Thanks

The principal ("director")  was invited to speak to the mayor and city council among other government officials about the educational needs of the deaf. She feels that the meeting was productive and a sign that the government is taking more interest.

The new children were recently evaluated as to progress, and the teachers are pleased to report that they have surpassed expectations. Their sign language is steadily improving, and that is the basis for everything they learn.

From the school a big thank you to all who have supported us thus far with your prayers and with your offerings. Vision Trust has been an incredible help, and we thank also Calvary Deaf Church in Riverside for their help. The groups from Florida and Rochester are others who have consistently prayed and been available to help on site at summer camps and other times. From time to time we have had individuals and small groups come to work directly among us at the school, giving up personal vacation time and money in order to support us. There is a prayer warrior in VA who always holds us up before the throne of God. I don't like to name names on the internet, just know that every one of you is appreciated.  There is a saying often heard in Dominican Spanish "¡Dios se lo repaga! ---"May God repay you. And we know he will.

But don't give up now!  We've only just begun, stand beside us as we continue to fight the good fight. Continue to keep the school in your prayers, that the children will progress, and that they will grow mighty in the Lord.

Blessings!

Twins!

Today deaf twins, Diomery y Diomary, came for the first time in their lives to school. They are nine years old. Their teacher, Yoselín, knows just what to do. She is experienced. Only one of the 8, 9, and 10 year olds in her class has ever been to school before, and he is autistic. The rest are all in their first year, learning to sign, learning their names, and all the basics of kindergarten.

The second picture is from this week.  (Excuse the wrong date; they have a hard time resetting it each time they put in batteries!)

Blessings!

Día de la Raza--Columbus Day

Día de la Raza in the Dominican Republic is a celebration of ancestry. It is a time that Dominicans remember their roots. They remember Christopher Columbus who was the governor of the island at one time, and the natives that were on the island, as well as their own Hispanic heritage.

Yesterday the kids enjoyed celebrating their history. It is always fun to dress up!

Still coming in...

Every week that has passed has seen new children signing up for school. We rejoice in this, that they will have the opportunity to come, but at the same time, we recognize that this puts added work for the teachers, whose classes are already at capacity.

The issue of teachers is always a difficult one. The fact is, trained teachers of the deaf are not usually available to hire. It's easy to find someone with a teaching license, but s/he will not know Sign Language.

Every deaf child needs an education. Without it, in most cases, the child will not ever be fluent in any language. Imagine living without anything but a limited system of home-invented signs.

It's very important that deaf children not be turned away. On the other hand, if you put too many deaf children in a classroom, you end up with a day-care center rather than a school. It's very difficult to explain this to people who are used to working with hearing children in packed classrooms.

The greatest need continues to be educators of the deaf, and we continue to ask for your prayers and if you are a teacher of the deaf, your participation if you are able to come.