More Deaf to Love :D

Saturday 4th April 2009

My Saturday could not have started off any better!! Ring ring.. I answered the phone and a woman called me concerning her Deaf sister who is basically friendless and lonely. I was ever so happy to receive the call. This was an opportunity to love another Deaf person and in loving them, show them God's love - an agape love. When the conversation ended I could not help but be happy! :D Another precious person would have a place that she could belong and people that she could call family! Isn't that wonderful?!

That afternoon, I got a call from a friend of mine. She informed me that Fred (see previous post dated Sun 9th Nov 08) whose real name is .... was hospitalised. Remember Fred? He was the Deaf, homeless man from Gasparillo living in the abandoned home. He was also lonely and friendless. Well, I had already decided to talk to the Deaf leaders on the following day so we could arrange to visit him at the hospital.

I was really looking forward to finally seeing him and allowing the Deaf to witness to him and forge a lifelong friendship with him. We had attempted to meet him on two occasions (09-11-08 and 31-01-09) but were unsuccessful. I was not happy about his condition but was very hopeful and equally overjoyed about finally meeting him and loving him!

Who is like Him? The Lion and the Lamb sitted on the throne

Sunday 29th March 2009

I missed Deaf Church on this day. I reached just in time to meet the Deaf then leave to visit our deaf friend Mr George Daniel. Azard, Roger, Cindy, Leela and I went to visit him but stopped by subway to eat lunch on our way there.

Lol...I think that sometimes I get so accustomed with the Deaf that I often forget that people are genuinely amazed when they see them talking or asserting their independence. I have had a similar experience whenever I'm with someone who is physically different. I guess on first sight, their differences are very apparent but once you get to the know that person and love them, you tend to forget that they are different. It has happened to me time and time again. You see their heart and everything else fades away... melts away... disappears!

It so happened that Joel and Jeremy (children of a Deaf married couple) came to subway with their parents while we were there. I just observed them as they chatted with us. Joel and Jeremy are such sweethearts! Sometimes I wonder what it is like to have Deaf parents, what sort of experiences they must have had and are having and how the children of the Deaf view the world. It is an intriguing thing to consider. Joel and Jeremy are such contented, happy, humble and loving children and it is also clear that they support and respect their parents. What a blessing they are!

Our visit to Mr Daniel was quite productive. I am glad we went. He told us a story that definitely changed our outlook on life. It's not my story to tell but it reminded me that God is the captain of our lives and a very present help in time of trouble!! He is a faithful, loving and merciful God! Who is like Him?

Our God is an AWESOME God!!

Sunday 22nd March 2009

Deaf Church was at Agape Deaf Centre on this Sunday. It was my first Deaf church there and I loved it. The change in environment was so refreshing and ideal. It was satisfying to see the Deaf relax and be free while they sat and listened to God's Word outdoors with the blowing wind and natural atmosphere.

I spent my entire Sunday there and I would not have done it any other way if given the choice. The Deaf's company, Mama's company, the peacefulness and calm of the day was uncompared.

Mama and I discussed future plans and developments for the Deaf and everything just linked and connected with my spirit! It is AMAZING how God plants a seed of desire in your heart, then gives you sneak peaks along the way as He puts things in place for it to come to pass. I listened to Mama speak and I was just...AMAZED!!! Often times she speaks directly to my soul without realising it. It is such as remarkable thing to hear your dreams and vision articulated by someone else; it's as if an invisible bond is created and even though it's unseen, you know that something great is taking place!

I write with the STRONGEST conviction that this is where God wants me to be and purpose will continue to be fulfilled in my life! Our God is an awesome God!

And God, in His wisdom, teaches us how to depend on Him wholeheartedly

Monday 6th April 2009

Hello Reader,

I know it been a while since I've last written...(about 6 weeks to be exact)...and for that I apologise. My role in the lives of the Deaf has not been as frequent as it used to be and even my last post attests to that. Nevertheless, I have come to realise that God is taking care of the Deaf and working things out His way.

It seems as if God in His might and wonder has directed things in such a way that the Deaf have no other choice but to depend on Him alone! I'm just observing how He is shaping them and how they are learning more and more to trust in Him wholeheartedly!!

