Another Answered Prayer!

With each passing day, my excitement intensifies! But while there is still so much to do during my remaining six days in the U.S, I find myself finally able to relax--at least slightly, anyway as the number of things on my crazy-long to-do list, seem to be slowly dwindling; which, as you can imagine, is a great weight lifted from my shoulders! Yesterday was my last day at work (until I return in the fall), I have taken the exam at HACC, I have sent my laptop back to get repaired, I have planned more of my crafts/songs/etc. for the VBS and I have finally begun the extensive task of packing. So I am, slowly but surely, getting there.
     I was also blessed with the opportunity to spend this past weekend away at the Delaware beach with my bestie and a few awesome friends from church. Like one last big hurrah before I go and she leaves for college. It was so refreshing to spend quality time with like-minded young women who love to serve God! We chilled and talked, walked out to the bay and watched the sunset, strolled along the boardwalk where we browsed the sea-side stores and had dinner, and spent a majority of our time at the beach where we suntanned (or in our case, burned badly) and watched several porpoises playing in the waves and a sea turtle swimming up close!
     But as awesome as it all was, God just had to top that. Now keep in mind that for the past several months I had been praying, earnestly seeking His will and direction as far as signing and where I should go with it. Sure, I want to interpret, but where does He want me to use the gift He has given me? The ominous question, everpresent in my mind being: Where does He want me to attend college? As you may remember, last month, I toured RIT/NTID in Rochester, New York and absolutely loved it. But the only instruction I had received seemed to simply be, "Be patient--When it's My timing, I will make it evident to you. Continue in the direction I have lead you." And, "When it's My timing, I will make it undeniably clear to you...and I won't let you miss the mark!" That was all well and good, and reassuring--but I wanted to know now!
     For weeks that was all I seemed to be hearing. Finally, in my exasperation, I asked for another sign. (Much like the time at the restraunt in New Jersey when in answer to my prayer, He brought a little deaf girl to me--unmistakibly giving me my answer!) So I humbly requested a sign, saying, "Lord, I am feeling oddly drawn to RIT, but I know that You'll show me where I am to go. So if RIT is Your plan for me, please give me a sign (preferably like the last one) but a sign nonetheless. Let me know without a shadow of a doubt that it is where You want me."
     So in my haste to prepare for my weekend away, I had practically forgotten my request...almost. So Monday morning came around and I was enjoying our "girl time" as we all lay out on the beach reading and chatting. I was lost in thought when suddenly I sat up and squinted into the blazing sun. I sighed inwardly...from where I was sitting, my only view of the waves had been blocked by two ladies who had decided to sit there on the beach. Oh well. I rearranged my towel and began to lay back down, when a movement caught my eye. One of the lady's hands were moving. I sat bolt upright. Was she swatting at a fly? No, the movements were made with precision--and they made sense! They were signing! Unable to help myself, I "eyesdropped" (evesdropped with my eyes) and watched them silently discuss potential dinner plans. I was practically vibrating, which warranted an eyeroll from my bestie, Audra, who found my enthusiasm amusing.
     "I need to go talk to them!" I exclaimed, not taking my eyes off of them for a second.
     Audra laughed, "Well, what are you going to say?"
     I shrugged, "I have no idea--but I can't just sit here--I have to at least say hi!"
     As I stood up, a thought popped univited, into my mind: maybe she knows something about RIT....I waved the thought away. That was ridiculous...she probably wasn't from the area and most likely had no idea that RIT even existed. But suddenly, my thoughts immediately went back to the restaurant in New Jersey. Could this be the sign I had been praying for?
     Practically shaking with excitement, I approached the younger of the two...the teenage girl I had seen signing. When she answered me in voiced English, I tried to swallow my disapointment. So she wasn't deaf, after all. After exchanging the pleasantries, I learned that her mother was deaf. We chatted for a while and when she asked if I wanted to be an Interpreter, I eagerly said that, "Yes, I was considering RIT in New York."  I began explaining what RIT was, when she politely interrupted me.
     "My son just graduated from RIT as an interpreter and my daughter (she motioned to the girl sitting next to her) wants to go there to become an interpreter!" She paused and smiled. "You two should get names and numbers--maybe if you're both accepted, you could be roommates!" I nearly fell over. No way! This seriously couldn't be happening! It seemed too good to be true! After we exchanged names, email addresses, etc, I learned that her daughter was in my grade and would be applying to RIT next year. I mentioned to them about my mission work with the deaf in Puerto Rico and she was elated, reminding me to add that information in my essay for RIT. Her daughter signed something I didn't quite catch and the lady smiled up at me, signing, "Is she ready? Oh yes, she's ready!"
     Walking away a little while later, I thought about my request earlier that week for a sign about RIT. Did I dare to hope that this was my long-awaited-for sign that RIT was where He wanted me? As I listened for God's response, this was all I heard Him say, "You asked Me to make it clear to you--Was that clear enough? If it wasn't, I don't know how much clearer I can make it!" So, I'm thinking that was a "yes!"
     Seriously, how crazy is it that I meet a deaf person, muchless someone on the Delaware Beach who's from Fredrick, Maryland and who is planning to attend RIT? I mean seriously! I believe God sent them to be there at that presise moment to confirm to me His plan and to remind me that I can do all things through Him! I don't believe in coincidences. He told me He wouldn't let me miss it--and He meant it literally--so much so that He placed them on the beach directly in front of me where I couldn't see the ocean around them! There really was no way that I could have missed them.
    So I know without a doubt that was my sign and that I am to continue pursuing my education at RIT. Ultimately, my acceptance to RIT will be the biggest sign, but until then, I'm trusting this one! And I still cannot seem to get over how faithful God is!

