After I had invloved quite some time on preparation, I am so glad to see this Makaton Workshop finally happened. As one of the training organisers, we funded all the catering and venue out of my program. I did most of shopping yesterday, then did lots of chopping up and washing, making mini muffins, doing a BBQ and preparing a big fruit platter.

Besides, I had to sway the skipping rope to entertain kids. They are cute, beautiful and so adorable, but they are a group of people who don’t know how to stop. Obviously I couldn’t catch up with their energy. They just constantly need to be engaged with all sorts of activities. They asked questions, told you stories about their siblings, running around, always speaking with the tone of excitement that I haven’t experienced since probably 20 years ago. To be honest, at the end of the day, I can’t help thinking “My God, am I already too old for this?”

However, I really enjoyed learning all the signs and gestures. Now I have memorised all the signs for fingerspelling letters. Also I have learned some basic signs for daily life. Remember there was a news program in BCTV with a lady doing sign language at the same time back to many years ago when I was in China. I had never thought it would have anything to do with me. Now I feel this so useful if I need to communicate with anyone who is non-verbal, has speech problem or hearing impairment.

By the way, there is an official website of Auslan. You can search in their Sign Bank to look up the words that you want to express. Very useful resource if you are interested in knowing more.