I intend to publish four more blogs to bring you up-to-date with what has been happening...at least from my end...rest assured that these few blogs are not a reflection of the great work God is doing in the Deaf's lives from day to day.

Cast down but not destroyed (2 Corin 4:9)

Tuesday 24th February 2009

I'm not sure if I mentioned this in my blog before, but I started working about three months ago and it has become increasing difficult to spend time and be involved in the lives of the precious Deaf. It is a discomforting feeling to know that I could only be available on weekends and when I do see them on Sundays for Deaf Church, I feel so disconnected from their lives.

I am not satisfied...

Some time ago a Deaf girl texted me about a personal issue that she has been going through. I felt her burden as if it were mine. My little heart just went out to her and I wanted to help in whatever way I could. I remember reflecting upon the particular circumstance and feeling so restricted and irritated because I was not available on weekdays. I went to work the following day very discouraged and with a burning desire to return to my first love...

Please understand that I am contented with my job, it's just that I would feel much more at ease if there were someone to attend to needs of the Deaf during the week. Attending Deaf Church on Sundays are just not enough. Even when I forsake the hearing service to stay with them, I still feel somewhat disconnected and ultimately dissatisfied.

Well...God is still in control. I say "have your way Father"

Mention must be made of the Bible Translation Project with SIL. Pastor Mark, Bro Nico and I had a meeting recently and I happy to report that things seem to be working out smoothly. I'm looking forward to serving the Deaf in this capacity!!

Though I may feel discouraged, I know that God is working in my life and the lives of he Deaf and He is faithful to complete the good work that He began in our lives.

I TRUST YOU LORD.

MAYARO

Saturday 31st January 2009

MAYARO :)

So today some of the Deaf and I went to Mayaro to repair the roof of Bobby and Mala's home. For the past ten (10) years, Deaf Church has been taking place at their home in Mayaro allowing the Deaf community closeby to have the opportunity to hear God's Word and meet other Deaf. This was my first time there and I LOVED IT!!!

The breeze, the background waves, the overall atmosphere. It felt like I went on a one day vacation. BEAU-TI-FUL.

Mr Cleavon took a small group and I there early Saturday morning. I may have been the most excited person in the van lol. I was looking forward to going for the entire week and I was just bubbling inside on our way! I was not disappointed. I could go on and on about the wonderful atmosphere there and the scenic view but I think one of the most outstanding things is Bobby and Mala's humble, simple, awesome home! I am so glad I went!

I guess for the average person looking on, the house bears no outstanding, enviable features. I invite that person to look closer. Look again! You'll see a home built with hard work and love. Each board secured to another with a labour of love. Each stone across the pathway thoughtfully laid to warmly welcome its guests. Each room, each corner obviously well planned and constructed by the designer. Love lives there and if you take a walk further inside, you'll find contentment, joy and laughter lodging.

On this Saturday morning, I walked into a home; a home filled with people who came for one sole purpose - to repair, to rebuild, to reconstruct. I think as old, rusty sheets of galvanised were replaced with new sheets of aluzinc (not sure if that's spelt correctly), as rotted wood were replaced by sturdier, stronger lengths and those that promised to serve for some more years were ridded of termites, as old nails were replaced with new and the boards and aluzinc and nails were secured - pong pong pong - my mind was also being renewed. At the end of the day, my thoughts were revised. What was important just one week before became insignificant.

I observed how the hearing men worked with the Deaf. There was no competition, no strife, no discord; only togetherness, oneness and a work towards a specific goal. We prayed for the sun and God responded to our request. The sun was our overhead witness. No rain. Praise God! :)

Mr Cleavon came and he worked and he helped and he cut wood and he ponged and he advised and he laughed and the work of his hands revealed that his heart was with us. We had planned to leave at 4pm but Mr Cleavon simply stated that we'll leave when they have completed the roofing. lol I laugh at myself because I was keeping tabs on time (concerned about Mr Cleavon and the time I told him and the church) but Shevon was telling me not to worry and here was Mr Cleavon advising that we leave when the job was done! lol I have a habit was telling people to relax, now I have to tell myself - "Alana, relax" lolol

Mala also caught my attention - ever so humble and hard working. She reminded me of my mom. I had cut my finger while cutting some veggies and before I blinked my eyes she got a napkin to stop the bleeding and was at my side with a plaster to cover the cut. She only had to know about a request for water and it was there. I mentioned that I wanted some of her fever grass, she got up instantaneously and dug out a few pieces for me! If the boys needed something, she was on it. Mala - so hospitable and selfless; a wonderful woman, mother and wife. It is not surprising that she will open her home weekly to serve the Deaf community.

