Exploring Ulaanbatar
June 19, 2011
   

Group pic outside a Mongolian
Bible shop, which we put out of
business for the day by purchasing
their cache of Mongolian Bibles 

   "Today was nice and relaxed. We went to Mongolian church and explored the town. Church was fascinating, it wasn't the first Mongolian Church I had been to, but as one would figure, with my lack of language skills I quickly became bored and distracted, but I realized that I couldn't rely on familiarity only, to worship God, but I was going to have to stretch myself and learn to praise God in unfamiliar situations. That was lesson #1. Afterwards we went out to lunch and went shopping. We had tese deep fried cakes with meat in them called hosher (Hoe-sure; it was similar to an empanada). It was really good but super greasy. A lot of us are having problems creating bowl movements and I kno what definitely didn't' help, lesson #2, eat more fruits and veggies and less greasy delicious crap. We then explored the nicer part of the city and I was surprised at all the new buildings and remodeling, but even then everything seemed to be very disorganized. It definitely broadened my perspective on Mongolian culture. It just makes me laugh to see a project that looks good and is being worked on, yet all the bricks and supplies littered across the streets and sidewalks. I am curious why they seem to be content with this way of life, but tonight Stefan made an interesting point regarding their culture. They went from being a world power with Chenggis Kaahn to servants under Manchurian and Soviet Rule and now since 1990 they are on their own. They've gone generations without any sense of identity besides that of a servant. They are so lost and confused right now, and its obvious. 

Sükhbaatar Square

   We met a man named Sasha today who is a Bible teacher from Germany and he said there are more Mongolians living outside their country than in; Mongolians are seeking, trying to find who they are because they can't find the answer in their own country. It's sad, but I see the light that is coming. We visited the one of the biggest Mongolian churches in the world and it was awesome to see how Christ has already begun to move and reform the identities of some Mongols. It may be a while before they inner warrior of Mongolia comes back out, but new growth and optimism is a rising sun in this country. 
   It was a long day of shopping... I bought a sweet hat, Mongolian Phrase book, and a pair of "Raybans." We visited the capital and the statue of Chinggis Khaan in 
Sükhbaatar Square. It was a fun day, but we found out we have to check into immigration tomorrow and we don't know what that entails. Constipation seems to be our teams biggest issue so far..."

-Blake

Chill'n in Baska's car as he runs a random errand as we wait to do our shopping!

First Day in Ulaanbatar,

June 19, 2011

   "Wow... That’s all I am able to muster right now. Our flight was delayed three hours which diminished our layover in Beijing to a 5 minute sprint through one of the world’s largest airport terminals. Two hours after boarding our flight we officially landed in Ulaanbatar. We were picked up by Baska and Oyu who took us to an apartment to drop off our things. It wasn’t long after leaving the terminal that I realized what kind of shape Mongolia was in. After dropping off our things we went to the “Gher Villages” that surround the capital city. I was shocked by the poverty and shape these people in these people in these villages were. I didn’t expect Mongolia to be this “third-World” so-to-speak, and that blew me away. Piles ofrefuse and trash lay right where their owners decided to forget about them. We went with Baska to a children’s program that he started as a ministry for these impoverished kids. We had a great time hanging out with these kids even though the language barrier seemed to try and stop us from having fun. I met a kid named Khul (Kyul) and the moment I saw him the Holy Spirit began to stir in my heart. He seemed to be the oldest kid in the group and making him a male made him stand out all the more (since its mostly women that participate which was evident when trying to find a guide since we had a lot of girls volunteer to go with us, and never a guy.) Khul’s fiery eyes gave more to his look than any other kid, it showed the tough life and lessons he’s sadly had to learn by the age of 16. I battled if I should approach him and at the end I broke in and told him what the Spirit had laid on my heart. I have know idea if he took me seriously or if it was something that wasn’t even teh Spirit at all, I am just trusting the Lord that it is what He wanted me to do and I Hope that Khul will remember that and it will encrouage and strengthen him into the leader and man o fGod he is called to be. 

Praying over a woman who was fighting a lung disease that is caused by the pollution in Mongolia. Her husband had died three months earlier. She was Baska's assistant to the orphan ministry

   It was an exhausting day but one I will never forget. From the crazy Mongolian driving to the bull penis and horse meat we at, I can already sense God beginning to move my life and I know He will be glorified in this trip as long as my eyes are set upon Him."

-Blake

The Orphan Ministry outside Ulaanbatar in the Gher Villages. These kids are not all orphans but they all have uninvolved parents in their lives. This ministry is intended to give kids fresh water, food, and the Word of God.