Spring

We are happy to announce that Spring is really coming to Mongolia!!  There is green grass poking through and lots of trees are showing the signs of forthcoming buds.  The temperature is warming up - one day it was about +25C but is back cool today.

We even had a picnic out in front of the Church Building yesterday!  There is a small fenced in area below the street level with a bit of grass, some bushes, trees and soon to come flowers.  It is a pleasant oasis in the midst of the big city.

Since we are trying to learn more about Mongolian Culture, on Saturday we visited the Gandantegchenling Monastery (Gandan).  Much of it was destroyed during the Communist occupation but in 1990, after the Democratic Revolution, they started on a restoration project.  According to their info there are about 900 monks living or working there.  It was interesting to visit some of the different temples, hear the chanting and witness some of their music.  There were hundreds of prayer wheels which people touch or turn in seeking blessings.  They also have a 26.5 meter (about 90 feet) Buddha housed in one of the temples.  We were not allowed to take pictures inside.

 It was a busy place with literally thousands of pigeons.  They have many people selling small bags of wheat (does not look like our wheat!) to feed them.

The little lady we bought our bag of wheat from

We are trying to make some progress on a project to get Cochlear implants for some of the deaf people here.  This morning we went to a very small building where a deaf man runs a sewing business, employing other deaf people.  They do contract sewing as well as making bags and other small items.  What a wonderful opportunity it is for those folks to do something productive and be able to make a bit of money to support themselves.  It was not only informative, but inspirational to see a man making an effort to help people help themselves!

There are over 10,000 deaf people in Ulaanbaatar, many because of antibiotics or other tainted drugs given about 20 years ago to children.  A typical story is that they were sick, given a shot and then became deaf.  Several of our missionaries are deaf but are able to function quite well with a "sign language" companion.  They are excited at the prospect of cochlear implants!


We are busy  -   All is Well and Life is Good!!



  

20th Anniversary

There was a big celebration last week to recognize the beginning of the Church here in Mongolia 20 years ago.  Some of the old Mission Presidents and wives and other missionaries from the past came to enjoy the reunion.

The land was dedicated by Neal A. Maxwell at Zaisan Hill, so 20 years later, there was a service there where we heard the dedicatory prayer as recorded those 20 years ago.   The Stake Choir sang and there were a few messages given. Apparently that day 20 years ago, was clear and sunny but this year it was cold with lots of snow on the ground but the enthusiasm was plentiful!  The monument was built by the Russians to celebrate the cooperation of Russia and Mongolia and heros of the past wars.
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Part of the Choir and Crowd at Zaisan

Some of the crowd coming down from the Monument

There were meetings all week starting with a YSA Family Home Evening, reunions of the different groups who have served over the years, concluding with an Extravaganza at the "Circus".  There are many very talented members who performed the traditional music and dance of Mongolia.  The Choir sang and the background videos were extremely well done.  All in all, everyone felt it was a very successful week of celebrations.

Mongolians make beautiful cakes so
we got 10 decorated saying
"Congratulations on the Twentieth Anniversary"
(in Mongolian)
for the YSA Family Home Evening

The young people are so good at showing off their traditions.

Spring seems to be coming!!

Thanks again to all who helped with Grandpa's funeral.


Life is good and All is Well