After many weeks of preparation we went off to Wiang Heang district to deliver all kind of goods collected by the novices. Normally the novices don't do much work like this in the Thai Buddhism but it didn't take much to get them to see the beauty of using their position within the village. They asked to villagers to donate different food and second hands clothes as making merit, something they don't hesitate to do. So we had carloads of goodies to be handed out to the poor who needed something extra.
On the trip came as well Rosalie en Blake (guest from Monk for a Month who later volunteered), also came James and Jamie who are teaching in Moung Choum for several months. A good bunch all together!
The trip was also a fun school trip so we had 3 full days to fill with a mix of fun and handing out the things at 3 different locations. We visited some family of some of the boys which was great. So poor but they received us with the most hospitality you can imagine.
Under you see a photo near a waterfall where the novices went swimming. What a fun they had together!! Time to be boys and not serious novices all the time.
In the mornings the novices went on alms rounds and the villagers had a good time making serious merit with all these novices and some monks from the city!
See under a photo of a monk from Fang who traveled among quite a few monks who also came. It sure was a circus parade... farang and monks all packed in cars and trucks... Note the banner with Monk for a Month!
Ben came the last night to join all the activities. We ate breakfast and lunch after the novices and monks finnished. They collected full bike trailers full every day, so much...
Here we finally went to our second destination of handing out goodies. This 'camp' needs it a lot and the people were lining up all exited. Kids came first.
Every kids got one pencil and one colored pencil (among other things) but it shows that you make this kids happy as with such little things.
The parents got different things and the village leader knew who needed more than others. Nice that everyone got what they needed. Next time I wish to have more usefull products but that of course needs funding. Well next year...
The novices were handing out the things and were very happy!
We visited some more sights on the way. This is the monument of the very famous Shan freedom fighter.
Here the novices handed out the last few things to a monastery with mainly novice orphans. Actually our friend used to teach here so we knew very well the need of these boys.
We were received in the houses with meals.
One evening we organised English games and activities for the local students. It was great fun but hard work! Something like 80 kids came and everyone of the westerns helped with having a group and doing the games.
The novices did great work and even monks were right into it! In the end we made many groups photo's.
Last shot of a boy, very dirty but very very content with his fruit juice.
How lucky we are to be meeting all these amazing people all the time! What a world....
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