Teacher for Father

May Snowstorms bring Summer ????

2009-05-11T18:52:00.000-05:00

Well, it wouldn't be May in Mongolia without temps well below freezing and snow. Yes, you heard me right we had our annual May snowstorm this past Friday morning. It began to rain on Thursday evening with temps around 40F, then during the wee hours of the morning it turned to snow when the temp dropped to the teens. Then it warmed up to freezing again around noon; therefore, turning to rain again. It stayed like this well into Saturday. Finally, Sunday the sun emerged to begin the vast process of drying out the land. Since Mongolia is so dry and rocky that the water often won't penetrate the ground thus creating vast pools and mud slicks all over. Not good when trying to keep a clean apartment.! C'est la vie!

Truck Driver and Want-to-be Wrestling Coach

2009-05-11T18:51:00.000-05:00

A funny story from my adventures out into the countryside. While there, Ron received a huge load of goods from Ulaanbaatar including many items for construction projects within and around their hashaa. Included in this shipment were 5 beams each being 8 meters (around 27 feet) and 10 beams each being 6 meters (around 20 feet). At first only some Mongols were unloading these off the truck because I did not understand their procedural discussions. After 2 of the 8 meter beams, the truck driver thought that I should be in the mix of this, so I jumped in. These particular beams were on the top of the truck bed area, so we were dragging one end onto the ground and then dragging it far enough out to get the other end of the beam off the truck. Well, lets just say that I thoroughly impressed the truck driver. He instantly started calling me his "really, really, really, really good friend." Furthermore, he wanted to be my coach and have me wrestle for him during Naadam come July. Fortunately, I didn't plan any trips out to Khovd again and also I won't be in Mongolia during July.

New Photos on Flickr

2009-04-28T03:44:00.002-05:00

Hey, I have just added some photos on my Flickr account of my past week's adventures.

First, these are some pics of my friends at my house having fun: FRIENDS

Second, these are pictures of my travels to Khovd, Mongolia: KHOVD

CLICK EACH LINK TO GO TO THE PICTURES AUTOMATICALLY!!!

Journeying out into the wild, wild west...

2009-04-27T19:28:00.004-05:00

This past week was my program's mid-semester break. I split up my one week break spending about 4 days in UB, then the remainder in west Mongolia.

My time in UB was a blessing to be with close friends and new acquaintances. To be able to freely laugh, tell stories and to just further understand and know each other. I treasure these things in life. I was able to visit the Dormitory, my Russian friends' house, visited Bas-Orgil's house, and had guys to my house on several occasions. Also, I got a much, much needed hair cut.

Then on Wednesday, I headed out into the wild, wild west of Mongolia.

Way out west as in about 1200 kilometers from UB (or around 700 miles for you Americans out there). A family on my team, the Mackey Family, lives and works out there among Mongols and Kazakh People. We had been dialoguing about this journey for some time, and finally it came to fruition. I was excited to head out to a new part of Mongolia to live and experience their life and the life of Mongolians for many years. They live in the Khovd Aimag (Mongolian states) about 40 kms NE of the aimag center, Khovd. They live on the opposite side of the river from the little farming community of Boyant. The population of this area fluctuates greatly depending on the season being that a majority of Mongols are still nomadic; therefore, the population can vary from around 10 families to 100s of families in a matter of weeks as they bring their livestock to the unfrozen rivers to water and feed on the fertile grass.

The Mackeys live in a traditional mongolian house, a ger, currently year round, but they are building a permanent home for them to live in during the winters. Basically, they live in a felt-lined tent 365 days a year while the temps remain below freezing for around 225 days of the 365.

