We spent the day interviewing, filming and interacting with the students, teachers, and staff at the Van Asch Education Centre in Sumner, New Zealand (look forward to our next newsletter for more details on our visit...sign up at www.discoveringdeafworlds.com) After leaving the campus SO full of gratitude from our warm welcome, we stopped by the local nearby beach to see the Souther-Pacific ocean.
We kicked off our shoes, rolled up our pant legs and headed for the ocean when we were stopped by three men from Saudi Arabia. They playfully invited us to join them in a one-legged skipping race...which quickly developed into a solid friendship by the end of the day. One man, Hussain, is studying to become a surgeon and had recently met Paul Buzzard, a famous teacher and storyteller from the Van Asch school. What a small world!
We shared with them our journey around the world and the Discovering Deaf Worlds project. They were so supportive of our intentions to travel with a purpose and immediately started gathering others on the beach to spread the word. Before we knew it, 3 men from Saudi Arabia, 2 women from Japan, a mother and daughter from New Zealand, and 2 Americans were writing "Discovering Deaf Worlds" with seashells in the sand.
We shared a moment with Hussain and his friends, as natives from two countries that are often recognized/perceived as enemies (for lack of a better word). But here we were, all of us together as open minded people willing to build a friendship out of seashells on the beach. "We ALL want peace" Hussain said. We shared several words of encouragement to each other to keep following your dreams.
From the Deaf community at Van Asch to the hearing community at the beach, this day inspired us....there are people from other countries open to awareness of various worlds!
Thanks guys! You added an unexpected spice to our day =)
6 comments:
Wow David and Christy. What a day at the ocean. I will be sure St. Lawrence students see this one. What a wonderful opportunity to enhance peace and friendship from all around the world.
Hugs and love to you both. momj
You really inspire us! :)
Really, that's what we ALL want, everywhere: PEACE! You got it! How nice to have that connection with people just on a whim.
We continue to watch you and follow you both along your journey. Thanks for sharing.
~ LaRonda
It's nice to see people from different worlds come together regardless of the war their countries are going through. Spread the love and respect, not bullets.
Jessy
Fabulous! Glad to hear about your adventure to the beach. It truly is inspiring. :o) -Dan
Thanks for writing this.
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