A big 'small lime' at the mall

Saturday 19th December 2009


On this day I met Lisa's lovely mom. I was so happy to meet her and share the experience I had with Lisa during her job interview. I always like to meet parents, family members or guardians of deaf persons because it helps me to gain a greater understanding of that person's domestic life which ultimately leads to a deeper knowledge of that person as an individual.

I was really grateful to share this seemingly common activity of browsing through the mall with Kamal, Lisa and her mom. I am especially happy for these opportunities to have special time with deaf individuals. I want them to know that while they are loved as a group, they are also loved as individuals and spending time with them apart from church and interpreting activities really matters.

I am always mindful of this and so whenever these sometimes brief but always meaningful moments have ended, I leave feeling a sense of joy and contentment, even peace, just knowing that I have just invested in a building relationship. This is how I felt at the end of this short 'lime' with Kamal, Lisa and her mom. I could tell that Lisa's mom was grateful that I was there and that I was willing to help Lisa and Kamal in whatever way I could....how encouraging :) Reader, it was a good day :)

Mayaro

Friday 18th December 2009

Ian and Lisa's job application

Tuesday 15th December 2009

God is good all the time and all the time God is good.

This is a testimony of God's goodness towards Ian and Lisa :D

Day one (1)
After Deaf Church on Sunday last, Ian presented me with a newspaper ad which stated the following:

MOVIETOWNE IS COMING SOON TO CHAGUANAS!

HIRING NOW! Call: 627-2002/4788

Email: jobs@movietowne.com

PRICE PLAZA - CHAGUANAS

He then asked me to respond to the ad via telephone and ask whether or not they would be willing to hire Deaf persons. I agreed to do it.

Day two (2)

The following day, which will be Monday 14th December, Ian texted me and reminded me to contact Movietowne (of course forgetful Jones...or forget Joan that I am...I need these constant texts as reminders lol) Anyway, back to the tory... I called and the woman advised me to visit their Port of Spain branch to fill out an application then the application may be considered. She said that they have never hired Deaf persons before but they were willing to take up the challenge.

So I texted Ian and informed him of what is required and I suggested that we invite Lisa who was searching for a job since August. He agreed and throughout the day, arrangements were made to go to Movietowne, Port of Spain the following day.

Day three (3)

So this is day three. My expectation of this day was that we go, fill out the application form, attach their resumes and photos, leave the application and wait for a response. That was my expectation...but God had a plan lol

First of all, I printed Ian and Lisa's resume with a cover letter addressed to Movietowne, but I forgot it home. I was prepared to return home for them but Omar, our designated driver, suggested that we print it from my flash drive. Later I discovered that I also left that at home but praise God, both Ian and Lisa had their updated resumes and cover letters with a space to insert the employer's name and address.

So God's plan was that we go there, fill out the application forms then have an interview one time!! lol Of course I had no expectations of an interview lol... Anyway, I interpreted for Lisa and Omar agreed to interpret for Ian. We prayed then interviews were in session.

The first thing the interviewer told Lisa was a compliment. Thank you Lord! She admired Lisa's neatness and constantly praised her beauty! Thank you Lord! She was also very concerned about people taking advantage of Lisa and other members of the differently abled community. To be honest, this did not feel like an interview at all lol. I felt as if Lisa and by extension, Ian already had the job and this was just a conversation to ensure that the logistics of the job were understood and any questions or concerns could be addressed lol. Apparently Omar and Ian had the same experience. Well, the interviewer said she will call me and let me know their decision. I guess this was formality because both Omar and I were convinced that they got the job.

Day four (4)
As you know Reader, I have expectations and God's plan always prevails. I expected to be contacted probably later in the week or the following week but God's plan was different. The following two days Thursday 17th December, I received a call from the HR department at Movietowne. Lisa and Ian got the job!! God is so good!

So four (4) days - Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday - if you want to count Wednesday and say five (5) days... it really doesnt matter! What matters is that God is faithful and next year two Deaf persons will have a job. Ian and Lisa have been working tirelessly making jewellry to sell during this Christmas season and I am so happy for them both :)

Thank you Lord for your favour!!

President's Reception

Wednesday 9th December 2009



What a night! When I think about this night I think about mom mentioning - "When you're with them you just feel a special joy eh". Smile...I will be a liar if I say I don't agree.




I enjoyed this night. I was happy also that my mom was there and she too could experience this joy. Thank you Lord. I was able to dance with a Deaf man that I dont usually see very often and I was glad that I was able to. I always like to do little things to help each person remember that they are special to me.

In a nutshell, we ate, we drank, we ate again, we laughed and everyone bombarded the poor president lololol. I was happy to see them happy and I was ESPECIALLY happy to see Bobby from Mayaro approach the President confidently and shake his hand assertively as he greeted him. I am so happy that he and his wife Mala were able to meet the President. It warmed my heart!!


