They Are Just Like Us

If you had to choose, would you rather be blind or deaf?
How do they dance if they can't hear music?
How can they go bowling if they can't see the pins?
These are just a few questions that were asked today when the children and I visited the Florida School for the Deaf and The Blind for a tour of the campus.

Our tour was led by Mr. Rick Coleman, Parent Specialist.  Mr. Coleman, whose daughter is a graduate of the school, was a  knowledgeable guide and  extremely passionate about his school.  We began with a brief history of the school, which was founded in the late 1800's.  The original wooden buildings no longer stand but there are buildings dating back to the early 1900's.  The campus is vast and includes a hospital, bowling alley, police department, swimming pool, gym, libraries, state-of-the-art science and technology labs and much more making it a very desirable education choice for parents of deaf and blind children.  In fact, many of the children on our tour could be heard commenting, "I want to go to THIS school!"

Florida Residents do not pay to attend this institution and those that live on campus can take a charter bus home each weekend to visit their family.  There are about 400 students that live on campus ranging in age from 5 to 18.  Seniors in high school transition from dorms into independent living facilities so that they can prepare for life on their own.

One highlight of our tour was witnessing the rehearsal of a group of deaf  high school students preparing for a musical production. These students had more rhythm than many hearing people do!  They danced disco, swing and modern dance numbers all by keeping their eye on the instructor, who counts out the music in sign language.


On February 22, 2012, there will be an Open House for the community to come out and witness the outstanding achievements these students can make when given the opportunity.  Most of the sporting events are also open to the public, including games of Goal Ball, which is played by blind students.  The students have a case full of trophies representing their excellence in sports achievements.

Outstanding academics, sports programs, arts programs, a beautiful campus, a caring and dedicated staff and children who love to learn all contributed to an afternoon learning how blind and deaf students learn.  The children taking the tour were fascinated and pleasantly surprised to find out that they are just like us.

Going on an ADVENTure!

Having grown up in a Baptist church, I had never heard of recognizing Advent until a friend recommended Arnold Ytreeide's Advent Trilogy.  Advent, from the Latin word adventus, means "coming".  It is a time of expectant preparation for the birth of Christ.  What a wonderful time to quiet and prepare our hearts for the coming of the Messiah! 

As we are drawing closer to this season, I want to encourage you to pick one of the three Advent books and enjoy them with your family too!   All three titles, Jotham's Journey, Tabitha's Travels and Bartholomew's Passage, will transport your family back to the days leading up to the birth of Christ.  Suspenseful cliff hangers in the daily portions of the story leave your children begging for more!  (I have to admit, Tim and I would often be tempted to read ahead when they weren't looking.)

The idea is to read one of the three books each year and rotate them on a three-year cycle.  You can start with either book but Jotham was the first one written and is our favorite.  The author suggests these books for children eight and up because there are very intense action scenes.  Mr. Ytreeide weaves a wonderful historic fiction story yet manages to work in so many Biblical truths, names and customs.  Each night is also followed up with a short family devotional to talk about.  Instructions on making an Advent wreath is also included.

I hope you will enjoy one of the three books with your family this Advent Season.