Friday........beautiful feet

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Our last day at the Sonsonate Deaf School. The time has gone by so quickly; a lot has been accomplished both on the school grounds and with the students and staff. The team presented David and Goliath to the younger students, who enjoyed seeing the giant defeated. When asked what giants they face, they shared about gangs, violence, those who deal drugs, very real concerns and not so very different from any other part of the world, and that God is always there to stand with us against any challenges we might face. We also had the chance to talk with a number of the mothers who bring their children to school and patiently wait until classes are finished. After telling them what a blessing it was for these children to have such caring mothers, willing to sacrifice so much so that they can learn, they expressed their appreciation for all that the team had done and especially, for sharing God’s Word with their children. It’s easy to forget that this is a public school, not a Christian school, yet we have had a completely open door to share the gospel, pray and share scriptures freely. Amazing! While out for lunch, we were able to find a new basketball goal, net, and backboard. What was left of theirs was a sliver of wood and partial rim. Just watching some of the boys matching basketball skills with some of the guys on the team assured us that they will be thrilled to have a decent goal again. Jim repaired the broken swings on the very old playground equipment. That will bring a lot of joy to the kids. We had an unexpected special presentation in the afternoon from a teacher at a nearby Baptist Christian School. Their church had felt burdened for the deaf and had already found someone to sign in their worship services and began to pray about what they could do for deaf children. Since the Sonsonate Deaf School only goes to 9th grade, and very, very few are able to go far away to any available high school, they felt led to provide classes for the remaining two years of high school for these students. They have worked out an excellent sounding program that would integrate these students into most of the existing classes, providing teachers to sign for them, continue their training in sign language as well as Spanish, and give them the chance to be fully integrated into the community. The church plans to provide for the tuition for these students; what they need is help in paying for two interpreters. So we are praying with them about this. There would probably be at least 10 students ready for this program in Jan; perhaps more. Then we had a special time for guys to meet together and girls to meet separately to share about their lives, dreams, and challenges, giving opportunity for our team to share about theirs as well, a great time of sharing.

Then the students told us that they had prepared something special for us to thank us for all we had done for them. They presented a skit depicting a guy being torn between the temptations of evil and God, finally choosing to follow God. Complete with costumes and props, they did an excellent job. Then they signed a song for us, which was beautifully done. Sign language is so expressive and full of emotion, lovely to watch. And as if that weren’t enough, they had made momentos for each team member, hand decorated pencils, which they personally presented one by one to one of us, embracing each one and having a picture made with them. The students, on their own, bought candies to give to the team in appreciation. All in all, very humbling. To conclude, one of the boys prayed for us, our travels, thanking God for bringing us to them. Deeply humbling, and amazing as we remember once again that this is a public school.
The principal shared some very kind words with us, telling us that she didn’t expect the group to do so much and be such a blessing to them and how encouraged they were. Our prayers have been answered abundantly!! After lots of hugs, pictures, and more parting hugs, we boarded our bus to head back to town. Our hearts are full. We have made very special new friends, hopefully brought them new hope and encouragement and assurance that God loves them and is able to work in and through them to make a difference not only in their lives, but their communities and country.

“How then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ’How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.’” Romans 10:14-15