a few words & silence

My time spent at Hosetta School I must admit was not spent shoveling rocks or sweating. I was so drawn to spend every moment with the children and teachers there. Most of the students are deaf and cannot speak on top of other disabilities. I was amazed to find out that no one knew sign language. How difficult and frustrating for a teacher to not be able to communicate with the whole class! And even more so, imagine being this beautiful little girl... unable to communicate how she feels or what she needs; she cannot hear and lives in unbelievable conditions. Her teachers struggle with how best to deal with her behavioral problems, which are completely understandable. By the end of our time she could sign basics such as, thank you, more please and "stop" it made her so happy!




This is Fatmata, she lives to far away to get to and from school every day, she stays there during the week with Auntie Enda.

Now by no means am I a sign language expert, I know a small amount from teaching my children basics and putting signs to songs for children's worship. Getting to sit next to a deaf boy and sing Jesus loves me with signs for the first time, this was one of the most amazing things I have ever been allowed to do. My favorite two songs we sang together were...

He knows my name. It is a simple amazing little song that says:
I have a maker, he formed my heart, before even time began, my life was in his hands. He knows my name, he knows my every thought, he sees each tear that falls and he hears me when I call.
How powerful that was! I don't know all their names or couldn't even try to explain the pain in their lives, but we have a father who can fill every need.
&
Shout to the Lord
Those who could hear and those who couldn't, all loved signing this song, one of the team members caught a little of this on video while i was sitting with a few of the deaf children.

Definitely one of my favorite moments. The video ended up having no sound. I left it in silence...

(I added the words here for those who don't know it)

Shout to the Lord all the earth let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King;
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
at the sound of Your name.
I sing for Joy at the work of Your hands,
Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand,

Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.

My Jesus, My Savior,
Lord, there is none like You;
All of my days, I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love.
My Comfort, My Shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You.