat there, completely lost in the moment, they looked over at me; our eyes met and we shared a special smile. I lost it right there. Biting my lip, I turned my head and hid my tears. These are the kids who have changed my life...and God used them to show me His plan for me. And the sudden reality that He has allowed me to come back to them, hit me with full, unexpected force! That was altogether too much for me to handle.
After I had "gotten a grip" and regained most of my self-control, I accompanied them all to math class. Now, stop right there and think with me for a second. That certainly does not seem like a good idea. Me and math should never be included together in the same sentence. I seriously think that moment in music class did indeed, impair my common-sense. Sure, I had since regained some of my composure, although I'm fairly sure my dignity eluded me as quickly as the answers for math do. So, had I been in my normal frame of mind, I would have heeded the little voice in my head, that screamed a shrill warning as I followed the students through the door. But no such luck.
So I once again reclaim my seat between the girls and get settled in, eager to help Francis and Larimar (and anyone else who needed assistance.) Meanwhile, Betsy sauntered around the classroom, counting children as she went. "Two, three...." She gestured to where Larimar and I sat. My heart skidded to a halt. Mental pictures of yesterday's math class flew uninvited into my mind. No, no, no. I slapped my forehead in utter despair in an attempt to dislodge the unwanted images. I dared to glance up. Surely Betsy had not just counted me into that group of students. Did thy ears deceive me? I could only hope so. A sudden burst of laughter exploded from the other side of the room--so loud a few of the deaf kids heard it and immediately looked towards the door.
"Ha-ha-ha, look at your face!" Betsy laughed as the students all turned towards me and they too began chucking. I was grateful at that moment that no matter what I did, I couldn't see my face, because I was fairly certain I didn't want to. I tried my best to swallow past the lump in my now dry throat. I opened my mouth and asked in a hoarse, raspy whisper, "Please, please, tell me, you did not just add me into that group...."
Betsy twitched her nose and with one parting nod, she left the room. Oh fantastic. I decided that instant, that if it weren't for bad luck--then I wouldn't have any luck at all. Five pairs of black eyes watched me as I slid lower into my seat, willing the floor to part and swallow me up. All too soon, Betsy returned, burdened with a stack of paper. I had known she was coming even before I saw her approach, as the stench of math came wafting into the room before her. She thrust two papers into my hand...which in turn, I handed right to Francis with a sweet smile. Seemingly undeterred, Betsy handed me another copy. "Don't worry, I have extra." I cringed at the sharp pain in my stomach. Suddenly, feelings of indignation began to rise up within me. No, I could not allow this outrage to continue! Seriously! What was this?! I'm the assistant teacher--This was harassment! Inwardly, I demanded an acceptable explanation. What had I done to deserve such an injustice? Suddenly I knew. It all made perfect sense....My mother. My mother and Betsy had been conspiring against me. I guess just because I left Pennsylvania and my mother, didn't mean that I could escape math. And Mom and Betsy would be certain that I didn't miss these special opportunities. Yeah, yeah, whatever. Betsy assigned me to the front of the classroom...although, to me, it seemed more like "the corner of doom." I looked around the room, wondering where she had misplaced my dunce-cap.
"Now, you," Betsy waved to me, "You race Kevin. Go!" I fumbled around for a pencil. Oh, this was bad...very, very bad! My heart skipped a beat as I scrawled on my paper...which was reassuring to know that at least my heart still worked after enduring such trauma. I didn't dare so much as to even glance at Kevin as I scribbled my answers so hurriedly. Lord, deliver me from my desire to be first. My pulse pounded in my ears and sweat beaded on my forehead. "Look how red her face is," Betsy chimed in, her continual laugher distracting me beyond words. I didn't need anything from the peanut gallery. But apparently my face was red, because next thing I knew, she had snapped a picture of me, claiming it would be posted on her blog with a caption reading, "Right before Rachel cries." She has another thing coming if it shows up there! Just saying. But it is harassment, I tell you!
Then, Kevin threw his paper on Betsy's desk just as I threw my pencil down. And he says he doesn't like math. Fine, Dude--we tied. But in reality, he did get the upper hand as he was able to focus uninterrupted--I was not allowed such a luxury. But as I looked back over my answers, I realized to my dismay, that I had written so fast that I struggled to read my handwriting. Was that an 8 or a 6? Finally, allowing my heart rate to return to normal, I told him that I had escaped Pennsylvania so I wouldn't have to do math--and here I come to Betsy.
So just you watch! I will yet devise a plan to severe all means of communication between Betsy and my mother. I have a sneaking feeling that this is only the beginning....Problem? I think YES!
So after Amanda and Nate's lovely chapel time this morning, I accompanied the students to their classroom and took my seat between the girls. Just like yesterday, I joined them for all of their classes and assisted in whatever capacity I needed to. But first things first. They all had a spelling test and while I did have faith in her, I must admit, I was watching Francis closely. I so badly wanted her to get that 100% that I could scarcely sit still. Gosh, one would have thought I was taking the test! But when they had all finished their quizzes, Betsy announced that almost everyone earned an A+! Francis being among the top, A+ group! Oh, I'm so proud of them all!
Then after the Bible lesson, and the short English lesson, we all went on to music class. Curious, I decided to sit in on that class as well. Hector, the guy who plans the music and speaks at Betsy's Spanish church, came to give the students music lessons. (For the past three years, he has been teaching Kevin and Larimar how to play the guitar while Betsy has been teaching Kristian how to play the violin.) So sliding into the room, I quietly took a seat in the corner and waited as they all began to warm-up. I watched on, feelings of excitement and amazement coursing through me. They were amazing! They tuned their guitars before playing and they sounded wonderful, all playing together in the perfect tune.
After a failed attempt to repair a broken guitar string, I sighed and looked up from the string dangling hopelessly from the guitar. What I saw, stole my breath. At that moment, I saw Hector, seated across from Mizael and Francis, guitar on his lap, doing his best to show Francis how to position her fingers. When her fingers were cooperative, he leaned back and began playing and singing the song in Spanish. Francis watched him intently, bobbing her head with the beat and swaying her shoulders in rhythm with the song. Behind Hector, Kevin and Larimar both laid their instrument down and began Signing the song Hector was signing, so Francis and I could understand. In perfect unison, they Signed as Hector sang. My heart clenched. This is what I have waited thirteen long months for! These are the kids I have spent everyday thinking about. And as I sat there, completely lost in the moment, they looked over at me; our eyes met and we shared a special smile. I lost it right there. Biting my lip, I turned my head and hid my tears. These are the kids who have changed my life...and God used them to show me His plan for me. And the sudden reality that He has allowed me to come back to them, hit me with full, unexpected force! That was altogether too much for me to handle.