During my time out there, we mainly worked on projects within their hashaa, mongolian personal yard. They are currently working on the the following projects: permanent well pump for water, green houses for gardening purposes, planting trees and flowers, multi-purpose facility, garage for their uni-mog, and a permanent home. The last two projects are for their own purpose primarily, but the rest are to enrich the lives of those around them.

are very self-sacrificing people who give constantly to their neighbors in many, many ways. Within their hashaa lives a Mongolian family. The wife is their language teacher and the husband is Ron's work partner. They have 3 children who are playmates for the Mackey's daughter and helpmates with chores around the

place.

The well pump is to provide a source of water throughout the year since their main sources, rivers and creeks, are frozen a good part of the year. When frozen their water source is about half a mile down the road.

They are selling the water for very cheap to cover the pumps cost and to provide additional income to their Mongolian family friends.

The green houses are an experiment to enrich and expand harvesting out here. Most of Mongolia is rock, dirt, and sand. Thus, farming is limited in crop variety and also in planting season since it hits freezing usually from around Sept. until March / April. Very few things grow well in rocky sand for only 3 months. Well, they are hoping that the green houses allow for a wider variety of crops to grow such as strawberries and to widen the harvesting season. If this succeeds, then they will allow those around them a greater chance at sustainable income year-round. This is something that would benefit all nomadic peoples here.

They are planting the trees and flowers to help make their home more appealing but also to prove that they can be grown with hard work and lots of watering. Yes, that much watering means

lots of water back and forth from the river, but that is where the pump will be a huge blessing.

The rest of their projects are to make their lives more bearable since they live through some very extreme conditions.

For Ron and I this past few days, our main project was to encase their garden beds in chicken wire so that he can later mud over them making more permanent structures. The problem is that our foundation for working was very shoddy at that. He used very cheap rice sacks from China to fill with dirt and , but they rotted under the intense sun and weather. Therefore, some of the walls of the garden beds required some extensive work. Well, being we are in the middle of nowhere, the only way to get things done is the 'redneck' way. So, much of their second garden bed is held together by 'redneck' ingenuity and back-breaking labor. What blessed joy!

Overall, I was blessed to be with such humble, stewards of Father. Thank you for such a memorable experience.

How beautiful the weather is...

2009-04-01T02:44:00.003-05:00

Today for the first time in a long time (212 days at least) I have proclaimed that the weather is beautiful. According to the weather channel, it is currently a balmy 55F outside. For that, I say Praise Father! Granted, tonight's low is still a chilly 17F. But hey, I will take this warm weather any day.

Things are moving along here in the land of Chingis Khaan. Father continues to bless me and teach me many things. It is a joy to be here with my friends, teammates, and students!

Inhumanely Cold

2008-12-20T06:51:00.002-05:00

Well, today has set some new records for me. The low today here in Ulaanbaatar was -32F with wind chill factors to -50F. Oh the life here that is the reason that I am so excited to be in T-land soon where it is currently a very nice, balmy 81F. A mere 100 degree difference!

How nice the beach will be in 3 weeks. PTL!!!!

2008-11-27T02:45:00.000-05:00

Well, it is that time of year when time and attention is focused on giving thanks, and I too have been focused on it lately (more than usual). Below is a list highlighting my thanks for this past year (and life for others)...

FATHER ALMIGHTY
mom - she is wonderful and so amazing at everything, she truly keeps me running here in so many ways
family
former team and supervisor
current team and supervisor
chat friends - KS, MP, CC, NP, CH, DS, AC, CF, NL
true Mongol Brothers - C, B-O, W,
Mongolia International University
LEI Program - students and colleagues
many friends in Inner Mongolia, Hong Kong, and Ulaanbaatar
Dr Pepper
care packages, cards, & letters
Beach Reach 2009
memories and life itself

Five Weeks into it....

2008-10-12T09:04:00.002-05:00

Five weeks into school for the LEI Program, I have had many wonderful and stressing experiences. I truly am blessed to be teaching again with so many unique, intriguing students.

