Week 23 Translation to Wrestling









Our sweet Sister Monica and her husband Elder Turbot were gracious enough to come to FHE/CFM Monday night and share with us her experiences being asked to translate the Book of Mormon into Mongolian.  She was given the task while serving as a young missionary in the Salt Lake City Mission around 1998, it's a great story.  They are amazing people and are a wonderful addition to the mission. They continue to inspire as they do a ton of good for the people of this beautiful country. 


I guess there is a silver lining, or in this case orange, to most negative situations.  Sunsets through the smog create a stunning sky.


Our friend Ganbaatar is awesome.  He is a boxing coach and serves in one of the ward bishoprics.  He has traveled quite a bit, speaks several languages and collects currency from around the world.  He is trying to get his Visa to go to general conference in April.  He insisted we take a picture with the nutcracker.






Our latest new friends are Hosea, Faith, Raquel, Knox and Hailey.  Sister Parkin and Sister Fifita (just arrived from the MTC) were great with the kids and won their hearts.  We had a wonderful evening with them all and enjoyed a meaningful visit and conversation centered around the things we have in common, namely Jesus Christ.






We were asked to help with judging a high school book debate competition.  They began the day with a music performance from these amazing students.  They are playing the Mongolian Horse Head Fiddle.  It has a unique sound and only has two strings.  We had a great time although it was an all-day event and after spending an hour in traffic to get home (1.2 km) we were ready to call it a day.



Couldn't resist another trip to Tom N Tom's.  The problem is that it's right across the street from the office.  We've come to enjoy the chicken and corn pizza.  The highlight though is the cinnamon hot chocolate with a mountain of thick whipped cream, and I don't really drink a lot of hot chocolate.  I may have become a believer.






President and Sister Namgar, flanked by the great ones, Danny and David.


All of the city missionaries singing a Mongolian song in full dress.














Saturday was the bi-stake Tsgaan Sar (lunar new year) celebration. They go all out and are proud of the heritage and traditions associated with it.  Just a few, of the hundreds, of traditional clothing on display.  The culture is tremendous, and they love to be together to sing and dance and converse.


First view






National Champion legend giving some advice and congratulations.


Organizers and judges.


Judges and final four.




Winner!

The evening culminated with the country's top sport, wrestling.  They came from all parts of the country, and we were not disappointed.  The winner of each round passes out candy to the fans.  Receiving it from the champion is to bring good luck.  He was quickly surrounded by kids and adults alike.  Again, this is a fascinating place, steeped in culture that lives on today.

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