Camel rider

This week while driving 10+ hours across the countryside, we saw this camel rider.

Buddhism

Altho Buddhism is an old religion, it was banned in Mongolia from 1939 to 1990. New Buddhist monasteries are occasionally being built, like this one built in Bayankhongor 2 years ago. Nearby is a Buddhist stupa with modern cell towers in the background.

Children's chores

People living in gers have no running water. They must buy and carry water from a neighborhood pump house. This job is usually one of the children's chores. Last week, I was walking thru a ger district and saw these two boys struggling to carry their mini-barrel of water. I helped them carry the load and they helped me practice my Mongolian!

Presenting gifts

Giving gifts is a big part of any celebration. Always have a gift handy. As part of the Auditor's feast, everyone gave him a gift. The previous invitee, a horse trainer, gave the Auditor two horses. I have him a picture frame with a gilded compass and gilded "shaga" (sheep ankle bones) and two JCS mugs. It's a Mongolian custom.

Mongolian feast

Part of the Auditor's celebration was a feast of Mutton, Hard dry goat cheese, Horse milk, Cucumbers & beef, Candy, Fresh fruit and Juice.

Mongolian wrestling

Jim was asked to represent JCS at the celebration of the 10th anniversary of our auditor's business. The celebration was held at the Mongolian Wrestling "Palace" so Jim and his Mongolian tutor (Liz refused to go)got to watch 3-hours of Mongolian wrestling.

A Silent Conversation

Liz & I saw an old woman sitting on a flower bed wall. Liz greeted her and she smiled from ear to ear. She would not talk to us, but her smile told us how happy she was to have us take her picture and talk to her.

What a World

Someone replied to our latest update by saying, 'What a world you have entered.' I was a little surprised by this response and sent a reply saying, "Does it really sound so different?" But then I thought of my trip home from class today. I walked a few blocks alongside a 27 y.o. mom & her 3 y.o. daughter. They have an half hour walk each way each day and the 3 y.o. was walking only a little slower than my normal pace. The little one wanted to keep her mom between herself and the 'gadaad hune'(foreigner). Almost home, I sat and chatted with an aunt who was giving her 4 month old niece time in the fresh air. This woman will be in the city for a YEAR to help take care of this baby until she is old enough to enter kindergarten which is similar to pre-school/daycare. Next to our building, there was a truck parked. It was sitting in front of the ger that sells fermented mares' milk. The truck bed was packed full of sheep. They had come from 2 days-drive away. A woman came up while I was looking at them. I asked her who would kill the one she bought. Her husband of course. Where? In her bathtub of course.

Chat

I couldn't understand a word they said a year ago. Fortunately, when I first met them, we had a friend along who could translate. Haven't had a chance to talk since that first meeting. But for most of tonight's conversation, I succeeded in chatting with these ladies all by myself.
I'm feeling encouraged by a little bit of progress.The woman on the left could not believe my age. Of course that made me feel even better :)They are 89 & 84.

Weird Weather

Yesterday, the high was 84F!
Today it is 33F, 38mph winds and SNOWing.

Mongolian Men’s Bible Study begins

On Thursday evening, September 10 I met with 3 Mongolian young men, Orgil, Jamyan and Od. We are studying what the Bible says about how to be a Christian Man. We have begun by studying Ephesians 4. We pray together and spend time sharing our goals.

Dinosaurs in Mongolia

Last week Jim visited Bayankhongor, a city about 500km (310 miles) SW of Ulaanbaatar.
The major tourist attraction are the life-size dinosaur models in the center of the city. Imagine coming into the city at night from the Gobi Desert and shining your headlights on this one!

First Day of School

First day of school for chickens? Wearing new uniforms and bright backpacks these kids are curiously looking into a pen of chickens. Perhaps they were for sale?

A Rare Sight

On Friday on a day trip to the countryside, 4 hours outside UB, Jim got to see a flock of migrating Demoiselle Cranes. These birds have to take one of the toughest migrations in the world from Siberia to India. In late August through September, they gather in flocks of up to 400 individuals and prepare for their flight to their winter range. During their migratory flight they reach altitudes of 16,000-26,000 feet (4,875-7,925 m). Along their arduous journey they have to cross the Himalayan mountains, many die from fatigue, hunger and predation from birds such as eagles.

Steaming

This week Liz has had many steamy sessions. Hot tea, tissue, lozenges, & lots of Facebook time have helped to assuage a vicious cold. On day 7 she finally began to feel relief.

Studying Hard

Studying hard with tutors, Orgil & Ariuna, via Uno. Rough life.

Suited Up

Jim has worn a tie 2 days this week. On Tuesday, he represented JCS at an opening ceremony for a local school. Thursday, he was supposed to meet with a politician. The politician didn't show, so all that claustrophobic neck pain was for nought. He is enjoying his position and keeping very busy.