Most of the stressful moments have come more from the logistical / administrative aspect of teaching (as any teacher would know). Some examples of these moments:

sudden schedule changes
more and more students added while space is a valuable, scarce commodity
students changing their schedules creating havoc in grade books / records
English Education Majors observing your class several times a day for days on end
dealing with students who speak up to 4 different languages
a classroom full of teen-age males (enough said)

Now, these moments only account for a very small amount of my time. The rest of it is filled with moments of sheer joy & blessings. It is these times that impact me so greatly with rich memories and experiences that I will remember until the last days of my life. My time here has been greatly enriched by working so closely with students from several different countries, lives, cultures, and experiences. Some of these moments so far:

a rich heritage of Believers in my classes who live life fully in Father and share of it in class
2 students who walk me home because they fear I may be hurt
World Friends - my small group
an invitation to join some students for a day in the countryside
a classroom full of teen-age males (they add such a uniqueness to their class - B3)
A1, B2, & B3 Conversation Classes
C1 & C2 Helps Classes - had for a week, but developed some great budding relationships
wonderful colleagues from 7 different countries
a wonderful Vocabulary Staff - Bayarmaa, John, Anna, Natasha, and Yanna
great friends who are actual MIU students
too many new friends to name here - they are all blessings in their own respective ways

Father has provided for me in so many ways here at LEI after being out of the classroom for 6 months! Thank You!

Foundations Commences

2008-09-20T10:14:00.003-05:00

September 8th marked a blessed day in my life. Classes for the Foundation's Program (also listed as LEI) at Mongolian International University (MIU) began that put me in direct contact with many students. Oh, how my heart was filled with tremendous joy and praises for Father's greatness and loving-kindness.

Since that first day, it has been hectic and chaotic, but it has been such a welcomed part of my life. I coordinate the Vocabulary Section of our curriculum and teach 3 Conversation courses. Granted, this will change soon because our schedules seem to have a shelf-life of about 2-3 weeks.

We have nearly doubled the number of students in our program from just 3 weeks ago. Then we had about 85 students, and now we are looking at a little over 160. What a blessing, but stretches the 9 teachers that we have. We are all greatly tired by the end of the day, but Father renews and refreshes for the next day.

Additionally, each of the teachers leads a small group of about 15 students. This is a group of students of all English lang. abilities. The purpose is to foster more relationships, immerse them in English more, and also to share the Good News!

Yesterday, Friday Sept. 19th, we had our first Student Activity Night. It was a night of games by which each small group earned points. Overall for the night, my small group was 4th by points. Despite their placing, I was so proud of them to see them working together as a team. They are wonderful new friends. And our group's name is "World Friends." They together created this name and chose it. I am very proud of them.

Sometime soon, more news, stories, and pictures!

Gold, Boxing & Judo

2008-08-25T08:29:00.002-05:00

Mongols are a very proud people group of their culture, traditions, and relationships. Mongolia is a humble nation that is usually peaceful and very friendly. Lately, one could add hyper-stoked regarding their Olympic results!

Now, heading into the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Mongolia had won 17 medals in past Summer Games but never a "Gold Medal."

But, at the completion of the Games yesterday, Mongolia had earned its second Gold Medal and 4th overall medal of this Olympiad. The official medal winners from Mongolia are:

Gold	Boxing - Men's Bantam Weight (54kg)	Badar-Uugan Enkhbat
Gold	Judo - Men's -100kg	Tuvshinbayar Naidan
Silver	Boxing - Men's Light Fly Weight (48kg)	Serdamba Purevdorj
Silver	Shooting - Women's 25m Pistol	Gundegmaa Otryad

I along with all Mongols am very proud of my 'adopted' country's Olympic perforamance this year. Their have been many celebrations all around Ulaanbaatar. It is a wonderful thing for the Mongols to have something in which to find national pride after the national issues almost 2 months ago.

Winter Has Arrived on August 22nd

2008-08-22T02:54:00.002-05:00

Greetings from Ulaanbaatar!

