This week we had a day off from school because they celebrated their hero's birthday. They used to have a national holiday on November 26, but for the first time, this year they moved it to November 14 and renamed it Chinggis Khan Day. We do keep busy trying to plan our lessons - we have a new appreciation for all the teachers out there!!
Ever since we found out we were coming to Mongolia, Cal has been excited about seeing reindeer. One day this week when we were coming home from classes, there was a guy with two reindeer standing on the corner. Cal ran to the office to get his camera and we got a few pictures (for a price of course!) They were much smaller than I had imagined. One had scraped the velvet off his antlers but the other had not.
We had the opportunity to speak to a group of Public Health graduate students and do a presentation about Medical Care in Canada this week. Thanks to several people (Francis Noronah, etc.) back home we were able to put together a great little section with some of the sights of Alberta and Canada. They are always very interested and there are always a few people who want to know how to get to school in "America and Canada".
Today I was not only the Primary Pianist (yes, that's right) but I also sat at the organ for Sacrament Meeting. You notice I said sat, not played. The chorister showed me how to push the right buttons at the right time so I did. They have a great organ that can play itself, you just have to know how many verses and pay attention! That is more complicated than it sounds when you can't understand the words!
I did something and now can not get the pictures over but will try them on another post!!
We are learning lots and helping where we can.
Life is good and All is well.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Life in Ulaanbaatar - winter is here
We have had the first real snow since we came - actually about two or three inches. It sounds like that is about average for a snowfall. The sidewalks get very slippery - not ice so far - but the marble tiles are extremely slippery with just a tiny dusting of snow. Most sidewalks are smooth tiles! I have been happy to find the spots that have not been cleared because then the snow gives a bit of traction.
We had the opportunity to go to Sukhbaatar Square and tour the Government House there. It was so interesting to have an "English speaking" guide so we could learn some of the details. There were even some "gold plates" from several centuries ago. It is amazing to see what a conquest "Chinggis Khan" (apparently they don't call him Gengis Khan any more) made. Starting this year they are having a National holiday on November 14 to celebrate his birthday! At one point the Mongolians controlled 1/2 of the world population.
A tour of the National Museum was great to give us a good background on the history and people of this country. The clothing has been amazing through the years - some very elaborate and lots pretty plain. Some of Chinggis Khan's profound advice still has lots of relevance today!
The city is absolutely booming with construction. It is hard to imagine where all the people will come from (with enough money to afford them) to fill all the apartment buildings that are under construction. As you can see, there is still a lot of contrast right in the middle of UB(Ulaanbaatar).
The flag raising on Sukhbaatar Square was interesting to watch as the young soldiers in their traditional uniforms raised 6 flags in the cold - it was hard for them to tie the knots with their freezing fingers.
Our Apartment Building is cared for by an "Under the Stair" man. He literally lives under the front set of stairs - has a small bed (cardboard with a blanket on a little wooden platform) and a hot plate. We are not sure about bathroom facilities! He does a great job and is often there to greet us as we come and go. This night he was cleaning it all out. He is standing on his bed.
The Church is really growing here in Mongolia. Our first week there were two women baptized and last week there were 5 baptized from three different branches. The most touching was a sign language elder who baptized a lady with a hearing impairment. He grasped her hands in the appropriate way, then she just crossed her arms over her chest while he signed the prayer, then he went ahead and immersed her as usual. What faithful and devoted people there are here. A teenage girl was baptized into our branch and already knows so much about the church - she is golden!
Our assignment as English Teachers keeps us busy. Yesterday one of our sponsors from the Health Sciences University of Ulaanbaatar took us to immigration to get our finger prints and photos taken. We are getting closer to being officially in the country.
Life is still good and All Is Well.
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| This should become my Motto!! |
The flag raising on Sukhbaatar Square was interesting to watch as the young soldiers in their traditional uniforms raised 6 flags in the cold - it was hard for them to tie the knots with their freezing fingers.
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| Sign Language Elder |
The Church is really growing here in Mongolia. Our first week there were two women baptized and last week there were 5 baptized from three different branches. The most touching was a sign language elder who baptized a lady with a hearing impairment. He grasped her hands in the appropriate way, then she just crossed her arms over her chest while he signed the prayer, then he went ahead and immersed her as usual. What faithful and devoted people there are here. A teenage girl was baptized into our branch and already knows so much about the church - she is golden! Our assignment as English Teachers keeps us busy. Yesterday one of our sponsors from the Health Sciences University of Ulaanbaatar took us to immigration to get our finger prints and photos taken. We are getting closer to being officially in the country.
