Bible translation experience

Hey guys. I want to share with you some of my experience with the Bible translation process. In fact, Bible Translation is the primary reason that I came to Honduras. You see, before coming to Honduras, I talked with the director of DOOR (Deaf Opportunity Outreach), and the he told me that there was a Bible Translation process already started in Honduras. He encouraged me to contact them to see if they would be interested in partnering with DOOR. I agreed to be a part of this endeavor.

Then, I moved to Honduras and made contact with the ministry here called "New Life Deaf Ministries" (NLDM).

NLDM has 3 different aspects to their ministry. They have an elementary school for Deaf children. They have a high school, which opened this year. Also, they have a church that is lead by 2 Deaf pastors. It's really a cool. I'll explain more about them, but first I want to talk about the Bible translation team.

When I first met the group of translators, they gave me a little background into how the process started, and how they've gotten to where they are now. Wow. It's so great! I felt so welcomed by this group of people. They were very friendly and inviting from the moment I showed up. They have allowed me to join their translation meetings, and I've been learning tons about the process. It's been super cool. I'm so thankful for this team, and the way they've welcomed me here in Tegucigalpa. They are sharing LESHO with me, and information about their culture. Their friendship has been an overwhelming blessing.

They have also been great about welcoming me into their discussion concerning a partnership with DOOR. We've talked much about this opportunity. We came to the agreement that Aura, who is the leader of the translation group and was born in Honduras (but raised in the states then moved back to Honduras) and I will travel to Africa in early April. We'll be going to Kenya to see how their translation process works and see if it will be a good fit for what has already been started in Honduras.We will also be meeting with the director to ask questions like: if we are to partner with DOOR what would that look like? what - if anything - would change in the process we have now? How are we going to benefit from their involvement, and how will they benefit from ours? We will be there for about 9 days.

After we check out the facility and spent time with the people there, we'll come back to Honduras and discuss the things we observed with the Bible translation team. Aura and I will give a report about how we felt while over there, and how we think we should proceed. And then we'll see how the Lord leads. ^.^

I'm really excited to go to Africa - it's really soon! I'll be leaving in just under 3 weeks.

Oh, about NLDM and their 3 ministries: the elementary school, high school and church. The elementary school has been running for some time now, but they are only in the first year of the high school. They just added a 7th grade class this year because last year they had their first 6th grade graduation. Some of the individuals on the Bible translation team are also teachers at this school. It's cool to see how they work together.

The third part of the ministry, the church, has 2 Deaf pastors. Manuel and Melvin do a wonderful job teaching those who come to the church. They take turns preaching. This Church has been a wonderful place for me - I already feel like I'm a part of the church family. I have such a good time chatting with the other members. They are willing to help me out when I make cultural mistakes and they are gracious as I'm still awkward at times and learning what norms are expected here in Honduras. I really can't say it enough, as they have been so welcoming and friendly in accepting me.They have been a God-send, for sure.

It has been really cool to see how God planned out all that's happened. God knew that I would be coming to Honduras to work at Amor en Accion, and to be a part of the Bible translation process, but He also knew who shall help me feel welcomed by the local Deaf community. He provided Christian friends as a support system for me here, and I'm so grateful that He did. I want to thank the Lord for all His perfect provision.

So, that's about it. I think that's all I have to say.. I will vlog again soon, next week hopefully. See ya!

In His Grip,

Azael

Amor en Acción

Hey! ^.^

I must apologize for not blogging recently. You see, back in February, I meant to upload a vlog, but things kept getting in my way. I am finally getting settled down here in Tegucigalpa - the capital city of Honduras. Since moving to Honduras in December, I got to spend some time with my mamá and papá. I am now at my aunt's place. She isn't charging me for using one of her bedrooms for the time I'm here - I'm so thankful to her. She also feeds me breakfast and dinner - which is super cool.

Most of you know that I've been working at a school called Amor en Accion (which is translated Love in Action). I've been teaching Spanish. I was supposed to teach math as well, but they decided that I can only teach Spanish. I wanted to teach Spanish anyway... so that's great. I've been teaching Spanish for the past three weeks now. It has been a challenge fo sho. I recently realized that I'm not only teaching Spanish, but I have to go back to the foundations of teaching language, which for these Deaf kids is LESHO. LESHO is the acronym for Honduran Sign Language - or more accurately translated " LEngua de Signos de HOnduras"

I've noticed that the 12 students in the 1st and 2nd grade (up to around age 12, and I'll classify them as the "younger students") don't have parents that use LESHO at home. Therefore, they tend to use basic gestures and home signs.