Things Are Getting Crazy!

Only 15 more days, people! Can you believe it?!
     It still seems that no matter how much I plan or think about it, it somehow seems surreal. Although I think it might finally be starting to sink in...well, to an extent anyway. I am finally beginning to realize that 6 weeks is a long time! But I am honestly not concerned about being homesick...I know that I will be surrounded by Godly people, I will be reunited with the wonderful kids/teachers I have grown to know and love, I will have my family and friends supporting me in prayer and that I am in the very center of God's will. So what could go wrong? (And also, I will have Betsy and Kevin to tease and no doubt they will keep me on my toes...so who has time to be homesick?)
     As I reflect upon my time at ESD last June, I am still amazed at how comfortable and how secure I felt there. Growing up, I was never even comfortable being away from home--much less going out of the country for a week and a half with a group of people I did not know. So sure it was a new feeling to be away from my family and everything I knew, but I was not nervous or anxious in the least! Yes, I called my parents nearly every night (and talked and talked about my day, how wonderful the kids were and how awesome Betsy was. And ran my phone bill way up) but I still didn't feel homesick. That in itself was a miracle!
     And now that God has fixed my computer, I can Skype home and talk to my family and friends!
     But in all seriousness, I am counting down the days and the hours until we touch-down in the San Juan airport. I cannot wait until the moment I see Betsy again or greet the students! I am so psyched for what God will do and I am going stir-crazy with excitement.
     But amid the enthusiasm, there is still SO much to do before I can leave. I still have VBS supplies to purchase, I have clothes to go shopping for, I have packing to do, I have things that need organizing and in addition to all of the Puerto Rico planning, I have classes at HACC to apply for, tests to take, SAT's to sign up for, work to go to, a horse to find a new home for, friends/family to see before I go, things at home to do and last minute things to tend to! Need I say more? *deep sigh*
     And I shudder to even think...I have only two more weeks to spend with my Bestie before saying good-bye. She leaves for college in August while I'm away, which means I won't see my Sis again until Christmas! (I think I'll go find a puddle in which to drown myself!) But seriously though; like I said, I'm trying not to even think about it!
     But I know (with God's help) that I will get everything accomplished before I leave. And that I will survive after saying good-bye to Audra. Everything seems so crazy and overwhelming right now, it's just difficult to envision it happening. (Although, I must remind myself that all things are possible through Him who gives me strength!)
     So please continue praying for peace and patience and that we can get everything accomplished before our departure!