Life is still good and All Is Well.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Our Work Here
Now that the first week is behind us, we are starting to figure out what our responsibilities really are. We have scheduled Medical office hours for the Missionaries to come visit. We see them for various illnesses just like a family practice office at home. "Elder Stewart" also will be doing pre-misssion medicals for those from Mongolia applying to serve missions. All Missionaries going home must have TB tests so he has done 8 of them this week for the ones going home this weekend. They are all native Mongolians. We give out regular Vitamins and Calcium to the missionaries serving here.
This week we visited several Hospitals, Labs and Pharmacies to figure out what is available. There was a missionary who had very enlarged lymph nodes and there was no Lab who could do a "Mono-Spot". Arrangements were made to have a biopsy done and sent to America to be evaluated but finally the nodes are going down and less painful so will wait and watch! Most things are available though.
We have a wonderful translator for our Medical Office - Eeggii. We simply could not function without her.
I am responsible for organizing the Temple trips to Hong Kong for the local members. One group just went this week - they stay for about 7-8 days if they fly and if they go by train it takes two weeks (three days each way!) They are devoted and eager people. Often they will only be able to make one trip to the temple in their life time. Here is the group in Hong Kong this week. They are able to access the Temple Patron Fund to help pay for the trip. One Senior couple goes with each group.
Our Major assignment is to teach English. Our sponsor is the Health Sciences University of Mongolia. We teach a first year class twice a week and a second year class once a week. There does not seem to be a set curriculum - mainly they want to improve their spoken English. The second year class does have an "English - BioMedical Textbook" which we will use a basis for the class. They seem like friendly and keen students - last week we met each class and spent the time with introductions
- us to them and them to us.
This is a sweet Mongolian Sister who has returned home after serving in the
Vancouver, Canada Mission.
Life is still good and All is Well!!
This week we visited several Hospitals, Labs and Pharmacies to figure out what is available. There was a missionary who had very enlarged lymph nodes and there was no Lab who could do a "Mono-Spot". Arrangements were made to have a biopsy done and sent to America to be evaluated but finally the nodes are going down and less painful so will wait and watch! Most things are available though.
Our Major assignment is to teach English. Our sponsor is the Health Sciences University of Mongolia. We teach a first year class twice a week and a second year class once a week. There does not seem to be a set curriculum - mainly they want to improve their spoken English. The second year class does have an "English - BioMedical Textbook" which we will use a basis for the class. They seem like friendly and keen students - last week we met each class and spent the time with introductions
This is a sweet Mongolian Sister who has returned home after serving in the
Vancouver, Canada Mission.
Life is still good and All is Well!!
We made it to Mongolia
Los Angeles, to Beijing, to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. We finally arrived on Wednesday morning at 11:00am. The flights were great and none of them totally full so no one gave us a bad time about all our carry-ons!! We met the other couple who were going to Mongolia at the SLC Airport - she needed a wheel chair to get through the LA Airport so we just followed along and got taken all the short back ways to our next flight- that was a blessing! We had not realized there was an AIR China, and a China Air - two different airlines!
Arriving in Mongolia we discovered that we had greatly reduced our luggage - all four of our suitcases were still in Beijing. We were assured they would arrive the next day so we did not even have to take them through the customs!! We spent the night with the Mission President and wife with just what we had in our carry-ons. And sure enough, they did arrive the next day!
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| This is the front door to our building |
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| The Woods and Gardeners |
The Mongolian people seem to be very friendly and kind. We are settling in well. It's all good!
Monday, October 22, 2012
Graduating from the MTC
Today we are scheduled to fly to Mongolia. We have been nervous all week, waiting for the Visas to arrive, but on Friday afternoon they told us that they were here and gave us our final travel itinerary.
We got our "badges" this week in the native language - we can almost interpret what they say!! This week our regular tutor has been away so one night we had a tutor by Skype from BYU Idaho (he had served in Mongolia a few years ago). Then the next two days we had a girl who is Mongolian (she and her husband are here while he gets an MBA from BYU). Both had served missions in the USA. She gave us great insight into the culture and customs of her native land (don't hug people, run fast across the busy streets and try not to get run over) and was able to tell us lots about the Church in Mongolia.
We have had some wonderful speakers during our time here. Last week Elder Bednar and then we were able to have sister Linda Burton, Relief Society General President speak at RS last Sunday and Sister Ann Dibb from the Young Women this week.
Sis. Burton shared some insights on Conference from the perspective of one who is sitting there on the stand and speaking! She reminded us of some of the messages:
Elder Nelson - "...ask the missionaries, they can help you..." (that is a scary thought for one who is just going out to actually be one of those missionaries who should know lots and be able to help!)
Elder Holland - (in my words)...in life we can't quit , we can't go back and we will never be the same. This life is not a race, it is a journey, enjoy the moment. We are all "Called to Serve."
