Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Fruit Ministry

Monthly our church would do a fruit ministry to the public. We would sell fruit but also provide information - often books about faith in Jesus Christ and the beliefs of Seventh Day Adventists. This is a good ministry to the public and it also brings funds into our church.

Below is DJ and Renee Luchalemous (we call him Luch - he is an RP at my dad's office) carrying the fruit out to the cars.


Boxes, boxes, and more boxes! Our family and a few other members usually come early to organize the boxes. This means we have to write out each person's order and prepare it. That way it is easier when people arrive.


Mum and Ms. Patti. Ms. Patti has been the coordinator for the fruit for some time. She does a lot of work and we're all so thankful for her!


Mum, Ms. Monica, and Ms. Pennington serving those of us who are working with the fruit. We usually get a yummy lunch complete with Ms. Monica's curry. YUM!


It's been a great ministry but now we are passing it on to Chesapeake SDA Church... it's been a blessing! *smiles*

ASL high school workshop...

On Wednesday Star (my favorite ASL teacher/ the ASL-ITP board chair at TCC), Laura (my ASL-3 teacher, very fun lady), some classmates, and myself went to a high school in Suffolk - west of Chesapeake, about 45 minutes away. They have an ASL program at the high school so we went to encourage them to come to TCC and seek a degree in interpreting. My friend and classmate, Trish and I rode with our teachers. It was so much fun seeing how we could communicate and driving at the same time! Star was being funny too. *smiles* Anyways, we arrived at the school at 9 o'clock AM, Starbucks in hand - none of us are morning people. Other students we met there were Kellen, Beth (and her smart and adorable deaf two year old - Lilly) and Tanya and then we entered the school. I was sort of nervous because this would be my first time in a public high school, so I hung close to the group.

We did some prep to get in contact with the teacher and then were lead to this huge auditorium - it was huge! There seated around the auditorium were about 100 high school students. Walking down to the front row of the auditorium was a journey of it's self - I felt like I was being examined under a microscope. *laugh* So Star starts the introduction and explains some things while Mrs. D, the ASL teacher interprets since she is VQAS level - 3. I felt so bad for her as her interpretation of my teacher was truly embarrassing, although some was alright...I mean it was understandable, but all of it wasn't interpreted correctly and she missed some parts that Star signed or misinterpreted it. It made me come to a better understanding of the great need for *skilled, qualified, professional* interpreters. The students signed songs and some did really well. There was this one girl who signed with all her heart, you could see this big smile on her face as she signed... very sweet. Another group signed something really funny, teaching me how close signs really are to each other, the students signed that the 'angels were being cooked and the chicken was sweeping'! Tanya was sitting next to me - we both had to bite our lips to keep from laughing... I mean, some of them tried hard but you could tell others were taking ASL since they thought it was a "easy" language for their foreign language credits. Wow.... how sad.

Then Star had the students playing games and doing activities to understand the difficulties of communicating between the hearing and Deaf World, thus showing the need for interpreters. Next she explained some about Deaf Culture - playing a game...keeping it entertaining. But auditorium was so noisy - I could see people talking, giggling, listening to their ipods...and the teacher was doing nothing! I sign to Laura while Star is presenting, 'they are being really noisy and aren't whatsoever listening to Star'. Star had previously whistled to get peoples attention but apparently, they didn't want to focus. Mind you, I was a little intimadated by the many students, but I can't stand people being rude, especially to someone I really respect. So I yelled at them to be quiet, since they are being rude and all. It went from being really noisy to quiet in seconds....I suddenly relized what I did and turned bright red, falling back into my seat. Then I heard some voice from behind me say, "wow, she can speak!" Apparently, it was interpreted or they assumed that we were all deaf. Woops. *laugh* I saw Laura smile at me and nod while Star looking at me with raised eyebrows, like 'what just happened there?' So I quickly explain that I told them to AB (mouth movement to be quiet) and that they were being very rude and noisy, not listening at all. We ended up taking a lunch break and we all chatted. Thankfully, three students came up and said sorry - sort of like the Bible story where only one came back to say thank-you. OY. Later we left, I think next time the teacher should pick out students to come to TCC or maybe there could be a sign up sheet, but most definitely use our time more effectively. But it looked like a few people were interested in coming to TCC - so if this trip helped a couple students choose interpreting for a profession, then all the better.

Ohhh, and Mrs. D came up to me and was like, "now tell me, didn't I interpret well?" Talk about being in a weird place! First of all, she's my elder so I can't exactly say what I'm thinking and be disrespectful. Second, she's qualified and I'm not. Third, she stuck me between a rock and a hard place, me being a guest there. There was no way to get out of this. I had previously spoken to my interpreting teacher about evaluating an interpreter - she said, as a student it isn't my place to judge. My thought exactly! But I could point out the good in the interpreting, just since I'm not a terp or a Deaf person, I *cannot* voice the bad...since I can't judge being a student and not knowing anything about terping. So I remembered what my terp teacher said and said, "well, some of it was okay." Later, my classmates, Laura, and I told Star about the interpreting. Star later explained to me that as a student I *can* voice about the "bad", she said I should voice it - even though I am younger and less qualifed than Mrs. D, since it will help her improve. But she said Mrs. D didn't do right by asking me, a student a question like that. Although, she must have asked it because she knew she wasn't doing so great, I'd imagine. Star said if I am every intimadated like that I can always say, "it's not my place to say." I could understand Star telling the interpreter off, but me?! Oy. But *phew*, that felt better because I knew some of it was okay but I really wanted her to see that she did make mistakes - some rather large ones.......I learned a lot from that experience. Tell both the positive AND the negitive, therefore improving the terp in the long run....one of the joys of growing up, you just keep on learning! *smiles*


