I walked down the driveway bordering Samkhok School’s soccer field on one side and the hectic marketplace, located at the temple’s front parking lot, on the other. Proceeding along the sidewalk contiguous with the temple grounds, then through the back building courtyard, I joined my fellow teachers in the auditorium, behind the EP classroom building, for the Sunday celebration that concluded the school semester. The room was packed with monks from the temple, other local dignitaries, the students and their family members, and the Thai teachers and staff. We took our seats to the right of the stage, directly in front of the booming loudspeakers. The ceremony began with a blessing from the temple's head monk and included a parade of speakers -- including the Mayor-Lord, the School Director, and the Activities Director. Interspersed with the
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