Stepping into
silence is a rarity that most people never experience. Last Monday I waked onto
the campus of a deaf school and silence rushed over me. The phrase ‘Silence is
Golden’ has now taken on a whole new meaning.
This month one of
the ministries I am working with is a school for the deaf. When I heard that I
would be working with deaf children I was so excited! I have always loved sign
language, and knew a little from my friend Anna whose grandparents are deaf.
For me this was a great opportunity to learn more while investing in these
kid’s lives.
the ministries I am working with is a school for the deaf. When I heard that I
would be working with deaf children I was so excited! I have always loved sign
language, and knew a little from my friend Anna whose grandparents are deaf.
For me this was a great opportunity to learn more while investing in these
kid’s lives.
Some of the kids doing math problems on the board
God has blessed me
with the ability to pick up some basic sign language quickly and I have been
able to communicate with some of the kids. One in particular is an older boy, I
think he is about 14, who came over to me and asked me in sign if I had
accepted Christ. I said yes and asked him the same to which he replied yes. It
was a great and humbling experience to have this boy, who in most people’s eyes
would have more reason to be mad at God than to trust in Jesus, to share with
me and care about my eternity enough to be bold and ask.
with the ability to pick up some basic sign language quickly and I have been
able to communicate with some of the kids. One in particular is an older boy, I
think he is about 14, who came over to me and asked me in sign if I had
accepted Christ. I said yes and asked him the same to which he replied yes. It
was a great and humbling experience to have this boy, who in most people’s eyes
would have more reason to be mad at God than to trust in Jesus, to share with
me and care about my eternity enough to be bold and ask.
Me and that 14 year old boy
Keep in mind that
as I am learning sign language, I am learning it in a Spanish speaking culture.
This makes things interesting, and also has made learning Spanish easier too.
Now, when I sign, I think of the sign in Spanish and then translate it back to
English.
as I am learning sign language, I am learning it in a Spanish speaking culture.
This makes things interesting, and also has made learning Spanish easier too.
Now, when I sign, I think of the sign in Spanish and then translate it back to
English.
Louis, Christian, and Me on the swings
In class on Friday
one of the kids got up to pray; he closed his eyes while the rest of us watched
his hands move in praise and thanksgiving to God. After we all signed amen,
another kid got up in front of the class. At first I was confused, but as I
watched the class I realized they were worshiping in song.
one of the kids got up to pray; he closed his eyes while the rest of us watched
his hands move in praise and thanksgiving to God. After we all signed amen,
another kid got up in front of the class. At first I was confused, but as I
watched the class I realized they were worshiping in song.
This is a 46 year old woman who has been living at the center since she was 33. Before that she had no one. Sorry, but I only know her sign name. 🙂
Now I have been to
the school about 4 times, and each time the beauty of silence overwhelms me.
Although I have never experienced the utter silence that these kids and some of
the staff experience, I now feel more compassion for this community.
the school about 4 times, and each time the beauty of silence overwhelms me.
Although I have never experienced the utter silence that these kids and some of
the staff experience, I now feel more compassion for this community.
Pablo and Rafiel saying “Hi” and “I love you”
One thing remains
the same, something that crosses all cultural and physical boundaries is
laughter. Even though none of them hear what they sound like, they all laugh
out loud! They can feel it and it is the most amazing thing to hear them laugh. (The internet is not letting me upload the video of this right now, but hopefully soon!)
the same, something that crosses all cultural and physical boundaries is
laughter. Even though none of them hear what they sound like, they all laugh
out loud! They can feel it and it is the most amazing thing to hear them laugh. (The internet is not letting me upload the video of this right now, but hopefully soon!)
Many blessings,
Kim
