| Current mood: |  contemplative |
Putting myself in their shoes
Recently, I had the opportunity to hang out with the deaf community and also, liase with the people who work with them. I learnt quite a lot about the deaf culture through interaction. Eg: a deaf person is not necessarily mute. It was also fun, picking up basic sign languages, eg: eat, toilet, happy birthday, girl, boy, hi, fierce. The deaf have also have 'slangs' for terms like 'facebook', especially places.
I've always thought a deaf person will really want to hear. But I was wrong. Many deaf do not see their inability to hear as a disability. They see being deaf as a culture, a way of life. It's like 'cantonese' or 'hokkien', they have their own 'language'. While the hearing aid is a good tool, many deaf do not really like it. Maintainence of the hearing aid is hard work and is expensive.
I also had the opportunity to interact with colleagues who have direct contact with other 'sectors' of the needy community. Many tell me things that I can never think of. I've seen impressive drawings and craft done by the intellectually disabled. I think its my honor to be part of them.
I used to be unhappy about the way some people work. But when I interact with them, I recognise that there are reasons for their behaviour. I could be less frustrated if I put myself in their shoes. I thought I already did. But I guess I need to try harder.
Surely, God uses ways to teach his people. I pray that I'll have a quicker capacity to learn His ways.
I have been thinking about past relationships and actions. Looking back, I see a lot of situations which could be different if I managed them wisely.
Nevertheless, the biggest freedom comes when I let everthing go to God.
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