Fun....

I realized I haven't really said much about the other students in the program. We have gotten along really well this past week. I was pleasantly greeted by a sign left by my two apt mates when I first arrived. (They were at a conference.)

One of the girls celebrated her 2nd anniversary last week and Amanda's birthday was last week, so the rest of the group got together and planned a dinner celebration for us since we were missing celebrating with our families. They even sang and signed "Happy Birthday" to Amanda so I could record it on my phone and send it to her.

Friday transportation to Super Wal-Mart was provided. I didn't really need anything but jumped at the chance to get out. Little did I know the weekend held more outings. Over the weekend, we all gathered at one apartment and two students from Texas fixed breakfast tacos for us. We also hung out at the pool some and went to an outdoor mall and caught a movie too! So it's been a good week for bonding. However, doing fun things really makes me realize how much I miss my family and friends in Charlotte! 

I wanted to go to church Sunday but was unable to get a ride. Today I was told to call a cab. My understanding was it's on the program's tab although a few other students question that. Anyway, I'm hopeful that I will be able to go next week and will make some connections there. 

My eyes have been killing me out here! In general they are okay but when I strain to watch ASL for hours on end, it gets really bad. I've worn my glasses to class a few times recently, but I really don't like them and get a headache if I wear them for too long. So prayers that my eyes would adjust to the strain and dry air are greatly appreciated! 

Mentors

One of the things I'm most excited about is that I have two Deaf mentors! (The capital D on Deaf means they are part of the Deaf culture as opposed to not hearing which is little d deaf.) Each week I get to meet with each mentor separately for an hour. This first week was just introduction and discussion about Deaf culture and skills I'd like to improve. But from here on, I will submit a video of myself signing for them to review. We will then discuss it at our weekly meeting and talk about ways to I can improve. Then I get to sign it again trying to incorporate the ideas discussed and resubmit it. I'm so excited to have individual time with someone who is a native ASL user to give me feedback! I already met with one on Tuesday, and she was awesome! She was very comfortable to talk to. I'm meeting with the other tonight in a little bit and hopeful it will go just as well. Oh yeah....we don't meet in person but I get to use the video phone, which is a new thing for me! :)

Where to begin.....

Sunday night to Tuesday night has just been a whirlwind! I've been a little out of touch partly because of that and partly because the internet in our apartment has been out. Sunday evening all 15 of us got together as a group for the first time. You could feel the tension and uncertainty in the room initially. We did team building exercises and slowly that dissipated. By the end of the evening, we were feeling much more cohesive as a group. There was still some apprehension though as we had a lot of questions about the program.

 

Monday most of those questions were answered as we had orientation. It was a looooong day! We had lots of information given to us and it was all in ASL! I had no idea how tired my eyes would become! They kept tearing up after about 7 hours, and we had a 13 hour day! It was difficult at first too because I have not been exposed to other people signing to me much at all in the last year since graduation. I started out feeling uncertain of my own skills and ability to be here and participate in the program but I kept reminding myself that they must see potential in me or I wouldn't be here. As the day went on, I began to feel more comfortable in the signing only environment. It will definitely help my skills immensely! I have seen improvement in just a few days, so I'm excited about how much I can learn and improve in 14 weeks! :)

 

Enough for one day....I'll try to keep this updated a little better. There's a lot more to tell but I need to read something for class and hit the hay. Please pray that I would continue to improve my receptive skills so I can fully understand what is being taught in the classes. Thanks! 

Pictures

I uploaded some pictures of my trip here and my apartment onto Facebook. You can see them by clicking the link regardless of whether or not you have Facebook.

Ambivalence

I'm currently sitting in the airport at Phoenix waiting for my connecting flight to Salt Lake City. Ambivalence certainly is the word for the day! I'm so excited about the future yet so sad at leaving my family and Charlotte behind.

I've been gearing up for this day for weeks. I've carefully packed everything I think I'll need for 14 weeks, I've had lunch/coffee with friends to say goodbye, I even had my extended family all together last night and celebrated Amanda's 21st birthday a few days early. What I couldn't prepare for was the onslaught of emotions that have hit me last night and this morning.

Those of you who know me well know I don't cry easily. However, it has seemed to happen pretty easily the last 24 hours! Maybe it shouldn't be surprising that after saying goodbye to one of the kids or Mark I would tear up, but to walk in the room this morning and tell Mark I'm ready to go? I think those words made the trip real and current in a way I haven't experienced.

Mark was working this morning and "just happened" to be working the gates around my departure gate. (Thank you, God!) When he didn't have passengers to help, he was able to sit with me. While he worked, I rehearsed my assurances. I'm really glad I wrote that post as it encouraged me this morning. I didn't expect to be reminded so soon! Mark was able to walk me down the jetway and said "goodbye." As he turned to leave and I stood there trying to keep the waterfall in check, I got a text from Amanda saying she missed me already. The waterfall came anyway. So hard to say "goodbye!" I've also had texts and messages from friends encouraging me this morning. Thank you for remembering and taking the time to let me know!

As I sit here, I feel much more encouraged and ready to take on this adventure! :) I'm sure there will be times that will be hard but honestly I think the worst is over with having to say "goodbye."

Two days left.....

Wow!! I can't believe I'm down to the final two days before I leave! I feel pretty good about getting things done and being ready. I'm busy doing laundry and packing today. Hopefully that will leave tomorrow to do any last minute (i.e. forgotten) things and time to get ready for Amanda's birthday party! We're celebrating her 21st a little early since I won't be here on the actual day next week. :(

I wanted to put my address on here as I've gotten a few requests for it: 727 W Twin River Way, #2128, Taylorsville, UT 84123. Don't worry that I'm putting personal info out on the web...my blog isn't searchable and I've only given the URL out to people I know and trust!

I've connected with several of the other students through Facebook and am excited to meet them. Some have posted pictures of the apartments and the surrounding area. It looks absolutely BEAUTIFUL! I think I'm really going to be "suffering" living out there this summer! ;P

Handing off responsibilities....

So I just finished doing invoicing & banking for Mark's business with Amanda. She selflessly volunteered to take over my part of running the business while I'm gone. She has caught on very quickly and I'm confident she will do a great job! :)

Would you please say a prayer for her as she takes on extra responsibility? She will also be in charge of household things like grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc. Not that she will do it all herself but she's responsible to see that it gets done. She's a great organizer, so I don't expect any problems, but it's a lot to ask of her during her summer home from college. I hope for an enjoyable, relaxing summer for her in spite of adding this to her plate.