Here is the first weekly update installments of "[what]S'up, Wednesday?". This is a place where I give weekly
updates about how day to day life is going here in Wildwood, New Jersey.
It will typically include something that has just happened, a "forecast
of a schedule (always subject to change), and an update on my financial
situation.. :)
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Happenings:
We're in week 2. The first few days flew by! I came to project expecting things to be slightly different, but mostly the same.. However, every year is a new year.. If you have been joining this journey with me for a while new, you will know that this year we have doubled our Deaf students in attendance on Project. Last year we had one (1) Deaf guy student, and one (1) Deaf girl. This year, there are three (3) Deaf guys, and two (2) Deaf girls. Which means the interpreting needs have doubled as well! Things have been kinda crazy as I try to figure a good rhythm of the interpreting needs. It's taken some time, but I think we're finally getting to the sweet spot.
*******************************************************
Happenings:
We're in week 2. The first few days flew by! I came to project expecting things to be slightly different, but mostly the same.. However, every year is a new year.. If you have been joining this journey with me for a while new, you will know that this year we have doubled our Deaf students in attendance on Project. Last year we had one (1) Deaf guy student, and one (1) Deaf girl. This year, there are three (3) Deaf guys, and two (2) Deaf girls. Which means the interpreting needs have doubled as well! Things have been kinda crazy as I try to figure a good rhythm of the interpreting needs. It's taken some time, but I think we're finally getting to the sweet spot.
Schedule:
In previous years, the interpreters tend to swap out every few weeks, as that is all the time that they can take out of their full-time work schedules. This year, over the course of the summer, I have 4 interpreters that will be here for shorter time spans. Abby is one of those interpreters. She came last week, the day before students arrived, and will be leaving this Friday. The funny God-ordained thing is that I met Abby last summer the day after protect ended. By God's providence she was able to come out this year, and it's been great having her here. She has been up to interpret for whatever is needed, and always is willing to do the dishes - which is a huge blessing for me! We will miss her!
Finances:
For once the interpreting budget is not only not flailing helplessly in the ocean, but is surfing the waves masterfully! I am so grateful for the way in which Adonai has provided the necessary funds for the interpreting budget needs this year.
Money is always tight on the students side of project, though. Of all 5 Deaf students (and one Deaf staff member), only one comes from a strong support base. If you are looking to make a tax deductible donation, or would like to support any of the students, below are the links to their accounts and a short bio about them.. The students support raising goals are $2850 each, the Staff goal is $1750.
THANKS so much for partnering with me on this journey!
Soli Deo Gloria
:D
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Deaf student Bio's:
Azael Perry - is the Deaf staff individual. This is his 3rd summer on Project, and he's functioning in a dual role (as staff and a Deaf Interpreter for a Deaf student from Honduras who has come on project this year). He's working super hard this summer, going between the staff/councilor role and the Deaf Interpreter which has not given him much time to work on raising support. The link to his account is here: https://give.cru.org/5572350
Heidi Birchler is a student at RIT. She is involved in Hands of Fire and Cru on campus. https://give.cru.org/0746231
Taby Benavides is also a student at RIT. She is also involved in Hands of Fire and Cru. https://give.cru.org/0745970
Jacob Walden - Community College student in Oklahoma. Involved in the Deaf Bible Study for College Students. https://give.cru.org/0766419
Joel Herrera - moved from Honduras last year. Involved in the Deaf Bible Study for College Students as well. https://give.cru.org/0760206
Dennis Alvarez - flew from Honduras on May 31st. He is learning ASL since they use LESHO in Honduras. Azael is interpreting for Dennis (and occasionally Joel, since he's been in the states less than a year) during the meeting that we have most nights of the week and for social times until he picks up more ASL :) https://give.cru.org/0758657
Glad to read the updates! Adonai will continue to provide - he is able to do more than is necessary!
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