Norbu isn't happy with the shape, and is planning on doing it over. However, you can see how the repair material works. This is the M90, which is a repair mortar. Unlike the thin set we're using on the Enlightenment Stupa, the M90 is designed specifically to hold a shape. It can be used to carve reliefs we're told. You can see that here, it holds the shape really well. It's texture is rougher than the rest of the Stupa, but it is solid. In a situation where there was no ideal choice (You can see from the previous photo it was crumbling apart), using this material seemed the best bet. We'll be watching over the years to see if it holds up, but the key is the Stupa has been preserved. The interior contents have not been disturbed, and the outer form is being restored.

Having worked today I don't know what happenned out there (if anything, though I suspect Norbu went to town on repairs at the Enlightenment Stupa, as he made sure we had thin set yesterday before leaving). I work again tomorrow, but I'll try to touch base with him in the evening (by the time I get off work he is often either in tsog or in a class, so we don't talk). Regardless, I'll be back out there Friday. It is amazing how two days can feel eternal! : )

So far the forecast for Sunday looks great! The key is that it will hopefully look good Monday too, so we can paint without worrying about the curing time. I'll write a little tomorrow about Chokhor Duchen, which is the Buddhist holiday we will be celebrating this Sunday. It is a 10 Million Day for those visiting that are not familiar, meaning the benefit of virtuous acts performed on that day are magnified. And guess what? Repairing a Stupa is super virtuous even on an ordinary day! : ) So we'll be out there making it as easy as possible! We'll hand you the brush, the paint, and a wall of a Stupa needing it, all you have to do is show up! And of course, for all those unable to make it, we'll share everything with you here! As I've said many times, even images of Stupas carry great blessings. So whether you're cruising through cyberspace or driving down River Road, the Stupas are always here for you!