Thanks to some angels from home and some local angels we were able to find some much needed socks and put them in small bag with a few treats to be delivered to what we understood to be like an orphanage. We were first told 30 pair, but it soon grew to 150 pair.
We were given a location that took us to this area. Fully expecting to be going to the orange building in the background we drove to the end of the path only to find a dead end. As we were backing out a little lady and a young girl came running around the corner waving us to come back.
When we returned and looked through a small wooden gate, we were greeted by this. Three Gers, two of them hooked together to provide a refuge for children, some with parents, some without and many from broken homes. They don't live here but they frequent the place for a meal before school and a warm place to go after. It is there children’s gathering / recreation center.
This beautiful little lady, a social worker by training, is doing this all on her own with a few small donations like the socks. Her heart surpasses her very small stature. She and her mother live in the third ger and feed them, around 140, using one small rice cooker. She has a small bookshelf with a few books and a whiteboard. We would love to post more photos of the children and their sweet innocent smiles but feel it not appropriate. Suffice it to say the whole experience was humbling and joyous at the same time. Special friendships were made in such a short period of time. We will be returning.
Oh, and by the way did I mention that there is no running water or indoor plumbing? We are so spoiled when it comes to the simple things. This facility is a ways from the Ger and the temperatures are dipping, lows around -15° F and the highs around 15° F. Might want to think about this the next time you take your phone to your favorite quiet place.
We were asked to speak in church about Christmas. It made it even more special to prepare and keep our focus on the Savior. It is always wonderful to share the most beautiful story ever and the greatest gift of love given. Of course we spoke with an amazing translator. We wrote our talks and left spaces so we would remember to stop and let Tomche translate. It was a special experience.
CFM/FHE was a special Christmas evening. It was a great success again and the Hawaiian haystacks were a hit. I believe some had second thoughts about putting so many strange things on top of their rice. I don't suppose it will stop them from coming back. We love spending time with these amazing young adults. It's probably about time for some simple cookies again.
Tuesday morning started early. We walked to the mission office at 6:00am and proceeded to punch out 6 batches of cinnamon rolls (about 130 to be exact) for those missionaries that are serving near the city. I say we; I was just moral support and dishwasher. Sister Butler and the Nangur's dove in to help as well. Sister Leavitt was piloting the ship this go around. Sorry to those serving away, we'll make it up to you later. We loved hearing them say “it tastes like home.” It is such a pleasure getting to serve and work beside them. We have incredible missionaries serving in Mongolia.
Ever feel like Santa this time of year. I'm not sure if he's trying to go up or down but either way, he is barely hanging on. I know he started his adventures near us, so I hope he had a few things left after traveling clear across the world to you all.
As the temperatures continue to get colder, the highs in single digits or teens every day and lows in the minus', double digits usually, many people have asked us how we are feeling and warn us everyone will be getting sick. We're not sure if it’s the cold weather or a combination of cold and pollution. Sure enough, there have been several missionaries getting sick including Elder Leavitt. Christmas morning it hit and 3 days later Sister Leavitt got to experience it. We missed out on the Christmas/New Year YSA celebration. We hate missing out on a great party. We are feeling better and ready to begin a New Year.
We are so grateful for the wonderful Christmas Season that brings us close to our Savior. So thankful for the opportunity to serve our Savior and the beautiful people of Mongolia. As families and friends gather together during this Christmas Season, we are so grateful for your love and support. Miles might separate us, but love is never far away, it only increases. We love you all.
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