First Friend?

We have lived here 2 years and 10 months--- yesterday I had a breakthrough moment!

My language teacher and helper is named Daganaa. She comes to my house Monday- Thursday for a couple of hours for chatting and studying Mongolian. It is really great to have her come to my house because it ensures I speak Mongolian and keep learning. (It would be easier some days to hide in my house and not face the world I don't understand, but that makes me crazy too!) She doesn't speak English so that keeps me on my toes!
Recently I have had a small break through in language. I can suddenly hear and understand-- or at least know the topic and some key details. It feels like cotton balls have fallen out of my ears!!! This makes Daganaa and I able to talk about many more things. We have a lot in common, she's 31 like me, she gardens like me (and teaches a lot about that), she has a 4 year old boy (and a good mama bear, like me), and she has an easy style of communication. She is willing to keep talking when I have no idea what she is saying- perfect because it stretches my language skills.

BUT yesterday, Daganaa and I were talking and she actually truly laughed at a story I told, not a small chuckle either, a real belly-laugh. To me it meant one thing--- true communcation had happened.... I couldn't beleive it. I think I may be on the road to have a good friend here.


Here is a picture of her, it is from last year- Sierra is still tiny. Daganaa made that "dale" traditional shirt Sierra is wearing. She is standing in our kitchen.