It was the first time that I met Mala's husband Bobby. He is really a skilled, resourceful and hard working man. I looked at him work and I called him the contractor of the wok! lol He knew what he was doing and he overseered the entire operation with a zeal and commitment that is uncompared. I really respect him and admire him. He was especially innovative and it was interesting to see how he was able to put everything to good use. He flipped a bottle of water over, attached it to a stick, punctured a hole in the bottle cover and used it to water the plants. He made a table with small pieces of wood. I could tell that their home was not just the warm touches of a caring wife but also the labour of a resourceful, "nothing must go to waste" husband. :) I smile to myself as I write this blog! :)

Shiva also left an impression on me. Mala and Bobby are his parents. I looked at him work with joy and as he spoke to me I could only see humility shining through. He told me about the turtles that come on the stores to make young ones. I was initially shakened when he told me that he has drunk the liquid in the turtle eggs. Bobby and everyone else insisted that it was good for strengthening the back. I'm sure I'll learn alot if I stayed there for a week. I will be a totally new person.

I want to also make mention of Colin (boy in green). He was supposed to meet us at church but we left him because he had not arrived or responded to our texts. It so happened that he travelled. A man saw him in Mayaro, called us and I directed him to the house. He dropped Colin there. Though late, though the victim of many playful "talks" about his lateness, Colin Welsh worked diligently, skillfully and purposefully. Mr Cleavon pointed this out to me and I observed him I saw a focussed Colin, hammering away, lifting and fixing and alining and working. I was proud of him. It was really good to see him doing something constructive with such concentrated attention and motivation.

This week I began reading a book by Kay Warren called "Dangerous Surrender". She states:

"...if you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead, and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75 percent of the people in this world! If you have any money in the bank some in your wallet and some spare change in a dish somewhere, you are among the top 8 percent of the world's wealthy; 92 percent have less to live on than you do! If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 500 million other people in the world. If you can attend worship services at church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than three billion people in the world." (p. 22)

Proverbs 28:6 Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse

Proverbs 22:2 Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all.

Matthew 16:26 What does it profit a manif he should gain the whole worldand lose his own soul?

1 Timothy 6:6-12 6But godliness with contentment is great gain.7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 11But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 17Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Matthew 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

This trip to Mayaro changed my life.

My Christmas in January

Sunday 25th January 2008

Today was a long, full and wonderful day :)

I think this may have been one of the best Deaf Church sessions I've been to. There was fast and prayer but with a difference. The Deaf were worshipping using their own songs and words :D. Man Di had suggested that they do this and to witness it actually unfold was pretty amazing :D Denyse had commented that she thought that the Deaf had grown and from the short time that I've been with them I have noticed that overall development. They are no longer leaning on the hearing community to get things done. I smile when I think about the good work God began and is faithful to complete in this Ministry.

I was also able to testify for the first time in Deaf Church. I told them about my experience on Monday and how I learnt to trust God and depend on His Word (Exodus 14:14 "The LORD is fighting for you! So be still!"). I think that I've also grown. My Sign Language has developed over these last 5 months and had never expected that I would have learnt so much in such a short interval. Isn't God awesome?

:) I had the opportunity to see Uncle Elred for the first time this year. I consider myself to be blessed to know the Anthony Family and I felt so comfortable with each member. Although I have not spent much time with them, I continue to testify that I feel as if I've know them all for years! I look up to and respect Uncle Elred as a daughter does her father. I have officially adopted Aunty Olga and Uncle Elred as my "Mama" and "Papa" [:) again]

Well, on this Sunday, we planned to visit Mr George Daniel and were momentarily doubtful as to whether or not we should go because he has not responded to the calls we made. We considered making an appointment to see him at another time but Roger expressed an interest to go so we WENT FORWARD BY FAITH. Mr George Daniel was home and the visit was a success. I am so glad we went!!! Could I have spent my Sunday any better way?...no. The joy and contentment that filled Mr Daniel's home was priceless. I looked at Roger and Mr Daniel playing drafts with a zeal that could only be understood when one witnesses it. They both presented the other with a challenge that was welcomed by each.

