On the last day in April, I sat on the floor in the chapel at the McGilvary Faculty of Theology. At the front of the chapel, four men sat in wicker chairs. They are all faculty members at McGilvary. They are all 60 years old or older. I was there for the "damhua" ceremony. (The "a" in "dam" is pronounce like the "a" in "cd ram".) In northern Thailand the ceremony is observed each year to honor one's elders and to be blessed by them.

In the chapel, a basket of gifts was given to each elder. Then, on our knees, the participants approached each elder, gave them honor, and received their blessing. I took a lei of jasmine flowers and put it over the head and around the neck of the first person. Next I handed him a bowl of scented water. He dipped his fingers in the water and touched his head. Then he dipped his fingers in the water and touched mine while pronouncing a blessing on me. The same procedure was repeated with each of the others. Then I walked back to my seat on the floor.

Similar ceremonies took place all over northern Thailand on that day. In the context of our Christian institution, this beautiful and meaningful observance was given even deeper meaning by being "Christianized." Before the ceremony took place, the master of ceremonies, told about the giving of blessings in the Bible. Then after the ceremony, the most respected of our elders, shared a brief reflection in which he talked about the blessings we all had received from God and how wonderful it was to give honor to our God. Finally, the service was concluded with a prayer and benediction.

In six years, I will reach that special age of 60. I pray that I will be truly worthy of the honor of a "damhua" ceremony. May my life be a blessing to my students, to my colleagues, and to the Church of Christ in Thailand.

LaMon Brown