When I was between 4 and 5 years old, my family lived in Olathe, Ks. Not far from our home was the Kansas School for the Deaf and because of that, I was around Deaf children anytime we were playing at the park or swimming at the city pool. I was fascinated with them and tried my best to communicate with them by moving my arms and fingers, not even gestures...I desperately wanted to interact with the kids. One day an older woman approached me and explained how deaf children talk, by using sign language.
She taught me the ABC's and I just started practicing everyday! I got faster and faster and I could communicate a little with just the ABC's. We moved to Missouri not long after that summer. I continued to use the ABC's as a way to help me with spelling tests at school.
When I was 10 years old, a Deaf girl moved up the street from me. All the hearing kids in the neighborhood knew that I could do my alphabet so the encouraged me to go "talk" to her. I introduced myself and we became instant friends. I would finger spell everything to her and she would in turn show me the signs for specific words.
We were inseparable! Her world became my world. I would get into a place of "silence" when we were together. On many occasions I would go with her parents to drop her off at the Missouri School for the Deaf. I cried every time! I hated that she had to go away to school. I always felt it wasn't fair...of course, I wanted her all to myself! LOL
We remained friends for many years. I was 12 when I interpreted a song for the first time in front of a church. I did not follow the path the Lord set for me and therefore, we lost contact for many years.
When I was 27, I started attending a Baptist Church in Arnold, Mo. They had a Deaf Ministry and eventually I started helping out with parts of service.
I dedicated my life to the Lord and was saved when I was 28, and I can tell you I have not been the same since! Praise Him!!
I have been involved with Deaf Ministry/Missions since 1999. My favorite is sharing the Gospel and second favorite is interpreting for an "on fire" Pastor that preaching God's truth without apology. I am a Licensed/Certified Interpreter at the Advanced Level in the state of Missouri and I am striving to get National Certification.
With many years of experience in the Deaf Culture and in the Christian Culture, I am looking to do more workshops for interpreters at all levels, in the area of sermon interpreting as well as worship interpreting. The first step that I share with anyone who will listen, is that one must have a thriving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, be emptied out of self and filled with the Holy Spirit so that He can move through you. You are simply a vessel He is using to convey a message to the Deaf.
That is my heart for now...more to come!
