Our Monday night activities are gaining momentum. There is never a shortage of excitement and energy. They love being together and we love being with them.
This was our saddest moment so far while here. Elder Nate Waldren (far left) shared one last dinner with our district before returning home. He is an amazing human being and will do remarkable things in his next chapter. We also are going to miss Sister Maughn (4th on the left) and Elder Koelliker (last on the right) as they were transferred out of our district. We feel so honored to be serving with these incredible missionaries.
Our dear sweet sister Martaa. She invited us to dinner, and we spent a remarkable evening with her. Her buuz (boose, meat filled boiled dumpling) is some of the best we've had. She made us a tie and a small bag. Amazing handiwork.
The air quality has really deteriorated the last few weeks and yes, we're back in an N95. Thought we had seen the end of that for a while. The bonus though is that they help keep your face warm. I guess there's a silver lining to everything, sometimes they are a bit harder to see. We have also started wearing our full-length heavy-duty coats as temperatures have dropped. Natives say it is very warm for this time of year. Thanks for the encouragement. It is just easing us into winter.
The new missionaries arrived this week and we prepared breakfast for them with President and Sister Namgur and Elder and Sister Butler. There were quite a few bloodshot eyes after more than 20 hours of flying. It was great to see these wonderful Elders and Sisters again. We were in the MTC with them. We are excited to work with them. Welcome to the "Land of Eternal Blue Skies", except in the wintertime.
We had more hearts show up on our door this week. After an exhausting P-Day, fighting crowds on the bus and returning home one phone lighter, they very much brightened our day. Yes, one phone lighter. I got pushed to the rear of the bus in a mayhem of sorts and tried to keep one hand in my pocket to protect the cash, the phone was in a zipped coat pocket on my chest and in the final push as the door opened to get off, I felt a push from behind and when I reached for my phone outside the bus, it was gone. The pocket where the hand had been, was also lighter. Apparently as I removed my hand from my pocket and reached for the rail to steady myself another hand replaced mine. The kind gentleman took the cash from my pocket, took the large bills and returned the small ones to my pocket. The whole incident happened in a total of about 20 seconds. This week's motto: "live and learn".
This is our amazing sister U (Imuujin Ulziisaikhan). We met her in Salt Lake City where she was serving her mission. She is now home and attends our YSA activities. It was great to meet her again. We have come to love her and her family.
We said goodbye to some terrific friends we have come to love. Tom and Terri Stillwaugh, from Challis Idaho have been reassigned to the Guam Micronesia mission. They will be sorely missed.
This is Tegs (Tegshjargal Dashzeveg) and her amazing aunt Nara (Naranchimeg Naraa). Tegs is also one of our YSA and she invited us to her aunt's house. We enjoyed a wonderful conversation getting to know one another. The generosity of the Mongolian people is alive and well. They are awesome. As we returned to our bus stop, we couldn't resist capturing the full moon over the high rise behind us.
I was asked to teach in our Sansar Ward Relief Society sister's how to make American cookies. Two of the best assistants helping me Sister Lee and Sister Boyle. We made chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies and brown sugar muffins. It was an awesome night. No matter where you live everyone loves cookies.
It made my night when Uranchimeg egch (sister) said in English YUMMY!
I loved being with these amazing Sister’s. I have learned so much from them. They are such wonderful disciples of Jesus Christ. There was plenty of cookies and they each took some home to share with their families, at least I think they made it home. I have come to love these sisters.
Elder Patrick Kearon said welcome to the Church of JOY. Serving with the Elder’s and Sister’s in Mongolia is pure Joy. They are a light to the world.
So, I wasn't aware of the power of billiards in Asia. I saw a poster on the wall of the church for a "CTR CUP" billiard tournament. Sounded like fun so I threw my hat in the ring. Little did I know there would be 32 participants and very competitive. I showed up and one of them asked me if I had a bow tie. First sign I was in over my head. They played literally all day to get to a winner of both men's and women's play. Besides the cool trophy the winners received Apple type watch, pool cues, gift cards and medals. Probably ought to ask a few more questions next time, at least get a translator. Fun was had by all. Oh, and yes it was in the basement of the church. I have come to learn that most church buildings are equipped with a table.
We are loving working the YSA! Just got a new YSA high councilman Ganbat Ganbold he was just released as the Stake President of the West Stake. So fun to get to know and work with him.
Mongolia never ceases to amaze us. The people are wonderful and happy. They desire many of the same things we do and really just want the peace in their lives that comes from following Jesus along His Covenant Path.
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