Kelsey, Yalitza, and Elizanie
Things continue in Belize.
at the hospital waiting to be seen
Nathanael's roll in the US was as an interpreter. He has years of experience in doctor's offices, hospitals, and in the community. He has taught me a lot about allowing the Deaf in our community to become their own advocates. It is unquestionably a process on both ends (mine and theirs). The Deaf in our community often have people tell them what to do. We are actively attempting to educate while allowing them to step in and be a part of their care.
Nathanael interprets in an appointment
One way that I am doing this is with the pregnant women. I attended medical appointments. Nathanael interpreted, I encouraged the women to ask questions.
our last day (June 9) of church
In this process, Nathanael and I recognized the gap in the area understanding labor and breastfeeding. I put together a short class, including YouTube videos and pictures. I taught exercises to aide in preparing the body for labor, stages of labor, and about breastfeeding. Nathanael interpreted. He had 2 Deaf women share their labor stories.
the class setup
We ate lunch together after the class. I was able to give all 3 a stretch band to take with; hopefully incentive to continue the exercises at home.
Lunch was yummy, Anna joined us
The matriculation (and arguably most anticipated part) of this story is that Elizanie had her baby on July 2. It is exciting to see her. We are bereaved that we were unable to be in Orange Walk to interpret during her labor.
Please be praying for Brieany as she had to go back into the hospital due to jaundice, as well as healing/health for Elizanie.
Kelsey and Yalitza will also (most likely) give birth to their children before we return. What prodigious time to be a part of Jesus Deaf Church!
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