Today was Sister Ning's last Sunday in Ayutthaya. She is moving back to her home village to care for her aging mother. I had no idea what a huge event it would be to say goodbye to her. Sister Saw bought 150 roses for $5 to make bouquets to adorn the chapel. She also brought a cake with a farewell message.
We started the event with our usual after-meetings luncheon. After the luncheon, everything was cleaned up and food put away. Then it was time for ward council meeting and everyone not on the council rehearsed a favorite Thai farewell song.
An hour later, council meeting was over and the roast began. Everyone stepped up one by one to make a short speech and have their picture taken with Sister Ning.
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| L-F Sisters Wen, Wasana, Gunjanee, Ning, Saw, Prachoob, Sowards |
We sang the song--with many tears shed, and then Elder Engle played a beautiful rendition of I Know That My Redeemer Lives on the violin.
To my surprise, the food was brought out again. It appeared as a whole 'nother meal with three whole fishes cooked and ready to serve. Amazing. I commented to Elder Trabing about this all-afternoon tradition. He told me they would probably visit two more hours and then prepare another meal at 6 PM. I have a lot to learn about Thai customs.
Sorry to say we had to head back to Bangkok and miss the rest of the fun--and the cake. Next week the Sisters will wear their traditional Thai dresses. They will bring something for me to wear, too. I'm looking forward to it.
A comment on the photo of the Sisters--Notice the poster above Sister Ning's head they made in her honor--the whole bulletin board. And I've never thought of myself as a tall person, but I look gianormous with these sisters. I love them all. They promised they would find a yay-yay (very large) Thai dress for me to wear next Sunday. Can't wait!
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