Prayer Update!

Hello everyone, here is the letter that I sent out to my church--asking for their prayerful support.                                                                            

     I am so excited to be returning to Puerto Rico in a few short weeks (29 days)! I will once again be on my way to support the work of the Evangelical School for the Deaf (ESD) located in Luquillo, Puerto Rico. I will be leaving on July 23rd and will be returning the 31st of August, so I’ll be gone about six weeks. The deaf community is one of the most unreached people groups in the world, due to the communication barrier. Many individuals who are deaf and live on the island of Puerto Rico face even more difficult circumstances due to both the economic poverty as well as the extremely limited opportunities for education. ESD has been providing both educational and spiritual support to students who are deaf for more than fifty years.
     My mother will be flying down with me and staying at ESD for four days, helping to get things ready for the students, before heading back home. During my time in Puerto Rico I will be helping Betsy and a few teachers host a VBS for the students as they return to ESD for another school year! After our VBS, I will stay for an addition four weeks to help in any capacity I can around the school. I will assist in organizing classrooms in preparation of the students’ arrival, helping in the kitchen to prepare meals for the students and staff, join the students in their classes, and help with any maintenance projects that might need doing around the school. I will also be keeping this blog which I plan to update daily with stories and lots of pictures! So be sure to check it out and stay in touch!  
     I would like to ask if you would be willing to pray for us. We would appreciate the prayers as we prepare to go and, most especially, while we are there. We so desperately want to be a blessing to these children and to share with them the love of God. Please pray that the students do well in their studies and that they are receptive to the word of God. As for me personally, would you please pray that I will be able to hear God’s voice clearly and that I will have the courage to step out of my ‘comfort zone’ and be willing to do and say the things God asks of me? Pray for ‘Holy Spirit boldness’ to overcome my fear of man. I have never been away from my family longer than nine days—much less for thirty-nine days! (The reality of it is finally beginning to occur to me. Six weeks is suddenly beginning to seem like a long time!) I will also be the youngest member of the ESD staff and I am concerned about how much help I will actually be; fearing I will be more of a hindrance than a benefit. In addition, I am rather anxious about my signing…I neither am an Interpreter nor am I completely fluent in ASL, thus I feel rather inadequate and worry about confusing the students. Moreover, I will be flying home alone—which will obviously be a new and unnerving experience. Thank you for your faithfulness and your prayerful support. It is a blessing to know that I have a church family and many friends who have my back. Via my blog, I will be sending periodic prayer updates from Puerto Rico. 

Love and God bless,

Rachel Mellott

One Year Ago....

Exactly one year ago, today, God brought these amazing people into my life!
     And the nine days I spent with them, completely changed my life. I boarded that plane in Baltimore, a nervous and confused teenager, having no idea what God was calling me to do--But thankfully, He knows what His plans are! Then, we landed in Puerto Rico and I met this fantastic group of people who showed me how to be confident in the person God created me to be, to step out of my comfort-zone, and how much fun signing could be!
     The students were instrumental in showing me that, despite the fact I was not fluent in ASL, they still accepted me for who I was! If I struggled to understand something they signed, they would repeat it as often as they had to until I understood what they had to say. And if I made a mistake they would not mock me or ignore me, instead they would smile encouragingly and patiently show me the correct way to sign it. They encouraged me--no, shoved me out of my comfort-zone. They convinced me to act in several signed skits and interpret many of the songs! They showed me that ASL is not just a means of communication or just another language. It is instead a beautiful way of expressing oneself and is the only form of visual communication.
     There is also nothing that brings me more satisfaction then interacting with the Deaf. Everywhere I go, I am on the lookout for Deaf. I don't think there is much else that makes my heart race or excites me like seeing/meeting a deaf individual.
     God used those amazing students to show me what His plan for my life is. And after meeting them, my thoughts about becoming an ASL Interpreter have gone from a job that pays well, to a God-inspired passion! I cannot imagine where I'd be right now if God had not brought these awesome people into my life to help reveal His plan for me. I thank each one of the students for accepting/supporting me, giving me the time of my life and showing me the love of Christ while I was there. I am indebted also to my team, who helped and supported me all the way. They had the confidence in me that I lacked in myself; and they encouraged me to do things that I thought was crazy, like interpret for one of our team members and act/sign in several of the skits when I could barely sign as it was...but they had faith in me and were nonetheless right beside me all the while, ready to help if I needed. I also owe everything to Betsy, the neatest principal ever--she has been a wonderful encouragement to me, been there when I needed to talk, has had my back in prayer, has forced me to be bold and has been a great example of a woman of faith who is souled out to God!
     I still think about them daily and miss them all so very much! But, God has worked everything out so that in only 35 days, I'll be returning to spend the summer with them! I'm so pumped!!

