Deafblind Camp

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This is one of the new passions in my life. I have learned to love and appreciate Deafblind people and their culture.

Just last week, Tiffani and I joined 4 other friends and colleagues and drove with our teacher to Eunice, Louisiana for a 4-day, 3-night excursion. We volunteered as SSP's, (Support Service Provider) and gave these precious people the freedom to do what hearing/sighted people do. We played hot potato with water balloons, went to the local fair, rode scary carnival rides, and went rock climbing and horse back riding. You know, what you might expect from a Deafblind camp.

We met so many wonderful new friends. I especially appreciate the amazing attitude of the special speaker, Kim Powers-Smith. Kim was born Deaf, and because of Usher Syndrome has become, in her adult life, completely blind. She is absolutely one of my favorite people. There is very little that Kim is not willing to try. She has been scuba diving, on the scariest roller coaster and carnival rides, bungee jumping, and even jumped out of an airplane!! Fearless she is!!!! There is nothing that stands in her way, and she is not looking for an excuse or pity. Amazing!!

Tiffani and I followed Kim and Judy (her personal SSP for the week) at the fair just observing and learning from them. Together they function as one person. Judy is Deaf, and provides Kim with all of the visual clues around them. When the day was almost over, Judy said that her hands were tired and asked me to take over. I was stunned, honored and challenged. I did not, however, realize how difficult it really was. After all, Judy made it look so easy. (Isn't that the way it goes with anyone who is very skilled? They make it look so easy and effortless.)

I offer my apologies now to Kim for all of the errors I made. I forgot to warn her of the metal strip at the gate, and she almost tripped. I didn't tell her in advance that we would be climbing a rather steep ramp followed by a set of stairs to get to the ride. I did not adequately explain the buckets they were to ride in, and she bumped her head. I made many errors. But, true to form, Kim took it all in stride. Judy was right there to give me instant feedback. What a treasure. I believe I learned as much in that 1 1/2 hours as I did the whole week combined.

Tiffani enjoyed the week as much as I did. (Well maybe not as much as me.) She certainly had as much "hands on" practice as I did. It was a great weekend that we will never forget. Now, only 358 days until Deafblind camp 2009!

Juggling Joe

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Clowning Around

Last Saturday Jeremi, Tiffani and I had a blast volunteereing as "Deaf Clowns" entertaining the children. Tiffani was "Bubbles" I was "Troubles" and Jeremi was Juggling JO. My theme for the day was to be just like Bubbles. I tried everything I could to imitate what she was doing. When I grow up, I want to be like her. "Where did you get your shoes?"


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Girls of Grace

Bethani and her friend Melissa



There is a precious woman at our church who has a deep love for the young girls in our church. Cheryl Vaughn has made it her ministry to mentor train and teach our 10-12 year old girls how to gracefully transition from that awkward stage we call adolescence to godly young ladies. This past weekend she and her staff pulled together an incredible sleepover conference at our church. They went all out decorating and making this a very special time for everyone involved. There were various booths set up to teach the girls on coordinating and stretching their wardrobe, hair care, preserving character, crafts, and even dress up clothes (hence the picture.) From what I am told, there was pizza, and snacks and fun well into the night, and then more food at 8:00 in the morning before devotions. There was a very special speaker who ministered to them on their level.

I am so thankful for a church body that cares enough about this upcoming generation to invest their time, energy and resources. Thank you so much to all who helped to make this possible, and thank you Sis. Vaughn for loving our girls.

Milking The Cow

Although very much out of character for me, I am posting for all the world to see...enjoy!

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School Has Officially Begun

Yup! We are back at it. Two high schoolers and a 4th grader.

As an added bonus, Tiffani and I will be taking classes at CCCC this fall. Her class, ASL 2 and my class, Int. 2 just "happen" to be at the same time on the same nights. Isn't God good to work out the details for us?


I am looking forward to this new way to bond with my oldest daughter. We will have so much more in common and so much to talk about.

California

Okay, so when I got back from Austin, I immediately took my 2 final exams, passed with 2 A's, and then began packing 5 suitcases for California. We spent 12 days in the Pismo Beach area. We did a prophecy conference and visited with Craig's family. It was on this trip that we got to meet our new niece/cousin. Craig helped to officiate Savannah's dedication.





Before I left for Austin, I pleated a bishop for my new niece, Savannah, and worked on it until the moment the plane touched down. (I had to work on the bonnet after we arrived.) Here she is wearing the finished product.




We spent some quality family time at an apple orchard. The Gala apples were the best!



Grammy was determined to have a bonfire on the beach at night. It would have been chilly, but the fire kept us warm. I know the kids will never forget it.





Here we are doing what we really enjoy.