Dominican Adventure!

Great time in the Dominican Republic but returned exhausted. The trip had equal amounts of struggle and blessings. I thank all of you for praying for Dana and I. We definitely needed your prayers as plans changed, storms came and many obstacles to overcome. It was a strong spiritual battle at times so we are not just exhausted physically but also mentally and spiritually.

The children and staff at the Deaf school blessed us so much. Since my ASL skills have improved, I was able to communicate with the staff, students and visiting African teacher. I did not remember much Spanish from my high school days. I always think (and speak occasionally) in Chinese when I am in any foreign country! Crazy but true.

The teaching technique I used seemed to work well. The problem was two of my students knew no sign language. Not certain they benefited but enjoyed the coloring and craft time.

Here are a few observations of my two weeks in Hata Mayor:

Never saw even one person smoking

Third world countries have many similarities

Will never take for granted having running water (without water for 4 days so collected rain water for flushing toilet, showers and washing hair)

Gasoline was $8 a gallon so few cars but many motorbikes

So encouraged by the commitment of the teaching staff for the welfare of the students

Teaching Little Rascals

Thanks for your prayers. I had 8 little rascals, all boys. Three were new students with no sign language and one was autistic. What a challenge but fun. Below is a photo of a 5 year old new student. I do not know what is his condition but if you saw him in profile, his head looks like a football. He has the cutest smile. My story-telling was more 'mime' than signing. Had a tough time keeping their attention. They were really curious about my cochlear implant. I took it off and stuck it to a metal chair. Then I let each one of them feel the implant under my scalp. All were impressed and got their attention for a short while.

Kaitlyn, my 7 year old granddaughter taught me how to make rings and bracelets with colored elastic bands. I used those for our craft today and the boys had fun. Some did not have the fine motor skills to make them but a teacher's aide and a visiting teacher from Equatorial Guinea helped. 

I have 3 more classes this week. I am teaching the same story, Feeding the Five Thousand, four different ways trying to impact their understanding.

Thanks for all your prayers. My time is going fast. It is terribly hot and humid but I am still having fun.

Love & joy,

Jane