CNN is doing a great iReport this weekend, click on that link for more details.
They are encouraging viewers to video a one minute walk in their towns. Then CNN is going to make a virtual walk around the world.
If you can stand to watch CNN, it may be a neat show- let me know if you see my video, since I won't be tuning in here! :)
Here is my friend Sharon and I walking on my street... Enjoy
Showing posts with label Mongolia pic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mongolia pic. Show all posts
3.20.2010
12.30.2009
Christmas Church Service
We had a nice Christmas service on Sunday. First we sang and then we listened to a the story of Jesus' birth. Then people stood up to tell why they were thankful and things they hope to happen in 2010.
It was our first try at a potluck and it went really well. Everyone pitched in and it was fun to put it together for We ate salami, bread, fruit, candy, cookies, and drank juice, tea and coffee.Then there were some games it was fun to see them play musical chairs, where they had to waltz around the chairs in pairs. We also played singing games. Teams of about seven people singing songs in a certain category. They have to take turns singing back and forth never repeating the same song! You cannot believe how many songs there are in Mongolian to honor fathers and mothers!
11.03.2009
Sarcasm with a Side of Complaint
Last week a friend came from America and she brought LOTS of gifts from family and friends. It was so fun to get some new running shoes, clothes for the kids, some Christmas gifts for the kids and of course magazines.
I love reading magazines. They are like a special treasure to me. I don't know why! A cup of tea and a shiny new magazine are comparable to a mini-vacation for me!
Anyhow, Peter and I were looking through Sunset magazine together and we read this line,
"Nature's constant presence became so important to me that living in homes with gardens has been a requirement of mine." Page 55 Jan 2009.
Now obviously there is nothing wrong with this. It is a lovely requirement. Just a priority that has never been possible for us.
But Peter started laughing. He said with a silly voice, "Yes, living surrounded by weeds has become a requirement of mine, whether in Mongolia or California, I just must be surrounded by heaps of weeds."
I started cracking up!
This led to lots of sarcasm with a side of complaint! We went back and forth for about 10 minutes cracking ourselves up!
I countered with my own snooty voice, "Oh yes darling, I just must choose a home that looks exactly like a box, the boxier the better!"
We know that we are BEYOND blessed to have two homes to call our own, so we were teasing! Yet, sometimes reading magazines here is a crack up. Sometimes it's a recipe that has four gourmet ingredients, sometimes it's the suggestions for home decor that are impossible here and sometimes it's the landscaping pages.
The landscaping pages I LOVE... I even pulled one out of this Sunset because it was simply beautiful.
Someday, maybe someday. But for now I must content myself to look out at yellow dry weeds, brown dirt, and grey wood that has been beat to death by the frigid Siberian winds.
Yes, today was one of those days. The days when I wonder what in the world I am doing, when I cry into the dishwater as I wash the mountain of bowls and cups. There is something about washing the dishes. My sink faces out to the yard and my back is against the rest of the house and no one can see my face, and the splashing is just loud enough to cover my crying.
Don't worry I don't cry three times a day while washing the dishes! But when I do cry that is where it happens. (Funny in America, I always cry in the shower, but here with my three gallon gravity drip shower; there is just not enough time for that!) I got it all out and threw all my cares on Him because He cares for me. I wiped the dishes while I wiped my tears and then I got on my treadmill and ran.
Now I can face the world again.
How do you deal with your sad times?
I love reading magazines. They are like a special treasure to me. I don't know why! A cup of tea and a shiny new magazine are comparable to a mini-vacation for me!
Anyhow, Peter and I were looking through Sunset magazine together and we read this line,
"Nature's constant presence became so important to me that living in homes with gardens has been a requirement of mine." Page 55 Jan 2009.
Now obviously there is nothing wrong with this. It is a lovely requirement. Just a priority that has never been possible for us.
But Peter started laughing. He said with a silly voice, "Yes, living surrounded by weeds has become a requirement of mine, whether in Mongolia or California, I just must be surrounded by heaps of weeds."
I started cracking up!
This led to lots of sarcasm with a side of complaint! We went back and forth for about 10 minutes cracking ourselves up!
I countered with my own snooty voice, "Oh yes darling, I just must choose a home that looks exactly like a box, the boxier the better!"
We know that we are BEYOND blessed to have two homes to call our own, so we were teasing! Yet, sometimes reading magazines here is a crack up. Sometimes it's a recipe that has four gourmet ingredients, sometimes it's the suggestions for home decor that are impossible here and sometimes it's the landscaping pages.