After I had "gotten a grip" and regained most of my self-control, I accompanied them all to math class. Now, stop right there and think with me for a second. That certainly does not seem like a good idea. Me and math should never be included together in the same sentence. I seriously think that moment in music class did indeed, impair my common-sense. Sure, I had since regained some of my composure, although I'm fairly sure my dignity eluded me as quickly as the answers for math do. So, had I been in my normal frame of mind, I would have heeded the little voice in my head, that screamed a shrill warning as I followed the students through the door. But no such luck.
So I once again reclaim my seat between the girls and get settled in, eager to help Francis and Larimar (and anyone else who needed assistance.) Meanwhile, Betsy sauntered around the classroom, counting children as she went. "Two, three...." She gestured to where Larimar and I sat. My heart skidded to a halt. Mental pictures of yesterday's math class flew uninvited into my mind. No, no, no. I slapped my forehead in utter despair in an attempt to dislodge the unwanted images. I dared to glance up. Surely Betsy had not just counted me into that group of students. Did thy ears deceive me? I could only hope so. A sudden burst of laughter exploded from the other side of the room--so loud a few of the deaf kids heard it and immediately looked towards the door.
"Ha-ha-ha, look at your face!" Betsy laughed as the students all turned towards me and they too began chucking. I was grateful at that moment that no matter what I did, I couldn't see my face, because I was fairly certain I didn't want to. I tried my best to swallow past the lump in my now dry throat. I opened my mouth and asked in a hoarse, raspy whisper, "Please, please, tell me, you did not just add me into that group...."
Betsy twitched her nose and with one parting nod, she left the room. Oh fantastic. I decided that instant, that if it weren't for bad luck--then I wouldn't have any luck at all. Five pairs of black eyes watched me as I slid lower into my seat, willing the floor to part and swallow me up. All too soon, Betsy returned, burdened with a stack of paper. I had known she was coming even before I saw her approach, as the stench of math came wafting into the room before her. She thrust two papers into my hand...which in turn, I handed right to Francis with a sweet smile. Seemingly undeterred, Betsy handed me another copy. "Don't worry, I have extra." I cringed at the sharp pain in my stomach. Suddenly, feelings of indignation began to rise up within me. No, I could not allow this outrage to continue! Seriously! What was this?! I'm the assistant teacher--This was harassment! Inwardly, I demanded an acceptable explanation. What had I done to deserve such an injustice? Suddenly I knew. It all made perfect sense....My mother. My mother and Betsy had been conspiring against me. I guess just because I left Pennsylvania and my mother, didn't mean that I could escape math. And Mom and Betsy would be certain that I didn't miss these special opportunities. Yeah, yeah, whatever. Betsy assigned me to the front of the classroom...although, to me, it seemed more like "the corner of doom." I looked around the room, wondering where she had misplaced my dunce-cap.
"Now, you," Betsy waved to me, "You race Kevin. Go!" I fumbled around for a pencil. Oh, this was bad...very, very bad! My heart skipped a beat as I scrawled on my paper...which was reassuring to know that at least my heart still worked after enduring such trauma. I didn't dare so much as to even glance at Kevin as I scribbled my answers so hurriedly. Lord, deliver me from my desire to be first. My pulse pounded in my ears and sweat beaded on my forehead. "Look how red her face is," Betsy chimed in, her continual laugher distracting me beyond words. I didn't need anything from the peanut gallery. But apparently my face was red, because next thing I knew, she had snapped a picture of me, claiming it would be posted on her blog with a caption reading, "Right before Rachel cries." She has another thing coming if it shows up there! Just saying. But it is harassment, I tell you! Then, Kevin threw his paper on Betsy's desk just as I threw my pencil down. And he says he doesn't like math. Fine, Dude--we tied. But in reality, he did get the upper hand as he was able to focus uninterrupted--I was not allowed such a luxury. But as I looked back over my answers, I realized to my dismay, that I had written so fast that I struggled to read my handwriting. Was that an 8 or a 6? Finally, allowing my heart rate to return to normal, I told him that I had escaped Pennsylvania so I wouldn't have to do math--and here I come to Betsy.
So just you watch! I will yet devise a plan to severe all means of communication between Betsy and my mother. I have a sneaking feeling that this is only the beginning....Problem? I think YES!
Monday, August 12, 2013
Out of My Comfort-zone!
Words simply cannot express how wonderful today was. It seems that with each dawning day, the Lord asks something more of me, daring me to step out of my comfort-zone and to do something crazier than the day before. And He uses Betsy to encourage--no, shove me out of that comfort-zone.
Being the first, legit day of school, the students arrived early for classes. I joined them for every class, sitting next to them and helping as needed. I too, even learned a few new things. Halfway through math class, I was leaning over Francis' shoulder, giving her subtraction problems to solve. Gosh, this girl is a smart one! Suddenly, Betsy called my name from where she stood at the front of the classroom, scrawling huge numbers onto the board. I looked up, hands poised in mid-air. "Come here a minute, please," she motioned to me. I froze as all eyes turned towards me. "Uh, now?" I glanced around into all of the sweet faces watching me expectantly. No pressure. Without looking at me, she responded with, "Yeah, now. You want to become an interpreter...so you may as well get some practice."
Now, I'm sure after our shenanigans yesterday during church, one would think I should be getting used to this spontaneous volunteering thing. But apparently not quite yet. So caught completely off-guard, I slowly stood and smoothed my skirt as I hesitantly made my way to the front of the classroom. Remember, I had volunteered to help the students in the classroom, one-on-one; but I was not aware that my job description included an object lesson.
"....Now, Rachel will give some examples of the numbers...so watch closely!" Betsy stepped back and I realized suddenly that I now had the floor. I swallowed and took a deep breath. I stared at the board and absorbed the size of the numbers written. Oh, honestly. Out of all the things for me to interpret, it would be the numbers. I am the least familiar with numbers and have never signed anything apart from the word, "one-thousand." I tore my gaze away from the board and pointed to the first number before slowly Signing, 1012. The students all nodded in understanding and urged me to continue. Feeling slightly reassured by their unspoken consent, I pointed to the next number, when Betsy suddenly leaped at me. "No, no!" I shrunk against the wall, stunned and mortified. What did I do now? It had looked so correct.... Oh, this was very bad! I turned towards the students and raised an eyebrow at Kevin. "What did I do?"
