Summer vocation
By Vivian O. Hipolito
SUMMER TIME… For most of us, we consider summer as a time for vacation like going to the beach, hiking, joining all sorts of activities such as sports, arts, dancing, swimming and anything that would interest us. But for PAIDE family, summer time is not just a VACATION but a VOCATION to love and serve our deaf brothers and sisters.
Sir Jun together with PAIDE interpreters, organized an outreach program before he left for the states last April in order for us to have an active involvement with the deaf community and develop good communication skills through sign language interpreting. Problem aroused when we had difficulty soliciting funds that might hinder our planned summer outreach program. Yet we didn't lose hope believing that God is working with us and everything will be put in order according to his will.
It was last May 1 st when we had our “DATE WITH THE DEAF” at Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City together with the deaf group from San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish of Bulacan and Our Lady of Peace, Edsa Shrine in Ortigas, PAsig City.
The interpreters present were Sir Mike Potian, Dr. Cathy Tuazon, Ma'am Sonia Lodado, Cris Sabayan, Judith Delgado, Je-Ann Villanueva, and myself.
After, the Morning Prayer, Sir Mike gave us instructions while Cris prepared the schedule of the activities. I was busy taking pictures while others started playing badminton. I also had a chance to communicate with our deaf friends and was sure that they are having good time.
It was followed by another strenuous game--- Basketball. The deaf participants were very enthusiastic playing basketball. As a reward for that game, we treated them ice cream to their delight. Interpreters had fun playing with them. We had our lunch at Tropical Hut and had a great time for bonding. After taking our lunch, some of us rested while engaging conversation with one another and the rest played chess. When we regained our energies, we played badminton again.
The day's last activity was the tour at the Manuel L. Quezon Museum . Lights from the cameras kept flashing for the souvenir pictures at the monument.
Few weeks later, another outreach program was made possible. PAIDE interpreters contributed money to buy schools supplies to be distributed to our deaf brethren before the opening of the school year. It was after the morning Holy Mass of May 27 when we distributed school supplies to the deaf parishioners of Antipolo Cathedral led by their teacher Ms. Angie Enriquez.
As part of the activity, I taught deaf students some art works using recycled materials while Teacher Nemz taught them Science and had prepared activity games related to it. The deaf had fun with the games and it was very educational. My father, sister Shimi, daughter Yeye and my friend Joy were also with us giving their support.
We had lunch at one of the cottages at Hinulugang Taktak from where Ma'am Letty prepared food for us.
In the afternoon of the same day, PAIDE interpreters preceded to Immaculate Conception Parish of Marikina to distribute assorted goods to our deaf brothers after the 6:00 PM Mass. The group was headed by Ma'am Letty and Sir Mike. Other interpreters present were Nemz Abiday, Ron Santos and Lon Palma.
It was again a success because in our own little way, we were able to make them happy. We were able to find time to be with the deaf and give them the best possible help we could offer.
Every human being has been called by God into a family and I am so happy to be with PAIDE family with Sir Jun, as our good leader works for the goals of the Interpreters and the Deaf. Always remember to do what is good and you will be fulfilled. Till next summer. Kudos to all my colleagues in the interpreting arena! It was worthwhile working with PAIDE!