This was my first night at the President's house and it's because of my Precious-es that I was able to do so!! Thank you Lord!

Costa Rica - La Pura Vida

November 2009

Well mi amiga y yo went to Costa Rica in November for some further linguistic studies. Of the few stories there are to share, one particular testimony stands out. We went there hoping to connect with the local deaf and also attend Deaf Church during the two Sundays that we were there.

Fortunately mi amiga randomly met a few deaf persons on a small trip to the city and discovered their usual Friday 'liming' spot. So Friday evening there was only one place we could be. I had decided before that I would only observe and allow my amiga who is more outgoing, to lead in all conversations.

Well, lol all this changed when we arrived. I was just so completely excited and my heart was bubbling with such joy that it was hard to just stand aside and observe lol. We talked and we laughed and we enjoyed ourselves. However, we had not yet met anyone who was attached to a Deaf Church.

God is so good! It was getting a bit late and my blood sugar levels were beginning to drop because I hadn't eaten. So I was trying to explain that I needed to eat to some deaf persons but they did not understand the TTSL sign for diabetic!! lol I tried explaining what it meant but they looked more and more confused lol. I was feeling really unwell yet they insisted that they must understand what I was saying. So they emphatically lead me to their friend Carlos. They said Carlos was smart and that he will understand and he did. So said so done.

AMAZINGLY, my blood sugar level normalised instantaneously after meeting Carlos. I did not realise this until later that night but God had a plan. Carlos and I began talking and when I told him I was from Trinidad, he told me that he knew some Trinidadian Deaf. Then he began listing all the Trinidadian Deaf that he met some years ago ".....Shevon, Ian, Salina, Roger...." LOL I began to jump!! I was sooooo excited!! I called mi amiga! This was the guy we were looking for. This is the person who would know about the Deaf Church and this the person who our Deaf had already connected with on their previous trip to Costa Rica.


Anyway, my heart was just dancing and I felt as if I could not contain the joy I felt just overflowing within me. Carlos (2nd person from left in pic above) seemed very happy as well. He shared about the local Deaf Church and the issues that they had and the literacy hurdles that they had to overcome. He seemed very educated, he was really friendly and I feel in love with his spirit. He reminded me of Ian and I felt like a bit of home was with me in San Jose that night.

I remembered that I had only spoken to Shevon online the day before and he asked me if I had met anyone that they met when they were here. I was amazed at how God operates and how He connects people globally and what tools He uses to bring people together.

It was a great night and my happiest and most fulfilling moment at Costa Rica.

"My hands are small, I know.."

Saturday 10th October 2009

I'm learning Reader, I'm learning...

I am learning what is truly important. It is love. It is relationships. It is kindness. It is laughter. Is this the secret of the rose bud....?

I feel so renewed...sigh. I have been listening to Jhewel's "Hands" for the pass half hour or so and the words are so powerful. Here's a link to it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n-6uyMV9-0 Here are some words that really stood out to me:

"I wont be made useless"
"I am never broken"
"Poverty stole your golden shoes, it didn't steal your laughter"
"In the end, only kindness matters"
"We are never broken"

I just keep thinking about how nothing could break the human spirit... I think about the Deaf women and wives and the power they have within them; that strength that causes them to continue despite because they wont be made useless and they are NEVER broken.

Another thing is that I managed to randomly read one of the comments posted after this youtube video and mention was made of Rachel's Challenge. I challenge YOU to research it at this link http://www.rachelschallenge.org/ You have no excuse now because I provided the link!! I am touched by Rachel Scott's story. THANK YOU LORD FOR MY HANDS.

With these small hands, I will love, I will sign, I will write, I will teach, I will touch lives and_I WILL.

This afternoon some of the Deaf and I went to Logos Hope for a special dinner, tour then persual of the book store. It was an overall success! Yayyyyy!!! Hats off especially to crew members Liz and Jessica for their patience and time and love! *raise hats, smile, nod and replace hats :D Hats off to the wonderful drivers Roger, Kamal and Amena! Hats off to the PRO - Amena who followed through on all calls and ensured that everything was organised well! Hats off to all the lovely ladies who were dressed to impress!! Ok I think we should start clapping cuz ppl hands may be gettin tired from all the "raising of hats.... So finally let's have a healthy, hearty round of applause for all the deaf and hearing people who showed up tonight, ate well, paid attention to the tour guide, asked questions, bought books and left happy like pappy!!! *round of applause :D

Logos Hope brings help, knowledge and hope to people around the world. It's such a simple yet substantial and sustainable vision......errrrrrr which reminds me.... we gotta start working on the ADC vision asap...lol ..not funny :S

Change

Saturday 3rd October 2009

I know it's been a while since I wrote and this could mean two things, namely

1. I am too busy with my Precious-es that I have no time to write; or
2. I am too free doing nothing, that there isn't anything to write about lol

Well, in this instance, the court rules in favour of the former. GOD IS AWESOME. GOD IS AMAZING. I just signed in on my blog moments ago, and I looked at the last post I published and laughed gratefully! Oh how God have been working and initiating change since that day in August!!

