Sunday, August 4, 2013

Soccer games and sign language


The afternoon was slipping toward evening as we took a walk on a path by the sea, still rough from the thunder storm last night.  Turning off to go through a small cluster of homes, we had just finished over at the soccer field watching the ladies’ community team in a match.  I heard a squeal and turned to see the biggest smile and an adorable two year old rushing toward me with arms out-stretched before I caught him up and tossed him in the air, ending with a big hug.  I was dropping off some antibiotics.  In form with the way of life here there are fewer degrees of separation between tasks, time and roles, so while out recreating with friends it is perfectly normal to also make medical house calls as needed. He’s had a pretty solid chest cold.  But what a miracle that little boy is!  Two weeks ago he was resuscitated after being found drowned in the ocean and by all accounts it is the merciful hand of Jesus that spared him.  

About a month ago I was reacquainted with the family and learned that this little guy is deaf.  Yesterday we had our first “session” of sign together.  Bubbles, picture books and about 7 neighbor kids all scrambling to get him to sign “more” so I’d launch another puff of sticky bubbles.  He will have more teachers than he will know what to do with.  Excited to see Jesus work in this.  Praying about how to connect the other deaf individuals here together and to the community for as of yet they do not have the same involvement and belonging as their peers.  

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