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My ASL Journey

Ninja and I at Jacksonville beach. I choose this image because my Journey with ASL seems as vast as the sea!

Here I go back to school again to continue my textbook education in the world of ASL! I am excited and nervous all at the same time. However, just like your teachers tell you, the only way for you to really understand and get this beautiful language is to get out and experience the culture!

I had the biggest anxiety about being out and meeting Deaf people. Truth be told, I still do. I don’t feel adequate in my signing or of my understanding. I also get nervous which I think raises my feeling of inadequateness.

However, as my Great-grandmother use to say God looks out for monkeys, babies and fools.(LOL I know Right!) God looked out for me and through a friend of mine I was introduced to an Amazing group of people that work with Deaf youth here in Jacksonville and St. Augustine (more about YL at another time).

Now, at first I really didn’t know what to expect and at the same time it was not what I expected. The short time I spent with and being a part of the group and playing games with the students of FSDB on Wednesday evenings was super fun!

After Club on the way back to the dorms with the girls!

It brought home even more so for me the fact that I still have much to learn not only about ASL but myself as well. All my feelings of being inadequate were still there during this time. The students nor the leaders made me feel bad about my lack of understanding and the kids were patient and understanding of me when I needed them to repeat things.

I put more pressure on myself than anyone there did and all the junk I was carrying made me say I don’t want to be a part of YL and that I am no help to this group if I can’t speak the language or understand it! I mean I came up with 10,001 reasons why I should not continue. My husband felt like I was afraid and running. When I thought about it maybe he was right.

In this moment in my life more than ever I am learning how to truly let go and let God! To really take into myself who God is in my life. He is my strength and said where I am weak He is strong and that with Him all things are possible! When I step outside my comfort zone I need to always remember He is there and everything will be alright! In my weakness He is strong!! and I am made whole!!

I am still scared as I take these steps towards my destiny but like the Amored Bear Urich in The Golden Compass says “that when he is afraid he will master his fear!”

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Southpoint Community Church!

 Family and Friends,

For those of you that read my last post remember how I talked about my friend who has a deaf daughter (Pinen). Well, they invited me to Southpoint Community Church to attend Deaf Church with them.

I didn’t know what to expect. This was my first time going to Deaf Church and I was excited. I was surprised that the church was down the street and around the corner from my husband’s job at Discover Tech. I didn’t go with the family because my son was having a sleep over and he still had company.

Nonetheless, the church was beautiful. I love the open space when you walk in. It made it feel comfortable. This was the second church I went to that had a Starbucks inside! The people were very nice. All I saw was smiles! and  loved the fact that SouthPoint had a relax dress code!

When we made it to Deaf church it was a small turn out but it was great it worked out. Now, the reason why it worked out was because we kinda had a workshop about how to deal with conflict. (because of the small group.)

The pastor gave us 6 steps for Fighting Clean.

First: Say the problem “I notice…”

Second: Say why it is important ” I Value…”

Third: When you (behavior), I feel…….

Fourth: Clearly say what you are requesting.

Fifth: Consider the request share your thoughts.

Last: Are you willing to do all or part of it?

We got into groups of three and we signed made up issues and the other responded but,we had to repeat what the other had stated to us first to make sure we had a clear understanding of what the issue was.

I had a great time doing that activity and I learned a lot on so many levels. The people were nice and open and made me feel welcomed. They helped me with my signs and didn’t have any issue explaining to me a sign I did not understand. I could have stayed there all day!

I think due to me not begin use to things and not understanding what is ok to do and not ok to do made me a bit more reserved. The main example of this is when praise and worship was happening I didn’t know if it was ok for me to try to sign sing with the leader of that. LOL! It sounds crazy I know. Even tho I saw other deaf people singing and some not I just didn’t know.

I think I was thinking about not wanting to be perceived as a spectator. I know they see a lot of students come in for one reason or another and then they are not seen again. I don’t want to fall into that group.

I really  enjoyed myself and I look forward to going back this and every sunday and anything they have going on I want to be a part of it.

So, if you have not visited Southpoint Community Church located at 7556 Salisbury Rd. Jacksonville. Fl 32256. What are you waiting for!? Deaf Church starts at 11:15am on the 1st and 3rd Sunday in room 237.

See you there!

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My Journey Begins!

 

Well, let me get right to it. I have been looking for opportunities to get involved in the Deaf community. I have touched base with an organization that said they needed volunteers.(I won’t call anyone out) I called and was transferred two different times to two different people. From there I was able to get a name. Once I received the name and was transferred over to her office she took forever to contact me. I called again and agin and again then, when she finally got back with me she wanted me to come in on a certain day I was like sure you let me know what time and I will be there. I got nothing back. Who know it would be so hard to give people your time! I would have help out in any way. It could have been answering the phone or filing.

 

 

I then said forget it. I should not have to feel like I am begging for an opportunity to help!  Don’t get me wrong it bothered me that she couldn’t follow through cause I really wanted to work with this organization.  So I let go and let God! Sometimes God doesn’t let you walk through a door cause he has something better planned for you!

I then decided to reach out for help in my studies by emailing a lady (I won’t say any names) and she offered her time to help for $15.00 and hour. I emailed her several times and never did I get an answer! So again I said F&%$ It!

I wanted my summer to be filled with all things Deaf! I had a vision. I wanted to have a personal relationship with someone in the Deaf Community and or someone who was more fluent than me. Someone who I could go to for help and just practice my craft and my passion with. Guess What?! God Answered my pray!

I contacted an old classmate of mine we were in ASL 2 together and exchanged numbers. I called her up and she welcome me with open arms to her home to introduce me to her daughter who is deaf. It was an Amazing time!! I learned new signs and they made me feel so comfortable! My classmate let me know that she saw my growth and her daughter said I was doing well. I understood more than I thought I would! I truly had a wonderful, fun time with them. So much so that we have decided to meetup once every week to just hang out so I can learn and become the great interpreter I am destined to be. Amen!

I thank God for the people he has allowed to come into my life and help me on this journey and for the people to come!

Thank You Jesus!