VISAKHA BUCHA DAY

Above, Eamonn waits patiently for the monks' arrival.

Last week, Ren and Eam's school celebrated Visakha Bucha Day - a holiday that commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha.  A big day, indeed, on the Buddhist calendar.

The school day began with saay baat, as four monks passed each classroom and accepted donations of food and drink, which the children placed into the monks' alms bowls.  Eamonn chose to donate his favorite milk boxes. 

Next came the wian thian, where the children walked three times around the school's shrine of the Buddha, carrying flowers, incense, and candles (wian means circle, thian means candle).  Above, Ren walks with hands in prayer (and sporting her beloved birthday watch).

Amazing to think that the last time we celebrated Visakha Bucha here in Thailand, we were only a family of two ;)