Read Part 1 of this story.
Within deaf culture there are two ways you can say your name. You can finger spell your name or you can give your name sign- this is one motion, usually signifying a prominent physical feature that serves as your name. You cannot make up your name sign; it must be given to you by someone within the deaf community.
We are sitting in the classroom our first day at the school. Some of the kids ask for my name. I slowly finger spell L-I-S-A. They
then asked for my name sign. I had been anxiously awaiting this moment. I was excited about my first experience working in the deaf community and really wanted a name sign. I asked how to sign “I need a name sign.” I tentatively tried out my Romanian sign language. The girls just shrugged in response and went on about their business. I have to admit that I was disappointed. However, I later realized that several of the teachers and students still don’t have name signs. I no longer felt as though I had the right to ask for one. I had not invested enough time in the deaf community or into these kids in particular to warrant asking for a name sign. I desired to let that desire go.
I spent the next several days hanging out at the school from 2-8. I just love getting to know the kids and be a part of their lives. I was growing particularly close to one class of students.
We are sitting in the classroom our first day at the school. Some of the kids ask for my name. I slowly finger spell L-I-S-A. They
then asked for my name sign. I had been anxiously awaiting this moment. I was excited about my first experience working in the deaf community and really wanted a name sign. I asked how to sign “I need a name sign.” I tentatively tried out my Romanian sign language. The girls just shrugged in response and went on about their business. I have to admit that I was disappointed. However, I later realized that several of the teachers and students still don’t have name signs. I no longer felt as though I had the right to ask for one. I had not invested enough time in the deaf community or into these kids in particular to warrant asking for a name sign. I desired to let that desire go. I spent the next several days hanging out at the school from 2-8. I just love getting to know the kids and be a part of their lives. I was growing particularly close to one class of students.
After nearly a week at the school, we were sitting with the kids and some asked again, “what is your name sign?” I just shook my head and told them I didn’t have one. They looked at me shocked and began staring at my face deciding on my new name. 
Finally Cristian (the boy pictured above with a shaved head) gave me my new name sign (pictured to the left). I knew at that moment that even though we have had only a short time in Cahul that the kids have really accepted us into their little family. It was the best gesture of love and friendship that they could have shown to me.
Finally Cristian (the boy pictured above with a shaved head) gave me my new name sign (pictured to the left). I knew at that moment that even though we have had only a short time in Cahul that the kids have really accepted us into their little family. It was the best gesture of love and friendship that they could have shown to me. I came to give them love and care, but I have been amazed at the way these children care for one another and have poured love back into us. I feel so blessed to have been a part of their lives these last couple of weeks.
