The pre-conference sessions are done. The wine and cheese was packed tonight. The conference is officially underway and seems to be off to a fabulous start. It’s been 20 years in the making–the last one here was in 1994. We hosted the very first one in 1979. I had just graduated from high school and was just beginning to learn sign language. I was invited to attend a conference for sign language interpreters. Little did I know then that I would be at many of the subsequent conferences.

Dreams are unfolding this week. As I watched the newly graduated interpreters and the first time attendees looking wide-eyed and inspired, I wondered where they would be in 20 years. I watched colleagues hugging each other–long-time friends who met at conferences around our great country and who look forward to these reunions. There are people who will aspire to the national board. Some come looking for job prospects. Others come hoping to learn and put into practice skills and knowledge that will make them better interpreters.

The planning committee is looking a bit peaked but excited nonetheless. Let the learning begin!

I may not be here much this week but one never knows. The posts may just be short and sweet and pictureless if I do get on.

Peace,

Suzanne