Day 12 – Dedication Day

content from joanne

   

Thursday - 22 November

Dedication Day – the day we have all been working toward – the day we turn ownership over to the family.

We arrived at build site 2 to see everything all cleaned up, the concrete ‘patio’ fully operational, and our own private four-piece band! There were two guitars, one drum, and one bottle - and it took us a while to recognize the band members, our own skilled workers, since they were all dressed up.

Skilled Workers in More Than One Way

After some general merriment with the band, we moved on to the more formal part of the ceremony. There was the handing over of ‘the key’ the cutting of the ribbon, and the small gifts for the family and the workers. Along with a rice cooker, a fan, and some ‘Canada’ towels, perhaps the most important gift for any Thai household was the framed picture of the king. Our picture had him in full regalia along with two dogs at his feet, made even more lifelike because of the holographic view. 

Joanne hands over the key to a happy homeowner

The Last Hurrah for Site Two

There were speeches from both sides, and a few tears were shed when the homeowner acknowledged how grateful he was. They had gifts for us as well – a small embroidered purse from the homeowner, and the skilled workers gave us all a candle made out of a beer can that was cut, braided, and formed to look like a swan.

Moving on to build site 1, the party moved into high gear. We arrived to music again from our personal quartet, and the dancing started. We took a break to perform the dedication ceremony and handing out of gifts. The family in this case gave us all carvings of an elephant’s behind – although we have not yet definitely figured out the meaning of the carving, we are pretty sure it stands for good luck…

Marc with the key for house one

Rob presents the most important item in a Thai home - Long Live the King...

Cheryl present the second-most-important item in a Thai Home - a Rice Cooker

The Last Hurrah for Home One

There were a couple of amusing games played, some fireworks shot out of a gun, and then we sat down to eat a lovely meal. After the meal the music started up again, and the team made an informal conga line that snaked around the tables a couple of times and then made a larger loop around the new house. Stephanie and Sarah also taught the skilled workers some new dance moves.

In between the sets of music, Laura read her poem to the family (see previous post), we watched a hilarious skit by Marc, Rob, and Gregg (watch out for that pork!), had a Ganghan-style dance (where we followed more than half but less than all) of the steps. We also sang O Canda, Farewell to Nova Scotia, and the Thai National Anthem.

A Rousing version of the Thai National Anthem

Janice with her happy family

 The last official act was the lighting of a number of lanterns. After the first slightly off-kilter launch, our lanterns rose into the sky along with our wishes. Wishes for the families in their new homes, wishes for safe travels, and wishes for our new friends at the local affiliate.     

Make A Wish....

... and send it off !

All in all it was 'super-awesome-fantastic' dedication party.