Yes--We Did It!

As it were, being without internet for the past couple weeks has made updating this very difficult.  But I seized the first opportunity I got and am writing now. 
     With only six weeks and two days left until our departing flight, suffice it to say, things are getting a little crazy.  I have finally decided on a specific VBS program and I'm beginning to collect school items for the students and look into crafts and supplies.
     And I have fantastic news: I am thrilled to announce that I have raised all of my financial support for Puerto Rico!  I was aiming high and setting my monetary goal at $1,900, which would give me enough money to cover my initial expenses and take care of an emergency.
     As I have already pointed out, I had been very anxious about the whole support thing.  I had already done several fundraisers and even with sending support letters, I was still trying not to worry.  I did not expect/plan for my support letters to bring in a whole lot of funds, so I began planning other fundraisers to do...fearing that I would not have enough time to plan a VBS, buy all of the supplies, get miscellaneous things together, and pack everything in time--all in addition to doing more fundraisers.  So much to do and so little time to do it!
     I had made a list of family/friends who I thought may be supportive of my trip and I prayed over the list, adding names and scratching out names as I felt led.  There were several families whom I felt prompted to add to my list, and though I felt rather odd in doing so...I sent them a support letter, nonetheless.  I once again put it all in His hands and decided not to worry about it.  He would work it out all in His timing. 
     So this past week, I got my monthly financial report.  Not only did I reach my goal but I also surpassed it!  Praise the Lord!  Now I can buy anything extra for the VBS that I might need and still have extra incase of any unforeseen circumstances.
     I was completely astounded by the number of people who contributed financially and how many were willing to prayerfully support me!  I was pleasantly surprised when I received support from those I least expected.  I even received monetary gifts from people I had never met before; people who had only heard about my trip from a mutual friend!
     I also just wanted to take a minute to thank everyone who agreed to support me--both monetarily and through prayer!  I appreciate your thoughtfulness and your generosity more than you will ever know!  As I received check after check and saw the x's marked next to the 'I will pray for Rachel,' the tears started and I could not stop thanking God for the blessings you all are to me.  And just knowing that as I work around the school and sign with those students and help the teachers, you all will be back here, holding me up and supporting me in prayer, is the greatest comfort.
      So in six weeks and two days, I will be aboard a jet, flying over the ocean on my way to Puerto Rico.  And just remember, I will be on that jet because you made it possible.  And while I may be there by myself, I really am not going alone.  You have my back in prayer and you sent me out--we are a team--you helped me to go and be the physical 'hands of Jesus,' while you all were the 'behind the scenes' helpers.  Your love, prayers and encouragement mean more to me than you know, and it will offer me strength and comfort while I'm there, doing what God has called me to do.
     I cannot wait to embark on this incredible journey!  Thank you for investing in me!