After this visit, Azard, Shevon, Roger, Ian and I went to Pizza Hut. I was completely contented. If I never said directly that I prefer the company of the Deaf, I'm saying it now. I laughed, we joked, we talked, we shared, we ate, we overate and we laughed some more. Wow! I never imagined that I would have been able to fit so naturally with such precious friends...look at me now :)

When you're with someone you trust in

never needing to pretend

Someone who helps you know yourself

You know you're with a friend

So after this trip, Roger and I went to church to wait for Mama and Papa. I valued this evening. Roger was able to experience Hour of Power. We worshipped together and it was one of those experiences not easily forgotten. It was really special to me. We signed the songs together as the congregation sang out loud. :)

What a day! Eventually when Mama and Papa arrived and collected Roger, in my haste, I fell. I'm still recovering from that fall but this fall in no way represented the height of joy I felt on this day - My Christmas in January!

God will take care of us

Friday 23rd January 2009

On this afternoon, the Deaf leaders met at church with Aunty Olga for a meeting. I was tired. After this week I am certain that activities of any sort between Monday and Friday are out of the question for me.

During this meeting, after this meeting and on my way home I felt discouraged :( The prayer within my heart was for God to send help. In fact I think I unconsciously blurted out "God send help" during the meeting because I was beginning to feel pressured and overwhelmed (not to mention tired).

There were things to be done and the universal question was "who?" Who would do this and who would do that and I could not commit to anything. I could see the "who?" on their faces and I felt the blow to my heart when I could not say "I will go". I may have seemed detached to all present - I'm not sure - but my mind was consumed and maybe a bit shocked with the reality that the seasons in my life have changed and God was doing a new thing. Somehow I feel that He wants the Deaf to learn to depend on Him ALONE yet I cannot say.

What I do know is that God will make a way when there seems to be no way. I wanted to cry and I admit that it bothered me deeply but I trust that God will provide for the Deaf as He ALWAYS does.

Our life is in His hands.

I am also learning that it is NOT about me. So His will be done.

Meeting with Mr George Daniel

Tuesday 20th January 2009

After work Aunty Olga took me to Morvant to meet Mr George Daniel. He is an advocate and pioneer for the rights of Disabled Persons.

A priviledge.

That is what it was like to meet such a wonderful man. To be in a room with Aunty Olga and Mr George Daniel felt so natural. I felt like I just fit in so naturally. I listened as they spoke and I could only hear their hearts speaking. Two wonderful, passionate persons.

I will never forget this exchange between the two:

Aunty Olga: "So George who will go if you're not there?"

Mr Daniel: "Who else will go?"

I also remember very vividly when he related how he was treated with disregard by some disabled persons and when they asked for his assistance he HAD TO help them. He said "it's not about me". He stated that he was hurt as any man will be but he had to serve his people. That reminded me of a lesson I learnt some time ago - love is sacrifice.

They say that a great man does not announce that he is great. When you leave the presence of someone great you just know it.

George Daniel is a great man.

follow these links to learn more about him:
http://oneaccordtt.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=58&Itemid=2

http://outamehhead.blogspot.com/2007/07/mentally-disabled-government.html

http://v1.dpi.org/lang-en/about/executive_detail?contact=175

Exodus 14:14

Monday 19th January 2009

Monday morning bright and early Aunty Olga called me. Even though the Deaf were passing their driving test they were getting a license valid for only one year, instead of three years!! I contacted Disability Affairs Unit (Ministry of Social Development) and DRETCHI on Aunty Olga's request to put a long story short, no help was forthcoming.

