Learning With the Deaf Team

Hello friends,

There is so much to say, and I don't have room to say it all! 

Trip to Deep Ellum with intern pals!

My friends and I have gotten to do some fun things down here in Dallas. One weekend we explored Deep Ellum in Downtown Dallas. There are tons of murals painted all over the sides of buildings. It was so fun to get to walk around and see them! We took some pictures, got some lemonade, and spent some time laughing together in the sunshine. Everyone was so sweet about celebrating my birthday with me! We went for ice cream, made spaghetti for dinner, and watched a movie together. The Red Team had decorated the room with streamers and smiley face balloons. It makes my heart smile to be around people who care so deeply. 

Two weeks ago I started working in the office with the Deaf Group. Guys, these men I am working with are everything fantastic. They patiently teach me, encourage me, and genuinely care about my health and my input. They feel like family. I have learned so much in the past couple of weeks! Perhaps the most impactful being that there are approximately 300 signed languages in the world, and American Sign Language is the only one with a complete Bible translation. You may ask, "Why is it necessary to translate the Bible into sign language? Can't deaf people read?" Yes, if they've had the opportunity to learn. However, English (or whichever written language they've learned) is often their second language. I don't know your experience with languages, but learning new concepts in a language you are not a native of can be difficult. In addition to that, imagine the impact of reading or watching Jesus speaking in *your* language. Hearts are touched when people realize that God cares about them, about their culture, language, life, feelings, etc. Transforming lives is what it's all about. 

Me and the Deaf Group at Deaf VBS! 

Last week the Deaf Group and I volunteered at a Vacation Bible School for deaf children. It's like squishing two of my very favorite things into one! I very much loved getting to know their little minds and spirits. The week inspired me to give you all some things to keep in mind when interacting with deaf people: 

1) Do not be afraid! I know this one is hard. Interacting with a language you don't know can be very intimidating! However, in my experience, deaf people tend to be very patient with new learners. It is so appreciated when someone puts forth effort to interact with them in a way that is accessible. 

2) Be prepared to write! If you don't know any sign language, writing is an easy and effective way to communicate with deaf friends. It is a very common practice in America for Deaf to type back and forth with you on their phone or to write on a pocket notepad. It may take a little longer than speaking, but it's worth it, I promise. 

Practicing ASL with my friends!

 3) Keep a learner's attitude! If you ask them, deaf people are usually happy to let you know how to best communicate with them. Be willing to learn and be flexible! If you are learning ASL be patient with yourself. Learning languages is hard, and you will most definitely mess up. That's okay! That's how you learn. I am so proud of my fellow intern friends as they continue to learn and be curious, even though it's hard. They are such humble learners! 

Thanks for all of your support while I'm out here. I do not doubt that God put me here to make me a better teacher, a better minister, and a more understanding ally to the Deaf community. Here are some ways you can continue praying for me in the coming weeks: 

Prayers: 

-Doing something completely different from the rest of the interns often makes me feel out of the loop. Please pray for my emotions as I navigate how to connect with the other interns in the small amounts of time I get to spend with them. 

- I only have about two weeks left in Dallas. Everything has gone by so fast! Please pray that I will be present and focused while I am here. 

- My stress levels as my move to Georgia approaches are getting higher. Please pray that I will be able to get the important things done without trouble and that I will feel peaceful about the move. 

Praises: 

-I am so thankful for the guys in the Deaf Group. They are so kind, patient, and willing to teach me. They are so fun to be around and have been a huge blessing and encouragement to me. 

-I am seeing improvements in my abilities to interpret and to translate ASL. My teammates have told me so too, and it is so encouraging! 

-I am so incredibly thankful for my roommate. She has such a kind, fun, curious, and caring spirit and I feel like I've known her forever! I am very much cherishing the time we have together in this way. 

Love and hugs, 

Rebekah