Before I can even teach them to read and write Spanish, I have to take a step back and start with teaching LESHO. Last week, I decided to buy a collection of short stories for children. I showed the kids the book, and I signed the story for them. They seemed to enjoy that. Then the next day, I took words from the book, and made them into dotted lines. This way, the kids could practice writing the words by tracing over them. I also drew some pictures that matched the story to make worksheets for the kids. The kids seemed really motivated by these color worksheets.

The classroom environment as a whole was much better too! When I tried to just teach them how to read and write Spanish, they would come up to me with all kinds of questions, and it was difficult to manage the learning environment. They would get frustrated or bored and simply refuse to do anything since they didn't understand. It was interesting to see the change in their attitudes since they are able to connect the story to the worksheets. I was amazed at how much better I felt too because it was like the peace of God fell on me. Of course, the girls and the boys still picked on each other - like all little kids do, but overall it was an improvement.

I also teach another group of the "older students" who are 18 and above (with about a 3rd grade reading level so far). They have a similar problem with the development of language. These older students are fluent in LESHO. However, if it comes to translating LESHO into Spanish, they are not able to perform that task. If, say, they needed to communicate with a hearing person - maybe they want to go to the mall, but they need to take a taxi to get there - how would they navigate that situation? Or if there was an emergency, how would they be able to convey what happened to those who came to help? I tried to explain these different situations to the older students, but they still are having a difficult time grasping the concept of "needing to learn Spanish to communicate with hearing people." They have yet to realize that LESHO is only for Deaf people, and they need to use Spanish with hearing people. I've been trying to figure out how better to explain this concept to them, but I've not yet found the solution. LESHO is a beautiful language, used among Deaf Hondurans. I am in full support of this language. However, I'm struggling to help them understand that with hearing people, you have to add "filler words" and learn the grammatical rules of Spanish to be able to communicate with them.

My experience teaching thus far has been an amazing, eye-opening time for me. I really need your prayers that God would give me the discipline to use my time wisely to plan for my lessons (and not be distracted by FB or surfing the web). I want to take advantage of the time he gives me. I desire that "whatever I do, to work at it with all my heart, as working for the Lord and not for men." I want to raise up these deaf students to be the leaders of the future Deaf generation here in Honduras.

I also ask that you would pray with me; that I would have a compassionate heart. I feel like I came to Amor en Acción as a "Revolutionist" - with the mindset that I could take what I knew from the American education system for the Deaf to "save the day" by revolutionizing their system. However, I was humbly reminded by someone, that revolutions do not begin with men alone, but only by the Bible. The wisdom from the Bible transform people, which will eventually improve the system. I have to remember that I can't just come in and change everything. I'm new here - I just "joined the party" so to say. Thus I need to be humble and compassionate. When I am asked to do things, or make changes - I need to evaluate the situation first, and ask God for His grace to know how to proceed. My prayer is to offer others His love first, and to follow it with grace, and a gentle spirit - Oh, and patience. Would you mind joining me in this prayer.

That's all. I am going to try to start blogging weekly about the most significant lesson of the previous week.

Thanks for watching. Alright. Take care!^.^

I'm ready...Estoy listo

...November ate all of my time...ya redució el tiempo de noviembre...and December is eating my time...faster...y ya redució más rápido el tiempo de diciembre...

The highlight of November was visiting my adopted family in California...lo mejor tiempo que pasé el mes anterior fue el viaje a California para visitar a mi familia adoptiva...

I also got to see my friends at Rochester Institute of Technology, from which I graduated, one more time in the beginning of December...también, vi a los amigos en Instituto Tecnología de Rochester, donde ya me graudé, en el principio de diciembre...

I gave my thanks to God for giving me time to be with my family and my friends =]...di las gracias a Dios para permitirme a pasar el tiempo con mi familia y mis amigos =]

In only four days, I will be catching a plane to Honduras...estaré en el vuelo para Honduras dentro de cuatro días...there, I will party with mi familia de mi papá for Christmas and New Year...voy a celebrar la navidad y el año nuevo con mi familia de mi papá...

When the year of 2012 finally rings...cuando viene el año de 2012...I do not exactly have any plan...no todavía supiere que plan que voy a hacer...at least, at this moment......pues, no sé ahorita...

