I so much want to be in control. I want to be the master of my own destiny. Still I know that you are saying:
"Let me take you by the hand and lead you. Accept my love and trust that where I will bring you, the deepest desires of your heart will be fulfilled."
Lord, open my hands to receive your gifts of love. Amen.
(From Henri Nouwen)
I wrote the previous text in my journal just a week before leaving for Colorado. I think they are words that will always speak true for all us. I need to learn that while I am capable of making my own decisions and living my life: I am not in control and God has an ultimate will and destiny for me in the end. I can't always be in control and I can't always be strong. I can let people help me. I can be vulnerable. I can allow God to lead me and be faithful in Him.
This past week of work went well. Just as I was getting comfortable with the participants I was working with for the month of September; the new month rolled around and now I am learning to know other people. There have been challenges in that I still don't know everyone's needs or their little "ticks" or all the tricks to fixing problems. So there were several times this week when something happened with a participant and since I didn't know what was going on- I responded differently than I may have needed to. Co-workers later informed me and I was thinking "Geez, thanks for letting me know now." But this comes with the learning curve and I just have to learn to be flexible and work the best I know how.
I still don't feel 100% comfortable with my participants or co-workers. Everyday I feel stretched out of my comfort zone and have to continue to be out-going and positive. But everyone has been so helpful and have shared so much of their experiences with me, that I am starting to feel a nice fit in the workplace. I recently fulfilled many online trainings for my job and found a lot of the information interesting. I thought I would share a little with you.
Language has a huge impact on how we relate to others and what we are trying to convey. Often times people who have life challenges (mental, physical, social) are labeled or stereotyped. The first thing to think about is to think "person first". So what is the proper what to speak to or about someone who has a disability? Remember that children or adults with disabilities are like everyone else- except they happen to have a disability. So here are a few tips for improving our language related to disabilities:
- Speak of the person first, then the disability
-Emphasize abilities, not limitations
-Do no label people as part of a disability group-- don't say "disabled", say people with disabilities
-Don't give excessive praise or attention to a person with a disability- don't patronize them
-Choice and independence are very important; let the person speak for him/herself as much as possible
-A disability is a functional limitation that interferes with a person's ability to walk, hear, talk, learn, etc. Use "handicap" to describe a situation or barrier imposed by society, the environment, or oneself (ie: the person with the disability is handicapped by the inaccessible building)
Say: Instead of:
Person with a disability Disabled or handicapped person
Person with cerebral palsy Palsied, or CP, or spastic
Person who has... Afflicted, suffers from, victim
Without speech, nonverbal Mute, or dumb
Developmental delay Slow
Emotional disorder or mental Crazy or insane
illness
Person who is deaf or hard of Deaf of dumb
hearing
"For more than 30 years, states across the U.S. have been developing more person-centered, individualized, and community-based lives for people with developmental disabilities and people with mental illness." Thearclink.org
I can continue to post more information like this if you would like; just let me know. I think the best way to make change and a difference in our communities, is to be aware and have the resources and knowledge.
Things at the house continue to go well. The support committee finally made an appearance this week at our house. So we had a nice meal and ironed out some details of house living, etc. I am in charge of the finances (so excited!) - which are currently in shambles. So I have been working at fixing the checkbook and getting things in order. Living with the guys has been good. There are still awkward times or silences, but for the most part, I can't complain. I would say I get along best with Sam, who is more talkative and easy to get along with. I still struggle in relating to Aaron, who is quiet. And I'm pretty sure he is just really shy around all girls, not just me. Last night we went out to a Pupuseria restaurant and then decided to go Middle Eastern and smoke some hookah. It was a nice night.
Can't think of too much else. I would love to hear from you guys and hear updates on your lives. I'm sorry I haven't really been emailing- I guess I've been kinda lazy on that front. But I am still interested in what is going on else where.
And from Hebrews 13:15-16
"Therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise- the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Peace to all,
L
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