August 25, 2002, Buddhist Relief Mission invited five monks from Wat Lao Buddharam in Detroit for pindapata in Flint. As the monks, led by the abbot, Ven.Sinuouane, walked slowly along the tree-lined streets near Burroughs Park, the response from the neighborhood was enthusiastic. From one house a family with two children came out, and each member offered food to the monks. After about one hour on their alms rounds, the monks' bowls were overflowing, but people from other neighborhoods, thanks to an announcement made at nearby Woodside Church, continued arriving to join in the merit-making.
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A Laotian family came from Grand Rapids, more than two hours away, to offer flowers, curry, and sticky rice. Having completed their rounds, the monks gave a short blessing in front of the new house. When they returned to the monastery where they would take their lunch, they carried good wishes, and a car full of dana. |
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