I must begin with the first change and blessing since that Monday in August when I wholeheartedly helped Kamal and Lisa and was ever so willing to show them love through this support. Would you believe that during this same week I received a phone call from a woman representing the Ministry of Education, offering me a job as a teacher at Vessigny Secondary School (VSS)!! To make a long story quite short, VSS is much much much closer to where I live than Port of Spain (where I worked before), so since I started teaching in September, I have been more relaxed, more rested, and the best thing of all things is that I GET TO SPEND MORE TIME WITH THE ADC FAMILY!!! WHOO HOOOO!!!

If this were a blog on my experiences as a teacher, I would say that the students could be challenging at times and from day to day I'm presented with endless opportunities to love the unloved to say the very least. However, this blog is not about my teaching experiences lol. What I would say is that I've taught a few classes sign language, specifically the alphabet :D What I would also say is that in my efforts to teach sign language and a little bit of Deaf culture to my students (in other words, as I deviate from the stipulated curriculum hehe), I meet a young student who has Deaf parents!! I am really excited about that and somehow I am ever so keen to ensure that he is well taken cared of.

As I write this, I am realising how much my 'personal' life and my ADC life are intimately intermingled. To me, there is a seamless interaction between the two and I find it hard to separate them. THIS IS MY FAMILY. THIS IS MY HOME. This is where I feel most comfortable and happiest! LOL I am reminded of an experience that I had two (2) Fridays ago at the hearing church. I think that I am so engrossed in the Deaf world that it just becomes a bit discomforting when I am confronted by so many hearing individuals. It's a strange reality. Unlike school and my average expected daily interactions with hearing persons, this Friday, I think that I was not subconsciously prepared to see so many hearing young people gathered together. I felt so misplaced and very uncomfortable. I was literally longing to return to a quiet and less socially charged atmosphere. WOW! I was shocked at my own reaction...

Anyway, where have we been? What have we been up to? I'm glad you asked Reader! We've been to the Logos Hope, we've been to the children's home in Gasparillo, we've been learning how to care for the brushcutters, we've been cleaning and putting things away not only physically but also structurally in terms of our Board of Directors (I'll say more about this shortly). We're been reaping produce and selling them, we've been working on our accounts and inventory as well as clarifying our partnership with SIL and SFOB. People have also been approaching us with a desire to support the Deaf and of course, we've been having fun!

In a nutshell, CHANGE IS HERE. Mama has been with us for a few weeks and as always it was absolutely wonderful having her here. She is not only the founder of ADC but a true Mama to the Deaf and to myself. This last few weeks spent with her revealed so much about her character. I must say "Thank you Lord for the gift of Mama (or Mama Bear as I fondly call her)". I see maturity, wisdom, humility, leadership qualities, inner strength, faith and confidence in an Almighty God in Mama. I can't say enough how much I love, honour, cherish, respect and appreciate her.

Well, as I wrap up this publication, I must mention as promised, that ADC has a new Board of Directors. Mama has passed on her service as Director to me and she is now our dear Trustee. I have no idea what challenges await me, but I am confident that God will see me through. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

PS August 25th, 2009 marked one year since I volunteered to work with ADC. The blessings that I am able to count are numerous but I know that both countable and uncountable blessings are endless. I have been blessed with jobs, opportunities for travel and unexpected favour! What's more is that I fulfilled a mere dream I had of getting a ride on a motorcycle...it sounds trivial but it was amazing!! I am also driving now after about four (4) years of not using my license and even renewing it! Yet most importantly, I have gained a family :D * BIG SMILE!!

Showing Love

Monday 17th August 2009

Tonight Lisa and Kamal came to my home. Mom and I helped them prepare their Resumes and their letters for job applications.

Helping them required no effort. It was an absolute joy to help. The time passed and I did not even realise that it did. It is so easy to love them. I actually look forward for opportunities to show them love and to bless them. I am beginning to see that the easiest and most fulfilling thing for me to do is to demonstrate love to such precious people.

All other administrative things are important but, to me, showing love and taking time to love each individual and do special things to make each person feel appreciated is priceless. I think that one of the most important things for me is ensuring that everyone knows that they are loved and valueable.

