The New Kitchen and Dining Hall at the Children’s Home

The southern of the two homes was in urgent need of a new kitchen and dining hall. This was not just a physical structure but a place where everyone could come together and eat as one family once again!

Since spring 2022, the kitchen at one of the homes had been operating out of a temporary setup in the old boys' dorm. This old dorm was one of the original cow dung and mud plaster buildings, constructed over 100 years ago by the leprosy colony that resided on the home's property before their establishment in 1989. While we knew this shift would only be a temporary solution, the move was necessary due to the increased presence and growth of dangerous cracks in the walls of the previous kitchen. (Pictured below)

We were grateful for this temporary space over the two years. However, a more permanent solution was needed. The leaking roof was one of the most significant concerns (top photo), especially during the rainy monsoon season. Not only did the leaking roof make preparation uncomfortable and challenging, but it also led to mold growth, creating an unhealthy environment. Additionally, the conditions of the dining area were very cramped and not at all ideal, meaning meals needed to be served in separate locations—girls had their meals transported by bicycle to their dorm, while boys ate in the small dark dining hall adjacent to the kitchen and staff cook and ate in yet another location altogether.

In faith, we started building a new kitchen and dining hall on the second floor of an existing building that housed staff and alumni over 18! However, additional funding was needed to complete this essential project. Your generous support helped us finish creating a safe and welcoming space where everyone can now gather, share meals, and grow together as a family rooted in love, significantly improving the living conditions at the home.

Spring 2025

This spring, the new kitchen and dining hall officially opened- and it’s transforming daily life. Nearly 100 children and staff now gather to share meals in one space, enjoying not just food, but fellowship. For the first time in years, the family is eating together again.

And the blessings haven’t stopped there.

An unfinished space below the dining hall is being completed as staff housing—another pressing need on campus. The first to benefit will be Mr.D, who has faithfully served as the home's cook since 2010. When the temporary kitchen closed, Mr.D and his family moved into that space- a step up from their previous home, which had become too run-down to live in and was quickly torn down. He and his family will soon have a proper home of their own.

This kitchen is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a signpost, a reminder of God’s provision!

Near the entrance of each home is a sign bearing these words:

“The Lord has done this, and it is marvellous in our eyes.” Psalm 118:23

Thank you for being part of this story.