Visiting the Branch

We had some friends visit in February. Both were assigned to visit because of Stake callings and brought their families with them. It was so fun to get to introduce my friends to my other friends! We went to the branch for the first time about a year and a half ago, and we'd already studied a lot of ASL when we went. We had already met many of the members because Marriner worked with them in the temple and they'd invited us to branch potlucks. I think we avoided a lot of anxiety that way.

But maybe YOU want to come visit, and you're a little nervous? As someone who used to be in your shoes, here are some things I've learned. I can't say I speak for everyone, these are just my experience. But hopefully they'll be helpful:

1. Don't park at the church. Save the 20 parking spots in the garage for people who can't walk, both from our branch and the Capitol Hill ward, since our meetings overlap. Parking on the street stinks because of all the people going to Eastern Market on a Sunday morning. So give yourself a lot of time to find a spot. There is some parking under the freeway bridge a few blocks south of the church on 8th street. We love parking there when it's not full.
2. You can talk to people. Don't know any ASL? Everyone in the branch lives in a hearing world. They are exceptionally friendly. Many people can talk. So you can still communicate with people. I'm sure there will be someone who can interpret the meeting for you, as well.
3. You should totally learn a little ASL. It's not cheesy or condescending or anything. Learn how to sign "My name is ________" Learn thank you and good morning and it's nice to meet you. Learn the alphabet. You'll enjoy it, you'll feel more comfortable, and the gesture is appreciated. My favorite ASL website is lifeprint.com.
4. Keep your eyes open for the prayers :)
5. Nobody's watching you to see if you're signing right when you join in the songs. You'll have more fun if you sign. And it's ok to sing, too, even though you'll be in the minority :)
6. You might be asked to help out. We're a branch, which means staffing is always an issue. So you might be asked to teach Primary or Nursery or something.
7. Going to the branch will probably be an amazing experience for you, and you will feel the Spirit strongly. I think that we take the gospel less for-granted in a different language. But I would avoid gushing over how "special" the branch or the meeting is. It can feel a little patronizing. Especially because everyone says it. We're just a normal branch with normal people with normal problems. Ok, and a few abnormal problems. Like how you can't communicate if you jam your finger playing dodge ball...not that we know from any recent personal experience...