It wasn't until they all began laughing that I realized I had been correct all along. I released the breath I hadn't known I was holding in an audible whoosh. Betsy was only messing with my head and trying to determine how focused they were. Good grief! I Signed the remaining numbers and after Betsy repeated the process several more times, I sauntered back to my seat, more befuddled than ever. That went well.
Then later this afternoon, I was again assisting Betsy in the classroom and I was helping with the reading. Thankfully, this class was only one-on-one. Thus, I sat next to Mizael and helped him study his reading. Oh my word, that kid is so much fun! He insisted first on interpreting his lesson to me and once finished, he was asking me for the answers. Silly little dude. "Ha, I'm not telling you the answers." I told him matter-of-factly. "If you don't remember, then go back and read it again." He made a face and I could only laugh. When Larimar asked me questions about her spelling, he would sit there and tap my arm until I acknowledged him and then growled me for not paying attention. When in reality, every two minutes I would have to remind him to focus.... Oh, that kid had me laughing so hard I couldn't talk (or sign for that matter.)
I had graded Mizael's paper and to his delight, he had earned a 100% (and he sure did earn it). Thus, he had to move on and write, so I was then available to answer Larimar's questions. So when Betsy moved her on to another project, I had just sat down to organize my thoughts. At that moment, Kevin had a question regarding his Spanish homework. Now this would be interesting. So grabbing my pen, I took a seat next to him and muddled over his Spanish. He knew most of the Spanish, but the long English words were slightly hazy. Whereas, I knew all of the English but virtually none of the Spanish. It was like the blind leading the blind. But as usual, Betsy came to the rescue and saved the day. But I now know what "Tierra" means in Spanish; aren't you proud? (With this newfound knowledge, I know I can move up in the world and do something great.)
Then, after he got everything figured out, I went to assist Francis. After taking her book, I quizzed her on her English and she did wonderfully! I am so proud of her! I Signed the words she had copied from Spanish into English and watched as she finger-spelled them back to me in English. Wow, that girl is one smart cookie.
Today has certainly been one of the greatest, most memorable days of my life. Sitting in the classrooms, watching the kids learn and being a part of it, has given me a new sense of purpose. The feeling of accomplishment and the satisfaction I felt when helping them study and learn, was irreplaceable. The feeling of knowing that I am doing something useful is one of the best things I have ever experienced. And whether I am sitting there explaining something for fifteen minutes, or fifteen seconds; it is just as rewarding to see the moment when their faces light up and they finally have that "ah-ha" moment--that is definitely one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced. I have virtually no words to describe it, but suffice it to say...I am completely at home here, I love these people more than anything, and I am having the time of my life. And while I still don't know exactly what all of God's plans are for me yet, I know that He knows the desires of my heart and that He purposes to fulfill them!
Being the first, legit day of school, the students arrived early for classes. I joined them for every class, sitting next to them and helping as needed. I too, even learned a few new things. Halfway through math class, I was leaning over Francis' shoulder, giving her subtraction problems to solve. Gosh, this girl is a smart one! Suddenly, Betsy called my name from where she stood at the front of the classroom, scrawling huge numbers onto the board. I looked up, hands poised in mid-air. "Come here a minute, please," she motioned to me. I froze as all eyes turned towards me. "Uh, now?" I glanced around into all of the sweet faces watching me expectantly. No pressure. Without looking at me, she responded with, "Yeah, now. You want to become an interpreter...so you may as well get some practice."
Now, I'm sure after our shenanigans yesterday during church, one would think I should be getting used to this spontaneous volunteering thing. But apparently not quite yet. So caught completely off-guard, I slowly stood and smoothed my skirt as I hesitantly made my way to the front of the classroom. Remember, I had volunteered to help the students in the classroom, one-on-one; but I was not aware that my job description included an object lesson.
"....Now, Rachel will give some examples of the numbers...so watch closely!" Betsy stepped back and I realized suddenly that I now had the floor. I swallowed and took a deep breath. I stared at the board and absorbed the size of the numbers written. Oh, honestly. Out of all the things for me to interpret, it would be the numbers. I am the least familiar with numbers and have never signed anything apart from the word, "one-thousand." I tore my gaze away from the board and pointed to the first number before slowly Signing, 1012. The students all nodded in understanding and urged me to continue. Feeling slightly reassured by their unspoken consent, I pointed to the next number, when Betsy suddenly leaped at me. "No, no!" I shrunk against the wall, stunned and mortified. What did I do now? It had looked so correct.... Oh, this was very bad! I turned towards the students and raised an eyebrow at Kevin. "What did I do?"
It wasn't until they all began laughing that I realized I had been correct all along. I released the breath I hadn't known I was holding in an audible whoosh. Betsy was only messing with my head and trying to determine how focused they were. Good grief! I Signed the remaining numbers and after Betsy repeated the process several more times, I sauntered back to my seat, more befuddled than ever. That went well.
I had graded Mizael's paper and to his delight, he had earned a 100% (and he sure did earn it). Thus, he had to move on and write, so I was then available to answer Larimar's questions. So when Betsy moved her on to another project, I had just sat down to organize my thoughts. At that moment, Kevin had a question regarding his Spanish homework. Now this would be interesting. So grabbing my pen, I took a seat next to him and muddled over his Spanish. He knew most of the Spanish, but the long English words were slightly hazy. Whereas, I knew all of the English but virtually none of the Spanish. It was like the blind leading the blind. But as usual, Betsy came to the rescue and saved the day. But I now know what "Tierra" means in Spanish; aren't you proud? (With this newfound knowledge, I know I can move up in the world and do something great.)
Then, after he got everything figured out, I went to assist Francis. After taking her book, I quizzed her on her English and she did wonderfully! I am so proud of her! I Signed the words she had copied from Spanish into English and watched as she finger-spelled them back to me in English. Wow, that girl is one smart cookie.