The highlight of any day will always be that look in their faces, that spark in their eyes, their smile, their laughter... the little things that makes me know that they feel safe and loved and appreciated and precious!!

John 13:34-5
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Pastor Colin

Sunday 16th August 2009

My Precious of the day is *drum roll...... COLIN WOOD

I was soo impressed by Colin today. I saw a change, a willingness to learn and a sense of initiative and growing spiritual maturity that I had never seen in him before. During Deaf Church today, Ian asked him to explain last week's teaching. He wrote Hebrews 10:24 and went on to explain it thoroughly. He said the scripture, he explained what it meant and he gave such relevant examples without anyone prompting. I looked on and it was hard to ignore how good he was! Everyone applauded him energetically.



I was a bit amazed and very proud of the change I had witnessed. When church was over, he said the closing prayer and yet again he grabbed my attention. His prayer was so detailed and genuine. He remembered to pray for the special needs identified in the service and there was a clear sense of maturity in his requests. His prayer revealed that he had paid attention during the teaching. Again, everyone seemed to experience the same joy I felt by the obvious difference in attitude.

I told both Colin and his wife Krystal how impressed I was that he remembered the teachings!! I was so moved by this unexpected change and I was so grateful to God and all His hidden treasures in secret places!

Well, after church, we went to visit a good friend of ours who was at the hospital. Everyone got an opportunity to express a greeting to our friend and yet again Colin stood out!! He volunteerily went to our sick friend and began to give strong words of encouragement and wisdom. I stood and looked on with gladness and awe at God's work in Colin's life. He spoke with such authority and his words were so powerful and uplifting. I believed it but I still couldnt believe that this was the same Colin I knew.

I told him that he was a great teacher, a good intercessor and now a counsellor!! So I started to call him Pastor Colin! When I went to tell his wife, she was happy and she told me that he had already told her about his new name lol.

It was the most encouraging thing to see Colin maturing in the Lord. Today I got a sneak peak of the potential that God has placed within him and I was reminded that I may sometimes overlook the potential in others but God NEVER does. Everyone has spiritual giftings and a purpose to fulfill in life and God in His wisdom and His timing has equipped us with the tools to do what He has called us to do!

prIde

Sunday 2nd August 2009

Today we had fast and prayer at ADC.

Mama humbly spoke about prIde. After a few scripture verses about pride and the Deaf recapping Hebrews 10:24 and 2 Samuel 6 about showing love and Mical's prIde, Mama lead by example and openingly began to confess about her own prIde and how God had to deal with her.


It was a transparent and tearful session but it occurred in an environment of love and trust. One by one, people began to move forward and forgive others and push prIde aside. Wives were moved by Mama's testimony and confession. I also tearfully asked Mama to forgive me for the resentment I held deep inside for her abandoning me in my initial days with the Deaf. I had not realised that I kept that inside even though I acknowledged that God had intented for it to be that way in order for me to depend wholeheartedly on Him!! There was an obvious healing and cleansing taking place among us.

After these public confessions, Mama lead me directly to Man Di and I was able to also ask for her forgiveness and restore our relationship. I really look forward to a long standing friendship with her and I know that God has a wonderful plan and good things ahead for us!

Today we exposed the enemy! I did not realise how much prIde I had. I guess prIde would not allow me to see my own prIde. I was too proud to confess my sins and to ask for forgiveness. I really felt like a burden that I did not even know was there, was lifted!! At the beginning of the session Mama spoke about Matthew 7:3 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? I was quick to criticize and complain without looking within myself and acknowledge my own sin and repent.

As of today, my admiration of Mama has grown tremendously. I respect her even more for her honesty, for her obedience to God and for her humility. What a woman! I have learnt so much from her today. I have learnt what it means to be human. Our humanity is not so much defined as our imperfections, but more so our ability to admit those imperfections and to correct them; to seek forgiveness and to forgive.

Something truly amazing happened today.

It's ma birthday!!

Tuesday 28th July 2009

This was the best birthday I ever had.

My co-workers, my friends and my family made me feel special. Yet what made the biggest difference this year is my Precious, Deaf friends....*smile :)

I invited everyone to come to my home to celebrate my birthday with me. I was touched to see how Shevon and Roger began to plan the 'event' without me prompting them. Over the years, I have planning several birthdays for friends and organised surprised birthday parties and threw a baby shower and other house warming events but I had never really had someone or a group of people volunteerily plan something for me with such thought.

When Shevon asked people to say a story about me, I found that to be so thoughtful. I was so touched by the things they said. I caught myself smiling throughout!! I was just completely happy. (See link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QPM_251TSA ) Roger shared the story of the 10 Lepers that Jesus healed and the one who returned to give thanks in Luke 17:11-17.



