Week 21 Cookies 101

This week was filled with more cookies, except this time we were able to share the "making" experience with a few friends from our ward.  Gan-Erdene, Namuulan and Tsovoo and her friend spent an evening of food and fun with us.  They took part in every step along the way including a spoonful of the cookie dough.  The girls sure couldn't wait for them to cool for a first bite.

We also shared a similar experience with Jargal and her daughter Ulemj.  Food brings people together and cooking, especially with sugar, is a universal language.   Consumption is a bonus.  You can’t make cookies without having a spoonful of cookie dough.  It is a tradition at the Leavitt house. 

FHE was busy and full of the Spirit and fun.  They are very competitive and couldn't get enough of the game.  Think we might need another coat rack?  This is a great game of playing coat Jenga.  Tring to find your coat without knocking down the stack is the challenge.  Early comers are at a disadvantage.

We had our District Council over for breakfast this week.  We were missing a couple of travelers (AP's) which we will catch later.  Their hearts are in the right place and the thoughts and feelings shared were meaningful and inspiring.

The West stake center just finished their YSA gathering place and had a little opening social.  It is a wonderful space and one that will provide a sanctuary for the Spirit to dwell as they gather and enjoy one another.  Just waiting for the billiards and ping pong tables to arrive, then let the games begin!  We love our translators Unbold and Sister Misheel. 

They love playing music and singing everywhere in the country.  We have some very talented YSA.  The new karaoke machine will get a workout.  Check out the horse head fiddle, far left, it only has two strings and can make some incredible sounds.  The video is Elder Munkhtur, playing the fiddle, he was waiting for his visa and serving with us.  He has since received his visa and is in the Provo MTC preparing to serve in the Salt Lake City East Mission.  This was at an MTC devotional last week.  He is also an amazing pianist.

We are so grateful for the many friends we have made in our Sansar Ward, YSA and in the community. Our nights and days are filled with getting to know and working with amazing Mongolian people.  We cherish these wonderful experiences. 

We just have to share a fun experience we had.  A few weeks ago, we were shopping at the market and as we were in line to check out a little boy was behind us.  He is 8 or 9 years old, and he said Hello to Darren.  He spoke great English and of course Darren had a fun time chatting with him.  This week we were at the market and this same little boy walked up to Darren and said Hello.  He told he loves to come to the market and find people that will speak English with him so that he can practice.  Each time he was doing the shopping for his mom.  We followed him out of the store and down the street.  He crossed at the crosswalk and waited for us to pass by on the other side and then waved goodbye to us as we passed.  He is a delightful little boy.  We hope to see him again.