Today has certainly been one of the greatest, most memorable days of my life. Sitting in the classrooms, watching the kids learn and being a part of it, has given me a new sense of purpose. The feeling of accomplishment and the satisfaction I felt when helping them study and learn, was irreplaceable. The feeling of knowing that I am doing something useful is one of the best things I have ever experienced. And whether I am sitting there explaining something for fifteen minutes, or fifteen seconds; it is just as rewarding to see the moment when their faces light up and they finally have that "ah-ha" moment--that is definitely one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced. I have virtually no words to describe it, but suffice it to say...I am completely at home here, I love these people more than anything, and I am having the time of my life. And while I still don't know exactly what all of God's plans are for me yet, I know that He knows the desires of my heart and that He purposes to fulfill them!
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Using the Imagination.
Exactly as planned, Tess and I made the trip across the island and over the mountains until we arrived in the town of Orocovis. Gosh, when Tess said the roads were curvy--she wasn't kidding! I have never seen anything like it and I cannot express how grateful I am that I do not get carsick, because that could have ended very differently! So up and up the mountain we drove, peering down over the side of the road into the valley and over at the neighboring mountains covered with colorful houses.
Finally we crested the top and after parking the car, we made our way down a footpath until we reached a little pink and green house. We had to admit, that after driving for three hours, we were very relieved to find the family at home. I was surprised that they remembered me from last year. So cool.
The girls greeted us with hugs and soon we were all seated at the table, making the crafts I had brought along for them. Since they have virtually nothing--anything makes them happy and gives them something to do. So together, we all made friendship bracelets as the father and boyfriend looked on. None of them are very social and have an almost nonexistent vocabulary, thus communication was limited. So we scarcely "spoke" but were content to work together in silence. And as I watched them, I noticed also that none of them have really changed since I had last seen them; apart from looking slightly older.
The mother made a bracelet for her husband, and after she tied it onto his wrist...he demanded she take it off immediately because, despite the fact that it was orange, bracelets are only for girls! I couldn't help but laugh at his frantic objection. So after our bracelets were made, the girls insisted on painting our fingernails. I sat and look at the pictures on my camera with them as they bent over my hands, slapping blue paint on my nails. They are so sweet. At one point, she encouraged me out on the porch and there I knelt, painting the girl's toenails and covering the dirt. They then joined me on the couch and spent half an hour braiding and playing with my hair, at times giving me duos I would never been seen with in public. I gave them money for their gas-stove so they can cook their rice and am still praying about what else I can do to help them.
This morning, as has become habitual, I once again joined Betsy in her pew at church. She turned to me and explained that she and Hector would be preforming a special song today and that she wanted me to interpret it for Larimar (one of our deaf students) and the other Deaf people present. I looked at her as if she had completely lost her mind (which at that moment, I could only wonder.) This was a bad idea. "How? You'll be singing in Spanish?!"
She nodded and thrust her phone into my hand. "Here are the lyrics...Learn the song. We play in half an hour." Stunned, I watched her walk onto the stage and begin playing her cello. Oh lovely. I looked down at the screen and sighed. Yeah, it would be my luck that I had never heard the hymn before--not even in English. And wouldn't it figure that today would be the Sunday Rosa would decide to visit an English-speaking church and Kevin wouldn't be there either? So seizing the few precious minutes I was so graciously granted, I crammed the lyrics into my mind and glossed the song into Sign as quickly and efficiently as I could. Although, I need not have worried about it, as there was a Puerto Rican girl who knew some Sign and volunteered to interpret it. I was actually slightly disappointed at the new development, but figured that since she could at least understand the Spanish words, it would make it better for the Deaf people. But after the service, they opened the alter for the congregation to respond to the message. Betsy left her post as interpreter to go play the piano and waved me onto the stage to join her. "Interpret! I can't." She whispered as she scooted over on the piano bench to make room for me. "What's he saying?!" I asked as I flashed a sweet smile towards my audience and acted completely nonchalant. Betsy continued playing and whispered the words to me in English, which I in turn, interpreted into Sign. So far, so good. But my relief was only momentary. When the pastor began to pray, I helplessly nudged Betsy.
She nudged right back. "I dunno, I cannot multi-task right now!"
Okay then. I kept my smile plastered on my face and whispered through clenched teeth. "But I can't understand him!" She continued to play, also grinning, and whispered through her teeth, "Then make something up!"
I sighed inwardly. I had no idea what to do, but I was determined not to show it. Having no alternative, I glanced at the pastor before diving into a prayer of blessing--and although it was somewhat imaginary, I meant every word. I was doing so well, adding pauses and glancing at him occasionally....but to my horror, he went on and on and on. What I thought would be a closing prayer of blessing, had become a ten minute prayer of--well, I didn't know what it was. All I knew that I had exhausted my entire imagination. I mean seriously, there is only so much you can come up with, right? So finally, I admitted defeat and told my audience that I was now confused and completely lost (rather, I had been from the instant he started but they didn't need to know that.) So they accepted my stupidity and waited for the amen and the closing of church. Hmm, not such a hot start for my Signing career, but, I told myself that when I interpret in the future--it will be from a language I can understand!!! Oh, what can I say? My life is seldom boring.
Finally we crested the top and after parking the car, we made our way down a footpath until we reached a little pink and green house. We had to admit, that after driving for three hours, we were very relieved to find the family at home. I was surprised that they remembered me from last year. So cool.The girls greeted us with hugs and soon we were all seated at the table, making the crafts I had brought along for them. Since they have virtually nothing--anything makes them happy and gives them something to do. So together, we all made friendship bracelets as the father and boyfriend looked on. None of them are very social and have an almost nonexistent vocabulary, thus communication was limited. So we scarcely "spoke" but were content to work together in silence. And as I watched them, I noticed also that none of them have really changed since I had last seen them; apart from looking slightly older.
