School for the Deaf

Yesterday we took a trip out to the School for the Deaf. It was a beautiful drive which took us through jungle, past thousands of extremely tall coconut trees, over creeks (which all flood during the wet season), and along the scenic coast. The roads were in good condition, so we arrived there in a little over an hour.

We were greeted by Brother George, a Catholic man in his late sixties. What an amazing person he is! He has dedicated his whole life to helping those less fortunate than himself. After being told to retire at aged 65 due to diabetes, he begged to be given a piece of land so he could set up a place for those who are deaf. He was given some land 2 and a half years ago, and has set about, with VERY LITTLE money, building it up. George and about 10 students who are deaf spent the first year clearing the land and building the huts and church you can see in the photos. They started school last year, and the number of students has grown to 44 this year, including 12 girls.

There are way too many stories for me to record on this blog, but what I must say is that I found the morning out there very moving. The students there range in age from 14 to over 30 and have come from very difficult environments. Some students come from remote villages and thought that they were the only deaf person in the world. Most have never been to school and didn't know how to sign before they came. To see the group of students really thriving and so full of hope was a real highlight for me.

When we first arrived, we were taken into the church/school room, and seated out the front, in a long row, facing everyone. Slightly less imitating each time it happens, but still not fun (especially with all four (tired) girls on display!) Anyway, we were welcomed and George gave us a brief history of the place. We were introduced to the head boy and girl - voted by all the students, and told about the subjects they learn at school - Maths, English, sign language, life skills, wood work, etc.

You can see George standing up in the white shirt, speaking, with Angela interpreting (she is from NZ and will be there for almost a year).

We were then asked to inspect the seven huts where everyone sleeps and choose the tidiest one, as part of the running competition they have. Winners have a meal out once a month! Everyone was very proud to show us their rooms and gardens. The rooms were very small, with up to 8 in each one. Many students slept on thin straw mats on the ground, but no one was complaining. Their rooms were decorated with pictures, bible verses, posters, etc and their gardens were beautiful. The winning group for us was a girls room - they each had a garden in the shape of the letter of their names!


The students were very curious about Elora's glasses - having never seen a small child wearing glasses before. Everyone nodded with new understanding when we explained that her eyes needed help to see properly. Brianna impressed the students with her ability to sign the alphabet (thanks Mrs Ross!), and we all wished we could sign more than thank you!

Then we were given a tour of the rest of the grounds, which included a small house for George, a workshed and a half finished girls quarters (overlooking the most beautiful, tropical coastline). In September there is a short term mission group coming from QLD, organised by SWIM, who will be staying there for two weeks to help with building , etc. We'll still be here then, so we might get to have another visit.

By this time, we were very hot and tired, and the girls were dying to have a swim. We were taken back to the church, again sat out the front, and treated to some beautiful performances.

The girls danced

The boys danced too

Then everyone sang for us. I really could have cried my eyes out as we were blessed by them sharing their love for God in song. Everyone's faces were beaming, and George was understandably proud.

We then had time for a quick drink break before going home. The girls hobbled over the pebbles to get into the water (the rocks/coral were apparently from a huge cyclone in 1996). The coastline is so beautiful - lined with coconut trees (that you can't sit under in case a coconut falls and hits you), and there are lots of islands along the horizon.

Our first family photo since coming here.