Man Di arrived in Trinidad on this night. Who is Man Di? Well, Man Di is a linguist sent from SIL International www.sil.org/ and also affliated with Wycliffe http://www.wycliffecaribbean.org/ Sometime next year Deaf Churches nationwide would be partnering with SIL International in order to facilitate Bible Translations in Trinidad and Tobago Sign Language (TTSL). This is the first project of this nature geared specifically towards the Deaf in the Caribbean. SIL International has worked on Bible Translations in American Sign Language (ASL) prior to this. It is very important to have the Bible translated in TTSL in order for the Deaf to understand the Word of God on their own. Often times, they are dependant on the Hearing community to translate the written language of the Bible. I know that many English speakers get trouble understanding the Word, so just imagine how much more difficult it is for a Deaf person, whose English competence is already poor, to understand it!
Also, having the translation in TTSL is beneficial to the local Deaf community not only because it is their language and this breeds a stronger sense of identity but also because many Deaf persons who were not afforded the opportunity to go to school are not very competent in ASL. Although there are overlaps, having a Bible translation in ASL would not benefit the widest cross-section of the local Deaf community. I must also note that contrary to popular belief, TTSL is NOT a dialect of ASL. TTSL existed before ASL was brought to Trinidad and Tobago. I thank Man Di for clarifying this to me.
So Man Di came to Trinidad to get aquainted with the local Deaf before the Project officially launches in 2009. She also arrived at a time when our nation was commemorating National Disabilities Week from December 1st to 5th.
Well, first of all, I MUST pause to thank David and his wife for their selflessness and for accomodating Man Di's arrival. Despite the weariness of flesh that comes with a week of early mornings, late nights and hard work, they were able to serve with a smile :) How I thank God for their sacrifice! We collected Man Di at the Airport and transported her to a hotel in Pointe-a-Pierre. There, David ensured that she was safe and lead us in prayer. Again, I thank God for David and his wife and their support and service. They are definitely people that I believe God placed in my life to help me through this journey.
I must also mention my first impressions of Man Di. When she arrived she hugged me warmly and looked so happy and thrilled to be in Trinidad. The first thing I noticed was her one piece of luggage - a loaded napsack and immediately I could tell that she was a humble and contented person. On the trip home she spoke about the Deaf and I was particularly impressed about her knowledge in linguistics as well as about Deaf culture.
That night I went home tired but extremely excited about what God had in store for the next week! After all, the fact that I was free for this upcoming week is a testimony in itself lol. The Wednesday before Man Di's arrival, I was offered a job and was expected to start working on Monday 1st December. Of course, this meant that I would not have been able to avail myself the way I wanted to for the Deaf and Man Di during National Disabilities Week. YET God remains faithful and true to His work with Agape Deaf Centre.
When I called the following day (Thurs 27th Nov 08), to follow-up on the job offer, I was told that things still needed to finalised! lol I don't think the woman relaying this information knew the joy and peace in felt when I heard those words! lol I was convinced that this upcoming week held something purposeful!
Chrysalis_Pupa held it tightly
This secret
This work
_Coccoon of silk
Hugging
Hiding
Holding
This design
Master's design
_Transition
Composition
Expression
of the Master's mind
_Pupa whispers ss
Mutters ss
Grins with the rose buds
_It's heard
The eyes hear
Pupa's 
Rose buds'
Soul softly saying
Singing
Signing
"Chrysalis"
Alana Z Hosein
13-12-08
10:45am
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