The mother made a bracelet for her husband, and after she tied it onto his wrist...he demanded she take it off immediately because, despite the fact that it was orange, bracelets are only for girls! I couldn't help but laugh at his frantic objection. So after our bracelets were made, the girls insisted on painting our fingernails. I sat and look at the pictures on my camera with them as they bent over my hands, slapping blue paint on my nails. They are so sweet. At one point, she encouraged me out on the porch and there I knelt, painting the girl's toenails and covering the dirt. They then joined me on the couch and spent half an hour braiding and playing with my hair, at times giving me duos I would never been seen with in public. I gave them money for their gas-stove so they can cook their rice and am still praying about what else I can do to help them.
 |
| Typical church service with the gang! <3 |
She nodded and thrust her phone into my hand. "Here are the lyrics...Learn the song. We play in half an hour." Stunned, I watched her walk onto the stage and begin playing her cello. Oh lovely. I looked down at the screen and sighed. Yeah, it would be my luck that I had never heard the hymn before--not even in English. And wouldn't it figure that today would be the Sunday Rosa would decide to visit an English-speaking church and Kevin wouldn't be there either? So seizing the few precious minutes I was so graciously granted, I crammed the lyrics into my mind and glossed the song into Sign as quickly and efficiently as I could. Although, I need not have worried about it, as there was a Puerto Rican girl who knew some Sign and volunteered to interpret it. I was actually slightly disappointed at the new development, but figured that since she could at least understand the Spanish words, it would make it better for the Deaf people. But after the service, they opened the alter for the congregation to respond to the message. Betsy left her post as interpreter to go play the piano and waved me onto the stage to join her. "Interpret! I can't." She whispered as she scooted over on the piano bench to make room for me. "What's he saying?!" I asked as I flashed a sweet smile towards my audience and acted completely nonchalant. Betsy continued playing and whispered the words to me in English, which I in turn, interpreted into Sign. So far, so good. But my relief was only momentary. When the pastor began to pray, I helplessly nudged Betsy.
She nudged right back. "I dunno, I cannot multi-task right now!"
Okay then. I kept my smile plastered on my face and whispered through clenched teeth. "But I can't understand him!" She continued to play, also grinning, and whispered through her teeth, "Then make something up!"
I sighed inwardly. I had no idea what to do, but I was determined not to show it. Having no alternative, I glanced at the pastor before diving into a prayer of blessing--and although it was somewhat imaginary, I meant every word. I was doing so well, adding pauses and glancing at him occasionally....but to my horror, he went on and on and on. What I thought would be a closing prayer of blessing, had become a ten minute prayer of--well, I didn't know what it was. All I knew that I had exhausted my entire imagination. I mean seriously, there is only so much you can come up with, right? So finally, I admitted defeat and told my audience that I was now confused and completely lost (rather, I had been from the instant he started but they didn't need to know that.) So they accepted my stupidity and waited for the amen and the closing of church. Hmm, not such a hot start for my Signing career, but, I told myself that when I interpret in the future--it will be from a language I can understand!!! Oh, what can I say? My life is seldom boring.
Friday, August 9, 2013
The Conclusion of VBS!
The dorm students have gone home for the weekend, only to return on Sunday evening. The others have also gone home and will be arriving back on Monday morning. So as previously stated, today was the last day of VBS; which in my opinion is bitter-sweet. I have enjoyed it immensely--perhaps more than the students, and have learned so much in and through this week. Thus, I am saddened that it's over so soon. But on a different note, I cannot wait to experience the classrooms and ESD at work. I will still have the responsibility of teaching my Home Ec. Class several times a week, which I am so looking forward to! In addition, Betsy wants me to teach the students how to throw discus--I will include work-outs, warm-ups and some serious competition! I am beyond pumped for this! We will begin slowly as I show them the basic steps and proper technics--eventually, I have no doubt the competition will be real, so we will then relocate to a location with more open space...more specifically, the beach! I cannot wait--although it has been May since I last threw, so maybe I should practice one of these days, huh? Gosh, it would be embarrassing if one of the boys, who have never thrown before, beat me; especially since I have been doing this for three years. Oh well, we shall see. Moreover, Betsy suggested that both of these activities could count as part of the students' math class...Hmm, I wish my math was this enticing!
But that's beside the point. Also, I will be helping to teach a "journalism" class, where Betsy wants me to encourage the students to write and practice proper grammar. She would like them to each write "reports" and asked if I could show them how. I will be using my blog and newspaper articles as examples, and will work from there. I am also beyond excited for this as well! Great stuff!
We just returned to our rooms from an evening of hanging with the crew and playing games in the library...as we discussed Signed songs on the internet, Tess suddenly interjected about a guy who's Signing is amazing. "He must be deaf!" She waved her arms, "He must be hearing!" We all sat back and rocked with laughter. When our laughter finally began to subside and we calmed down, it was decided that we didn't know what he was...only that he was a superb Signer!" I was laughing so hard I thought I would cough up my spleen. I'm not entirely sure that can physically happen--but at that point in time, as I struggled to breathe, I figured anything is possible! Oh, I love these people!
Tomorrow, as it appears, the plan is for Tess and I to leave early and drive two and a half hours to Orocovis (a town far up in the mountains) to visit a Deaf family there. (Thus, I am not writing much as I must get ready for bed.) And since I have not seen the family since our VBS last year, I am excited to hang with them and play some games with the girls. I have also never been to Orocovis before, so I am sure it will be an adventure! So I am certainly looking forward to driving through the mountains, visiting the Deaf family, and hanging with Tess.
But that's beside the point. Also, I will be helping to teach a "journalism" class, where Betsy wants me to encourage the students to write and practice proper grammar. She would like them to each write "reports" and asked if I could show them how. I will be using my blog and newspaper articles as examples, and will work from there. I am also beyond excited for this as well! Great stuff!
We just returned to our rooms from an evening of hanging with the crew and playing games in the library...as we discussed Signed songs on the internet, Tess suddenly interjected about a guy who's Signing is amazing. "He must be deaf!" She waved her arms, "He must be hearing!" We all sat back and rocked with laughter. When our laughter finally began to subside and we calmed down, it was decided that we didn't know what he was...only that he was a superb Signer!" I was laughing so hard I thought I would cough up my spleen. I'm not entirely sure that can physically happen--but at that point in time, as I struggled to breathe, I figured anything is possible! Oh, I love these people!
Tomorrow, as it appears, the plan is for Tess and I to leave early and drive two and a half hours to Orocovis (a town far up in the mountains) to visit a Deaf family there. (Thus, I am not writing much as I must get ready for bed.) And since I have not seen the family since our VBS last year, I am excited to hang with them and play some games with the girls. I have also never been to Orocovis before, so I am sure it will be an adventure! So I am certainly looking forward to driving through the mountains, visiting the Deaf family, and hanging with Tess.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Rockets and Snorkels!
Last night was the first time since I left two and a half weeks ago, that I was able to Skype with my Bestie! Thus having clarified that, I will admit, we stayed up too late talking and I did not have time to write...so I will write about yesterday and today's adventures now.
And adventures is exactly what they were! It all began on Wednesday morning when things didn't go quite as planned, which left me running to Betsy and asking her expert advice. And I should point out that if Betsy is present, anything will work out. (She is still teaching me how to use my head.) So after we solved the near fiasco of making lunch, we were able to focus our attention on other things...such as the VBS and the students. All of the other activities went well and as planned; with everyone having a great time.
