Here is there history of the Ranch and all their struggles and wonderful moments:
Rancho Sordo Mudo is a Christian-based residential school for deaf children in Mexico. Ed and Margaret Everett, the founders of RSM, believe that deaf children do not have to become beggars in Mexico. They can be taught how to read and write (in Spanish), to communicate in MSL (Mexican sign language) and ASL (American Sign Language) as a second language, and to learn a trade for their future. This has been the work of the ranch for over 40 years. The ministry is now carried on and directed by their two sons Edward and Luke Everett.
Ed and Margaret Everett were introduced to the problems of the deaf when their son, Luke, lost 85% of his hearing from a series of illnesses at the age of five. As their interest grew, they learned sign language and Margaret became an interpreter and teacher. During a trip to visit missionaries in Mexico, they learned that there was nothing being done educationally or spiritually to fill the needs of the poor and orphaned deaf children in Mexico. So the Everetts sold their home and business in North Carolina and went to Mexico as Faith Missionaries.
In March of 1969, Ed and Margaret began their ministry in a small rented house in Ensenada,Mexico . They soon saw the need for expansion when their own six children were joined by twelve deaf children. By faith they purchased a 500 acre tract of land in the beautiful Guadalupe Valley and began to pioneer a ministry to the deaf. The Lord blessed their faith and the land is now completely free of debt. The ministry now has five classrooms, a dining hall, fellowship hall, two large dormitories, an auto shop, gym, basketball court, Bunk house area for visiting church groups, an RV park, office's, and staff housing. Each year there are about 35 deaf children living at the Ranch.
Many deaf have already graduated and are working as responsible citizens to earn their own living. The Everettsbelieve that there is no need for deaf children to be beggars; they are very capable of learning to read, write, and master a trade. Deaf children are accepted from all over Mexico upon proof of their deafness and need. Those with families go home for summer vacation. The rest of the children stay with friends or are sent to nearby orphanages for the summer. All children are provided food, clothing, education, and medical care during their stay without any charge. They are taught the Bible and brought up to live a life of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
The magic that takes place is:
Rancho Sordo Mudo is a free home and school for deaf children in Baja California, Mexico. Ed and Margaret Everett, the founders of RSM, believed that deaf children could be taught how to read and write, to communicate in sign language, and to learn a trade for their future. More importantly, the goal of the ministry is to teach the children of God's love for them and give them a hope and future.
This has been the work of the ranch for over 45 years.
It is through the prayers, giving and love from people like you that we can continue serving in this special ministry.
This was the first year I had gone, but my high school friend and her family have been going for 18 years. I now see why. I had the opportunity to sit and sign with the kids over a meal and working with them over the weekend .The older kids learned American Sign Language and I was able to communicate with them and understand most of what they were signing. However, now the kids are taught Mexical Sign Language which is completely different than ASL… So I was trying to learn as much as I could as the weekend progressed, but wasn’t able to pick up enough to communicate independently.
Goal for next year, because yes, this will be my new annual trip. I have signed up for online Spanish classes and will be ordering Mexican Sign Language books and I am determined to be able to communicate with everyone down there- From hanging out communicating with the kids to ordering tacos at the local taco stand down the street to ordering wine samplers at the local winery across the street.
We were able to take a hike up to Snoopy Rock and over look the valley. The view was absolutely breath taking! I was able to see the school, surrounded by vineyards, with mountains as the back drop and the sun rising behind them. It was a pretty magical morning that allowed one to connect and feel mother nature’s love surrounding me. This place has forever left a print on my heart and I look forward to the years that follow.
Rancho Sordo Mudo old Fire Truck
Street art as we wait to cross the border.
The tacos were so AMAZING!!!