Above is a picture of some of us who went to the school. From left to right: Laura, Tanya, Star, me, and Kellen

Friday, December 21, 2007

Hanukkah party baby... *smiles*

Over Hanukkah we went to a party held by some Jewish friends. They taught us about the meaning of Hanukkah and their traditions. It was very interesting...

Below is a picture of my mom and I with baby Florence - she's not ours. "Although I wish," I said. My mom is leaning over my shoulder and she said, "no you don't." *laugh*


Florence was such a good baby - about 6 months old and with huge blue eyes!!! *smiles* While my mum was holding her, someone came up to her and said, "awww, almost a grandma...." I thought that was completely hilarious!


As much as I love babies, I'm glad I don't have one of my own....the joys of baby-sitting. Have fun with the baby and then give it back to the parents deal with the bad days, right? LOL


Florence was definitely a lot of fun for Mum and I.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Emily's first time skating

Believe it or not, my feet have never met the ice before...being a San Diego/island girl. I've SCUBA dived with hundreds of sharks, climbed the highest mountain in the world - Mt. Lam Lam, and even survived a catagory 5 typhoon. But I have never ice skated in my life!

Friday night my friends Trish, Kellen, Tanya and I were at the mall for a Silent Dinner (once a week this is the time the Deaf Community, interpreters, and ASL students gather together). But oddly, we saw only three people there, when there usually are many! Trish and Kellen talked me into trying my hand...or would it be my feet, on the ice!

Here I am flying over the ice, enjoying every second of it!


Here I am with Kellen, my skating teacher, watching as a crowd of newbee skaters come at us, fast! *smiles*


This is a Zamboni. When I first saw it, I asked Kellen, in ASL of course, "what's that?!" She said it's a machine that makes the ice smooth. My parents, growing up in Michigan have told me about skating, hockey, AND Zambonis. My dad always wanted to drive one.... *smiles*


I loved skating!! It was so much fun! I'm looking forward to bringing my family out on the ice sometime next week. YEAA!


Another life accomplishment completed, I've learned to ice skate!

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Preparation for Winter


This is Rudy teaching how to hand sharpen a chain-saw. Rudy teaches an Adult Education Class on 'Small Engine Repair,' and is where new life experiences started for Dave...
Last Fall Dave chose to take the 'Small Engine Repair' class because it is a skill-set he has NEVER experienced(!) and it would give him the chance to tune-up our own lawn mower. Rudy's class is all hands-on, 'no need for a notebook - just bring in piece of lawn equipment...'
In a note to the Administration, Dave stated that Rudy's class taught:
- Small engine repair.
- Practical, philosophy of life.
- Community relations.
- Confidence building.
Dave is quick to remark about Rudy's sayings and applies them almost as quickly as he does Paul Tillich :-} Actually, this was such a great experience that Dave will take this class again in the Winter / Spring Session.


Dave and DJ winterizing the lawn equipment.


More equipment winterized!


With the confidence building learned in Rudy's class, Dave takes on other home projects. Here he and DJ tackle replacing the garbage disposal.



DJ working under Dave's guidance, 'Ok, now you need to do...'


In the midst of it all... Barb pulls the screens from the windows and washes the windows before winter.

232nd Anniversary of the Navy Chaplain Corps


On 28 November 1775, the Navy Chaplain Corps was established. The Chaplain Corps was established 18 days after the Marine Corps. Urban legend has said it took the Continental Congress only 18 days to realize that the Marine Corps, having been founded in Tun Tavern, needed a Spiritual compass and thus the Chaplain Corps. The Chaplain Corps is the 2nd oldest Corps in the Department of the Navy. Navy Chaplains proudly serve: Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and Merchant Marines around the globe.

This is a picture of Dave and Barb going off to the Anniversary Ball in Norfolk, Virginia.

Monday, November 26, 2007

Thanksgiving in Beaufort, South Carolina


Welcome to the spirit of Beaufort, South Carolina!


This is an amazing town where Mrs. Baker, her youngest daughter and son-in-law, Wendy and David Orford live. My dad met the Bakers about 1971. Mr. and Mrs. Baker became second parents to my dad. They've remained close. Mrs. Baker invited us to spend Thanksgiving in Beaufort at their home.


We took morning walks to the pier. It was very beautiful! Note the Spanish Moss on the Live Oak tree.