As another special activity for the day, we stuffed everyone into a van and drove to an old airport with a science project in tow. Left over from May, Mizael, a young, aspiring scientist, had several rockets he just couldn't wait to let fly. So when we arrived and found the place seemingly abandoned, we thought, no problem, right? Wrong. When we had parked and unloaded our box of rockets and it's accessories, we all traipsed through the open gate onto the old, overgrown landing-strip, pumped for an hour of fun! As we begin setting up the first rocket, we heard a shout from behind us. We froze, completely unsure of what to do next. We turned to see a huge man marching towards us, shouting in Spanish. Oh dear. But Betsy took it all in stride and gave us a real demonstration of our lesson about Boldness. She waved urgently to Mazael; "We need a cute little boy face to represent our school's project..." she whispered as he picked up his loaded box and scurried to join her. They met the man half way across the tarmac and calmly explained that we were a Deaf school from Luquillo and that our students had this science project. The man remained unconvinced but told her that she needed to talk with his boss. We soon discovered who the boss was. As if the first dude wasn't intimidating enough, this guy was bigger (like a body-builder) and marched straight towards us.
At which point I was beginning to have second thoughts about the whole thing--and I know the kids were hoping our photos wouldn't end up on Monday's front page. Oh, I can just see it now. Wanted: A group of Deaf students and staff seen suspiciously wandering around Fajardo. They will be easy to recognize as they are all in school uniform. Be on high alert--they could be dangerous as they are armed with rockets.
As the huge dude still stood eyeing us suspiciously, Juan, the youngest and most energetic of our students broke away from the group and ran to the man's side. He laughed and began petting the man's arm (completely oblivious to the pensive situation.) The solemn-looking dude looked down and smiled back, his mind now apparently changed. "Yes, set off your rockets," He finally conceded.
We all cheered as they returned to the group and everyone resumed reassembling the rockets. The men also stood watching it, and I'm sure, it was probably the most entertainment they've had in months. We shot off rocket after rocket and cheered and clapped; Mizael having an absolute blast (no pun intended.) Juan was also delighted to retrieve the fallen rockets and the boss-dude accompanied him on his ventures; apparently haven taken an instant shine to the little boy. I was impressed when, after apparently eavesdropping on my English conversation with Rosa about the signs for "worm" and "shrimp," he signed to me later that Juan had found a worm and was enthralled with it. I nearly laughed out loud when he flashed a grin Juan's way and I saw the big guy sign "worm." How kind. But it all ended well and we had a swell time launching propellants into the air and defying gravity.
Although that was all the excitement I could take for one day.
Today on the other hand was not quite as nerve-wracking as yesterday, but it did indeed have it's moments. After a long day of VBS; during which time I taught my craft class and had a mini-devotional, we took the students to the beach on a snorkeling trip. Each staff member was assigned a student to supervise. I was instructed to watch Mazael. Agreeing to be compliant and not minding at all, I told Mizael to follow me into the water. Betsy, not realizing that I had gone snorkeling before, told Mizael that if I had questions, he was to answer them. I was not entirely sure how I felt at that instant, knowing my entire well-being was being placed into the hands of a ten-year-old. But I think Mazael interpreted Betsy's instructions a little differently. I believe he thought he was to be the tor-guide...and I must admit, he took his appointed duty very seriously. Every fifteen seconds, he stopped to ask me if I was alright. He would await my answer, and when he received a thumbs-up, he would move on to the next part of the tour. At one point he paused and asked if I could breathe okay....This left me wondering which one of us was really responsible for the safety of the other.
And then I realized three very crucial things: First, I was then appointed responsible for the three oldest boys. I was fairly certain I could handle that. Second, depth is very deceptive underwater...and I discovered this quickly as one of the boy's flippers was waving close to my face and suddenly it slapped me...caution: objects in goggles are closer than they appear. And last but not least, clean the fog from your goggles frequently, as this could result in some serious issues if left unattended. Again, this did not take me long to realize. I was swimming and beginning to think seriously that I should surface and clear my view. As I mulled over that idea, I failed to notice the huge, dark object looming in the water ahead of me. (Where was Mazael when I needed his expert advice and his supervision?) But with only centimeters to spare, I somehow managed to narrowly avoid collision with a boat, moored off-shore. That would have been embarrassing. What could I have said, "I swam into a boat because I was blinded by my own breath?" Really? But as I saw the boat and watched all of the aquatic life swimming around me, I thought back to Nemo and could hear the little sea-horse's voice echoing in my head, "Oh...he touched the butt...."
Oh what fun times. But in all seriousness, it was such fun and I am so excited for tomorrow...and very saddened that it is our last day of VBS. But on Monday comes the real schoolwork. Yippee (it's not my schoolwork, it's theirs'.)
And adventures is exactly what they were! It all began on Wednesday morning when things didn't go quite as planned, which left me running to Betsy and asking her expert advice. And I should point out that if Betsy is present, anything will work out. (She is still teaching me how to use my head.) So after we solved the near fiasco of making lunch, we were able to focus our attention on other things...such as the VBS and the students. All of the other activities went well and as planned; with everyone having a great time.
As another special activity for the day, we stuffed everyone into a van and drove to an old airport with a science project in tow. Left over from May, Mizael, a young, aspiring scientist, had several rockets he just couldn't wait to let fly. So when we arrived and found the place seemingly abandoned, we thought, no problem, right? Wrong. When we had parked and unloaded our box of rockets and it's accessories, we all traipsed through the open gate onto the old, overgrown landing-strip, pumped for an hour of fun! As we begin setting up the first rocket, we heard a shout from behind us. We froze, completely unsure of what to do next. We turned to see a huge man marching towards us, shouting in Spanish. Oh dear. But Betsy took it all in stride and gave us a real demonstration of our lesson about Boldness. She waved urgently to Mazael; "We need a cute little boy face to represent our school's project..." she whispered as he picked up his loaded box and scurried to join her. They met the man half way across the tarmac and calmly explained that we were a Deaf school from Luquillo and that our students had this science project. The man remained unconvinced but told her that she needed to talk with his boss. We soon discovered who the boss was. As if the first dude wasn't intimidating enough, this guy was bigger (like a body-builder) and marched straight towards us.
