Stepping Stones

'Stepping Stones' is the name of the pre-school that is owned by New Life Fellowship Church. They have been searching for 'native Engllish speaking' staff for some months now, and just have not been able to replace great volunteers that have since returned to their homeland. Thus, the decision has been taken to close the school on Jan 1.

Sue and I love this place. It is situated on a grassy, tree-filled 1200 square metre block of land; a little oasis in this city. We also love Phanarath, a Khymer teacher whom we have known since our brief visit here back in September 2006 (before we moved here in June this year). So, we have talked to the church about giving this great place one more shot ... one more month as we seek to find a key pre-school manager to oversee this year. At this point, we still believe that this role needs to be filled by a Kiwi or Aussie! We have just one lead ....

A sand-pit, grass, trees - a lovely oasis in Phnom Penh

What this practically means is that we take responsibility for the school over January. Phanarath will come in as a teacher to fill one of two spots (a couple of girls have taken another job offer). Sue too will be more involved through January. We are to interview another Khmyer girl tomorrow for a teacher help role. Our vision for this place is to see the business side of the paying pre-school established in the mornings and then develop a free pre-school for the poor in the afternoons, perhaps with a clinic attached.

Phanarath with one of the little people

However, this is not what our personal focus is and we are being careful not to be pulled sideways into heading all this. Rather, we are happy to give some time in an effort and earnest prayer that this little oasis may yet be a vibrant Kingdom work.