Week 28 More schools and solemn goodbyes

 

Tsagaan Sar (White Moon)






We met with four new schools in the countryside and again met some wonderful people.  The thing that continues to stand out to us is the fact that they are so appreciative of us being there, and for choosing their school.


We said goodbye to Grace this week as she is returning home to the US before her next adventure in Australia.  She will be playing there for the next few months.  She has been a pleasure to get to know and we are grateful that our paths crossed. 






We had an opportunity to visit one of the many monasteries in Ulaanbaatar.  This is supposedly one of the largest Budda's in the world.  It's pretty dated and very important to many of the faithful.




An evening learning to make Khuushuur.  It was filled with lamb and deep fried.  It some of the very best we have had. 




What a wonderful family.  Munkhtuya (her) and Munkhjargal (him).  The four kids were busy.  The 6-year-old was working on his cursive.  He was so into it I couldn't get him to look up for a picture.


We had an amazing conversation with our friend Matthew, along with Elder's Hancock and Peterson.


We enjoyed an evening of Tsuivan (noodle, meat and vegetable) with Jargal and Ulemj along with Sister's Parkin and Fifita.


Last district council meeting combined with lunch.  We will miss these fine humans.  They have been an inspiration to us in so many ways.


First FHE (11)


Last FHE (over 50)


Organizing and enjoying our Come Follow Me/Family Home Evening each week has been a joy beyond description.  We have gained so many friends as we have shared in the Spirit of the Gospel.  We also have lost count of the number of chocolate chip cookies we have made and consumed.  We love our YSA. 




We said goodbye to some wonderful friends from our Sansar Ward.  Bishop Dashdorj and his wife Dejidmaa.  These three wonderful ladies have been an inspiration to us in so many ways,
Lkhagvadulam (LD), Munkhtsetseg and Dejidmaa.  They have all been wonderful to us and we will miss them dearly.


Returned home to a wonderful surprise from some wonderful missionaries.







Gan-Erdene has become one of our closest friends in Mongolia.  He surprised us this week with a venture to the countryside.  He wanted to take us to one of his favorite places, Hustai National Park.  It is the only place in the world where you can hopefully see the Przewalski's horse.  They are considered to be the last and only remaining truly wild horse in the world.  They are beautiful and we were able to see several herds.  Strange thing to us is that they were joined by the Mongolian Black Deer (very similar the elk), grazing right alongside.  It was a wonderful surprise from a wonderful friend.




Transfers brought us three new missionaries, one elder and two sisters.  It's always a good time to be together, even for a short time.  We enjoyed breakfast and a quick photo and back to the work.

As some of you may have heard this was our last week in Mongolia.  We have had a few things come up that have altered our plans.  Carrie has injured her meniscus, and it requires surgery, so we will be returning to Utah for a time.  We are told that if all goes well the recovery time is 4-6 weeks.  Our plan it then to be reassigned to a new location to complete our remaining year due to a tax issue in Mongolia that effects senior couples.  We are only allowed to be in the country for 183 days before you are required to register and pay worldwide taxes.  Three couples have had to leave in the past 7 months.  It is frustrating but we realize that everything happens for a reason and that Heavenly Father has a plan for us.  We just have to be humble enough to accept it.

We have loved our time in Mongolia and obviously did not want to leave, but given the circumstances we will comply and hopefully return again sometime to be with these wonderful people. We are so grateful for the blessing to serve in Mongolia and to witness the Lord's miracles daily, to see and feel the Christ like love of these amazing people, and to grow closer to our Savior Jesus Christ.  Thank you, Mongolia, for changing our lives forever.

We will remain missionaries as we rehab and await our new assignment.  We will keep you all posted and updated here when we know more.
















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