The landscaping pages I LOVE... I even pulled one out of this Sunset because it was simply beautiful.
Someday, maybe someday. But for now I must content myself to look out at yellow dry weeds, brown dirt, and grey wood that has been beat to death by the frigid Siberian winds.
Yes, today was one of those days. The days when I wonder what in the world I am doing, when I cry into the dishwater as I wash the mountain of bowls and cups. There is something about washing the dishes. My sink faces out to the yard and my back is against the rest of the house and no one can see my face, and the splashing is just loud enough to cover my crying.
Don't worry I don't cry three times a day while washing the dishes! But when I do cry that is where it happens. (Funny in America, I always cry in the shower, but here with my three gallon gravity drip shower; there is just not enough time for that!) I got it all out and threw all my cares on Him because He cares for me. I wiped the dishes while I wiped my tears and then I got on my treadmill and ran.
Now I can face the world again.
How do you deal with your sad times?
10.11.2009
Why are we here?
Monday-- Ministry focus ---- (please bear with me today as I preach to myself!)
Sometimes it is good to refocus again and rethink why we're here. The main reason we are here is because God wants us here and we are following Him in obedience. We are here because of God's heart for all of humanity. We are here because Jesus died for all people. It is not our drive that keeps us here, after four years we would have given up already. It is not our love for the Mongolian people that keeps us here. It is HIS love and HIS alone.
Sometimes with our human eyes it is difficult for us to see that us being here actually accomplishes anything. But Christ uses people to reach others, right? He doesn't have to do it that way. He could have the rocks speak out. He could open the heavens and declare His greatness and Christ's saving power to all. But that is not how He chose to save mankind.
Our job title is "church planter." Christ reaches out from person to person worldwide in the church. The church is not a building or a group of rules. It is a mass of people that believe in faith without sight, that Jesus is the way the truth and the light. So here we are an arm of the worldwide church- helping to start a new group of people that believe in Jesus.
The word of Jesus are so encouraging. He said, "I will build my church." He will do it. It is His work. What great news for us who have no idea what we are doing sometimes!
Sometimes it is good to refocus again and rethink why we're here. The main reason we are here is because God wants us here and we are following Him in obedience. We are here because of God's heart for all of humanity. We are here because Jesus died for all people. It is not our drive that keeps us here, after four years we would have given up already. It is not our love for the Mongolian people that keeps us here. It is HIS love and HIS alone.
Sometimes with our human eyes it is difficult for us to see that us being here actually accomplishes anything. But Christ uses people to reach others, right? He doesn't have to do it that way. He could have the rocks speak out. He could open the heavens and declare His greatness and Christ's saving power to all. But that is not how He chose to save mankind.
Our job title is "church planter." Christ reaches out from person to person worldwide in the church. The church is not a building or a group of rules. It is a mass of people that believe in faith without sight, that Jesus is the way the truth and the light. So here we are an arm of the worldwide church- helping to start a new group of people that believe in Jesus.
The word of Jesus are so encouraging. He said, "I will build my church." He will do it. It is His work. What great news for us who have no idea what we are doing sometimes!
Here are some pictures that speak a thousand words about why Christ's love is needed here.
This is the Mother Tree. I hate it! This is where people go to worship the tree's spirit.
It is where manyMongolians go when they are in trouble They offer scarves, matches, milk, vodka, money, tea, grain candy- it is not just a cultural thing to do.
They believe will help them.
This boy is laying on the ground amongst all of the offerings.
He is praying at the stump of the tree.
On this day the shaman (kind of like witch doctors) were there
dressed up in full costume and drumming.
They were trying to contact the souls of the dead.
All of these people are here worshiping and giving sacrifices... it is not a cultural show.
It is truly a act of faith that the spirit will help them.
This is the Mother Tree. I hate it! This is where people go to worship the tree's spirit.It is where manyMongolians go when they are in trouble They offer scarves, matches, milk, vodka, money, tea, grain candy- it is not just a cultural thing to do.
They believe will help them.
This boy is laying on the ground amongst all of the offerings.He is praying at the stump of the tree.
On this day the shaman (kind of like witch doctors) were theredressed up in full costume and drumming.
They were trying to contact the souls of the dead.
All of these people are here worshiping and giving sacrifices... it is not a cultural show.
