I was warned that there would be a full day of programming (not teaching)–but little did I realize how elaborate that programming would be!
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The students formed up into two receiving lines. We faculty processed up through those lines (though we then ended up waiting a while for the Dean to arrive).
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The classroom had been decorated with masses of hand-lettered signs, balloons, and a small altar. The balloons were full of glitter, and the teachers were given pins to pop the balloons and be showered with glitter. (I was very startled!)
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The students were attired in their finery (especially Pema Wangmo and Yeshe Dorji as class representatives).
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First the dean and then each of the instructors were invited to light butter lamps on the altar. Then the students launched into a series of speeches, readings, songs, and dances.
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The program may still be tiny, but the connections are strong!
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