Today Sis Dibb reminded us about the new Young Women value of VIRTUE. She said that had been important all through history - remember that Joseph in Egypt "...had legs to flee..." and he did when tempted by Potifer's wife. We can do things that are hard!! As President Monson's daughter, she then gave us some insights into how it is to be the Prophet's daughter, and even opened up the meeting for anyone to ask questions about him. She said one thing people usually ask is "Why does someone that old dye his hair?" The answer was that he doesn't - it is still that nice brown color naturally! She also said some of the things that he really likes are people, pidgeons, and preaching the gospel. It was fun to watch her as she talked about her dad.
Last night Pres. and Sis Roach spoke at the fireside. He is in one of the District Presidencies and he was the Mission President in Chicago a few years ago. Their message was to
"Stand back and look at the big picture."
Our Earthly trials will pass away as we learn and serve. Three principles included:
1. Follow the Brethern - The key to Leadership is Followship!
2. Obedience and Hard Work - When you are discouraged, tired, angry, homesick, etc. get to WORK.
3. Importance of companionship - Companions are your body guard and your spiritual guard.
We have had some wonderful speakers during our time here. Last week Elder Bednar and then we were able to have sister Linda Burton, Relief Society General President speak at RS last Sunday and Sister Ann Dibb from the Young Women this week.
Sis. Burton shared some insights on Conference from the perspective of one who is sitting there on the stand and speaking! She reminded us of some of the messages:
Elder Nelson - "...ask the missionaries, they can help you..." (that is a scary thought for one who is just going out to actually be one of those missionaries who should know lots and be able to help!)
Elder Holland - (in my words)...in life we can't quit , we can't go back and we will never be the same. This life is not a race, it is a journey, enjoy the moment. We are all "Called to Serve."
Today Sis Dibb reminded us about the new Young Women value of VIRTUE. She said that had been important all through history - remember that Joseph in Egypt "...had legs to flee..." and he did when tempted by Potifer's wife. We can do things that are hard!! As President Monson's daughter, she then gave us some insights into how it is to be the Prophet's daughter, and even opened up the meeting for anyone to ask questions about him. She said one thing people usually ask is "Why does someone that old dye his hair?" The answer was that he doesn't - it is still that nice brown color naturally! She also said some of the things that he really likes are people, pidgeons, and preaching the gospel. It was fun to watch her as she talked about her dad.
 |
| A painting of all the Prophets they used in their talk |
Last night Pres. and Sis Roach spoke at the fireside. He is in one of the District Presidencies and he was the Mission President in Chicago a few years ago. Their message was to
"Stand back and look at the big picture."
Our Earthly trials will pass away as we learn and serve. Three principles included:
1. Follow the Brethern - The key to Leadership is Followship!
2. Obedience and Hard Work - When you are discouraged, tired, angry, homesick, etc. get to WORK.
3. Importance of companionship - Companions are your body guard and your spiritual guard.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
First Week
We have now finished the first week as real missionaries at the MTC! We have studied "Preach My Gospel" and had several chances to "practice" on some volunteers from the area. It was scary to knock on the door and not know what you would face on the other side!
It is a blessing to have a companion who you know and trust. It takes lots of faith and prayers to figure out what to teach! The MTC is certainly a place for lots of growth.
Yesterday as a wrap up session, several people shared their feelings about what the week had meant to them. One little lady who appears to be at least eighty (she is going to serve in a mission office) said she felt that they should have a sign over a door that says "LOVE IS SPOKEN HERE." It is true - there is a special spirit here and everyone is kind and helpful. The young elders are always holding the doors for us or carrying our food trays.
Other comments were that as Seniors, "It is time to pay back", we have been richly blessed! Elder Holland stated "It is time to lengthen our SHUFFLE!"
Some of my thoughts were shared in the talk at Sacrament Meeting before we left, but I will include a few here for the record!
Not a lot of people get to give their "pre-mission" talk in church AFTER being at the MTC. What a great experience that has been for us. We have just returned from spending 5 days working directly with two very experienced professors of English and Linguistics at BYU. They have been helping us learn how best to teach English to the various groups we will be assigned to in Mongolia.
The very first night there - last Sunday - we were able to attend a Fireside. The young Elder who offered the opening prayer asked Heavenly Father too "Bless us to overcome the challenges we all face..." It made me pause to realize that all of us - young or old - have situations in our lives that may cause us concern - we must do the work, prepare, and then leave the rest in Heavenly Father's care.
The main speaker, Tracy Watson, from the missionary department said that in his experience, missionaries ALWAYS wish they had prepared better! Ben Franklin said "Don't leave until tomorrow what you can do today!" We really believe that counsel.
My favorite scripture for a few years has been D&C 38:30 "...If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear."
