The highlight of my recent visit to the Koenawin Monastery was being there to celebrate the beginning of construction for their new dormitory for girls.
You may recall from a previous report a few months back that we were seeking a donor to fund this building so the Monks at Koenawin could provide safe housing for at least 100 of the girls attending their school. This was particularly important because the surrounding area was not a safe place for the girls to be. Too many marauding soldiers in the ethnic armies looking for “wives”.
Well, I can happily report that one tremendously generous donor did step forward with a $60,000 donation to fully fund this construction. How awesome is that?
Since my trip had been planned for several weeks in advance, the Monks knew when I was coming. So, they delayed the beginning of construction until my arrival. Really, I thought? A delay of two weeks just for me? Then I realized how culturally important the beginning ceremonies were to them. I was proud to be there to represent our wonderful donor. That’s the 77 year-old Senior Monk on the left. The Education Monk is on the right.
All of us at the SE Asia Foundation are terribly proud to be a part of this wonderful new development.