What a week. After writing last week Mike, a friend of ours and me went to that cafe to get a gamburger(mongolian word for hamburger). Mike looked like a little kid going to Disney world. So we walked into the cafe and sat down to wait, (pretty common thing in Mongolia as customer service is not a concept)and wait because Mike didn't want to leave in case they actually did have them. Well long story short no one ever came- no hamburgers for us. We ended up at another cafe and ran into 3 other Americans that are here with a mission group. We ate sharaven ( noodles, meat and veggies). One of my favorite meals.
On Sunday we climbed a mountain it was about a 4 hour hike. amazing view!! there was an ovoo on top of the smaller mountain which is a pile of rocks and offerings. While traveling a lot of Mongolians stop at these travel around it 3 times clock wise and then leave an offering. I can give more detail the more I learn. It will also make more sense when we get the pictures up.
This week was my first week teaching Mongolian children English. We had a class of 16 kids varying in age from 5-19 years old. Quite an experience to say the least. I taught them farm animals- names and noises, how to sing Old MacDonald and how to play a game. It was great. They are so excited to learn English. Students are much different here than in the states. Overall great success- don't worry we took pictures.
The run down of our schedule for the upcoming weeks. Next week Tuesday we have our mid- training language test. We all have alot of studying between now and then. Then on Wednesday all of the trainees are meeting up in a city for some more training and a 4th of July bbq. We, Mike and I, get to stay in a hotel for 2 nights- I am very excited because it has been almost 3 weeks since I have showered. Then we all split up again but we get another 3 day break from school in July sometime for Nadaam. A Mongolian national holiday with wrestling, horseback riding, archery and vodka. I can't wait some of the trainees are entering the wrestling competition. We have heard that everything closes down for almost a week for these festivities. We have training until the beginning of Aug. when we will get our site assignments. Then Mike and I get to live together assuming we pass training and actually become volunteers. A lot to look forward to- especially the shower.
Matt and Alli- Congrats- we can't wait to see pictures
Mel and Bri- about Jazz- what a relief. I am so glad the sunflowers are going to make it.
dad- hopefully all is better, we would love an update.
b- love the pictures of the ocean, absolutely beautiful. Glad to hear you can't be taken out by a wave.
Virginia- sorry Mike's phone conversation got cut off. Mike looked like he had been hit by a train. we will call again as soon as we can get to where we can buy phone cards.
Aunt cathy- so glad your wrist is better. we were sorry we missed you to.
Mike is coming to my som(neighborhood) tomorrow, he is bring the computer so we can write a longer blog about Mongolians and their culture without being rushed. Next week we will be able to get pictures on. Thanks for being patient.
father- aav husband- nohoor not to be confused with dog- nohoo
mother- aaj
older brother- akh
we love and miss you all- Alli and Mike
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3 comments:
Glad to hear all is well in Mongolia. Will send more comments at a date
Hi Mike & Alli!
Sorry about the cheeseburgers... when you go to the cafes, are they in a town? Big or little? Or just an outpost sort of thing? I'm trying for a visual here.
Keep on keeping on, glad you're getting at least 1 shower out of the deal!
Love, Pattie (+Dave too)
Dear Alli and Mike,
Sounds like you are having quite an adventure. An exciting one. I can hardly wait for the next note from you.
Sorry you didn't get pizza or cheeseburgers. Maybe as you learn more about where to go you will have better luck.
It will be better when you finish training, and can be together.
I am doing well. I went with Barbara this afternoon to a baby shower for Christy, Sam's daughter. They are expecting another boy soon. This makes two boys, no girls. Aunt Barbara is doing great. She and I went to the Merrimack Reunion Sat. We saw lots of friends that we don't see often. It was lots of fun. Lots of old folks. Diann has retired and moved back home in Madison, Al. It is really hot here. It rained today and was a little cooler.
I printed the notes you and Mike have written, and the ladies in my Sunday School Class have enjoyed them. They said tell you both that we are all praying for you both. Chingy is barking, I think he is saying Hello to you.
I SEND MY LOVE AND PRAYERS!
Granny Crick
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