However, that's what I have learned lately...sin embargo, es que he aprendido...to present my request before my Everlasting Father of my desire to be led for the rest of the day, rather than for the rest of this month, even next day...que debo presentar mis deseos a Padre Eterno para llevarme todo el día, no todo el mes, aun el siguiente día...

Whatever the Lord has led me to accomplish anything for this day, my life will simply lift His name higher...es que cuando me lleva el Señor para lograr lo que necesita hacer cada día, mi vida puede alzar Su nombre más alto...because He leads me to pour out my energy, time, faith, and love in order to affect those people around me eternally...porque me hace Dios invertir mi energía, tiempo, fe, y amor para que lo que haga afectar a los que son en mi vida para siempre...

Anyway...de todos modos...the only main concern for me is to sell my car, but He has given me two cool friends who will help me with car...que debo hacer antes de que salgo para Honduras es vender mi carro, pero ya me dió Dios los amigos cool que me ayudarán vender el carro...

I knew the Almighty Lord will provide, but I am always amazed at how perfect is His provision for my needs...ya sé que el Señor Todopoderoso puede proporcionar lo que necesito, pero siempre me asombra la provision es perfecto

"In God we trust" on a dollar does not mean nothing after all...aquí en EE.UU, en el billete, se dice "En Dios tenemos confianza"...por eso, no lo pone para nada...

I already received $150 for the support during my service of the Lord...es que ya recibí $150 como donación para trabajar en Honduras y África...and there will be two more checks coming in!...y ¡Estan viniendo más cheques!

God can surpass the power of money...Dios tiene más poder que el poder del dinero...that's fo sho'!......¡Estoy seguro de esto!

That will be all...for now...es todo...hasta luego...

Azel

¡Qué loco! That's crazy!

Ya veremos si les gusta este blog que tiene tres lenguages - signo americano, inglés, y español

We shall see if we will like this blog that consists of three languages - American Sign Language, English, and Spanish

• waiting...espera...anxious...preocupación...

• finally!    ¡por fin!    Mike Buus the director of DOOR replied!        ¡Mike Buss que el directivo de la organización DOOR contestó!

• dumfounded...nos embebecemos...yes, Beth, Alissa, and I were dumbfounded...ya Beth, Alissa, y yo estabamos sin habla...

• ¿por qué?    why?    Pues, quiso Mike que yo trajera el equipo de 4 hondureños sordos a África para la formación        Mike wanted me to bring a team of 4 deaf Hondurans to Africa for the training...

• also, Mike wanted us to stay there for 5 years        también, Mike quiso que nos quedáramos en África por 5 años

• O.O         ¿5 años?        0.o    5 years?   o.O

• God has dream, only bigger than I could ever imagine!    ¡Qué sueño más grande tenga Dios!

• por eso, estaré de 7 meses en Honduras para buscar cuatro hondureños cristianos sordos lideres, que podrían viajar conmigo en El Sueño Grande    I will be in Honduras for 7 months looking for four Deaf Honduran Christian leaders who may join me on the journey of the Big Dream

• in July, I will be going to Africa for 6-month training to be equipped facilitator of my team    luego, cuando el julio viene, salgo para una formación de 6 meses en África para que este yo listo para llevar mi equipo

• quiso Mike que regresara a Honduras con los lideres de DOOR para seleccionar los lideres hondureños y llevarlos a África    Mike wanted me to return to Honduras with DOOR leaders to select the leaders among Hondurans and bring them to Africa

• it's likely that we will start the offical training in January 2013     ^.^    es posible que comencemos la formación oficial el enero de 2013     ^.^

• ya necesito vendar lo que no necesito y quiero llevar conmigo a Honduras    I'm going to sell whatever I no longer need or do not want to bring it with me to Honduras

• to-do list    las tareas
• vender el carro        sell my car
• sell my books        vender los libros
• la ropa se regalado    clothes will be given away
• furniture giving away as well    también los muebles se regalados
• iPhone 4 se vende    iPhone 4 for sale
• y más...so on...

• no creo que sea tan difícil dejar lo que me gusta mucho como la ropa y la tecnología    I couldn't believe how it is difficult to let things go...especially clothes and technology

• I had considered about buying iPod, iPad, or a new computer...había pensado en comprar iPod, iPad, o computador portátil

• Dios me recordó que el dinero no es mío...God reminded me that money is not even mine...es Suyo...it is His

• please pray for me that I will be able to let go of things of the world to be able to serve the Lord    favor de orarme que deja las cosas del mundo para servir el Señor mejor...

