Hither To and Fro

Well, in a city of around 1-2 million, one may ponder how you get around. There are the usual avenues of transportation of taxi, buses, and driving cars (for those that can afford it). Furthermore, there is various forms of the bicycle that most people relie upon daily for traveling. I happen to fall into the later category. Now, when I arrived on the field a month ago, I was blessed with a bicycle for free. For it, I am grateful. But, it is a rare bicycle here that is generally found to be riden by only OLDER MEN! Thus, many here find it quite humorous that the 'old man' bicycle is riden by none other than the 'old man!' Thus, my title is perpetuated even unto my mode of transportation! Good day to you all!

Friends and Father

Father has shown me something lately in His word. I have been reading through the Psalms and have been challenged greatly through it. While reading in Psalm 71:22-24, I was challenged with the question, "Do my lips shout for joy while I sing praises to Father?" Basically, do I come to His throne in joy to sing praises to Him? If not, why? Lately, my team's Sunday discussion has focused on our heart attitude that is powed by the presence of the Holy Ghost! In my mind, I have been meditating on what this means in my own life as I am here to serve Him and His Kingdom. Furthermore, do I find joy in being here as I serve Him and sing praises to His name here? Well, a few thoughts that have been on my heart recently!

Furthermore, life here continues on and is interesting at that! I have been introduced to many friends here who are both foreigners and nationals! Having a prior acquitance on your team is a HUGE BLESSING FROM FATHER! For his effort, I am humbly grateful! He has helped me get set-up and has done the introducing to friends! One of them that I have met is the coach of the Mongolian Horsemanship Team! This past week, I was invited to attend one of their shows! The photos below are of the show. It was a great show to experience full with trick riding and some other very skilled displays of riding. It also helps that the coaches' english skills are very good!

Also, I have two friends here from the states that are serving as my team's first volunteer group of the summer! They have are quickly fitting in here for being volunteers with minimal or no prior international travel experience. This is a very short version of what is happening here in my part of the world!

Moving On in Life

Well, many things have been happening here in my city. I am becoming more familiar with the way of life here. Traffic is becoming a common thing for me. Basically in traffic, no rules, lane markings, color of lights at stoplights, or even police officers present prevent you from doing anything that you wish or desire at any given point in the road! It is a major factor to become accustomed to here.

Further, I have moved out of the hotel and into my friend's apartment for now. I will stay here until I find my own place for the summer. Then I will move again into another apartment in August that is connected hopefully with the school at which I will be teaching! Fun times to had by all involved! Granted moving this morning was quite fun. We could only find a 3-wheel bike which has a flat bed for hauling goods. Wait: the flat beds are probably about 2 foot wide and about 3 foot wide. Yes, they are pedaled by someone. So, here is this guy 'trucking' my bags across town. Remember, this is all that I brought with me for two years of living, stuff for teaching, etc. LOTS OF STUFF! It was a fun experience overall!

I have begun language lessons which are going well thus far. I have been introduced to some new conepts and terms which I have been able to use with minimal success! I am eager to know more which will allow me to more fully function here and to also share of our Father's love, grace, joy, and peace! This is something that can be lifted up to Father!

Lastly, I went hiking yesterday with some friends in the mountains north of town! It began with a 3-hour bike (walking) trek to the mountain that we were going to climb. Note: These mountains rate along the lines of those found in Oklahoma. Further north from here, you really get into some mountains! Anyways, we had lunch, some relaxation time and then we returned to town. It was a great time of conversation and bonding as we discussed many things and laughed about just as many things! Below are some pics of the mounts that we were in during the day!