Signs and Kisses From the King

Be honest, we all have moments of doubt. When God asks something of us or promises something, there is usually a moment of hesitation and doubt sometime during the process. Is that really what God wants? What if I didn't hear Him correctly? Should I go through with this?
     Truth be told, the past couple of weeks I have been struggling a little with this. I have still been very busy with preparing for vacation, being sure I get things finished before the conclusion of the school year, continuing to prepare for Puerto Rico, etc, etc. But thank God for His grace!
     So in the constant busyness and rush of life, I have been unable to find time to attend the ASL Socials that are held twice a month at Wegman's Grocery. I have sorely missed hanging out with the members of the local Deaf Community and I have missed signing so badly. Sure I sign with my mom and interpret the new songs I hear, but it's just not the same as chatting with a deaf individual! And knowing that God has called me to work with the Deaf, I have been fighting with feeling guilty about not being able to communicate with them more often or working harder to perfect my skills. Also, I have been considering RIT/NTID, a college in New York that offers a degree in ASL Interpreting and I have been in frequent contact with the directors there. Note, I have never been entirely excited about the prospect of college and have never planed on going until last summer when I thought God was leading me to pursue ASL. But with all the stress and questions regarding ASL, college and a career, I have begun to feel as though I'm not on the right track. Doubts began to seep in unnoticed and I started to rethink things. Is ASL really what He has planned for me? Is attending college included in these plans? Is this my intended purpose?
     Feeling rather disheartened and discouraged, I packed my bags and left for vacation with my family; our final destination being Sandwich, MA. With only five hours on the road, we stopped for yet another potty-break...Wendy's being about the only viable option. While there, we decided to have lunch, may as well kill two birds with one stone, right? So standing in line waiting for our order, I thought about the past couple weeks. I needed a sign. Just something to assure me that I was still on the right track and that I was still in the center of His will. 'Ya know, it'd be so awesome to meet a deaf person while we're on vacation,' I thought. I would love to say hi if I should meet someone. Mom laid a hand on my arm, bringing me back to the present. "Do think we'll meet any deaf people while we're on vacation?" she signed to me. "I dunno," I signed back, "I was just thinking about that."
     But I still needed that sign--I decided that if I met a deaf person sometime during our vacation, that would be my sign and I would know that I was exactly where He wanted me to be. I was laying out my fleece, so to speak.
     So we got our meal and returned to our table. I no sooner sat down when I noticed a family sitting at another table--SIGNING!!! (Seriously? Wow, that was quick!) Excited beyond words, I stopped them before they exited the restaurant and said hi. We signed together for a while and I learn that their beautiful two year old daughter was born deaf! She was the dearest little thing I had ever seen! She'd just had a birthday and told me that she had just gone to see Elmo. Just before they left, her mother turned to me saying, "Thank you for what you're doing (becoming an interpreter!) I can't say how wonderful it is to meet people who want to help those like my daughter (the Deaf.) Now you have a face to remember and to remind you to continue doing what you're doing! And who knows, we may see each other again!" 
     My heart leaped--and I knew this was the sign I had been praying for!  (No pun intended.)
     So now I am reassured that I am indeed in the center of His will and I am where He wants me to be! Signing with that beautiful little girl was a blessing that made my day and was a kiss from the King. It was also just another reminder that He hears our every thought and He delights in giving us the desires of our hearts!

Oh the Memories....

Since I returned last June, from the moment my mom picked me up, I talked endlessly of all we had done and seen. It was after mid-night when we got home from the airport and, with mom struggling to stay awake, I stayed up until three-thirty am, chattering on and on about Betsy and the kids, all the things we'd done, how I couldn't wait to return and how much I loved/missed them all! 
     So for the past eight and a half months, I have talked about Puerto Rico daily, and I'm beginning to think that I might be annoying people just a little-- If the phrase, "Yes, you've told me this story at least three times," is any indication. But regardless of how often I talk about them (or don't), I think about them constantly. I fall asleep every night thinking about them.
     So many amazing things happened during my week and a half in Puerto Rico and it seemed to pass in a blur of excitement. But there are so many fun, sweet memories that I know I will never forget...I wouldn't be able to sum them all up, but here are a few!
    
