The hike we did last week
was definitely in Mongolia. How do I know? Because I SAW YAKS! My
mission goals are all coming to fruition, and it is making me so happy.
Yaks are basically really hairy cows, and I'm in love. They are
adorable. Watching them roam the beautiful hillsides of Mongolia was a
dream come true. The hike was amazing. We climbed-ish a tree and
ate PB&Js and my companion made friends with people on the bus who were
wearing the same Russian navy shirts. All the cool kids wear them.
We ended the day at the church building to teach English class. After all
this time here, nobody can come to a consensus as to how Chingiis Khaan
died. Maybe someone someday will have the final answer. But as for
now, the mystery remains.
MLC (mission leadership
conference) was this week! It was so uplifting and happy. We talked
about language learning, which is an interesting topic at this point in my
mission. I'm definitely NOT where I thought I'd be with the language by
now, but I always want to keep learning. Language learning is not one of
my strong points, but I have also learned that language learning requires
immense gratitude and love. Without those two things, there is no point
in learning anything. No motivation. Just disappointment and
discouragement and frustration. Gratitude is essential because I've come
SO far. And without gratitude, I just focus on how far I haven't
come. Love is important because it reminds me why I'm learning at
all. And it keeps me focused on the people. Because that's what
it's all about.
Thursday was Children's
Day! And it was so happy! :) It's the day where everyone honors
children. The big city square was packed with vendors and children and
cotton candy stands and joy. All the kids wear brand new clothes, and literally
everyone is happy. Well, then about 6 pm hits and the kids realize that
their day has been jam packed with candy and sun and playing, so they all kinda
crash. But even that is pretty fun to watch! :) I was taking a
picture of my companion when a little girl, probably 8 years old, walked up and
stared with an open mouth. She asked if I was Mongolian or foreign.
I said I was foreign. From America. She got so excited and ran
away. About 5 minutes later, she asked if I would take a picture with
her. I did on my camera! :) Then, she ran away again and jumped up
and down while she pointed at me and told her mom that she took a picture with
an American. I love children's day! :)
On Friday we attended a
little dance performance for a girl in the ward. She was so excited that
the MISSIONARIES came. And I was so happy we could support her.
Also, her grandma helped with Mongolian religious freedom. Here is a
super awesome thing you can read with her story under the 2nd roman
numeral! http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/religious-freedom
We did a cooking show with
our relief society. They wanted to watch us make a chocolate cake, so we
made one at the front of the room. The sisters watched carefully and took
notes. I love them so much. They are so kind and patient and
loving. The cake turned out great! Everyone won! :)
Life is so good! I've
been so blessed with an abundantly rich mission. So many miracles happen
every day, and God has so graciously allowed me to be a part of it.
Love you all!
Sister Bottorff
See? Lots of hairy cows!
Children's Day - What a fun day!
Chinggis Khan - well, at least a statue of him
I love the children here!
Ya gotta love cotton candy!
Us on a hillside in the mountains - like in Colorado!
0 comments:
Post a Comment