At which point I was beginning to have second thoughts about the whole thing--and I know the kids were hoping our photos wouldn't end up on Monday's front page. Oh, I can just see it now. Wanted: A group of Deaf students and staff seen suspiciously wandering around Fajardo. They will be easy to recognize as they are all in school uniform. Be on high alert--they could be dangerous as they are armed with rockets.
As the huge dude still stood eyeing us suspiciously, Juan, the youngest and most energetic of our students broke away from the group and ran to the man's side. He laughed and began petting the man's arm (completely oblivious to the pensive situation.) The solemn-looking dude looked down and smiled back, his mind now apparently changed. "Yes, set off your rockets," He finally conceded.
Today on the other hand was not quite as nerve-wracking as yesterday, but it did indeed have it's moments. After a long day of VBS; during which time I taught my craft class and had a mini-devotional, we took the students to the beach on a snorkeling trip. Each staff member was assigned a student to supervise. I was instructed to watch Mazael. Agreeing to be compliant and not minding at all, I told Mizael to follow me into the water. Betsy, not realizing that I had gone snorkeling before, told Mizael that if I had questions, he was to answer them. I was not entirely sure how I felt at that instant, knowing my entire well-being was being placed into the hands of a ten-year-old. But I think Mazael interpreted Betsy's instructions a little differently. I believe he thought he was to be the tor-guide...and I must admit, he took his appointed duty very seriously. Every fifteen seconds, he stopped to ask me if I was alright. He would await my answer, and when he received a thumbs-up, he would move on to the next part of the tour. At one point he paused and asked if I could breathe okay....This left me wondering which one of us was really responsible for the safety of the other.
And then I realized three very crucial things: First, I was then appointed responsible for the three oldest boys. I was fairly certain I could handle that. Second, depth is very deceptive underwater...and I discovered this quickly as one of the boy's flippers was waving close to my face and suddenly it slapped me...caution: objects in goggles are closer than they appear. And last but not least, clean the fog from your goggles frequently, as this could result in some serious issues if left unattended. Again, this did not take me long to realize. I was swimming and beginning to think seriously that I should surface and clear my view. As I mulled over that idea, I failed to notice the huge, dark object looming in the water ahead of me. (Where was Mazael when I needed his expert advice and his supervision?) But with only centimeters to spare, I somehow managed to narrowly avoid collision with a boat, moored off-shore. That would have been embarrassing. What could I have said, "I swam into a boat because I was blinded by my own breath?" Really? But as I saw the boat and watched all of the aquatic life swimming around me, I thought back to Nemo and could hear the little sea-horse's voice echoing in my head, "Oh...he touched the butt...."Oh what fun times. But in all seriousness, it was such fun and I am so excited for tomorrow...and very saddened that it is our last day of VBS. But on Monday comes the real schoolwork. Yippee (it's not my schoolwork, it's theirs'.)
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
The Desires of Our Hearts!
Second day of VBS= Success! Just like yesterday, today went wonderfully--if anything--it actually exceeded yesterday! I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and although I did not have my Home Ec. Class, I still taught crafts and helped with others things. I am amazed at how much the students are learning and am very impressed at what all the staff are doing with this VBS program. You guys rock!
So anyway, today was slightly different than yesterday. Because first of all, every student arrived (Yay!) and then secondly, after our VBS, we took them on an excursion to the rainforest where we hiked and swam in the stream. It was simply lovely. There also happened to be a rope-swing tied to a large tree above the water--which they instantly took advantage of. And while it took me a few minutes to decide, I went ahead and jumped from the rocks, plummeting into the water below. There is a first for everything, right? But I had a blast and I know the students had a great time as well!
When we returned to ESD at the conclusion of our school day, all except our two dorm students went home for the day. At which point, Rosa and I took Juan and Francis to the beach. It's no fun to sit in your room with nothing to do--so we swam again, got some more exercise and had an altogether splendid time! Before returning home for dinner and chilling.
This also brings me to the part of the story where I want to re-introduce to you, Francis, my new, Deaf roommate. (I had mentioned before, her arrival on Sunday afternoon, but had not really said anything apart from that--mostly because that was all I knew about her.) So let me share with you, this crazy-cool story: Weeks ago, when Betsy had first suggested I might be getting a Deaf roommate, I was absolutely shocked and completely uncertain of how to responded. So as I stood there, wracking my brain for an intelligible response, I heard God say, "This is preparation for RIT. This will get you accustomed to having a Deaf roommate and being around the Deaf. Trust Me, I have worked this all out. This is all part of My plan!" (It was funny because when Francis arrived on Sunday, her mother met me and said, "Oh I am so glad she will have someone to hangout with--and a roommate no less!. She never wanted to be in a room by herself--so we have been praying for a roommate! Confirmation--I think, YES!) But things were a "little" different than I had anticipated. All of Sunday evening, Francis and I really had not "talked" much. She had just arrived and we all had things that needed organizing, not to mention both Francis and I were rather shy and uncertain about rooming with a complete stranger. But we quickly got over ourselves. I realized immediately that she was such a sweet, polite and innocent young lady. (And through the course of the past two days--I have found this to be especially correct.) But there was only one "minor" problem. We have been having trouble communicating. This could be an issue as we will be living together in the same dorm room for a month. You see, she knows only (some) Spanish and ASL (a certain variant of Sign Language.) Whereas, I know only English and PSE (another certain variant of Sign Language. It is all the same language, but the grammar and the sentence structures are different.) So she has struggled greatly to understand me. When I asked her questions, she would laugh and give me a thumbs up or just respond with "ok". I was hoping for more interaction than simply saying, "I am going to bed," and receiving a thumbs-up. But I guess I could work with it. And when she would tell me something, I wouldn't understand. And I couldn't very well ask her to fingerspell it, because she knows no English! She also told Tess last night that she was very confused by my PSE and had trouble understanding me. So for the past two days, we really haven't talked much. Now, I know that sounds terrible and I felt awful, but what can you do when you just can't understand each other?! And here Betsy wanted me to help teach her English....Right.
So I sought out Tess, seeking her wisdom on the matter. She graciously answered my questions and suggested that I work on simplifying my sentences and changing some of the word order--making it more ASL-ish. If you don't know--That just does not happen overnight! So feeling discouraged and guilty, I lay in bed and explained everything to God (ha-ha, as if He didn't already know.) It would all be so simple if I could only Sign in a way she could understand--that would be great...but then again, I couldn't understand her either! "Lord!" I cried, "You told me weeks before I met her, that You had planned this and that this was preparation for RIT. What is happening? Why can't we communicate? You have 'given' me a Deaf roommate, which is something I have been praying for, but never thought I'd get until college (assuming that would even happen.) But I know that if You can move mountains and raise the dead, surely You can ease our communication and help us understand each other!"