Today, I am deeming that winter has arrived to my new home on August 22nd. Today, the high outside is 60F with low this evening of 40F. Normally, I would not be too bothered by this, but the 10 day forecast calls for the same or lower! Unfortunately, it will not improve any from here on out. It merely gets colder and colder and colder....

A friend here says that it always snows at least once by the end of September.

Oh, the life in UB!

I have been in East Asia for a long time when...

2008-05-25T02:54:00.003-05:00

I have been in East Asia for a long time when...

~eating food is easiest with quai zi (chopsticks)
~simple questions are best asked in the local tongue
~local food is the most delicious and cheapest
~most transportation is by foot or by peddle
~if not by foot or by bike, then by bus, taxi, or train
~being shocked when seeing another foreigner
~you don't understand current trends and fads in the States
~entertainment is found in international views on the the 2008 Presidential Race
~you expect all drinks to be scalding hot
~walking in the middle of the road is faster than on the sidewalk
~I don't expect logic / common sense to be victorious
~pollution levels not weather is the gauge to an outdoor activities success
~local English translations provide ample amounts of laughter and concern
~an English magazine or book is a highly sought-after item
~you know the songs played in shopping areas and other public facilities i.e. buses, tv, radio
~

One Year Review

2008-05-07T03:25:00.004-05:00

Granted my one-year-on-the-field anniversary was about two weeks ago, but I figured now would be a good time to reflect on some of the highlights of my first year out here. Granted, they are all special memories that I will take with me and cherish for life. During this time, I have been blessed with some of the most amazing friendships that include both Americans and Nationals. Further, I gained about 10 brothers in my home.

Here are my photos providing a visual image of my first year on the field. More to be added soon!

Below, I am going to give a bulleted list of events, thoughts or anything that has been meaningful during my first 366 days (can't forget leap year):

*Remember my calling while here! Thanks Monte
*Renewing prior and establishing new friendships with Nationals and Americans
*Working with the volunteer teams during the Summer
*Connor and Owen's volunteer trip to work with me
*New Brothers
*Company Picnic and Vacation
*2 weeks of outdoor-based squatty potties (in winter temps of -20F)
*Night bus back to HH (left my city at 6:20 - driver knew me)
*Weekly visits to KFC (the staff knew me well there)
*ATTEMPTING to sing a Mongolian song in Mongol at my school's opening year ceremony
*Learning to wrestle Mongolian style
*Being the only-foreign resident in my city
*Riding on non-heated buses for hours in -20F weather
*Enduring a bus ride through grain fields for 11 hours to save 100USD (we skipped the toll booths)
*Return trip - we demanded to pay the toll fares and our trip was 5 hours
*Hanging out at the local wang ba
*Spending time with my students doing anything
*Adventures of changing locations of service
*My school: students, fellow teachers, staff, and administrators
*Life in Hong Kong for about two months (transitional time)
*Care Packages, e-mails, visits
*Skype / AIM / QQ Buddies especially KS and MP

Car Boots & Irony

2008-03-16T21:40:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, I was walking from my apartment to my favorite place to eat, KFC. When I head there, I was head down the same street. Yesterday, something caught my eye that I had noticed only once before in this country. Car Boots! The ones that they lock onto one of your wheels for illegally parking or having outstanding fines. Now having experience living in my country or another country similar will really help to make this a complete and very ironic situation.

Here there may be defined rules for traffic and parking, but they don't seem to exist in the minds of those who drive around here. I have seen cars parked in every possible direction and arrangement which includes blocking loading ramps, entrances / exits, sidewalks, bike lanes, bus shelters, gates, etc.

Therefore, it boggles my mind why a car would have a Boot on it here. Further irony to this story, is that the car yesterday was parked straight and in a legal spot. Yet, the car behind it parked half in the street and half on the sidewalk that was blocking traffic was fine and bootless! Life here!

Life Here Somedays....

2008-03-06T20:20:00.002-05:00

What do you get when you mix 120 Mongols, 1 American, finger nail clippers, cell phone games, texting, lots of smoking, and various forms of print media?