• también, necesito el oración para la sabiduría porque hay muchas decisiones debo tomar antes de que salga de EE.UU.    also, a prayer is needed because I will need wisdom in the decision-making process related to moving out
• Thank you for reading and keep watching for the new post!     ¡Gracias por leer y hasta luego!

Azael

DOOR

                                                         ^^ ASL blog ^^

Hey...

It's about time that I post something on this blog =P

I wanted to share something...you know, you might think that last blog (internship) was the last post

I actually have something of which you may not be aware...

You see, this whole thing started this past spring

At that time, I decided to give up my dream to God...

My dream was to start a ministry in Honduras for Deaf people...

I had three goals in this ministry:

1) Gospel...that is, they will understand the Gospel thoroughly and clearly...

2) Education...they will be taught how to read and write, so that they can function independently through written methods with hearing people...even read the Bible on their own...

3) Basic needs...to provide whatever they need such as food, clothing, shelter...

Those goals in my dream ministry...and I laid it before God...it was difficult for me...in fact, I cried...

After giving my dream to Him, I moved on with my life...I almost forgot about it because I was preoccupied with RIT courses, graduation, getting ready to go to Wildwood Summer Project, planning to live in Florida, visiting Honduras to see my family and to go on a mission trip, and starting the internship...

All of a sudden, soon after returning to Florida from Honduras, I discovered that God has given me the bigger dream...

The Big Dream has six goals, which consists of the same goals I mentioned above in addition to the following:

1) Raising leaders in the Deaf community...to equip Honduran leaders to lead deaf Hondurans

2) Residence...that is, deaf Honduran may learn academic subjects and stay overnight...to eliminate the transportation...

3) Employment opportunities for Deaf Hondurans...to enable them to earn steady salary to support themselves

...so, this is even bigger than my original dream...I now realized the importance of surrendering your dream to God...and that you will be given the Big Dream

You may recall from previous blog regarding the ministry called Links of Hope (LoH)...I joined LoH on the trip to Honduras last July...

Anyway...it happened that LoH has a personal contact with the directors of D.O.O.R.

Are you familiar with DOOR?

If not, then go ahead and check out the following link:

http://www.doorinternational.com/

DOOR stands for Deaf Opportunity Outreach...

You see, the mission of this organization (you could say it's a ministry) is to establish
a center that focus on Bible translation in each of the continent. The center will train Deaf people to translate the Bible into their own sign language rather than teaching them American Sign Language in order to understand the Bible.

For example, there are centers in India and Kenya, Africa. So, DOOR's mission is actually awesome.

Now, Beth, who is the founder and leader of LoH, has personal contact with DOOR directors...

DOOR directors looked for someone who was familiar with making bracelets...and LoH's mission is to train women who live in the third-world countries in making bracelets...in order to make an income to support their families by selling the bracelets...

It was totally the plan of God...you see, the DOOR directors came to Beth's church to give a talk about their organization, and Beth came to listen...

There, Beth and the directors made a connection...

Beth did teach one of the directors how to make a bracelets, and the directors returned to Africa to teach Deaf African women...

These Deaf women were supposed to make 50 bracelets, which would be sent to Beth...that way, Beth will signal to them whether or not they did it correctly...before these women make 500 bracelets BY CHRISTMAS!

I think that's neat that these women are able to provide themselves some financial support

However, I don't know what's the status of this process...

Furthermore, DOOR is now looking to Latin America to launch a satellite of Bible translation...Beth was informed of this...

Beth thought of me since I am relatively fluent in ASL, English, Honduran Sign Language (Lesho), and Spanish...

I have the ability to teach and leadership skill...

Oh, and I have linguistic skill as well...

It seemed that I'm qualified enough to be trained over there in Africa...to acquire of their philosophy and system of the centers...

When I become familiar with how DOOR may run, I might be able to go back to Honduras...even to a different country in Latin America...to launch the center there...

So...this is really awesome...

Yo use, only a week ago or so...I turned in my biography and resume to Beth and then Beth completed the cover letter...

She submitted these materials in addition to a Honduran video she created and another video about me through Campus Crusade for Christ

She submitted them to the directors on the day they left for their vacation!

