Why Make the Effort ???

Hi Everyone!

I’m writing to you from Temple Beth Israel in Carmel; they graciously allowed us to set up camp in their backyard. : ) AND let us use their bathrooms. (BIGGER smile :           )

MAHALO Beth Israel!!!

I got sign yesterday that our plans had changed. Some of the roads have sooo much traffic that we’re hopping a ride today to Big Sur (about 26-miles away).

“No showers or wi-fi there!” they warned me.

Well, the last shower I had was on Day 10 at Sunset State Beach Park. Sooooo, seeing as it’s now Day 14, and I won’t be taking a shower until the 16th (I think : ). Looks like I’m going for an all time record of NOT bathing! LOL! Thank goodness for other water, as long as I can wash my face and put on deodorant, I’m good to go.

Wait, I think I might have matched this record years ago when Tones and I sailed our boat, Mapuana, around the Hawaiian Islands. But then I did have the opportunity to jump in the ocean now and then. Irregardless, it’s not bothering me in the least. I’m having an absolute blast!

I did just get word that some people CAN’T understand me when I sign. Well, I’ll just have to keep practicing then! Yes, I could mime, but that’s not the point. ASL (American Sign Language) is a very distinctive language. I think that’s the main reason of the walk (for the “official” explanation of the reason of the walk, you need to contact either Alison or Ryan with Facundo Element)–to let people know that ASL is a unique language (and, I think, should be included in schools’ language curriculum).

Why should deaf people always be the ones bending over backwards (sometimes literally : ) to make themselves understood by hearing people? Or so that they can understand what the heck hearing people are saying? Why don’t WE hearing people take the time to either a) learn ASL or b) pick up a pen and paper, or an iPad, or an iPhone, or a restaurant napkin, ad infinitum . . . to communicate WITH them?

That’s my challenge to you. Next time you meet a deaf person, do your best to communicate WITHOUT them having to vocalize. Hmmm, sound like work? It sure can be. But it can also be LOADS of fun!

Think of how many times we hearing people misunderstand EACH OTHER. Yeah, ALL the time. So, what the heck, have some fun “playing charades,” writing notes, reading notes, LOOKING each other in the eye.

I promise you, you won’t be sorry. Chances are you’ll make some of your new BEST friends. : )

Hugs to you all. Waving goodbye . . .

-Sj