There was a balloon bursting competition (male and female category) and surprising I found the greatest joy in the popping of the balloons!! lol. See link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2zdTjQC-gI I felt so honoured to be in the company of such wonderful people. Yes I was looking forward to my birthday and all the things that would have been in store but nothing really mattered other than my get together with my Precious-es.

It was also pretty amazing to see the response of everyone after I requested a plant as a gift. I received sixteen (16) plants in total!! Lisa and Kamal gave me five (5) plants!! lol Michelle sent a plant even though she could not be there. I felt so loved, so special ...I was at home with my family...

Well the highlight of my evening was not my cake with the two (2) one (1) candles (although I'm really 23), it was my custom-made pinata!!!!! Roger and Shevon made a pinata for me with the help of some others!! It was my first pinata and I felt sooooo special. Well, the funniest thing is that I couldn't even dent it when it was time to hit it lol. Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIkUM5ddIi4

Roger prayed for my mom and I and all the other people with birthdays in July.

At the end of the day my happiness was complete and it was just much much much more than I imagined or could have imagined. I have so much to be thankful for. I really feel tremendously blessed to have meet Mama and all my Precious friends. Imagine a lonely little girl like me, with all these friends and blessed with so much love!!!

I am eternally grateful...

Sharing God's Word

Sunday 26th July 2009

Today Mama taught during Deaf Church.

I was able to help her by reading the scripture verses while she dramatised. I also wrote the verses on the board and drew some of her drawings on the board as a visual aid. I am ALWAYS happy and willing to help her. She is my mentor, my friend, my mother :D It is a definite pleasure to serve her and so it is effortless and easy to do it with a willing and kind heart.

I thought that the message was very effective. The Deaf understood the lesson and I too learnt. It was a three (3) part teaching. The first teaching was based on Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds which being interpreted in the Deaf Bible translates to think about how you may help other people, show love and do good things. Mama emphasized how it is important no to complain and critisize and how listening to someone gossip about another contributes to the sin. We were enlightened. Even though it may seem as a simple message, it is these simple things that we overlook from day to day and need to be reminded of them from time to time.

The second lesson was the story of Moses when God instructed him to keep his hand lifted with the rod in order for the Isralites to win the battle against the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-13). Mama showed how Aaron and Hur helped Moses by bringing a stone for him to sit on and holding his hands when they were tired. In this way, they showed love and did a good thing. Furthermore, she added the story of Miriam complaining against Moses found in Numbers 12:1-15. She stressed the importance of not complaining especially against those God has placed as leaders.

Thirdly, we learnt about the pride of Mical daughter of Saul in 2 Samuel 6:14-23 who despised David worshiping, leaping and dancing before the Lord.

It was a good session all in all. I learnt some lessons that I overlooked before and I know that the Deaf were enlightened.

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

Mama is here!!!!! Come leh we go Arima

Sunday 19th July 2009

This day was such a testimony.

The night before this day, Shevon, Roger and I were trying to decide what arrangements could be made to take 25 Deaf persons to D'Abadie at Divine Encounter Fellowship. A Deaf missionary was carded to speak.

We were unable to secure the church van and so we were trying to tally all the vehicles we had among ourselves to accomodate everyone. Of course, we fell short lol. We laughed at ourselves. First of all, the battery in Mama's car was dead!! Roger and Shevon came up with a mastermind plan to exchange batteries from Mama's car to Roger's car. In this way, Shevon was able to drive to the airport with Mama's car and collect her without worrying about shutting down! LOL Roger was now going to use his car with the dead battery by faith!

They then suggested that I called Mr Cleavon to find out if his van was available for us. I knew that his seven (7) seater vehicle had some problems but I still called. He too decided to go by faith even though the van was not in the best condition.

So off we went Sunday morning. Roger's car, Azard's car and Mr Cleavon's van. Some people came separately with Kamal's brother. Well, there were no shut downs!!!! Praise the Lord!!!!!!

We reached D'abadie safely and meet Mama! YAY!!!! I'm always so happy to see her! God knows how much she blesses me :D. The message was a blessing. It was wonderful to see a Deaf person so knowledgable about the Bible and so passionate about God and empowering the Deaf.

Mr Cleavon as usual was another blessing. As usual, he was patient. As usual, he did not complain. As usual, he stretched himself to accomodate the Deaf. Oh! What a blessing he is! Mama, Mr Cleavon and I got an opportunity to sit and talk about the goodness of God and His works. Without a doubt God brought us together for such a time as this!

I just want to know...steups

Tuesday 16th June 2009

I meant to write about some young Deaf persons that I continue to see at the PTSC bus terminus as I wait for my bus to go home after work. I meant to write about how I often long to talk to them but I'm praying for the right opportunity to. I meant to write about how good it is to share the gospel with the Deaf leaders and how encouraged I feel when I encourage them. I meant to write about that.

