Well here I am in the middle of nowhere and I have Internet that is faster than my own home... This trip is tougher than I thought... Haha right now we're waiting in a Ger in the town of Terilin at the base of the valley we will be hiking through in the next 25 days. We left ulaangom at 7am this morning and our host here in town is a pastor that really reminds me of Papa (my late grandpa). He's out looking for horses for our trip right now. The horses are so small here! I'm pretty sure ponies are bigger in America. We had a lady make us two hand made saddle bags that are beautiful. I hope to bring some home. Our team grew last night by one. We had a 17 yr old boy from ulaangom ask to join us on our trek to learn English but little does he know we'll be discipling him as well. Part if our goal of this trip waste inspire young Mongolian guys and to be a witness to them, and there is no greater opportunity than this to let a young man come with us for 3 weeks.
God has continued to prove Himself as the Great Provider in this trip. We've had so many connections with missionaries and christian Mongolians that have given us information and encouraged us. God has also been providing a lot of strength and equipment for us. Right mow we do have a couple guys not feeling well so please keep them in your prayers. We're so excited to start our journey to spread the gospel to people that have never hears the good news.
Mongolian culture is so fascinating, they're so hospitable. Right now we're sipping fresh milk tea (made with goats milk) and eating Aruul which is a sharp goats cheese but very good (the closer to the country side we get the fresher it is and the better!). We're anxious to try Airig which us fermented mares milk... We hear it runs right through ya if you know what I mean. Yesterday we climbed a large red mountain inthe outskirts if ulaangom called ulaanoll (ooo) on the way we passed a horsemen herding his goats, reminded me of the cattle drives with cows except with goats... Ya you get the picture. The horsemen here are legit guys and look way cool in their traditional clothing (they wear it daily still, it's like a long over coat that wraps around the front and buttons on the right shoulder). One thing I do wish came easier is the language, Mongolia is one tough language with weird syllables and noises! It's funny how comforting the landscape is. It reminds me a lot of my grandparents ranch in Nevada, the valley with the mountains in the side. Who knew home could feel so close! I'm getting excited to have the horses though, it will be fun putting the knowledge i have from growing up with horses to the test! Well I apologize for any spelling errors, I've typed this on my touch in the middle of nowhere so my keyboard is on my big enough for my thumbs. Hopefully one of the gers will have free wifi, who knows! Mayb e I can update you all some more! Until then Bayarahtay (good bye in Mongolian!) and God bless!
So awesome Blake! As I read this excitement started coursing through my body as if I was standin right there with ya about to hike into the wilderness. I am keeping you all in my prayers & look forward to your next post. I wish I could be there with ya, remember to soak in everything twice as much for all of us back here in the states! Bayarahtay ;D
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