The Dorm is open -

It's been a slow couple of weeke, but my stay in Cambodia is nearly at an end. More than one unforseen delay tried my limited patience, but in Cambodia, these things are 'par for the course'.

Our Dormitory lease is signed. The Dormitory, in Toul Kork, is a comfortable place for the students to stay. Up to 20 students will progressively be interviewed and accepted into life at the "Bethezer Boy's Dormitory". With 4-6 to a room, things will be hardly be private, but we aim to support the students in many different ways during their stay.

Our Manager, Nirann, already has ideas for promoting a sense of kinship amongst the students and assisting them to be productive in their chosen study. Most of all, however is the opportunity they will have to continue their scripture studies in an environment focussed on good learning opportunities and consideration for their emotional, spiritual and physical welfare.

The dormitory was active today with much of the day spent cleaning. Jamie, Goy, Vanny and Veasna put their hands to the grindwheel, removing the dust and debris of the former tennants. Don arrived later in the day and got stuck in with his usual effort and things are definately a lot less dusty and muddy. The bathrooms have had a good going over and some of the boys have begun moving their stuff into the house.

Soon we'll start posting photos and details of our current students and asking you to consider sponsoring their stay in the dormitory. But for now, it's back to the stone tommorow. I'll be trying to secure some furniture and then back to the dormitory for cleaning duty.

With thanks to our loving Father in Heaven

House Hunting for the dorm

I have secured the bold services of Vanny and Veasna and occaisonally Tinny to locate a suitable premises for the Dorm. Vanny and Veasna have been out for two mornings now scouring the city and have located one potentially suitable house.

Jamie, myself and the boys went out to check out the house today - "House 1"

The House is in Toul Kok and situated next to an existing dormitory. It has 4 floors + a covered roof - could make a reasonably nice lounge up there. The rest of the house is pretty hot and has no fans.

Here's the front

The bottom floor is nice, with a decent bookcase. The main area leads out past a bathroom (with a bath!!!!), past the stairs to a huge kitchen (it would have made a great place for us) which has a sink.. then further out the back door to another kitchen with another sink.

Up the stairs is 2 rooms like our house, but 'Loy's room' is a decent size and has an air conditioner and window and James' room is smaller and looks over the bottom floor. It has a bathroom.

Up the stairs again and there are two more rooms (maybe 10 people between them) with bathrooms and an open area at the front.

Up the stairs once more and we have to small rooms (maybe 8 people) and a couple of bathrooms. One more flight of steps leads up to the roof.

On the whole it seems suitable, but a little small for 30. It's a little far away, but the best we have so far.

Please pray further for our search!