October 14, 2007

• Another Church

  Today I tried another church.  I’d been thinking about trying this church but couldn’t remember where it was.  Then a friend mentioned it and told me where it is.  The friend was going to meet me there but got sick and couldn’t come (which I found out after I got home), but I went in anyway.  It’s a Foursquare church about 8 miles from me.

  One of the pastors greeted me, and he was very kind and introduced me to his daughter, who interprets for the deaf people that attend.  I asked about it because I noticed there are sign classes on their monthly schedule. There were about 5 deaf people there today, and the church has 100 people attending each service (they have two).

  I sat toward the front across the aisle from where the deaf people sit, so I could watch the interpreting but not have to focus on it.  After the music started I looked at the deaf people and discovered that I knew one of them!!!  I’d met him in the days when I worked as an interpreter for the state department of vocational rehabilitation.

  The worship music was wonderful, and the sermon gave a lot of food for thought.  The church seems more ‘mature’ than the one around the corner from me, and of course, Foursquare denomination is charismatic.  So it seems like it might be what I’ve been looking for.

  When I went into teaching I left an interpreting job.  My intention was to get away from the deaf community and signing.  Part of that is due to developing arthritis in my shoulders and the need to stop interpreting for a living.  Part of that is, because I just simply wanted to be with hearing people.  (The Lydells will understand this).

  I’m beginning to wonder if the Lord is drawing me back into the deaf community.  Sign language is such a part of me — I’ve been drawn to sign language since I was ten years old, and I’ve been signing and interpreting for most of the last 30 years.  I find myself thinking in sign, praying in sign, and signing as I sing in worship (especially if I’m moved to tears or upset).

  In 1980 I was asked to establish and work in a “deaf program” for my church, encouraging deaf members and interpreters, and training interpreters.  I worked there for 8 1/2 years then was replaced by a ministerial candidate; I mourned the loss of that job, my heart was in it so much.  Then after my divorce in 1995 I supported myself by interpreting at various colleges and freelancing, until I was hired to work at vocational rehabilitation.  I left that job for a teaching job after I graduated with my B.A.  Like I said, when I started teaching I thought I was leaving the deaf community, although at times afterward I craved sign.

  When I got the job teaching sign language at the high school I didn’t think anything of it in particular, except that perhaps professionally I’ve found my niche.  The deaf teachers at school talk to me, and of course I’m very comfortable there; the wife of the VR counselor I worked for teaches a DHH class, so I’m also among friends.

  My personal life is in limbo, transition, whatever you call it.  It’s uncomfortable.  I’m looking for a church where I can feel “planted’ and get back to serving the Lord with others.  I’d also like to be half of a marriage partnership in ministry of some kind….  and now this finding the deaf people at the church I visited today makes me wish I could hear personally from the Lord what He has in mind for me:)

  So I’m walking the path putting one foot in front of another…. trying to follow where the Lord leads. To anyone praying with/for me thank you from the bottom of my heart and I beg you not to stop, and please know I do pray for my Xanga friends.

  Love to all,
  Gerrie
  

  • 9:28 pm
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