Tonight I intend to write about something that has troubled my heart enough for me to just write about it, question it, publish it... Where to begin? Sigh...I guess the question weighing on my mind and more my heart is really What makes a Hearing person better than a Deaf person? Their ability to hear?? Sometimes I wonder if that is even an ability...steups. There is so much more to life than prestige and wealth. Human relationships is the most valuable investment....Humility is key.

The most disheartening, discouraging, disappointing thing is when you expect a certain group of people to know better and to act differently from other people groups then you are slapped...yes slapped with the rude reality that it simply is not so. Maybe I am biased...maybe...but how does being biased towards the Deaf justify the prejudice, disrespect, negligance and indifference shown to the Deaf?? HOW?? steups again

So my question remains...how does a Hearing person automatically gain rank over a Deaf person?

Whosoever equals homeless, blind, deaf, orphan, widow, sick, aged, outcast, unloved, rejected, prostitute, tax collector ....Jesus died for us all.

Amazing how the sun and rain know how to shine and fall without partiality, yet we are still learning these lessons...

Indian Arrival Day at Shevon's home

Saturday 30 May 2009

Shevon invited my mom and I to his home for Indian Arrival Day. My mom decided to forfeit another activity to go and I was so glad that we went.

I have a testimony to share:

I'll start off by saying that directions have never been a strength of mine. So even though I've been by Shevon's home a few times before, mostly at night, the directions were very sketchy in my head. Shevon had told me to text him so that he could give me his mom's number and she could then direct us. We texted. We got no reponse but we were on our way.

We drove through some familiar places and I could remember some of the houses but I just could not recall the street that Shevon lived in. We texted Shevon again. No response. I knew that it would be on the left side but I just did not know what street it was. I began to feel a bit disheartened and started to consider returning home. I eventually told my mom to turn at the next street so we may begin our journey back home.

It so happened that the street she pulled into seemed to be a bit familiar. I asked her to drive further in and I saw the house in the distance!!!!! I saw Ian signing to some others at the back and I was so excited that we just sort of stumbled upon the house lol. GOD IS SO GOOD!

Mom and I had to be there.

There were several precious Deaf there. The girls and I had a little one on one girl talk. We looked at a video of Deaf sports. Mom bonded with the babies. It was just a relaxing afternoon.

When we left, I realised that for those few hours that we spent with the Deaf, it felt as if my world had paused. In other words, the fusses and stresses of life were forgotten for that period and I had no care in the world. I could not help but smile as we drove away and share the way I felt with my mother. My heart and mind was at peace.

Spending time with such Precious people is undoubtedly therapeutic. It is an amazing feeling of absolute joy that is only completely realised upon leaving their presence.

Terrance and Linda's Wedding

Sunday 24th May 2009

Also coming soon

Back with my Precious-es

Sunday 10th May 2009

The Sunday after I returned from the trip, the Deaf were excited to hear stories and testimonies about my time in Amsterdam. I decided to tell them about my delayed flight from Suriname to Amsterdam and the different obstacles, fears and huddles I faced. In the end, I let them know that it was God who kept me and protected me. I was also able to learn a few new signs through story telling. Here is a short clip of me relating the story. It is only after looking at this video clip that I realised that everyone was really engrossed in what I was relating. I never imagined myself to be so engaging. I praise the Lord for His grace.

Trip to Suriname/Amsterdam

Thursday 16th April to Sunday 3rd May 2009

Plants on the way!

Wednesday 15th April 2009

Today I had a good time at ADC. This was my second visit since the planting project and I'm pleased to report that things have progressed nicely. There are now lettuces and patchoi plants in the planting boxes and sooner or later they'll be ready for sale and consumption. I'm excited that what was once a vision, is now a reality!!

I was also able to speak to the hearing students about the use of the terms "dumb" and "mute" when refering to Deaf or Hard of Hearing persons. I explained quite passionately that Deaf persons are not stupid and that they do have a voice. I told them that most times they have to explain something to me and help me understand! lol I also emphasized that they are not voiceless and pointed out that they could be heard when they are laughing!

I'm ALWAYS happy to make a difference and I know that the students' mindset was changed. It was also very refreshing to see the students sign and interact with the Deaf!

God ordained teaching

Sunday 12th April 2009

I feel as if Deaf Church was God-ordained today. Very few Deaf persons came but I know that God was at work and that the Holy Spirit was with us. Stephen, Fatima, Crystal, Roger, Sindy and I decided to pray for different needs while we waited for the others to come. This little prayer group was truly powerful. Before praying, we identified different prayer requests and then we held hands in a circle and prayed one by one. Eventually, Denyse and her son (hearing), Catherine, Shevon, Neil, his wife, Joel and Jeremy came. We prayed for Mama and her family, Siquina and Obe’s marriage, Deaf marriages, Deaf who have strayed from God’s presence, the sick, the unbelievers, safety, the government and the summit. We prayed and we prayed.