You get my school's once-a-semester faculty meeting! This one topped Fall's by about 15 minutes as in yesterday's was just short of 2 and a half hours. Yes, we all got the privilege of sitting in a meeting room for about 150 minutes listening to the administrators talk about policies, test results, goals for the term, College Entrance Exams, training for teachers, etc. Oh, and the entire meeting was either in Mongol or Chinese. Thus, I sat and did nothing for 150 minutes! Actually, part of the time I talked with Father about my school, my peers, and my students! The rest of the time I was watching one of my colleagues play a great game of Bejewled 2 on my other's cell phone. Also, I kept count of one of the history teachers smoke habit: 12 cigarettes.

The best part about it is that the next one will be in early September! Yeah!!!

Winter Holiday Adventures Part 2

2008-03-02T21:59:00.000-05:00

Intermission: I spent about three weeks in Thailand between the first and second halves of my winter holiday adventures. During this time, I met with many like-minded friends who encouraged and challenged me in a meeting setting. This time afforded me friends, fun (ultimate frisbee, the beach, laughing, stories), and great Western food including several stops at Starbucks! Further, I vacationed with several friends to the Island of Koh Samui which was 3 days of pure bliss. It was warm and humid! Two things that I miss from Oklahoma. We swam, walked on the beach, snorkeled, drove around the island, and celebrated a good friend's birthday!

Back to my winter vacation adventures: Upon returning to the country, I stayed with a friend for four days in Hohhot. During this time, I enjoyed the company of friends, did some specific shopping (imported food store), and ate McDonald's several times. My treat while in Hohhot! Then I returned to my home for a day, before heading out to the grassland again.

Now, when it takes 3 Nationals to coordinate when you are supposed to get off your bus, things don't seem to be very optimistic. Anyways, after traveling for about an hour and a half, the bus stops and there is my student, Hairtu. I am grateful to see him and to know that he was there to meet my bus. So, we hop onto the family truckster (translated Chinese motorcycle which most Mongol families have as their primary mode of transportation) and head to his home. Now, his home is down a paved road, a dirt road, and through the sand dunes which surround his home. This trek lasted for about 30 minutes in the cold, whipping wind. We arrive at his house and I am warmly greeted by his brother. The usual scenario entails over the next few days. Stuff the foreigner, refuse him to help out with the work, and bring him along to visit the whole family / surrounding neighbors. Now, I really enjoy my visits to my students homes; therefore, these things don't bother me. But, they are customary! Hairtu has a large family who was very gracious and hospitable to me during my visit. His paternal grandparents offered for me to live with them permanently. They were so excited to have a foreigner in their home, they did not want it to end.

During my visit to his maternal grandparent's home, the electricity went out which directly affects two things: tv and light bulbs. The loss of tv is not a big thing, but that one halogen bulb that lights the room for 4 hours each night is somewhat crucial. Out come the candles, flashlights, etc. Well, we finish eating dinner and begin to head home. This time around when heading home it is dark. Thus, through the country in the dark with Father's creation in the night sky as our guides and miniscule cell phone flashlights, we made our way home. The next day I headed back along the same roads to the main highway to catch the bus into Wu Shen.

I head into Wu Shen and spend 3 days with Hurwa. I visited his house before in part 1. While here, he and I enjoy each other's company while walking around his hometown. We meet up with his best friend who goes to school in their hometown. His school has already started, so I had the opportunity to meet some of his classmates thus making new Mongol friends. I really did enjoy it! Additionally, I saw several of my own students from school. My time in Wu Shen was relaxing and enjoyable.

Now, I am back in Erdos, and we began school this morning. So, it is back to the 'usual' of class and relating with my students. I already have open invites to continue my adventures this summer. I anticipate them!

For now, I have added pictures and will add some more soon from my adventures in Thailand and in the grassland! To view my pictures, just click on any of the pictures displayed and it should automatically take you to my photos page!

