AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE BEING TAUGHT IN BELIZE........

You see me here, with my certificate of completion for my "ASL" American Sign Language Class. 

Last week, I had the privilege of taking an American Sign Language Class here in Belize.  It was incredible and I learned so much.  During this week, I was able to develop some great friendships, with others interested in the same thing I am. 

We spent the entire week role playing and actively learning all aspects of sign language.  In the pictures below, you will see pictures our classroom.  We learned by question and answer, doing presentations, following DVD examples, and role playing (as you see Fonzie, my dad's friend & work associate) doing below.  All of this, helped me to have a new appreciation for what it means to be deaf. 

I have several friends here on the island that are deaf, and I want to be able to communicate with them better.  Here are some pictures of yesterday - this was graduation day for me  You can see my sister Lauren watching me graduate.   I have lots to learn in the weeks and months to come. 

Afterwards, we had a big blow out party with all our friends.  Dad and Dennie broke out the BBQ grill,  and did hamburgers and hot dogs for the whole group, mom made 2 of her famous chocolate cakes (family recipe right from my grandma Smith). Stephanie decorated all the platters, served up the beans and we laughed, swam in the pool and watched more videos on the deaf culture. 

There was only one word that summed up this past week?  AWESOME!

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AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE IN BELIZE