Friday December 20th DAY 29

My final day in Trang, and what a day. Dale, Melissa and I went to offer robes to a Buddhist Monk. He took us to the house in which he lived. It was a simple room with very little in the way of furniture. I could see a toilet. I couldn't see a bedroom, so perhaps he slept in the same room. He blessed us and talked to us in Thai (Jack interpreted). We lit our incense sticks and he prayed. It was a fascinating half hour. We drove him back to the temple. A gathering of people saw us and invited us to take part in a ceremony of 2 novice Buddhist monks who were about to become full monks. Our timing was impeccable. These events don't happen often. We felt privileged, but it's the Thai way to be so generous and kind. Another amazing event.
Back at the ranch, it was time for Melissa and me to pack our bags. This done, "The Family" took the three of us out for lunch. (The other volunteers had all left for a weekend away.) Now it's 3pm. and sadly we leave in a couple of hours. Poor Dale will be without her 'buddies' as she is here for 7 weeks. She's been my best mate for a month, and it will be awful saying goodbye to her. I will see her again. She is going to England next year, so Glenda, (an ex volunteer who comes from Lincoln) Dale and I have promised to meet in York in June.
Still no photos, but I will add a few to the blog next week when I'm home.
This has been one of the best experiences of my life. I have so many memories of the people who work here, of the staff at the school where I taught, and of the children. I am so pleased I made the effort and took the plunge and "Just Did It"