Take for instance, this beautiful little girl who was my shadow during the week of VBS. I remember the exact moment I met her....We were in the library, and I was preoccupied with sorting through craft supplies and trying to explaining what we were doing. My head was spinning as I tried to focus on the many silent conversations that were simultaneously going on around me. How should I be helping?  What should I be doing? Am I in the way here?  Suddenly, I felt a tugging on the hem of my t-shirt. I paused and looked down into the sweet face of this little girl. "Come," she motioned to me as she spread out her paints. I couldn't keep the smile off my face. "You need help?" I signed back, forgetting my nervousness. "Yes, you come, help me!" So I knelt on the floor next to her chair and together we painted and decorated her bandanna. Her sister, seated beside her, patted my shoulder. "Need help, too." I nodded and reached over to pour her some paint. "No!" the first girl signed emphatically, "She helping me now!" She turns towards her sister, "Go away, she help me!" When she leaned over and clung to my arm, I knew from that moment that I had a new friend. So for the course of the next week, she was either standing at my side, sitting on my lap, or being held in my arms. One evening while we were watching a movie, I looked down and realized that she was falling asleep on my lap! And she was so sweet and patient, too--if she used a sign I didn't recognize or a phrase I didn't understand, she would repeat it over and over again until I understood.

Another experience I will never forget was one night in chapel, when I walked in with my team:  Music was playing and we all paused in the doorway, watching as students, teachers, and several parents all stood worshipping together in Sign Language. It was so beautiful! Kevin, one of the oldest students, was standing on stage, and waved to me. I waved back and searched for an empty seat. The song ended and I looked up in surprise when he called my name and saw him motioning me up to the stage. The whole audience turned and all eyes watched me as I shyly shook my head. Was he crazy? There was no way I was going to help interpret a song I didn't know! But he was insistent. "Come," he pointed beside him, "please." My team laughed and cheered, "Oh, go on, you'll be fine!" I rolled my eyes at them and taking a deep breath, I steeled my nerve and walked to the front of the room where I took my place beside him. The music began to play and I panicked. "I don't think I know this song," I signed frantically. He simply laughed, "You will be fine--Just watch me," he signed.  Ha-ha, funny guy, I thought as the song began. I couldn't keep up with him...I was terrible. We both laughed at my mistakes and before I knew it, the song ended. Time to escape! I took a step but he stopped me, "Another song, stay." The next song immediately followed and I had no choice but to remain onstage. Wait a second, I knew this song. "Forever God is Faithful" was a song I'd worshipped to in church many times before.
I gave him a thumbs-up...I could do this! Suddenly, my nervousness vanished. I gazed out over the crowd of wonderful deaf students and teachers, each signing along with the song. The beauty of the moment took my breath away! Then, like never before, I felt the sweet presence of the Lord! I cannot even put the feelings into words, but suffice it to say that I was overwhelmed by His love! I forgot about signing, I forgot about the dozens of eyes watching me--I was having a precious moment with my Savior. That moment has been forever imprinted in my memory and it's one of the things I most look forward to this summer: Worshipping in the chapel with the students/teachers at ESD!

And there's always that trip into town with 'the boys'. The team was in need of several items for that evening, so several of us decided to make a trip into town to buy the said supplies--and we took along the guys. First we stopped at a little store where, in spite of Kevin and Daniel's incessant teasing, I bought two machetes. This was where things began going down hill...because after signing all week long, I didn't think a thing of it when I signed "thank you" to the clerk who rang up my order. After a bout of laughter from the boys, I corrected my thanks to English before finally blurting out, "Gracias!" Needless to say, the poor clerk was baffled and the boy's were having a blast at my expense.
Finally, while Pastor Dave and Cameron went in search of the materials, Ashley, Amanda, Rosa and I took the boys for ice cream. Oh what an adventure. It took us what seemed like forever to order our ice cream and by the time I'd finally gotten mine, several of the boys had already finished theirs! We stayed and "talked" for a while over our ice cream--which is harder to do than you think--before going back to the store to find Pastor Dave and Cameron. We chatted while we walked, which I soon discovered was a very bad idea. I can scarcely walk a straight line as it is, much less while signing and watching another's hands. Thus, clumsy as I am, I nearly walked into a stop sign before I accidentally tripped over the uneven pavement and somehow managed to push Kevin off the sidewalk--which nearly got him killed when a car came flying down the lane! Yeah, blame it all on the crazy drivers! But seriously, who knew having a conversation with me could be a matter of life and death?! Needless to say, I told him we would continue our conversation once we got safely into the store where our lives were no longer in jeopardy!