I am "HEARING" and I had no experience with ASL until Sept. 26,2011. When I started an ASL class @ C.C.C. in Salem, Ore. I did know the alphabet, (learned that in the 6th grade.) but other than that I knew nothing. I love it! it has been a challenge for me to learn to "read" other peoples signing..because they go soooo FAST!! But I know if I can learn all that I have so far, I will eventually get better!! I went to a 'Jesus Northwest' concert thing in 1985, and a couple of groups had interprators on the stage with them, they made me weep! they were sooo beautiful! I assume I had a good voice at one time, because my last 3 yrs in high school I had a solo in EVERY concert. AFTER I graduated I had my tonsills removed and I can no longer carry a tune...my voice is gone...so when I saw these women signing at these concerts I thought: that is what I want to do..I want to be able to sign good enough to sing to God in sign, with great passion and love for him like I did when I could sing using my voice. I don't know if anyone understands that...and I just would love to immerse my life into helping the deaf culture as much as I possibly am able to!! In this first year of learning I am amazed at how vast and deep this language is!! I have found that if I spend the rest of my life learning ASL that when I die I still will not have learned ALL there is to know about ASL!!! SINCERELY, THANK YOU, CHRISTIB