On 6 April 2013 we moved in our little paradise. Due to the tropical climate renovations are starting soon after. Roof tiles are damaged by storms, things are rotting, pipes start leaking, paint starts peeling etc. etc. There is always something to do.
But now there are bigger jobs that need doing and that's what we want to tell you about.
Spirit and Ancestral Houses
A few weeks ago we replaced our spirit and ancestral houses. They were made of teak wood but were still falling apart.
Near our house there was a whole selection of colorful concrete houses placed along the side of the road. We found what we wanted and as there was nobody there, we called the number on a sign. The lady on the other side confirmed that she would deliver the chosen houses with all the accessories.
As we wanted to place the spirit and the ancestral house in our garden with a ceremony again, we asked the lady to organize this for us. It seemed to be fine with her. She did not even ask for a down payment and we were eagerly awaiting the big day.
Just as promised the happy helpers arrived at 8 am. They set up everything needed for the ceremony and we all waited for the Achan, the Brahman Priest, who would officiate the ceremony. Having spirit and ancestral houses on the premises is an animistic custom and has nothing to do with Buddhism, hence no monks will be present.
We were overwhelmed by the service. After all, we had only been in contact with the nice lady by phone and had never met her. She has a great team and has organized everything perfectly.
First the old houses were blessed and the spirits asked to leave their old homes with the promise of a new one, while we thanked them for taking care of our home and the inhabitants. Then the houses were demolished rather unceremoniously.
The new houses were set up.
Now our spirits have a deserving home again.
