Fa

So, I completely forgot to post about my "Fa" reading a few weeks ago. I got it during a visit to a traditional medicine center. The center was basically a mini-hospital, with a few rooms for housing sick patients, a consultation room, and then a pharmacy containing hundreds of powders, liquids, and gels for any health problem you can think of. The system was actually really formal and you can't get the medicine without consulting with a doctor (and maybe Fa) first. All the medicines are made locally from plants, and every traditional medicine center has completely different medicines created from local ingredients and practices. The doctors there aren't opposed to Western medicine necessarily (they send all urgent and surgical cases to the hospital), they just recognize this as another option. We watched a paralyzed man getting his legs massaged with a special gel. The doctors told us twice a day and he'll eventually walk again...Whether or not it works for everything, it was cool to see. The only thing that really disturbed me was when they said that they've got a cure for AIDS that only takes 10 months. We all just sort of sat there awkwardly at that point and shifted in our chairs...

Anyway, so in addition to the plant remedies to treat physical problems, people can consult Fa to learn of bigger spiritual problems. I don't completely understand Fa, but it's not a religion. My host family explained that it's more of a science, and the doctor explained to one group that "at the top there is God, and after him is Fa." I think the best description actually came from my dad in the U.S. when I tried to explain it to him- it's kind of like the force in the Star Wars movies. I think it's like the forces of the universe mixed with an idea of destiny.

Anyway, so you consult Fa by asking a yes or no question. I began by whispering this question (which I can't tell anyone) to 8 small seashells cupped in my hands. Then I dropped the shells onto a small wooden board and the reader interpreted them. Fa's first response to my question was that I am too independent from my mother and that she misses me, and that I should make more of an effort to be close to her (which of course she was very happy to hear). Then, I had to whisper to the shells again and ask the four cardinal directions if that was the complete answer to my question. Turns out it wasn't so I shook the shells again and the reader told me that I'll have much happiness in my life brought about by twins, so I should always be extra nice to any twins I come across :-). After I asked the four cardinal directions again, 4 shells came out face up and 4 face down, meaning that that was all. It's kinda crazy, because technically you could just go on and on for a pretty long time before you get the "that is all". Overall, it was really interesting to see, and I'm glad all my advice was positive (the girl before me wasn't so lucky :-( ).

This is a picture of Monica and me in meme tissue! Meme means same in French, and they call all the fabric here tissue. I've already got three tissue outfits made and I'm waiting for 3 more from the tailor, including my fancy dress for the swear-in ceremony next week! Going tissue shopping and designing outfits is one of my new favorite pastimes. In this picture Monica and I are both wearing modeles, which consist of a shirt and a long skirt, and are the most popular type of formal outfit for females. The skirts are sooo tight though, and tissue can get really hot. I've gotten a few Western style dresses made though, too...and I can't wait to have a full tissue wardrobe!

Also, as of today model school is officially over! We went over the test they took yesterday and then we had a day of games and songs. We taught 4 of the classes the song "joy to the world, all the boys and girls, joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea, joy to you and me", then had a competition singing it in the school yard...so cute! Monday is our last day with them actually, we're having a big ceremony to give out prizes for the best students and good attendance. I'm so glad it's over because it has been exhausting, but I'm definitely going to miss the kids!