MEMORIES OF THE WAY IT WAS …
We all had loved Hurligham, where our old training center was located.
It was close to town (close to state house even), and at least there was internet connection as much as it was irregular.
The President of DOOR and a team flew from the USA to facilitate and oversee our shift from the old centre to new centre. The Director and I (Office Manager) were the last to move out to the new centre; we stayed in the older centre 3 days after everyone had moved.
THE NEW, AT THE BEGINNING …
When we moved in here, the kitchen was incomplete and we had to do with a makeshift kitchen behind one of the buildings. Construction was still ongoing and dust would often blow into our offices. Noise from stone dressers chipping away at quarry stone was common.
THE NEW, NOW …
Today we are most happy with the new centre. The location, the design, the quality work is mind-blowing.
Every time I look out the window in my office, I marvel at the trees and coolness of the place. It’s so conducive for working.
We enjoy the high internet fiber optic speed; it’s nothing like we ever had in our old centre.
We love our spacious dining with steel/aluminum plates. No one ever again needs to eat outside because of lack of space in the dinning hall.
Most of our staff is now residential. They no longer worry about transportation home.
We are proud of our clean toilets. They do not leak and their flushing system works nicely.
But, most importantly, I have come to enjoy seeing our staff grow, spiritually and skill-wise. We have become good stewards of what God has provided us.
EXPANSION HAS COME WITH GROWTH …
Our deaf guards no longer sit to guard the gate; they have become gatekeepers of our sales at our farm project. They keep very good records with our cashier on our daily sale. We use a coupon system. They do this with great enthusiasm. They are also keeping good records of our car movement mileage, time etc.
“ I love doing this; it’s quite enjoyable” signed one of the Deaf guards.
“At first it seemed quite hard and challenging, but with time I have come to like my new responsibilities” signed the other Deaf guard.
With training from our Deaf housekeeper, the centre has maintained cleanliness in all the buildings. She has taken care of our guest accommodation.
Our head Deaf cook and his team cook for over 50 people, 3 meals a day, without any problems. The meals include continental dishes.
With an expanded centre, we have been able to take up more Deaf as staff. This is good news because many Deaf end up being un-employed because employers think they cannot speak with them. DOOR is the place they get the first opportunity and priority.
Through mentoring and encouraging the Deaf, coupled with regular capacity building programs conducted specifically to the Deaf, we have seen Deaf people take leadership roles and heading crucial DOOR departments.
WITH GRATEFUL HEARTS …
We thank all our supporters for their prayers and financial contributions in making this centre a reality.
As we expand, we also pray that you expand your prayers for us.
God bless this centre.
*Written by hearing Kenyan Office Manager at DOOR DBTTC (Deaf Bible Training and Translation Center)