So this morning, during the short time we chatted, I found I still couldn't understand her, and I still received the thumbs-up. Okeydokey then. So after school was the rainforest, and then the beach. So forgetting my frustration of the night before, we arrived at the beach and she jumped out of car, exclaiming how beautiful the water was. Curious, I asked what the water looked like at her home and was surprised when she said that it was dirty and nasty and that the sand was black. Huh, dirty water and the sand was black...Wait, a second! I understood her answer perfectly! And she understood my question too! I'm sure my jaw dropped and my hands fell limply to my sides. For the first time since I met her, I understood a sentence of what she was saying! Still believing it was too good to be true, I asked her another question, completely unrelated to the previous one. She laughed and responded with a lengthy explanation. All of which I comprehended! What on earth happened? How could we suddenly understand each other?!
So we swam and "talked" for a long while--making up for lost time! We eventually got out of the water and sat together on the beach. I noticed her watching me as she played in the sand, but I didn't think much of it. Suddenly, she wrote the English word, "water" in the sand and Signed, "English word. Sign meaning." I showed her the sign for water. She repeated it several times before scratching it out and writing the word "work" in the sand. Again, I showed her the meaning of the word "work" in Sign. She asked me a word in Spanish and signed it (which thankfully I knew) and I showed her the correct way to spell it in English. We continued this for quite a while, before we had to leave. Then a little while later, I asked her a random question and she responded by finger-spelling one of the English words I had taught her at the beach--she then proceeded to recall from memory, all of the word we had previously discussed. She remembered them all and got them all right! So not only can I suddenly understand her, but I am teaching her English now, too! Crazy-awesome stuff!
So still on a high from the beach and my newfound signing-buddy, I came home to Skype my parents. She walked into the room and introduced herself to them and while they talked to me and asked her questions, I interpreted between them and her! How cool is that?! Just two hours before, I couldn't understand more than two words she said--and then I was teaching her English and now I'm interpreting for her?! No way, that's too cool! So before her bedtime, we chatted and chatted and when I told her that my dream was to become a Sign Language Interpreter and that I wanted to attend RIT/NTID, she got so excited and told me she also dreamed of attending RIT/NTID!
That was so awesome, it was all I could do not to cry! God has given me so many special blessings today, that I honestly don't think I could handle another one! Oh, He is so good and never fails to blow my mind with His faithfulness! He reminds me daily that when our heart's desire is to honor and live for Him, He will always bless us and give us the desires of our heart!
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| Mizael (aka the Flying Squirrel) jumping from a rope swing! |
When we returned to ESD at the conclusion of our school day, all except our two dorm students went home for the day. At which point, Rosa and I took Juan and Francis to the beach. It's no fun to sit in your room with nothing to do--so we swam again, got some more exercise and had an altogether splendid time! Before returning home for dinner and chilling.
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| Hamming it up for the camera. My Roomie's so much fun! <3 |
So I sought out Tess, seeking her wisdom on the matter. She graciously answered my questions and suggested that I work on simplifying my sentences and changing some of the word order--making it more ASL-ish. If you don't know--That just does not happen overnight! So feeling discouraged and guilty, I lay in bed and explained everything to God (ha-ha, as if He didn't already know.) It would all be so simple if I could only Sign in a way she could understand--that would be great...but then again, I couldn't understand her either! "Lord!" I cried, "You told me weeks before I met her, that You had planned this and that this was preparation for RIT. What is happening? Why can't we communicate? You have 'given' me a Deaf roommate, which is something I have been praying for, but never thought I'd get until college (assuming that would even happen.) But I know that if You can move mountains and raise the dead, surely You can ease our communication and help us understand each other!"
So this morning, during the short time we chatted, I found I still couldn't understand her, and I still received the thumbs-up. Okeydokey then. So after school was the rainforest, and then the beach. So forgetting my frustration of the night before, we arrived at the beach and she jumped out of car, exclaiming how beautiful the water was. Curious, I asked what the water looked like at her home and was surprised when she said that it was dirty and nasty and that the sand was black. Huh, dirty water and the sand was black...Wait, a second! I understood her answer perfectly! And she understood my question too! I'm sure my jaw dropped and my hands fell limply to my sides. For the first time since I met her, I understood a sentence of what she was saying! Still believing it was too good to be true, I asked her another question, completely unrelated to the previous one. She laughed and responded with a lengthy explanation. All of which I comprehended! What on earth happened? How could we suddenly understand each other?!
So we swam and "talked" for a long while--making up for lost time! We eventually got out of the water and sat together on the beach. I noticed her watching me as she played in the sand, but I didn't think much of it. Suddenly, she wrote the English word, "water" in the sand and Signed, "English word. Sign meaning." I showed her the sign for water. She repeated it several times before scratching it out and writing the word "work" in the sand. Again, I showed her the meaning of the word "work" in Sign. She asked me a word in Spanish and signed it (which thankfully I knew) and I showed her the correct way to spell it in English. We continued this for quite a while, before we had to leave. Then a little while later, I asked her a random question and she responded by finger-spelling one of the English words I had taught her at the beach--she then proceeded to recall from memory, all of the word we had previously discussed. She remembered them all and got them all right! So not only can I suddenly understand her, but I am teaching her English now, too! Crazy-awesome stuff!
So still on a high from the beach and my newfound signing-buddy, I came home to Skype my parents. She walked into the room and introduced herself to them and while they talked to me and asked her questions, I interpreted between them and her! How cool is that?! Just two hours before, I couldn't understand more than two words she said--and then I was teaching her English and now I'm interpreting for her?! No way, that's too cool! So before her bedtime, we chatted and chatted and when I told her that my dream was to become a Sign Language Interpreter and that I wanted to attend RIT/NTID, she got so excited and told me she also dreamed of attending RIT/NTID!
That was so awesome, it was all I could do not to cry! God has given me so many special blessings today, that I honestly don't think I could handle another one! Oh, He is so good and never fails to blow my mind with His faithfulness! He reminds me daily that when our heart's desire is to honor and live for Him, He will always bless us and give us the desires of our heart!
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