Fortunately, they did respond and indicated that they are quite interested in discussing this...but they need vacation...so they will resume this upon arrival from the vacation

The directors even forwarded the materials, which Beth sent, to some Deaf people in Africa...and a particular Deaf person responded that she or he had goose bumps when seeing one of the videos...

That is cool!

Going to Africa wasn't part of my original dream, but is part of God's will.

In fact, I used to dream to go to Africa just to see what it was like there and to bring my influence on Deaf people over there...you know Africa has many needs...

For me, going to Africa has twofold purpose...first, to travel and, second, to make an impact on Africans...

At this moment, I'm currently waiting to hear from the directors...it is really up to the directors regards with the length of being trained over there and date of departure...

I am really anxious to know what might happen...

God is always wonderful...I encourage you to keep pursuing Him...to seek His face...God will bless you for earnestly seeking Him...

Also, you will discover His will that match your passions for something in the life...

So yahh...

Well, I will see you later!

Azael

My Internship

^^ ASL blog ^^

Hello! ^.^

I wanted to tell you how I got the internship in Florida while I was in New York studying clinical psychology.

I had heard about how Walden School for the Deaf, which was located an hour outside of Boston, Massachusetts, was an excellent place to work. I was told that I will have both professional and personal growth there. I saw this as an opportunity to work there as an internship.

So, I asked a boss at that place about whether or not the position for summer internship is available, and the boss said I am able to work there. In fact, I was told that I am second in their top list for hiring. I became especially interested after the boss shared many positive things about this school.

For example, they mentioned that 90% of staff signed all the time. It was neat! Their primary focus was on deaf children and deaf adolescents with involvement of social worker, police, therapist, doctor, family, and etc. This is to ensure that their involvements in the lives of deaf children and adolescents increase the likelihood of success rate of behavior, better social skill, and consistent academic achievements.  I think that is great, especially that parents of deaf children usually do not build relationship with these children.

Therefore, I was impressed with the philosophy of that school. The wage was great as well. The internship was not too far from Boston. I thought it was perfect opportunity.

Sure enough, the boss and I arranged to have an interview through videophone (VP). The boss emailed me with her availability of VP interview, and it was Tuesday that I responded with my preference to have an interview on Thursday.

When Thursday came, I was ready sitting in front of the VP and waiting to receive a call from the boss. However, she didn't call.

I decided to email her asking her whether or not we are supposed to have an interview through VP? She responded immediately, and I was surprised to learn that she hasn't received any email from me regarding VP interview appointment.

Then, I checked to see if my email was sent that day. It turned out that it was finally sent out only 2 minutes ago. I was quite puzzled by this. Because I sent it on Tuesday, email wasn't sent until only two minutes ago after speaking with the boss on Thursday.

Still, we rescheduled our VP interview. We finally had the interview.

Unfortunately, the VP wasn't exactly smooth as it should be. The videophone froze frequently. The boss told me that this is actually first time that VP froze. This made me wonder out of all people and at this time, VP happened to freeze on this very day I have the interview for internship. I began to wonder if this is related to God's will.

We kept trying to understand each other on VP, and it was quite difficult. As soon as the interview ended, I hanged up and sensed that something isn't right.

First, email wasn't sent promptly. Second, VP froze frequently. Third, I sensed something isn't right.

I decided to look for another job in case this promising job wasn't part of God's will.

I know a particular person named Alissa who lived in Florida, and she knew of a person who worked in psychology field. I was able to contact this person and asked whether or not he knows of any job related to psychology and deaf.

He then referred me to a boss of a home group for the Deaf. I asked this boss if she needs an extra staff in her group home. She was quite enthusiastic with the fact that I am interested in working with deaf clients.

I asked her if she wants to interview me, see my resume, or get my professional references? She said no and just come over here now. I was surprised.

She explained that her group home for the Deaf consists of hearing staff who know a little or none American Sign Language (ASL), which was frequent frustration for deaf clients who attempt to be heard and understood. In addition, having a deaf staff work will boost deaf clients' signs and communication skill.

I saw the need of having a deaf staff at the group home, so I understood why she wanted me to start work immediately.

I then consulted with God about which internship He wanted me to take.

Also, it was my dream to live in Florida. I eventually gave it up a long time ago. All of a sudden, I have this opportunity to live in Florida.