It was absolutely thrilling to hear 2500 young people (and some Older ones) sing with all their hearts "Called to Serve Him" and "Hark All Ye Nations". One line especially touched me as they sang "chosen by God to serve Him below, to every land and people we'll go". That was literal as we met missionaries there who were called to serve from Russia to Rome, Africa to Arizona to Australia, Polynesia to the Philippines, Hawaii to Honduras to Halifax and from Florida to Finland. Not only called to preach and teach the gospel but many called as Temple workers, as accountants, as nurses, and we even met a couple who were called to serve at the Polynesian Cultural Center as a seamstress and a mechanic. "The field is white and ready to harvest".
I want each of you and especially our Grandchildren to know that as Ralph Waldo Emerson said,
"The future belongs to those who prepare for it". It is my testimony that our Heavenly Father knows and loves each of us, and wants us to do the very best we can. Joseph Smith was a remarkable young man who read his scriptures and followed their advice - he was able to restore the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Earth in our day because he was prepared. We have a living prophet today, Thomas S. Monson who leads and guides us. He gives us counsel and advice, which, if followed, will help us prepare to return to our Heavenly Father. The Book of Mormon is true and contains the doctrine of Jesus Christ. It is my prayer that each of us will work to prepare our lives so that we may do as Nephi said "...I will go and do the things which the Lord has commanded..."
It is a blessing to have a companion who you know and trust. It takes lots of faith and prayers to figure out what to teach! The MTC is certainly a place for lots of growth.
Yesterday as a wrap up session, several people shared their feelings about what the week had meant to them. One little lady who appears to be at least eighty (she is going to serve in a mission office) said she felt that they should have a sign over a door that says "LOVE IS SPOKEN HERE." It is true - there is a special spirit here and everyone is kind and helpful. The young elders are always holding the doors for us or carrying our food trays.
Other comments were that as Seniors, "It is time to pay back", we have been richly blessed! Elder Holland stated "It is time to lengthen our SHUFFLE!"
Not a lot of people get to give their "pre-mission" talk in church AFTER being at the MTC. What a great experience that has been for us. We have just returned from spending 5 days working directly with two very experienced professors of English and Linguistics at BYU. They have been helping us learn how best to teach English to the various groups we will be assigned to in Mongolia.
The very first night there - last Sunday - we were able to attend a Fireside. The young Elder who offered the opening prayer asked Heavenly Father too "Bless us to overcome the challenges we all face..." It made me pause to realize that all of us - young or old - have situations in our lives that may cause us concern - we must do the work, prepare, and then leave the rest in Heavenly Father's care.
The main speaker, Tracy Watson, from the missionary department said that in his experience, missionaries ALWAYS wish they had prepared better! Ben Franklin said "Don't leave until tomorrow what you can do today!" We really believe that counsel.
My favorite scripture for a few years has been D&C 38:30 "...If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear."
It was absolutely thrilling to hear 2500 young people (and some Older ones) sing with all their hearts "Called to Serve Him" and "Hark All Ye Nations". One line especially touched me as they sang "chosen by God to serve Him below, to every land and people we'll go". That was literal as we met missionaries there who were called to serve from Russia to Rome, Africa to Arizona to Australia, Polynesia to the Philippines, Hawaii to Honduras to Halifax and from Florida to Finland. Not only called to preach and teach the gospel but many called as Temple workers, as accountants, as nurses, and we even met a couple who were called to serve at the Polynesian Cultural Center as a seamstress and a mechanic. "The field is white and ready to harvest".
I want each of you and especially our Grandchildren to know that as Ralph Waldo Emerson said,
"The future belongs to those who prepare for it". It is my testimony that our Heavenly Father knows and loves each of us, and wants us to do the very best we can. Joseph Smith was a remarkable young man who read his scriptures and followed their advice - he was able to restore the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Earth in our day because he was prepared. We have a living prophet today, Thomas S. Monson who leads and guides us. He gives us counsel and advice, which, if followed, will help us prepare to return to our Heavenly Father. The Book of Mormon is true and contains the doctrine of Jesus Christ. It is my prayer that each of us will work to prepare our lives so that we may do as Nephi said "...I will go and do the things which the Lord has commanded..."
Thursday, October 11, 2012
The Crew all piled into the Suburban to drop us at the MTC - 10 bodies, 6 suitcases and three carrying bags - We were a happy sight!
We found our spot on the famous Big World Map
Sister Jenkins - our Mongolian Tutor
Tonight we learned how to bear our testimonies in Mongolian and then shared them with the bigger group of missionaries doing language training. The languages were Russian, Mongolian, Thai, Spanish, Portuguese and our Mongolian. It is amazing to see how we all can learn a bit in a few short weeks!
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