Sunday was a full day and my last and most frustrating leadership day of the block. We had a goat slaughtering, a TV crew, dress up in muslim outfits and finally our ceremony with a few things mixed in.
I'll start with the morning. I woke up early to do laundry because it needed time to dry! First thing of the day was a sacrificial goat slaughter. We all circled around the goat. They laid it down, tied its' feet, muzzled it, and slit its throat. This was possibly more disturbing than the pig because we basically watched the head just fall off. Something I've never seen. Also, they didn't knock the goat out. When we got to ask questions, I asked why they didn't knock it out or do it in a less painful way. They said this was the least painful way and they must kill the animal themselves and drain the blood so they can't just shoot it. There are a lot of similarities between Judaism and Islam. After they killed the goat, they took care of burning the skin off, etc.
The rest of the day was very "fluid". We were supposed to have midcourse but Ajaan Mark didn't want to rush our day and we were able to do it in Koh Lipe anyways. Aj. Mark was here because he was being starred in an episode of a famous Thai TV program with the famous "Andy" who interviews and follows certain Farang who are living in Thailand and doing Thai things. Aj. Mark asked for some people to pretend to look for seagrasses. At first I wasn't going to go but then I realized I may be missing a out on this cool opportunity so at the last minute, Aj. Mark took me in the van while the others rode in the back of the pickup truck...I felt special to ride with THE "Andy". We basically "acted natural" for a long time. For me that meant looking at everything in my magnifying glass. We had a good time making jokes and being filmed. Eventually the storm came in and I would say that Andy isn't the toughest man around. he was ridiculous. We headed back and I realized that Brendan and I had both left the group (leadership day!). Aj. Mark took me back in the van again because it was raining! He told me that, really, I was a good leader because I was going back early in the van with them (good thinking....the pickup was just behind us).
We ate, learned about Islam and then headed back home to our families so they could dress us for the ceremony. A few frustrating leadership things happened and the group was just obnoxious and unaware, which is pretty common with this group.
I headed back, showered, and waited for Roz to come over so they could make us up! Roz got the "big" outfit and it was pink and sparkly. I got a dark blue one but it was very pretty. Then Roz's pi made us up. More makeup than I have ever worn and it was everything I hate...all pink makeup! But ohh well...different ideas of beauty for sure! Then we got dressed and she redid or added to our makeup. I didn't even recognize myself.
We headed over to the ran ahan all done up and on to the beach for pictures. Unfortunately the camera crew was there again! Everything is more uncomfortable when they have been around. We took tons of pictures and headed in to eat. Salina wanted more and more pictures. Bookari wasn't feeling it. I hadn't been feeling well so I decided not to eat too much and only eat veggies. Good choice for sure. The food looked weird. After dinner, we all said things to our families and they said things to us in front of the group. Both me and Mah Ni are shy speaking in front of the group so it was nice but the next morning was much more heartfelt. During the evening, she basically said I like to do the dishes. I said I love playing with all the kids and she cooks well, etc.
THen it was time to dance! This was just hot and uncomfortable because of Andy and the mosquitoes. But it was alright. Eventually, we left and went home. I had to back and Salina and I talked and exchanged phone numbers and addresses. It was really cute. Then i showed my host mom a picture of my family and she asked if she could keep it. I later saw she had put it on her mirror. Really adorable. That night started my never ending stomach bug. Ugh...still have it and it's 3 days later!
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