It is truly a act of faith that the spirit will help them.
7.11.2009
Walking in Sukhbaatar
The road to our neighborhood
The outdoor market in town
The town square- a view of the apartments
Peter at the town square- government building in the background.
Last week after church some trusted friends of ours took our children home for lunch. Peter and I had a little date and walked through town together. We took some pictures and ate at a cafe. It was nice to have some time to talk and not be interrupted by preschoolers! :)
6.15.2009
Things I see
Today I went to the market. It was like ole mother Hubbard here, no food. So I set out.
I listened to Mongolian radio, mostly grainy rap, that Mongolians love. I drive out on the dirt road, moving slowly dodging large potholes, and watching carefully for livestock. Livestock are allowed to roam around all day-you know free range! I get to the "black" road, the paved road in our town. I see pigs running in the rain and drinking from the creek. I see an old gentleman riding a bike with a violin in his hands. It it wrapped in a plastic flour sack to protect it from the rain. I slow down and yield for a taxi that is going towards Russia. I turn the opposite direction and head for the school where Peter works. I see a group of workers laying a sidewalk, mixing cement by hand in a trailer and scooping shovelfuls into the wooden forms. I turn the corner and arrive at the school.
I walk into the school and enter, unexpectedly, to a prayer meeting. They are praying for my family, especially for Peter to get well. (Peter has a fever.) They pray for the health of others as well and then they all say, "Amen." I greet them and everyone goes to their work. They have been meeting at a staff Bible study. Two of them, our teachers, have asked to study the Bible. They are interested in Jesus. Ariunna is teaching them. How encouraging!!! I drop off some instructions and money for our work permit. Enkee is going to UB to get it for us. She is four months pregnant and looking good. We talk for a while then she gives me juice for Peter and Sierra. She tells me it is good for them because of all the vitamins. I say goodbye and head for the market.
I decided to shop outside first. There are little stands like a swap meet. I go to the gardener section. There is a fresh bunch of lettuce on the table! That is a rare find so I buy it. She has radishes too. She planted her vegetables in the house in April. She is also selling little seedlings. I buy 8 tomato plants, 10 bell peppers, 2 watermelons and 1 mystery plant.
I carry my veggies and different dry goods that I have picked up back to the car. I pass a train container that is filled with 20 pound bags of flour. I buy one and 10 pounds of rice. The man I bought it from carries it on his head up to my car.
I head into the building at the open market. It looks similar to outside, little booths like a swap meet. There are piles of potatoes, carrots, onions, cabbages and garlic in the vegetable room. I find one woman has new potatoes that are from this season. I buy them right away. New potatoes are so much more creamy and moist than potatoes that have wintered over. I also buy fruit from the women who import it from UB.
It is so interesting that they all (10-15) people all sit next to each other selling the exact same thing. It is a bit nerve wracking because choosing to buy from one is a rejection of another. The idea of capitalism is lost here. There is a different system. The tandec whon (known person) system. You buy from the one you know. This gets tricky when the one you know has the worst quality produce. Today I only bought two apples because my fruit girl's produces was BAD!
I leave the vegetable room with around 7 pounds of produce in my bag. I head to the meat room next. Same thing here, 15 women all selling the same thing. The meat is piled on tables out in the open laying there ALL day! I have no tandec whon here. I don't want one. I want only the best meat. I don't look anyone in the eye, they all begin to yell. They yell at me that there's is the best meat. They say "oye oye nash ir." (hey you come here!) I don't look at them. I don't buy based on who I know. I keep my head down, I look at all the meat. I buy from the person who has the best meat. I buy a big blob (about 5 pounds) with just a few bones and no fat.
I leave this room and go to the milk room. Here the tables are filled with pails of sour cream, milk, and yogurt. There is something like butter that is sold in plastic wrap and dried milk curd.
In this room the yogurt looks lumpy so I don't buy any. I do buy some nice looking sour cream and 30 eggs. I head back to the car and put down my heavy bag. I start the car and head to my favorite store.
It is my favorite store because it is the only store in town that you can take a hand held basket and walk around the 3 isles and choose what you want. The prices are marked and it is kind of an American experience. They don't have diapers today... sad news. Then my language teacher arrives and tells me her mother is coming into town tonight on the train. Now I am careful about how much I spend. It is difficult to spend money in front of my friend. However, I need a few things, so I decide to ask her what she thinks about each brand and go with the brands she suggests. I buy about seven things and decided to check out.