A Pleasure Cruise in Paradise

2008-02-09T04:20:00.000-05:00

OK!

I am not taking a cruise anytime soon, but it seemed to be a nice title for my next entry which is being typed from paradise. I am on vacation with my friends right now in a Southern Hemisphere country which means that it is summer currently for me. And for this, we say Thank You Father. It has been roughly 80 degrees warmer at all times from here to my home. Hence, my pure pleasure at experiencing such grandeur. I love hot, humid weather! I am well-satisfied here. This post will be short, but I will include another link to my pictures such that you may visually share in my 'pleasure cruise in paradise!' My time here will continue for another week. Thus, more stories and pictures may follow along with part 2 of my Grassland Adventures.

www.flickr.com

Winter Holiday Adventures Part 1

2008-01-31T05:45:00.000-05:00

Part 1 is used in the title due to my own personal vacation breaking up my winter holiday travels into two parts. This is an account of my first adventures. As all adventure stories go, this probably will be lengthy. I have included a link to my pictures on-line at flickr. From here, you can see pictures that accompany all of my adventures.

This story begins in my home city waiting to coordinate when buses will actually run to the little cities that dot the province in which I live. Finally, after several days of talking with one of my students, Alus says that Saturday morning there will be a bus to his hometown at 8am. So, I pack up and head out of my apartment at 7am for the bus station which is not one of my most favorite places ever. So, I am at the bus station about 7:15am only to find out that the bus is going to run now at 11:30am. I am not going to wait at the bus station for almost 4 hours, so I trek home where I basically lay around trying to stay warm being it is cold outside and would only get colder.

Now, I am on the bus headed to a small town out, out in the middle of nowhere. I am constantly told that it would only be a little longer! Now, here they don't heat the buses during the winter months, so everyone has coats, hats, scarves, gloves, etc. in great abundance attached to their body. While I am on the bus for my what ends up being a 5 hour journey, Alus calls me and tells me that he is not home. I am thinking he is gone to the market or something, but will be around to greet me in his home city. No, he is on the only other bus out of his town to another town. So, he informs me that some other students will greet me and show me around his home city. Thus, I meet them at the station and we eat dinner (hot pot) which is very, very enjoyable being it is around -20F outside. Plus, I have sat in this barren temps for 5 hours on a non-heated bus. Well, I stay for one night in this city and I am awakened the next morning by Alus. Alus proceeds to tell me that is snowing around his home town and that buses won't run after the morning hours. So, my students and I go and eat breakfast and then head to the bus station. Alus was almost correct in that they had already cancelled all buses that day. Hence, I am packed into the back of a taxi with a family (husband, wife, and their 7 year-old son)! Off I head now to my point of destination on my journey. After about two hours in this taxi, we end up in a city where I am dropped off. Granted I have never been to any of these places, thus I am trusting Father that He will get me from A to B correctly and safely.

While heading to the second point of my journey, my student who is supposed to meet me, Huhwendus, informs me that he won't be meeting. His parents are away and he will pass me off to another student. Luckily, in this town, I have many students who could serve as points of contact and assistance. Well, I am handed into the care of Hurwa. Hurwa warmly greets me and informs me that his parents are almost giddy at the notion of hosting a foreigner in their home. Note: I am going places where no foreigner has mostly liked never dared travel. Anyways, I run around with Hurwa for the next few days in his hometown seeing his previous schools, meeting his friends & family, and running into my own students. Again, this is an adventure in terms of travel, accomodations, language, etc. During this stop and the next in my journey, they don't have indoor restroom facilities a.k.a. toilets. Hence, using outdoor facilities in -20F weather which requires well-charged and functioning flashlights at times.

