Dia Numero Dos En Puerto Rico (Day Number Two In Puerto Rico!)

I have yet to truly master that procrastination problem of mine. Today, I just seemed to have been unable to find the time to unpack. Well, okay; let's be completely honest and say that sleep was shouting my name and my bed looked entirely too inviting, so suffice it to say, I complied without hesitation and took a much-needed nap. Then, there were other unforeseen temptations that arose as well...like, spending the morning at the beach! So my bags still sit by my bed, waiting to be emptied and organized.
     But back to the beach. Oh, I had forgotten just how heavenly it is! The Luquillo Beach is one of my favorite places on earth. Unlike the ocean-water back home, this neither reeks of fish nor is polluted with sand and debris that floats on the surface. The clear, white waves calmly and gently lap the beach without pounding the life out of you as the ones at home do. Notice also, how beautiful and perfectly clear the water is! And it is so warm and refreshing opposed to the frigid waters up North.

     And although there are many more contrasts and comparisons that could be made, I won't waste time with mundane details, since I am sure you get the idea. So the three hours that we spent at the beach were wonderful. And despite the fact that my mother managed to get sunburned, we did indeed, have a blast in the water and greatly enjoyed one another's company--well, I can't honestly speak for them, but I know I enjoyed chilling with them. And seeing the pelican that flew close overhead was awesome!
     Later as we relaxed back at the school, one of ESD's deaf students came by for his violin lesson. And being that it's been 13 months since I have seen any of my Puerto Rican friends, I was thrilled to see one of the students again! We chatted and he played a game of Othello with my mom. And while I didn't play, it was still quite amusing to watch.
     Then later in the evening, after an amazing dinner with the ladies, we drove through San Juan to a quaint little Starbucks where we joined a Puerto Rican Deaf Social! Being that it was an entirely new experience, I was content to sit with the ladies and "eyesdrop" from across the room; watching conversations through the reflections in the window. That is, until I was asked...no, scratch that. Until I was ordered by my mother to go talk with people...any people, just so long as I didn't continue sitting there like a bump on a log. "Nah, I'm good." Not only did I not know any of the deaf people, I was trying to stay awake, and really did not find the idea of approaching a random stranger and striking up a random conversation, comforting. Don't misunderstand; I had absolutely nothing against talking with anyone, but they were all in the middle of evidently deep conversations and I felt extremely rude, interrupting them.

But Betsy thought otherwise. Great, now I had two of them insisting. "No, really, I'm fine," I tried again to calmly  deflect the demands. When will I realize that resistance is futile, especially where Betsy and my mother are concerned? So while I was trying frantically to wrack my brain for a quick response, Betsy interjected that she will be writing up "a recommendation" to send to RIT, explaining what all I did here and how well I accomplished it. She threatened a lower grade if I didn't comply. Uh, that's blackmail. I no sooner gave her the "I'm not amused" look, than Laurie offered to walk over with me and introduce me to a group of chatting people. Seriously, who thought this was a good idea? I reluctantly stood and with Laurie's hand on my arm, I meekly followed her to a table of Deaf people, feeling much like a puppy on a leash. I slowly approached, hoping to slide into the group subtly, but again, no such luck. When I sat down, the conversations immediately stopped and everyone began asking me questions. Well, so much for sneaking in unnoticed. But as time went on and the conversations continued, I learned that I was talking with a graduate of RIT/NTID! No way--that's too cool! Again, my feelings towards attending RIT were confirmed as he had nothing but great things to say about the school! God reminded me once again, that He will never let us miss the mark or misinterpret His plan for us! Now I am glad I listened to Betsy and my mom and joined the group.
     So while I am considering returning to the Deaf Social next week, I am also excited to drive to the beach bright and early tomorrow morning to watch the sun rise over the ocean. Well, I am excited about the beach part, NOT the getting up early part...but hey, you only live once, right?   

We Have Arrived!

(Disclaimer: Just a warning; my computer auto-corrected my software to Spanish, so until I manage to get it "de-Spanishified," I hope this works and you can read this in English. But hey, I guess I must learn Spanish somehow, right?)
     Needless to say, I finally got packed. It's a miracle! Do I hear the hallelujah chorus?! Amid  my mad scramble of rushing around and throwing things helter-skelter across my room, which now takes on the effect of a disaster area, I have come to the conclusion that the most difficult part of packing--is shutting the bag! But enough about my meticulous packing, no one cares....
     So after dragging my limp carcass out of bed at 3 am this morning and stuffing the car full with enough bags to support a military camp, we set off on our nerve-wracking drive to Baltimore. Thankfully my mother was driving and was willing to brave the crazy traffic. I don't think I had any fingernails left by the time we parked at BWI...the traffic was terrifying me--and I wasn't even driving!
     So after the bus driver attempted to end all of our lives as he too, tried his hand at being a reckless Baltimore driver, we finally arrived at the airport, where we sagged against our luggage in relief and thanked God for our lives spared. And, come to think of it, quite possibly the Security Guard who growled us before we boarded, had been forced onto public transportation and had to ride with that rebel of a bus driver...that could explain his cross demeanor and his bi-polar attitude.
     But against all odds, we overcame the opposing forces and succeeded at arriving to our gate with plenty of time to spare...only to be informed that our flight was delayed an hour. Ugh, I should have just stayed in bed (where I could have gotten another hour of my precious beauty sleep.) But no such luck. So once we finally boarded, I forced myself into a light sleep and willed the time to pass quickly. Let me tell you, that was the longest four hours of my entire life! Wait, no, I take that back. The longest couple hours of my life are when I am forced to endure Science and Math classes. So never mind. But as previously stated, my goal was to sleep the time away...it sounded like a great plan, but apparently, the two little girls who were seated behind me, obviously pumped on caffeine, disagreed. My eyes slowly shut and my breathing became deep and heavy when one shouted, "Dad! Are we there yet?!" The other echoed her question and, to my great dismay, this continued for the next three and a half hours! Leaving me wishing even more that we "would be there yet!" And just in case you were wondering, there was not much sleeping going on. Sleep? What's that?
     Finally, and I do mean finally, we landed! Now I know I heard the hallelujah chorus then! And being the kind, wonderful soul that she is, Betsy came and picked us up at the airport (Gosh, I have missed that lady!)--then she took us and another teacher out to lunch! Oh, I had forgotten how wonderful Puerto Rican food is! I don't believe I could ever again be satisfied with our tasteless American entrées. If you have ever wondered what heaven's food tastes like, visit an original Puerto Rican restaurant and believe me, you will know.
     When we returned to the school and chose our rooms, we joined Betsy and several others for dinner! Oh, that was great! I had entirely too much fun and laughed so hard my abs ached in protest. Gosh, I love these people!
      So now I am working on unpacking--well, entertaining the thought of unpacking anyway. But I think I'll leave that for tomorrow. And I will conquer this procrastination problem--just you wait!

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!