Sadly

Dominican culture has long regarded deaf people in a negative light. Many times I have been with deaf people on the bus, signing with them, and been mistaken for being deaf. And in this situation, I've heard the ugly comments.

I've seen deaf children be ridiculed--not only by other children, but by adults, who should know better.

But the most difficult blow is always when it comes from the church. Christians here often don't see the need for deaf people to participate in the church. We've been told we are "profaning the temple" for having a group of deaf children doing a daily 15 minute Bible study in the church building. Announcement: deaf people also have souls that need Jesus.

Twice we've been invited to leave for only one reason: because the children are deaf.

This is one of the reasons we've always wanted to have our own school building. We want a place where the children will be safe, and will not have to leave due to someone's prejudices.

For now, we have a place alloted to us. It's not a really nice place. It's not in a good location. But it has four walls and a roof, and we are grateful that the dept. of education has at least allowed us that.

We don't know if we will have it for a year or for ten years. It all depends on the person who comes into power next, whether s/he be favorable toward the deaf.