We first came to view the new premises with a team of 'expert' field workers on 20 March, my very first day here in Cambodia. Our first impression was...'wow this place is green!!!' and secondly 'wow - this place is flash in comparison to the old BEC - maybe a little too flash for a teaching institution?'. However, after much debating and jotting down a list of pros and cons by marvelous Miriam, and making a few minor changes, like replacing a pretentious chandelier for a basic ceiling fan, it was later decided that the move was a GO!
And so began our quest for boxes and more boxes. We packed up the BEC in only 2 days, because it clashed with Khmer New Year which falls over 13 - 15 April. Over these 3 days everything shuts down and finding suitable moving vans and helpers would be near to impossible, so there was a sense of urgency to move everything before Khmer New Year. We hired a big moving van to help us, and it was a sweaty day for all involved! We made it in record time and me, Dan, Shane & Gary left to go back to the old BEC to do the big clean up to hand the place back over to the land lady in pristine condition :)
The clean up was completed after 2 days of scrubbing, wiping and polishing! I dare say, it was the clean up of my life! From pulling off old, melted double sided tape off walls (field workers of days gone by - yes - you know who you are!), to wiping down just about every tile in the house, to scrubbing the floors, and bathrooms (Dan - what a trooper - took on the ghastly job of toilet scrubbing!!!). All in all, we had a hefty task in front of us, but we had a lot of silly fun, laughing and even a bit of dancing which made the work load that much lighter :)
The new BEC has a lot to offer. It is substantially larger and although it has the same amount of bedrooms, there is a lot more teaching space available. We are busy converting the garage into 2 class rooms. Gary 'the professional BEC DIY man' is looking into putting up a wall divider which will section the garage into two teaching spaces, thereby allowing privacy for each class to take place.
We have a large entrance hall which is currently being used as our dining area. We are looking into getting some posters made up with inspirational bible verses to improve the aesthetics. The new BEC has been likened to have a 'Alice in wonderland' feel about it. It must be all the coloured checkered tiles and the low ceiling on the 2nd floor! Tall missionaries BEWARE!
It also offers more 'chill out' space for field workers who wish to kick back with a book and enjoy some QT in a hammock! It's a lot more 'airy' and allows much more light into the building which makes it a brighter, happier place to be!
The new premises is located about 1 - 2 km further west from the old BEC. It is the same distance to a Lucky (supermarket) & the markets where we buy food on a regular basis which is helpful. Its a little harder to find in terms of location from the old BEC, and finding a tuk tuk driver who firstly speaks any english, and secondly knows where street 212 is, is a little tricky, but we are confident that given a bit of time, everyone will become familiar with the new BEC and it will become a very comfortable home to many future field workers.
I feel so very blessed that i have been able to be a small part of this awesome transition for the BEC. May God continue to bless the work here in Cambodia and may He continue to grow our beautifully diverse and colourful family!
Love in the hope,
Abi
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- Ming Jonno Swar