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A Green and Gold Place

A Harvard student’s academic mission takes an unexpectedly personal turn when she decides to ordain as a nun in Thailand.

Faith Adiele

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© Eric Azumi

On the day of my ordination, I arrive at Wat Phra Singh, the Royal Temple of northern Thailand, slightly hungover, fighting a losing battle with my clothes. I am draped in yards of heavy white cotton that indicate little intention of adapting to Western body movement. How do I stand? I wonder. Where do I put my hands? What if the entire outfit falls to the ground, leaving me naked before the crowd?

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