So, it was clearly that God's will is for me to have this internship in Florida despite of promising opportunity in Massachusetts.

Now, you know how I get this internship ^.^

It has been five weeks since I started my internship, and I now have five weeks left to go. So, I'm actually half way with my internship.

My typical internship schedule would be from 2:30pm to midnight, sometimes 12:30am. Those deaf clients attend a school that offered a program adult day training
and would get back home at 3:30pm. That's why I started working in the afternoon.

There are 4 deaf clients live here in this house, and the house is just like everyone else's house. There are office, kitchen, living, bedrooms, and bathroom.

We, staff (aka caregiver, are to encourage these clients to become independent. Some of the clients cannot be independent completely, but still others have the possibility of becoming independent. So, it is our job to change their negative behaviors (i.e., screaming, throwing things, hitting) to positive behavior that reflect appropriate adult behaviors.

Each client has his or her own behavior analyst who comes up with a plan for us, staff, to respond to either negative or positive behavior of each client in order to change their behavior into appropriate behavior.

We also help them to develop survival skill such as doing laundry, washing dishes, cleaning, etc.

That's what I have been doing for past five weeks.

I have been considering about getting a permanent job upon completion of the internship. I would like some job that would challenge me constantly because I want to learn something new. Beside, such job would come with better salary.

However, this job is what God led me. I am going to talk with Him to see if I should continue with this job or look for another job as soon as I complete this internship.

One thing has touched my heart was these deaf clients. You see, when I started working with them, I just do my duty to ensure they are living just fine. I eventually grow to care about them and want to see them to thrive into successful adults.

It is pretty difficult decision since I am the only deaf staff in this home group for the Deaf, and I would like to continue encouraging these clients with their ability to communicate and to know that they can do everything just like I.

At this moment, I am torn apart between this job and new job. I am gonna talk with God to see what I can do.

Well, that's all I have to share about my internship. So, if you are curious to know more about my internship. You can go ahead and ask me.

So, I will see you later!

Azael

Links of Hope

^^ ASL Blog ^^

Hey!!

My name is Azael. I haven't post any blog lately, and I should have done it earlier. I have several things to share such as missionary trip to Honduras, internship, and my new life here in Florida.

However, I have been busy with settling down here in Florida. For example, I bought a car, purchased an insurance for my car, planned my budget, and learned what is Florida like. I even have several doctor appointments. It was crazy to live on my own, and I made so much mistakes. From those mistakes, I have learned so much.

Anyway, I would like to share my experience with Links of Hope (LoH).

LoH is a ministry with a vision, which was established by a person named Beth, to outreach women of third-world countries by teaching them how to make bracelets with beads. That way, those women will be able to earn an income from selling those bracelets to support their own families. It is awesome because making several bracelets seem to be insignificant in this country. However, it is life-changing experience for those women.

Well, I was invited to tag along with the ministry. Actually, I want to back up a bit. You see, I visited Florida for my spring break and went to a church service in a closed theatre. It was different because the theater screen was used in the service with everyone sit in the theater seats. There, I experience powerful presence of Holy Spirit and fought with the Spirit emotionally. It was like the Spirit wanted to cause me cry, but I refused. This happened when Beth stood in the front and shared about her ministry. Beth also asked people at the service whether or not they are led or interested to join her ministry. It was odd because I already knew what was purpose of her ministry. The Spirit and I had a mild battle emotionally, and it was a while before I won the battle.

All of a sudden, I was overwhelmed intensely and ran to the bathroom. I cried in the bathroom. I could not stop crying, and I told Lord that He has my attention. I asked Him what does He want from me. He wanted me to join LoH on the next mission trip, and I told Him that I shall go as I am His servant.

For this reason, I was invited to join LoH. Now, those women who were taught to make bracelets were mother of Deaf school at a vocational school for Deaf. I was given the opportunity to teach morning devotion for the Deaf students before school begins.

It was moving experience for me. I know that I have an ability to teach and enjoy teaching. For this reason, it was perfect opportunity for me. Also, when I taught, it was awesome. You see, I did not know what to expect in teaching morning devotion because I didn't know the expectations of those Deaf students. I was uncertain on whether or not I should match their expectation. Whether or not they ought to fit my expectation. Even if I am able to go with their expectation, I still didn't know what kind of expectation they might have.

Not only that, but also sign language. You see, I was born in a town called Puerto Cortes, and signs there are not much same to signs of those Deaf students.