Reader, I honestly cannot remember the last time I was so upset and angry. I cannot remember the last time I became so stirred and moved and aggressive and vocal about an issue. I do not consider myself to be confrontational or even assertive. Yet there I was voicing my opinion and my displeasure about the issue to the woman on the other line. God bless her patient soul. lol.

I think the most upsetting thing for me was not the descrimination against the Deaf but more the fact that there was a Policy approved to allow them to have a three year license like the hearing community. My displeasure was significantly and aggitatedly aroused to know that a Policy was made and was not implemented! What use is a Policy without effect??? Why wasn't this Policy available to the relevant authorities at Licensing Office??? Why should the Deaf have to fight for something that has already been approved???????? Of course the wonderfully patient woman at the end of the line had to endure my verbal blows and was not spared from hearing my thoughts on the matter.

Would a man fight for something he believes in? I have believed in many things, including my own rights and have never really actively nor aggressively fought for them. I remember being told to assert myself and stand up for my rights as a child growing up. I was too shy. "People going to walk over you Alana, you have to stand up for your rights!" lol Here I was, speaking out. I am in awe...even when I think about it now.

Well, my peace was disrupted and I couldnt refocus. I was just so upset. Then God spoke to my spirit. The battle is not yours. It is the Lord's.

Exodus 14:14

The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.

That afternoon while I was on my way home Aunty Olga called. The Licensing authorities found the Memorandum permitting the Deaf person to have a three years license.

Exodus 14:14

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.

A Wonderful Sunday with Aunty Olga and the Deaf

Sunday 18th January 2009

This was a lovely Sunday.

I recall being particularly contented during Deaf Church :) What peace comes from being just where you're intended to be :) (I smile to myself again).

After Deaf Church we drove to D'abadie to Divine Encounter Fellowship and I was priviledged to be a part of a predominantly Deaf audience, partcipating in a motivational session. Gillian, the motivational speaker was so effective and energetic and she was able to touch the lives of the Deaf even though she spoke through an interpreter. I thought it was just so fitting for her to focus on the life of Helen Keller. The Deaf were able to see that they could accomplish their dreams despite apparent obstables.

The response was great. At the end of the session, a few Deaf persons were able to share their dreams and visions. I think this was the most memorable part of the day for me. The passion for change within them was so evident. There was an expressed desire for change; a passion for the Deaf to be educated and go to universities as well as for the Deaf to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I was moved. Right then and there I believed that it could be done, I believed in them, I believed that they can do it!Inwardly, I cheered them on from my position at the back.

It was also good to see Mr John Henry interacting with the Deaf. He was particularly entertaining and clearly passionate. May God bless him and his wife. I was able to meet and interact with a few new Deaf persons (new to me at least).

After this session, Aunty Olga took some of the Deaf to Trincity Mall. I MUST mention Catherine. It was the first time she went to this mall and even though her brace (I'm not sure what its called) slowed her down physically, I know her heart was racing with life and excitement. I heard it in her laugh and saw it in her eyes.

Yes, it was a good day.

To EVERYTHING there is a season

Saturday 17th January 2009

On this afternoon, Aunty Olga, the Deaf Leaders and myself went to ADC for a leadership meeting. In my view, the meeting was very productive; we were able to discuss many relevant issues and concerns.

Isn't it amazing that sometimes we discover things about ourself through our very own selves revealing it to us? You see, I had not realised how much I've grown since I've began to work. I feel as if I've developed a little more professional and leadership skills. I was genuinely shocked at my assertiveness during the meeting. As much as I am willing to help the Deaf, I cant do it at the expense of my health. Now that I have the added responsibility of work, my availability will now be limited to weekends and more specifically Sundays. I just couldnt believe I was able to say that lol (and without rehearsing too lol).

On further thought, didnt God promise that He will give us boldness? So why am I giving credit to a secular job?? To God be the glory! For it is not by might, nor by power BUT by my SPIRIT says the Lord (Zechariah 4:6). It is the HOLY SPIRIT that gave me this boldness.

Anyway, what's more is that it was not only refreshing to express this but also liberating to be understood in return. I must know that to everything there is a season -what God required of me in 2008 may not be what he requires in 2009. I MUST prioritize, stay focussed and do only what He has called me to do.

Ecclesiastes 3:1
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven