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Southpoint Community Church!

 Family and Friends,

For those of you that read my last post remember how I talked about my friend who has a deaf daughter (Pinen). Well, they invited me to Southpoint Community Church to attend Deaf Church with them.

I didn’t know what to expect. This was my first time going to Deaf Church and I was excited. I was surprised that the church was down the street and around the corner from my husband’s job at Discover Tech. I didn’t go with the family because my son was having a sleep over and he still had company.

Nonetheless, the church was beautiful. I love the open space when you walk in. It made it feel comfortable. This was the second church I went to that had a Starbucks inside! The people were very nice. All I saw was smiles! and  loved the fact that SouthPoint had a relax dress code!

When we made it to Deaf church it was a small turn out but it was great it worked out. Now, the reason why it worked out was because we kinda had a workshop about how to deal with conflict. (because of the small group.)

The pastor gave us 6 steps for Fighting Clean.

First: Say the problem “I notice…”

Second: Say why it is important ” I Value…”

Third: When you (behavior), I feel…….

Fourth: Clearly say what you are requesting.

Fifth: Consider the request share your thoughts.

Last: Are you willing to do all or part of it?

We got into groups of three and we signed made up issues and the other responded but,we had to repeat what the other had stated to us first to make sure we had a clear understanding of what the issue was.

I had a great time doing that activity and I learned a lot on so many levels. The people were nice and open and made me feel welcomed. They helped me with my signs and didn’t have any issue explaining to me a sign I did not understand. I could have stayed there all day!

I think due to me not begin use to things and not understanding what is ok to do and not ok to do made me a bit more reserved. The main example of this is when praise and worship was happening I didn’t know if it was ok for me to try to sign sing with the leader of that. LOL! It sounds crazy I know. Even tho I saw other deaf people singing and some not I just didn’t know.

I think I was thinking about not wanting to be perceived as a spectator. I know they see a lot of students come in for one reason or another and then they are not seen again. I don’t want to fall into that group.

I really  enjoyed myself and I look forward to going back this and every sunday and anything they have going on I want to be a part of it.

So, if you have not visited Southpoint Community Church located at 7556 Salisbury Rd. Jacksonville. Fl 32256. What are you waiting for!? Deaf Church starts at 11:15am on the 1st and 3rd Sunday in room 237.

See you there!

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My Journey Begins!

 

Well, let me get right to it. I have been looking for opportunities to get involved in the Deaf community. I have touched base with an organization that said they needed volunteers.(I won’t call anyone out) I called and was transferred two different times to two different people. From there I was able to get a name. Once I received the name and was transferred over to her office she took forever to contact me. I called again and agin and again then, when she finally got back with me she wanted me to come in on a certain day I was like sure you let me know what time and I will be there. I got nothing back. Who know it would be so hard to give people your time! I would have help out in any way. It could have been answering the phone or filing.

 

 

I then said forget it. I should not have to feel like I am begging for an opportunity to help!  Don’t get me wrong it bothered me that she couldn’t follow through cause I really wanted to work with this organization.  So I let go and let God! Sometimes God doesn’t let you walk through a door cause he has something better planned for you!

I then decided to reach out for help in my studies by emailing a lady (I won’t say any names) and she offered her time to help for $15.00 and hour. I emailed her several times and never did I get an answer! So again I said F&%$ It!

I wanted my summer to be filled with all things Deaf! I had a vision. I wanted to have a personal relationship with someone in the Deaf Community and or someone who was more fluent than me. Someone who I could go to for help and just practice my craft and my passion with. Guess What?! God Answered my pray!

I contacted an old classmate of mine we were in ASL 2 together and exchanged numbers. I called her up and she welcome me with open arms to her home to introduce me to her daughter who is deaf. It was an Amazing time!! I learned new signs and they made me feel so comfortable! My classmate let me know that she saw my growth and her daughter said I was doing well. I understood more than I thought I would! I truly had a wonderful, fun time with them. So much so that we have decided to meetup once every week to just hang out so I can learn and become the great interpreter I am destined to be. Amen!

I thank God for the people he has allowed to come into my life and help me on this journey and for the people to come!

Thank You Jesus!

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Amazing Interpreters

Hey Everyone,

I know it has been a minute since my last post. A lot has been going on but, now that I am on break from school I will have more time to post and  to keep you in tune with me and with what is happening in and around the Deaf community!

To start things off I wanted to share with you two videos I came across tonight. There are so many wonderful Interpreters out there that I hope to one day be as good as and this one is no exception!

When I saw this first video I was like WOW! check it out.

She was Amazing! Now this second video you will have to judge for yourself. Did Waka Flocka think the interpreter was dancing? hum….

Tell me what you think. LOL! As Always you know what to do PlayWit It have fun & learn! OH! and don’t forget the check out the events page I have added some new things. Thanks.

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Text To 911 Call If You Can- Text If You Must!

Hey Everyone,

If you didn’t already know Jacksonville, FL now has Text to 911! Yep! This was created to help the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Speech Impaired and the Non-Verbal.

Those who are hearing can also use this service as well especially if you are in a situation where it would best if you were not heard!

It’s very easy to use.

The Jacksonville Sheriffs office first and foremost wants you to text from a safe place if possible. Get out of harm’s way, if you can.

Next, enter “911” in the recipient field (no dashes, dots, etc)

Then you give the location and what is wrong First. You will receive a text asking for more information. Also, keep in mind that if you move locations you must let them know they can’t track your phone!

Now, I decided to try this out and it took about 5 minutes for someone to reach out to me. For my non-emergency it was OK. Keep in mind, you can still text more information to them while you are waiting for a response. Also, sometimes when we text a friend,  long messages can be delivered out-of-order or with a delay – same reality in Text-to-911.

The Sheriff Office wanted to stress the best and fastest way is to make a voice telephone call and to report emergencies! Text to 911 messages should Only be used when you have NO other options and cannot make a phone call to 9-1-1.

The service is only in English. Calls can not be transferred to JSO. Call taker will relay information to other agencies as needed. There are no medical or pre-arrival instructions. You can’t send any pictures, screen shots, emojis or attachments just text.

They also wanted you to know that this service is not available everywhere and that you may receive a “bounce back” message.

“Text message to 911 not available please make a voice call to 911 or use TTY or relay.”

You might also get this same message if all text circuits or answering positions are busy. 

Please note You don’t need an APP to text 911!

For more information about Text to 911 log on to: www.fcc.gov.

If you want to know more about Statewide Text to 911 Initiative log onto: www.dms.myflorida.com.

Be Safe! and Remember “Talk If You Can. Text When You Must!

 

 

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Pink Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken

 

Hey Guys,

I know what you are thinking.  Why am I posting Pink’s Grammys performance?  That is how old? Well I am taking you backwards before I take you forward. I thought it was the best performance on the Grammys! I think it’s always good to showcase ASL cause it brings attention and attention hopefully leads to more inclusion of the Deaf community and it’s language. So, once again checkout check out Pink’s Grammy Performance.

Oh, and tell me what you thought good or bad.

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Hedy & Heidi The Lost Sister

Hi Everyone,

Let me first say that if you did not get a chance to see this movie here in Jacksonville, Fl you missed out! yes you did! This was the first Deaf Movie and the whole Deaf community was excited it. I’m not Deaf and I was excited about it! Check out the trailer down below.

The movie screening was held at the Florida School For The Deaf and Blind located in St. Augustine Fl.

SYNOPSIS

The story of two twins separated at birth, Hedy and Heidi: T

he Lost Sister follows two twin sisters whom lead drastically different lives. After decades of vivid dreams and intuitions about an unknown sister, HEDY (Heidi Branch) discovers the existence of her so-called twin, HEIDI (Heidi Branch yes, it’s the same actress.) Determined to find closure behind the true meaning of her dreams, she leads viewers on a hilarious and charming quest to find what she truly hopes will be the sister she’d been dreaming of. Bumping into improbable situations and unique characters along the way, Hedy finally finds the woman she believes to be her sister.

Her abrupt arrival quickly causes discord in the family. Heidi’s busy life is soon thrown into disarray by the arrival of this quirky and seemingly incompetent stranger. With an increasingly frustrated husband and two teenage boys, Heidi is forced to learn how to balance life and Hedy’s shenanigans. Will Heidi reach a breaking point? Can Hedy ever win the love of her new

family?

This film is bound to delight audiences of all ages, and is guaranteed to have you gasping in laughter and leave you grinning.

The movie will be released 2019 so if you missed it you will have to wait til then

to view it unless…..You will be in Pleasanton, Ca on April 14 or Tucson, AZ on April 21st, or Sacramento, Ca on April 21st or Martinsburg, WV on May 11, 2018.