We say goodbye and part ways. I head home to put away my groceries. I was gone two hours and spent $55. I come home with about 4 bags of groceries and bulk flour and rice. I am a bit tired from shopping but glad to have food for tonight!
I listened to Mongolian radio, mostly grainy rap, that Mongolians love. I drive out on the dirt road, moving slowly dodging large potholes, and watching carefully for livestock. Livestock are allowed to roam around all day-you know free range! I get to the "black" road, the paved road in our town. I see pigs running in the rain and drinking from the creek. I see an old gentleman riding a bike with a violin in his hands. It it wrapped in a plastic flour sack to protect it from the rain. I slow down and yield for a taxi that is going towards Russia. I turn the opposite direction and head for the school where Peter works. I see a group of workers laying a sidewalk, mixing cement by hand in a trailer and scooping shovelfuls into the wooden forms. I turn the corner and arrive at the school.
I walk into the school and enter, unexpectedly, to a prayer meeting. They are praying for my family, especially for Peter to get well. (Peter has a fever.) They pray for the health of others as well and then they all say, "Amen." I greet them and everyone goes to their work. They have been meeting at a staff Bible study. Two of them, our teachers, have asked to study the Bible. They are interested in Jesus. Ariunna is teaching them. How encouraging!!! I drop off some instructions and money for our work permit. Enkee is going to UB to get it for us. She is four months pregnant and looking good. We talk for a while then she gives me juice for Peter and Sierra. She tells me it is good for them because of all the vitamins. I say goodbye and head for the market.
I decided to shop outside first. There are little stands like a swap meet. I go to the gardener section. There is a fresh bunch of lettuce on the table! That is a rare find so I buy it. She has radishes too. She planted her vegetables in the house in April. She is also selling little seedlings. I buy 8 tomato plants, 10 bell peppers, 2 watermelons and 1 mystery plant.
I carry my veggies and different dry goods that I have picked up back to the car. I pass a train container that is filled with 20 pound bags of flour. I buy one and 10 pounds of rice. The man I bought it from carries it on his head up to my car.
I head into the building at the open market. It looks similar to outside, little booths like a swap meet. There are piles of potatoes, carrots, onions, cabbages and garlic in the vegetable room. I find one woman has new potatoes that are from this season. I buy them right away. New potatoes are so much more creamy and moist than potatoes that have wintered over. I also buy fruit from the women who import it from UB.
It is so interesting that they all (10-15) people all sit next to each other selling the exact same thing. It is a bit nerve wracking because choosing to buy from one is a rejection of another. The idea of capitalism is lost here. There is a different system. The tandec whon (known person) system. You buy from the one you know. This gets tricky when the one you know has the worst quality produce. Today I only bought two apples because my fruit girl's produces was BAD!
I leave the vegetable room with around 7 pounds of produce in my bag. I head to the meat room next. Same thing here, 15 women all selling the same thing. The meat is piled on tables out in the open laying there ALL day! I have no tandec whon here. I don't want one. I want only the best meat. I don't look anyone in the eye, they all begin to yell. They yell at me that there's is the best meat. They say "oye oye nash ir." (hey you come here!) I don't look at them. I don't buy based on who I know. I keep my head down, I look at all the meat. I buy from the person who has the best meat. I buy a big blob (about 5 pounds) with just a few bones and no fat.
I leave this room and go to the milk room. Here the tables are filled with pails of sour cream, milk, and yogurt. There is something like butter that is sold in plastic wrap and dried milk curd.
In this room the yogurt looks lumpy so I don't buy any. I do buy some nice looking sour cream and 30 eggs. I head back to the car and put down my heavy bag. I start the car and head to my favorite store.
It is my favorite store because it is the only store in town that you can take a hand held basket and walk around the 3 isles and choose what you want. The prices are marked and it is kind of an American experience. They don't have diapers today... sad news. Then my language teacher arrives and tells me her mother is coming into town tonight on the train. Now I am careful about how much I spend. It is difficult to spend money in front of my friend. However, I need a few things, so I decide to ask her what she thinks about each brand and go with the brands she suggests. I buy about seven things and decided to check out.
We say goodbye and part ways. I head home to put away my groceries. I was gone two hours and spent $55. I come home with about 4 bags of groceries and bulk flour and rice. I am a bit tired from shopping but glad to have food for tonight!
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