DAY 4 – 11th JANUARY 2026

THE ‘HOUSE OF HOPE‘

Thanal is the Malayalam word for hope, and Thanal House lives up to its name, bringing hope to the shattered lives of destitute women. These days a stable community of 22 women are cared for lovingly by a wonderful Christian family in a purpose built home in the Kerala countryside.

Thanal Ladies lunchtime

Many of the residents have been there for many years. Ruth goes back 24 years, long before the present building, when she was cared for in a shed at the back of Pastor Sam’s home in Perookada. She has a lovely child-like temperament, and willingly helps with any task that needs doing.

Jennifer is from the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. She was found wandering at night in a very insalubrious area by the railway station, dressed like a schoolgirl. She likes it so much at Thanal House that she refuses to tell anyone where home is in case she gets sent back there!

Ruth

Jennifer

And it was time to share dreams, vision and hopes for the future. A boundary wall would give the security to grow their own food and become more self-sustaining.  A paved driveway would transform safe access in the rainy season. A bigger kitchen is an absolute necessity – a lot of cooking is still done over primitive fires.

 It just needs the money!

Present kitchen