David with his buddy, Sadie at the pier. Sadie is a rescued Boarder Collie. Wendy has a nack at rescuing strays. Similar to her mom who 'rescued' my dad back in '71. :)


Emily in the front yard on the old fashion swing hanging from a giant Live Oak tree. It was a great thinking spot and a lot of fun!


Here is a picture of Mum with a beautiful Confederate Rose. This rose will begin white, then pink, and finally become purple. Around the Confederate Rose tree were pecans trees. Mum and David picked 40 pounds of pecans! We're now enjoying the harvest and plan on making many yummy pecan dishes.


Mr. David has a golf cart and in that community people of all ages drive it around. My brother and I drove the cart around for driving practice, especially going in reverse!


A vegetarian cooking turkey?? I wonder how he'll carve it? He keeps rehearsing the scene from Horatio Hornblower; where Horatio was told how to cut various kinds of meat: mutton, beef, and MONKEY! NOW, which one is this?


Wendy brought us down to the stables to visit her horse, Rusty.


The two Davids; Mr. David and Dad feeding Rusty and watching us ride.


I've always liked horses, but that day, I fell in love with them! :) Above is me talking to Rusty before riding him.


David sitting on Rusty... :)

It was a wonderful Thanksgiving, a much enjoyed time with family, and a peaceful weekend. We look forward to going down to Beaufort again!! :)

Fall Arrives in Tidewater


Fall is here, jackets are on... the loaner dog with DJ and Emily is a Rupert a Rhodesian Ridgeback.


It's amazing; one week all was green, we were cutting the lawn and then Fall came... tree leaves changed color and fell. Collards were ready to be picked.


Even knowing the biology behind the changes, I'm still in awe at the colors, the changes, the cycles.


The family farmer, DJ, with his Fall crop.

Monticello, Blue Ridge Mts, and Apple Picking in October


After a grueling September schedule we took a long weekend to visit Monticello (Thomas Jefferson's home) and that area. What a great reprieve from the grinds of clinical practices and homework. Visiting Monticello, and finding the peace / serenity that walking the gardens brought, we could see why Jefferson found this place so inspiring.


Jefferson, was a great inventor as well as Statesman. We walked through the same gardens that he tended... and found that he also experimented with cross pollination.


In the early 70s David lived in Washington DC and would frequently camp up along the Blue Ridge Highway - usually at various places where the Appalachian Trail came near the road. We had the opportunity to drive along this road on a Sabbath evening and watch the majestic sunset.


Then what would Fall be without picking apples at Cochran Apple Orchard? DJ and Emily learned to use an apple picker and we all consumed our share of apples.


Well rested, well fed, and special time with God in the mountains; we leave content and head back home. Another successful weekend vacation :-}

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Deaf Rally - September 29

International Day for Deaf People and Sign Languages was September 29. The Deaf Community here, in Hampton Roads celebrated it by having a peaceful rally at the Norfolk City Hall. It was an amazing experiences! I was proud to be able to witness such a monumental event.



Dad and David joined me (Emily) at the Deaf rally. They were quoted on the website (www.vbdeaf.com) as, "Christians supporting us," since they wore their Awana t-shirts. Pretty cool, eh?



One of my favorite presenters was my classmate, Beth. She is currently in ASL-3 with me, as she is learning ASL with her deaf daughter, Lily. She presented about her support of the bilingual-bicultural communication method. This consists of using ASL as the deaf child's first language for the first 7 years, exposing the child to all aspects of the Deaf Community and it's culture. This gives the Deaf child a language and cultural foundation before encouraging the use of English. As a second language, they begin to learn English including written and spoken (if possible). Beth's dream is to create a charter school where she can educate, Lily in ASL and English. Giving her access to the Deaf AND Hearing World.



This is Star, my favorite teacher and the president of the Southeastern Society of the Deaf. She gave an amazing presentation at the rally!



Tria, Kathy, and Lela holding their signs to protest and refute audism.



Below is Jennifer signing the song Wind Beneath My Wings. She did an amazing job leaving most of us teary-eyed and very touched....



The rally was amazing! I had an amazing time and learned SO much! It was an honor to be able to witness this awesome event! I can't wait for next year!!! *smiles*

Monday, October 8, 2007

Yorktown

In September, we visiting Yorktown. I (Emily) thought Yorktown was the most beautiful of sites we've visited in compairson to Williamsburg and Jamestown. Yorktown was the place where the Americans and the French trapped the British. They finally surrendered. Below is some pictures we took on our trip to Yorktown:



DJ with a French cannon used in the attack on Yorktown.


The Americans and French build ramparts. They placed cannons behind them and fired on the British in Yorktown.


Below is a pretty picture I captured on the drive around the Yorktown encampment.


The road we drove down...this reminded me of the movie "The Patriot."


Of course the day we went to Yorktown it reached 100 degrees! Here I am cooling off in the little stream on the drive around the Yorktown encampment.


DJ loved Jamestown, the whole family loved Williamsburg, but I've got to say, Yorktown is on the top of that list for me. I don't need recreations to tell me what the trees and the wilderness speaks loudly of....that there was a war there, which is part of our history. I was abe to imagine what those men felt like long ago in the fight with the British over Yorktown...*wow*