Blind Leading the Blind

 

It’s official, the blind are leading the blind. Transfers are tomorrow and they are shipping my trainer back to the capital and I am now companions with Hermana Thomas from Washington DC. Both of us only have six weeks under our belt in the field and technically the training program is twelve weeks - but they need our trainers for a massive group entering the field. All the other other Hermanas are in tripanionships to finish the training program; muchas Hermanas. I’m glad the president trusts us to be on our own... hope we don't destroy the church out here. The problem is that both of us are still trying to figure everything out. I have learned that having a sense of humor is the best way to deal with stress and being out of your comfort zone. I have learned from my experience here that my life is easy and my struggles are nothing compared to the struggles that many people have. We will still be living with Hermana Espinoza and the two Hermanas she is training.

This week we contacted a house with two deaf ladies. Either they knew a little American Sign Language or Spanish sign language is similar; but we were able to communicate. It was so fun to talk (or sign rather) with them and share a little bit of our message. They were so kind and patient trying to understand me.

There is a woman we have been teaching and she lives in a pretty house. My companion complimented her on her rug, telling her how beautiful it was. When we were finished and leaving, we heard the woman call after us. She had the rug all folded up and gave it to my companion. She insisted she take the rug with her. The rest of the night my companion carried the rug with her to all our other citas.

I often get asked if I am Italian - way more often than if I am Americana. And everyone asks if Hermana Arce and I are really sisters.

Those are all the updates for now. I’m so grateful for all the prayers and support. It’s not easy but it’s an experience like none other.

Happy Cinco de Mayo

"A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in" Greek Proverb

Hermana Christensen