finally some pictures.

The projects within this organization are endless. Dennis has an amazing imagination and brings many of his brilliant ideas to life to better the Deaf community on this island. It is impossible for me to even describe it.

The Deaf kids have been working on a dictionary of Filipino Sign Language (FSL). It should be complete by October. This is to help generate some funds for the kids as they are all sponsored in order to stay in school. I believe this is going to be available for any one around the world to buy. (so, Christy, you may want to invest before you come over) It is all by pictures. The graphics these kids are capable of is amazing. Some of the classes I have been able to visit have caught me off guard. This school looks a lot like an American school with the level of things these Deaf kids are learning. The hearing students in Tacloban were not as advanced as many of these Deaf kids.

Last night I was able to hang out with some of the kids on campus as I live right on campus. It was so wonderful to be able to chat and catch on to their signs. I have caught on pretty quick.

Tomorrow I will be interpreting for a meeting between IDEA staff and the elementary principals around the Island. There has been an issue with having the Deaf elementary students in the hearing classroom because the principals have seen this amazing private Deaf High School, they want the elementary kids to be out of their classroom. It is interesting that they have taken it as far as to call all the Deaf students a responsibility of IDEA. The staff at IDEA have written up a Memorandum of Agreement to be discussed at the meeting tomorrow. Many of the staff at IDEA are Deaf so I will be interpreting with Lee. Lee is an American who has a four year contract with IDEA that expires in April. So he has been a big help to me here.

Dennis gave me a huge task to pioneer during my stay. There are six Deaf families who have not been able to find land and build homes. Part of this has to do with the mindset that they are possibly unable. Dennis has given me the responsibility to figure out a way to get these Deaf families loans called Pag-IBIG loans. I will be working with the Social worker of IDEA and reading through the rules and regulations for these loans. Dennis has created a low budget but high quality home out of Styrofoam and Hardy-flex. This will not be eaten by the termites yet will uphold during the Filipino weather. He will be able to produce these homes at cost for these Deaf families if I am able to help them get loans for the land as well as the cost for the house.

I had my first experience driving in the rain. It was pouring out, yet I was more wet from the big trucks driving by me.  I still have not seen a cockroach.

I made one mistake yesterday. I put chapstick on before heading to the office. I felt like I had an inch of smog and dust particles stuck to my lips by the time I arrived at the office. So I went to the mall and bought a mask that covers my mouth and nose. This way I will be able to breathe while I drive as well. I have been just closing my nose, however this means I have been eating all the smog… yuck.

The intramurals are today. The kids started with a parade and then a few games. It was quiet an experience. Tomorrow afternoon I get to be a judge for some of the games.




Well, I am off to work with the kids in the high school today. Hope you are all well. Keep me in your prayers. Especially about the Pag-IBIG loans. I have no idea where to start with that.

Thanks!!