October 2010 Pics

Some new friends who spent a few days visiting Heaven's Hill.

One of my classes was studying about international foods, so they came over and learned how to make pizza!

My first class posing for a class picture while the weather is nice :)

Rainy season means that every couple weeks I have a battle with ants. They like to lay eggs somewhere in my house and I don't discover it until they are all hatched. Then I grab a can of poison and start spraying. Several hours later, it is time to sweep up all the ant bodies.

Rainy season also means that many of the smaller dirt roads are quite difficult to drive on.

Honoring Dead Ancestors

Boun Haw Khao Padap Din is a Buddhist holiday that is celebrated during the 9th lunar month (August/Septemeber). It is believed that during this time of year, the dead are allowed to return home to get food, money, clothing and others necessities they need. Therefore, people offer these things hoping that when their ancestors return they will receive them.

Some families prepare a special tray with bowls of the deceased's favorite foods. The monk receiving the tray transmits the giver's merit to the honored dead. This food (and similar food) is shared with family and friends who come to eat together after the ceremony.