Wednesday 27th August 2008
So I took a day off for Boxing Day to spend with my Aunty. But I couldnt wait for the next day to see what God had in store! As a matter of fact, I did not even know what I was meeting Aunty Olga to do but I was still so excited!
Turns out we were going to start working on a Bible Study on dvd for the Deaf. Which, by the way, is a worthwhile project because so many of the Deaf do not understand the Bible as their English competence is not so strong. Translating a written work to Sign Language will always be a more valuable approach where the Deaf is concerned.
So Ian, Aunty Olga and I met Kerri at church. The only thing I kept repeating in my head was "Lord, please help me to be a blessing and not a hindrance!" lol I could be a bit clumsy at times... BUT God is good! lol I was able to type and read out the Scripture verses for Kerri and Aunty Olga. So my prayer was answered and I was so grateful!
At lunch, I was able to talk to Ian through Aunty Olga. I was just so moved and thrilled to communicate with him! Even more, Aunty Olga left briefly and Ian and I communicated!! lol He taught me some signs and I couldnt believe how easily he understood me and what I was trying to say. He clarified things effortlessly. I just forgot everything around me as we talked.
When Aunty Olga returned, Ian told her to tell me that he figured out a sign name for me. Okay, because it is just impractical to spell people's names every time you refer to them, the Deaf community create a sign name for the person. Most times, if not always, this sign name is related to an outstanding feature that the person has like long hear, or markedly arched ("boss or besttes") eyebrows lol.
So when Ian said he had sign name for me I anxious to know what it was. I looked at him and he placed his hand near his heart signing the letter 'A' then pushed his hand forward to sign the word 'willing'. When this sign was explained I was so encouraged!! Here I was wondering if I would be a hindrance and not a blessing and then at the end of the day Ian comes up with this sign name for me...It was such a tremendous blessing and encouragement!!
I went home just bubbling with joy! Then if that wasnt enough, Kerri sent me a mail thanking me for my help :) I smiled and I worshipped and thanked God for what He was doing in my life! No academic achievement, no secular appraisal, no qualification could have compared with the joy and the contentment I felt knowing that I was operating in God's will and doing something I am truly passionate about!!!!