See the video above from 4:11 to 4:33 about the difference in sign of Heavenly Father and earthly father related to locations in Honduras.

It was truly God's miracle. I tried to figure and figure, but I eventually decided to put my trust in Him for making the morning devotion successful.

Sure enough, it was PERFECT! I didn't even plan in details! By third or fourth day, I realized that the devotion works out just finely. In my teaching of the devotion, Trinity was revealed. I shared about how God the Father created the earth, how Jesus calmed down the storm, and how Holy Spirit allowed Virgin Mary to become pregnant.

I was so thrilled at the discovery that Trinity was revealed in the devotion. I allowed Him to lead me in teaching His devotion ^.^

That's why I said it was perfect!

I actually enjoyed teaching the devotion very much. In fact, I was offered a teaching job at that school. I thought it was cool =P

I want to share this experience...

You see...when I returned to the USA from Honduras, I found a newsletter, which was sent by the very same vocational school for the Deaf, to Beth's place. That was the night where I ate dinner and spent night at Beth's place. Well, I read the newsletter and was totally blown away. There was a section about a student I knew, and this student was full of joy, didn't complain, and was amiable. I love him. His name is Jorge.

In the newsletter, it said that Jorge lives in an EMPTY one-room shack. He does not EVEN own any furniture, any extra room. It only has a stove, which is barely beyond simple. That is all! PLUS, floor of the shack is EVEN not furnished with tiles at all! It is simply dirt like earth's dirt! That's where he slept! He slept on the ground! It is not all! When it is raining, the ground will become muddy.

I was shocked, and that's when reality kicks into my perception of Hondurans' lives. I just didn't make the connection between the dots. Dot #1: beat-down shacks anywhere, which is obvious existence of poverty among Hondurans, and dot #2: Deaf students with whom I interacted for a week.

I mean, I thought those deaf students were fine and have things they need just like me. However, I realized I was wrong when reading the newsletter.

I mean...those deaf students who I learned to love deeper and deeper over 6-day period of ministry might have nothing.

Jorge who I mentioned earlier isn't just a poor boy. There is another deaf student who is the poorest in that school. Imagine what this boy might not even have what we took for granted with our basic needs that can be met daily.

It simply shattered my world. I pondered on this reality. It was hard for me to imagine that it's true. I mean those deaf students were full of joy, yet they have nothing.

Look, I have a small library right there, a luxurious bed, clothes in a closet and in a dresser, shower that is right next to my bedroom, and a laundry room. These are things I can just rent. I mean, this room is furnished with lamented wooden floor. It is beyond simple in comparison with Jorge!

It's odd because I have visited Honduras regularly. My family on my mamá's (biological mother) side has money, and my family on my papá's side seems to be a middle-class family. I think with that, it sheltered my view of the reality by thinking that everyone else in Honduras is fine just like my Honduran family.

So, I didn't make such connection. It didn't occur to me that those deaf students may be poorer than my family.

To tell you truth, America is totally pampered country. For this reason, I am quite conscious with what I purchase from any store. For example, when I returned home from Honduras, I needed a hamper. I decided to get the cheap one, so I went to Wal-Mart. There, I found the prices of hampers to be quite cheap. I was surprised by many options right front of my eyes. Those are only hampers! Still, I kept looking for the cheapest kind.

I found a large, blue polyester bag that cost me only $2. It didn't include any wheels.

Think about it...Hondurans might not even have enough clothes to fill up any hamper.  Hampers weren't really needed in Honduras. Unfortunately, I needed it because, well, I have that much of clothes that can fill up the hamper quickly. So, I wanted to buy a simple hamper. It doesn't have to be plastic hamper or have wheels to make my transportation between my bedroom to a laundry room easier.

It doesn't stop there. I also am aware of how I planned my budget and spent my money. In fact, it is my plan to support some Hondurans financially after getting a paycheck from the internship.

I stumbled on a website that I can adopt a village. It is a program where I can donate money to support all deaf students from certain villages because they are in need of transportation from their villages to a school for the Deaf.

It is my desire to see that deaf students will finally have an access to education and will build network among Deaf people. Well, I already sent email regarding my desire to support this program and am currently waiting for the response.

I am excited about that because I think it's sooo cool with the name "Adopt A Village".

Well...that's all...I planned to post about my internship and my new life here in Florida...

See ya later!!

Peacee out!

Azael