As time elapsed, we started very productive discussions on the Deaf and critical issues were raised. Shevon told us that he read on the newspapers that a Deaf man from San Fernando had stabbed a hearing person. Denyse told us about another Deaf man who committed suicide some months ago. Of course we also mentioned the Deaf man from Gasparillo who was beaten to death (see previous post entitled “Deaf Mute Beaten to Death”. We prayed for God’s protection.

Somehow the discussion smoothly flowed into the topic of Deaf marriages. Now I want to pause so you may understand the context and settings of these discussions. The initial six of us decided to pray for one another and then probably visit Faith Centre (after several invitations extended by Thaddaeus) because we assumed that no more Deaf were coming. So we did not bother to arrange the chairs for Deaf Church. We were already moved to the Training Room and we simply occupied a small space in between the tables and chairs to pray. Nothing was really planned or premeditated. YET, God in His wisdom had a plan and a purpose.

Yes, so a discussion on Deaf marriages – current marriages, a marriage carded for today and those pending – was seamlessly initiated. This seamlessly integrated discussion emerged into an entire teaching on marriages!! PRAISE THE LORD!!! The transition was so smooth, that God alone could receive glory for it! Denyse simply began by expressing her opinion about Deaf persons rushing to get married then she began some strong and sound marriage counselling possibly without even realising it! She emphasized Family Devotions and at the end of the teaching challenged the men present to begin having devotions with their families. She urged the wives to support their husbands and in cases where the man refused to have devotions, for the woman to initiate it regardless. It was a powerful and timely lesson.

I looked on and my heart was swollen with gratitude and awe of God who heard the cry and longing from the Deaf to have one such session. Denyse was really passionate about the topic and stressed that she will continue teaching about marriage. GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST!

A Great Good Friday!!

Friday 10th April 2009

Today I went Mayaro for the second time with my Deaf family. I got up this morning a little indecisive as to whether I should go or whether I should stay home and rest for the holiday. I actually told my mom that I wasnt going then I changed my mind.

The day was wonderful! I am even bold enough to say that it was one of the best days of my life :D

Deaf church was great. Ryan testified of God's goodness. He told of how he fasted and prayed and was able to do his driving test and get his license. I was so proud of him! I remember going with him to do his regulations and now I was looking on as he testified about how he got his license!! :D He said that two other Deaf persons were there when he went to do the test but he was the only one that passed. He also talked about one of the officers constantly checking to make sure he was okay. The favour of God was upon him!! Smile =)

Roger taught about Jesus washing his disciples feet and also about the woman who washed Jesus' feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. After the Word, we washed each other's feet. This was a very interesting experience for me. Each person stood before the other and told them something special like "I love you, you are my brother/sister in Christ, we are family" and proceeded to wash their feet and dry it. I reminded everyone that we serve one another in Christ and I felt as if something truly remarkable and amazing was unfolding before me!

I was also able to meet some new Precious Deaf people. Ryan I knew before, but was ever so glad to spend some more time with him since I hardly see him. I meet Rovin for the first time. He was a bit quiet but I was so happy to meet him and I took special care to make him feel loved. I meet two Deaf families and another Deaf woman. They were all very friendly and pleasant. I am always intrigued by the children of the Deaf and the love and unity among Deaf spouses and their children. They seem to have a close knittedness that is often absent in a hearing family.

Today was Shiva's birthday!! Roger had him face the white board and quizzed him as everyone prepared his cake. When he turned around and saw the cake, he was shocked!! lol I remember him thanking his parents for everything they're done for him. There is a deep sense of gratitute and humility that emanates from Shiva and his parents (Bobby and Mala). In fact, I am still amazed at how innovated and creative Bobby is!! Oh! I forgot to mention their home has transformed since the last and also first time I've been there. Bobby made use of the pattern on the galvanise and some broken tile and cement to make a unique step. Mala also cooked lunch and baked muffins and cake to celebrate her son's eighteenth birthday. Oh how I love this family!

After eating, we crossed the road and spent some time on the beach. I learnt a little about fishing and even tried to fish a little. I caught no fish lol but I am confident that I was one of the happiest "gyals" on the beach! What amazing is that some time during the week while I was passing the Creek to go home, I saw some people fishing and I silently wished I had an opportunity to fish. Now here I was holding a fishing rod at the end of the same week. Does my God know the desires of my heart? He sure does.

