Life after Baan Tharn Namchai......

Our new reality is a very stark contrast to life at Baan Tharn Namchai.  Le Meridian is a stunning beach-front resort, quite sizeable but still very intimate. In spite of the luxury of pools and fluffy towels, we have mixed feelings about being here.  Tom, in particular, is not happy about leaving his friend, Gean.  BTN has been our home for two and a half weeks and the simplicity, yet rich and loving life there, has affected us deeply.

I am trying to reassure Tom that this is certainly not the end but the beginning.  He is lucky enough to have made a very special friend on the other side of the world, and they can remain friends, continue writing to each other and we can follow Gean's development and growth.

I have given some money to Alison and asked her to put a monthly sum into Gean's savings account.  They have two accounts, one for spending money which they put small sums and pocket money into, and the other savings scheme cannot be touched until they go to University or turn 18.  I have asked that she explain to Gean that this is an investment in his future and he must study hard, improve his English and Tom will follow his progress and come back again.

After a morning on the beach, we went back to BTN for the annual friendly soccer match between Hands Across The Water and Baan Tharn Namchai.  In the sweltering heat of the late afternoon, the boys' match was an intense tussle between riders, some family and the staff and boys of BTN.  Tom was delighted to be in goal for the first half, and played well, in spite of the goal that slipped by.  The final score was BTN 3- 2 HATW.

There was lovely food supplied for the rowdy supporters and massage available for those, like Clare,  who were too tired or hot to really care!

The following day we invited Gean and Gan over to Le Meridian to spend the afternoon with Tom, knowing this was it, and they would have to say goodbye.  They played in the pool, played ping-pong and in the gym all afternoon until I treated everyone to a beefburger or club sandwich and Maya and I shared a couple of beers.  

I hate goodbyes and, for Tom, it is no different.  Gean and Tom gave each other a very big hug, and then again, and it brought tears to my eyes seeing their little bodies clinging on to one another, not wanting to let go. 

I am sure that the girls, and particularly Tom, have been changed by our enriching experiences here. What started for me last year as a personal journey to raise $10,000 and cycle 800kms in 8 days, has now become a new journey with a different focus altogether.  The wonderful children at BTN have touched our hearts and we have shared some of their life for the short time we have been here.  They are kind, loving and respectful and we will miss everyone terribly.

However, I have committed to doing the ride again in 2014 and look forward to coming back again then...if not before!

800kms later...time to party!

Yesterday was always going to be an emotionally-charged day, full of joy and laughter and tears. It was not only the end of a personal journey for the riders, 800kms of hot, hard slog on their bikes, and months of fundraising, but the last day for us staying at our new home, Baan Tharn Namchai. We were excited about moving to the 5-star luxury of Le Meridian and the huge beach party that was planned for the evening, but we were also sad about leaving our friends and new family. 
Preparations started early at BTN for the arrival of the riders, who were due in about midday. We packed and cleaned our room, the kitchen was busy with chopping fruit and preparing a fabulous lunch for about 200 people. This is surely the biggest day on their calendar and this year was the biggest number of riders, totally about 50. 

Hannah and Meg were put in charge of the Kiwi flag and were determined to make sure the Kiwis were given a fitting welcome as they cycled in. And finally, they were here. Some of the BTN children had cycled to meet them at the top of the road and rode in with them.

It was great to see some old friends from my ride last year and to see the bonds and friendships of the current riders.

After a short welcome, the Taekwondo demonstation, it was time to feed the very hungry riders before hopping on the bus to the resort.

Peter handed out the awards to the riders before Rotjana gave a very emotive speech about looking after the 90 children she now has at BTN and, particularly, the babies that they are now able to care for, thanks to the help of Hands Across The Water. Unwanted babies are sometimes literally dropped off, or they are rescued from disturbing situations. She showed “before” and “after” photos of some of the children and babies and how they are flourishing at BTN. A few have developmental issues, having been uncared for or unstimulated at key stages in their early months and years. Some, who arrived, not speaking, now say a few words and, more importantly, smile. We were all shocked by the photos she showed, an important reminder of why we are involved and here.

 As promised, the iPhones were returned to two very excited teenage girls, who have some Instagram and Facebook posts to catch up on. In spite of being glad to have their phones returned, I know they also understand why I took them away. They have both read a couple of books, and are writing diaries the old-fashioned way!

That night the celebration dinner was held right on the beach for all the riders, supporters and the BTN children, who were led in by the baby elephant, as guests of honour. It was very emotional. The buffet was huge with every type of food you could imagine, from Mongolian BBQ and Italian pasta to sushi and Teppanyaki. Tom invited Gean to our table and they proceeded to munch their way through several courses, before the presentations began.

We certainly let our hair down at the party. It was time to celebrate with the children and riders.

We were also treated to a fantastic Haka by Mita and Gideon, and there was also a lantern lighting ceremony on the beach. We all made wishes as we watched the lanterns float off into the night.

BTN wins the Got Talent Show!

The Baan Tharn Namchai Got Talent competition and fashion show were a big success last night. The preschoolers were runners up and the BTN singing troup, consisting of Guitar, Mae, Jip, Gan and Guy won!
Well-judged by the intrepid judges, Richard, Sue and Michael and hosted by the lovely Mita, the BTN Got Talent Show provided a wide range of acts including those from Champon and ITV.

Tom was in his element on the catwalk with the beautiful Pla and May, both back from University at the moment, and I wore heels and makeup again for the first time in a few weeks.
Well done to all involved, especially Hannah, Meg and Maya for their work with the lovely preschoolers in their lovely costumes.

Tonight is our last night at BTN and tomorrow the riders come in at the end of their 800kms. We then move to Le Meridian, the girls have been promised their iPhones back and I am looking forward to a good swim. 

Feelings are definitely mixed in the Team Jones camp and Tom says he does not want to leave. It will be an interesting few days.