There is so much to share that I'm not even sure where to begin...well, let's see - how about at the beginning?
Many of you were with me (through prayer and encouragement) 11 years ago when God opened the door for me to work with the Deaf. I did not know Bolivian Sign Language at the time. I did not understand that the Deaf had their own culture. Nor did I realize at the time that the adventure that I was embarking on would be so difficult. I often say that I cried every day for a year trying to learn Cynthia's language. Most laugh, but it's actually true. God did indeed take me out of something I knew how to do well: work with children - and put me into something that I didn't have the foggiest idea how to do: work in a Deaf ministry. I have learned so much over the past few years. I've shed many tears. I've failed. I've been reminded of my own frailties. I've been overwhelmed by God’s constant patience with me. I've experienced His grace. I've been amazed on more than one occasion, and greatly humbled, too, by His mercy. (I am truly thankful that God’s mercies are new every morning!) I've been awed at the victories. I've often been brought to smiles as He gave me just the verse I needed to get me through the day. And now, very much in spite of Carolyn Price, there is a Deaf church in Sucre. We used to talk about and dream of a Deaf church here...and as I sit here thinking about all we have been through, I can only tell you that I am shaking my head and smiling at the same time - God is so amazing!
As most of you know, God has shifted my direction here in Sucre. Now that Luke and Jessica Marie are here, they have taken over the spiritual aspect of the ministry. (Luke is pastor!) God continues to open doors in Deaf education. Why is this important? Many of the Deaf with whom we work cannot read. There has been a great failure in Deaf education over the years. (I am told this is a very common occurrence in many countries.) The oralist approach to Deaf education (concentrating only on teaching the Deaf to speak and read lips) has not worked. It isn't that this can't be learned, but first the Deaf must be fluent in their own language (sign). A Deaf child that is integrated in a hearing atmosphere without any access to sign language often ends up with very little ability to communicate in either language. As a result, they often do not learn to read or write in the majority language, or is this case, Spanish, their second language. Why is this important? I can answer this question with another question: What is the most important book in the world? We all know the answer to this!
In December of last year in Cochabamba, a National Interpreter's Association was formed. I was chosen to be a representative for the department of Chuquisaca. Upon our return, a local association was also formed here in Sucre. I was voted president. And this is where the new adventure begins.
Because of so much to do in preparing for the trip, I was not able to write before I left for Cochabamba two weeks ago. I spent the time in a class with about 40 others. Old signs were gone over and new signs were presented. Facial expressions and corporal expression were also practiced. Praise the Lord I did just fine in these areas. I wish I could tell you that I did so well in the meetings that were held with all the representatives from the different departments of Bolivia. The topics were often way over my head. I tried VERY HARD to understand all that was being said, but I must be honest with you that I think I might have understood about half. ‘Might’ is the key word! It isn't that I do not speak Spanish fluently, but the areas covered were way beyond my areas of "expertise." Which means that I have much to learn. (Just when I thought things were going to be easier!) By Wednesday, my blood pressure was far higher than it should have been - and this with medicine. The stress was tremendous because I understood the importance of these meetings and tried very hard to understand. The frustration at not being able to understand really did create a negative physical response.
So how can you pray?
1. Antonieta, as well as her office, have said they will help me in every way they can. This was a great encouragement to me.
2. We will be forming new interpreters - please pray that God will lead us to people who have a heart and won’t only use their skills for financial gain. Cynthia is going to have much responsibility as well. We are going to use the opportunity to teach new signs to the hearing by using the time to also teach the Deaf the words (as in spelling them) to the Deaf.
3. There are 21 people at present who are participating in the Interpreter’s Association. Only two of us are Christians, so please pray with us that we will always honor the Lord and use every opportunity to share our faith with the others.
4. I am 54 years old. Please pray that I will learn - quickly - the necessary vocabulary for the new areas that God has opened up. (Most of these areas cover the new laws that have been passed for the benefit of the Deaf community. Example: Just recently, Bolivian Sign Language was accepted officially as one of the 36 Languages used in Bolivia!)
5. Today at 3:00, we will be holding a meeting for those who either are already interpreting or who are interested in becoming interpreters. We will have much to discuss from what was learned in Cochabamba. If you read this in time, would you please pray that much will be accomplished. A new representative will be picked, or at least another one that will be able to help me understand any future meetings. (Thus helping me to keep my blood pressure in check!)
Well, this is almost a book, so I will close for now. I have tried to explain clearly what is happening here, but if there is some doubt or if there are any questions, please feel free to write.
Your sister and co-laborer in Bolivia,
Carolyn 2 Corinthians 15:58