When we left Mala's home, we visited a Deaf woman named Paula. I chuckle to myself as I think about what took place. It so happened that Roger told me that he wanted to visit a Deaf person on our way to Mayaro and he asked me to remind him on our way home. I forgot :( Roger also forgot but somehow God just nudged him and he abruptly made a turn in a side road and when we looked to the left the house was there! Wow! All the Deaf in the van went to Paula's home to visit her. She was shy. After talking to her for a few moments, I realised that we had planned to visit this same woman on Sunday after church! This was the same Deaf woman who does not have much Deaf friends and her sister called me on Saturday to arrange a meeting (see post dated 04-04-09). It's amazing how God operates because she was spending the Easter holidays with her parents in Mayaro!

After this visit Roger took us to visit two Deaf girls who are married to two hearing brothers in Rio Claro, then a Deaf man in Princes Town. I was happy to meet ALL the Deaf! I had an Easter Production to attend at 6:30pm and I could not be bothered by the time!! It was the greatest Good Friday ever!

Deaf Mute Beaten to Death

Tuesday 7th April 2009

This article was in one of our local newspapers today.

It appears that the Deaf man who we're called Fred, then Krishna is really Mr Deoraj Boysie. (See previous posts dated 09.11.08, 31.01.09, 04.04.09, 05.04.09). I read the article and was disheartened to know that he was "beaten with a concrete block outside the abandoned house he called home in Gasparillo last week...He was found unconscious bloodied and battered outside the house..."

I cant help but feel that cut at my heart as I wonder if and how things may have been different had we met him. The Deaf who went to visit him had loved him even though they never met him. We heard his story and our hearts went out to him. I am changed. Sigh..

Day 1 of Planting Project

Monday 6th April 2009

I did not go to work today (I hope no one from work is reading lol). I planned to do some outstanding things that needed to be done but I ended up going to ADC. Some students from Siparia Senior went to ADC to start a planting project which is due to be completed on next week Friday.

Again, God has given His Deaf children favour! Mama and Papa had expressed a desire to start using the land to plant produce. The Deaf had began to cut the grass but I was really unsure as to how we were to actually go about planting lol. Of course I was confident that God will make a way!! Didnt He make so many ways in times passed when I had not a clue of how I was to get something done!!! Oh yes He did! So making productive use of land is a small matter for such a big God.

I had approached my mom about helping out with the project on Sunday 22nd March 2009. Would you believe in the few days that followed she was able to get a group of students from her school to assist!! Isn't God awesome!! I remember how she always came to mind everytime the topic was raised.

What a wonderful day today was! The students came but Lisa was the only Deaf of the four who made a commitment to come, that showed up. I was prompted to go to ADC after discovering that she was there alone. I believe that God had put all these things in place! When mom and I arrived, Lisa and I were able to teach the students the alphabet in sign language and it was obvious that they were enjoying themselves. It was clear that they loved her.

I was also happy to spend some one on one time with her. When I texted her and told her not to worry and that I was coming, she replied "Ok. Fine. Smile." That last word melted my heart. I just wanted to go to make sure she was ok. The smiles on the all the students' faces were priceless! They were looking forward to coming tomorrow and they were all too excited about learning sign language.

What's more, their teacher volunteered to teach the Deaf English once she learns sign language. I was OVERJOYED!! I told Lisa that God is blessing us already since we started to use the land!! I am so excited for what these 8days will hold for these young children and for ADC. Already I could see that just one petite Deaf woman has changed their lives in a few hours...I wonder what God has in store for them tomorrow! Wish I could be there!!

Deaf Church at ADC

Sunday 5th April 2009

This was a wonderful Sunday. We had Deaf Church at ADC and it was one of the best services. The Deaf had the opportunity to go to a spot of choice and talk to God. It was really something beautiful to see them dispersed around the centre spending one on one time with God. The Word was good and the the worship was awesome. In the end, everyone was glad they came.

I am happy to report that it was also the first day that the Deaf were allowed to drive the church van!!! We praised God for it!!

Nearing the end of the service, I received a phone call. Fred whose real name is Krishna (see previous post) had died... I reported the news to the Deaf and everyone was a bit shaken. I know that this news cut at my heart. I could not help but wonder if things would have been different if we had reached him in time. I was dazed and I felt that he deserved to be loved and to belong and I thought that we may have been able to give him that opportunity. I wanted to be his friend, hear his story, look into his eyes and let him know that there is a God who loves Him! Yet I dear not question God's authority.

Despite Krishna's death, I was happy as I always am, to spend time with my Precious-es!! I have an even greater zeal to meet the Deaf woman who is friendless and lonely. My prayer is that she too, like so many Deaf, will come to know God's love, acceptance and peace! My God us as His beacon of hope and channel of love.