All eyes

Today we took the deaf students from both schools over to have their eyes checked, by an work team of American eye doctors who were visiting here. Glasses were provided for those that needed them. Some kids were rather disappointed to find that they didn't need them!

I had the opportunity to talk with one of the doctors about our deaf-blind student, to see if anything could be done to improve her vision. He gave us a new Rx, as her glasses were not strong enough. Her mom told us that she had been told to have a procedure done about four months ago, but because it would cost 4000 pesos, she hadn't done it. (That's $130US.) The procedure will allow more light into her eyes, because they have clouded up. So we are going to see that that gets done soon. When she is full grown, she can have lens implants, and that will also make a world of difference to her. So all in all, it was good news.

Tomorrow, the hearing school that hosts two deaf classes for us, has an all-day-in-the-park activity. The kids are looking forward to this break from their studies.

I like the fact that the hearing children are going to get the opportunity to interact more with the deaf students. They are all very curious about them. They often stand outside the classroom and look in at the students, fascinated by the Sign Language. I shoo them away with a smile and usually try to teach them something on the way, whether it is a new sign, or something about deafness. So far all the relations have been friendly, and that is important.

Things are happening there in the administration of that second school, which could cause some changes for us. We are waiting for the dust to settle on that. I can't go into great detail here, but my one hope is that it won't mean moving soon. We don't have any conflict with the school, but if the administration changes, it is hard to say if they will still want the deaf classes to be part of the hearing school.

We do long for the day when we will have our own building, and all the moving will be over. Meanwhile, I'm taking advantage of learning what works, and what doesn't, in a building. When we are ready to build/get one, we'll know better what we need.