To the Land of Dinosaurs....

To the Land of Dinosaurs I ventured these past two weeks! Prior to this journey, my two friends from America finished their time here and I saw them safely off in the Capital. My time with them was one of encouragement, support, and discovery. They had a great time here in my hometown as we explored some, they met new friends, and we talked to Father in various parts of my city. Their time here was a blessing for them and for me. They were also able to go to another city nearby for two days to buy some antique items and to see more of the grassland which is sadly now just sand and the random tuft of grass here in our part of Inner Mongolia. Then our adventures continued in the Capital city where we traveled to the Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, the markets, and the main stadium for the Olympics, the "Bird's Nest!" Nightly, we would travel to our favorite restaurant which is Paul's Steak & Eggs (home of fine western food) which would be followed by our stop at Starbucks for coffee, chess and chatting! It was a great time to be there with them. They left just as our next volunteer group rolled into the country.

I came home for a few days to pack, do laundry, and to rest for the next trip of the summer. This one was to a city in the north of Inner Mongolia which is famous for the presence of Dinosaur Bones and various geological specimens that are very old. The city is small and somewhat quaint and is populated by many Mongols with big hearts and smiles. But, they are marketing their fame for 'dinosaurs' with statues of them throughout the city. As you enter on the main highway, there are two huge dinosaurs over the highway that are kissing to symbolise the happiness and love of the community. Anyways, to our purpose in being here.

We were there to do English classes with the students at the all-Mongol School and with all of the city's English teachers. During the day, we (my team and our volunteer group from Powell, Tennessee) would visit classes and teach English through songs, stories, gestures, humor, and other methods. The rest of the day was filled with talking with teachers, students, eating lots of food and eating more food meal after meal. We had many chances to share with the teachers especially as we had class with them each night for 90 minutes. Father is doing many things both at this school and in the community. So, please talk to Father that His True Spirit will known and accepted and that His Truth will ALONE be taught! The school was our main host and they went above and beyond in hosting us with banquets, entertainment, and friendship!

The All-Mongol School's music teacher is one of the top-noted Horse Head Fiddle players in Inner Mongolia. The Horse Head Fiddle is a two-stringed instrument that is bowed like a cello. If one is good at playing it, then the sounds produced are amazing! The Mongolian name for it is 'Morin Khuur.' The HHF choir at the school is amazing. They played for us several times and it was always inspiring and very enjoyable to hear!

Now that the dinosaurs are really extinct, I will sign off and will try to post again soon!