Then, on Tuesday, I head out to Huhwendus' home which is about 60km (36 miles) outside of town. Hurwa and his parents take me to the bus station and get me on the right bus an hour early. Therefore, when I arrive at Huhwendus' home, I have been sitting on the non-heated bus for 3 hours. Now, I was the talk of the bus as people got on and off at various, and sometimes random points. Anyways, I was cold and somewhat annoyed by all of the constant starting and stopping. We are heading down this country road and I see someone standing on the side of the road. In my mind, I was really hoping that we did not have to stop again for another person, and surely we stopped about ten seconds later. But, through the frigid air, my mind perceives these words "wai guo ren, wai guo ren, ni chu kou!" It is repeated again, and by now everyone on the bus was looking at me. Roughly translated, it means "Foreigner, you exit!" So, off the bus I get assuming the bus driver knows many more things than I do at this point in time and our journey. Sure enough, there is Huhwendus standing there welcoming me to his home!

I stayed at Huhwendus' home for two days during which time I helped feed their animals, played with his cat, interacted with his family, and enjoyed a very peaceful time out in the countryside. Several times, I headed outside and was just inspired by the quietness and undisturbed beauty of the snow and the rolling hills all around me. Each trip out would bring me to praising Father's name and His breath-taking creation. After two days with Huhwendus and his family, I headed back to the country road at 8am to catch the bus as it passed by taking me back into town. Now, once back under the guidance of Hurwa, I was pondering how to get back to my actual home. Hurwa has a huge family. His mom and dad have 11 total siblings which has afforded Hurwa with numerous aunts and uncles. Well, it just happened that today two of his uncles were heading back to my home with their own vehicles. So, this afternoon, I headed home in the back seat of a 2007 Audi which I will honestly admit was a blessing and a very fitting end to my first adventure in the Grassland of 2008.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my journeys during the winter holiday! I would ask though that as you reflect on this story and the pictures, that you would ask Father to bring about bountiful fruit in these areas! For now, I sign off with more adventures surely to arise from my own personal vacation and from my anticipated second adventure out in the Grassland!

www.flickr.com

New Year in a Still Somewhat New Home

2008-01-13T07:04:00.001-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!

Yes, I realize that it may be a bit late to be posting my opening greeting, but I am still! Well, I have been apart of some interesting happenings lately that pertain to the local culture and their respective customs during holidays and birthdays!

First, on Christmas Eve, it is customary to give an apple to family and good friends. Well, I have 850 students who I consider friends and who seem to consider me a friend in return. They all did not follow tradition, but I did recieve around 40 apples on Christmas Eve! As evidenced in the two pictures below in which the apples are packaged in shiny, colorful plastic wrapping:

Further, they also tend to give friends drinks for their birthday. Being it was mine this past Thursday, Jan. 10th, I received quite a few drinks from my students. I was given about 50 bottles of Pepsi and Coke. Granted some of the bottles are bigger than others, so I gained about 60 Liters of carbonated beverages. Further, two of the classes surprised me with Birthday Cakes which really made my day special. Again as evidenced in the pictures below:

Furthermore, I continue to learn more about my city as I live here and explore alone and with my students. I am learning about more places to get things accomplished, places to eat away from school, etc. It has been very worthwhile and enjoyable. Further, I attended a kick off celebration for the upcoming Beijing 2008 Olympics Torch Relay which is scheduled to come through my city in about 6 months! It was a good time to spend with my students. More and more this is home to me which is a blessing! In two weeks, we start our winter holiday which will be a relaxing time of vacationing with friends at the beach and visiting students in the Grassland. Pictures will come with these events!

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T08:28:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to you all!

I am including a link to some pictures of the chalkboard drawings that my students done for this week. Each class has a chalkboard at the rear of the classroom that almost every week will receive a new drawing and message. Most this week have done a Christmas message, and I am sharing them with you!

www.flickr.com

December, Snow & Class 147

2007-12-02T20:36:00.000-05:00

Well, the first day of December brought the first snow of the year. It snowed a considerable amount for the first snow. I was visiting with some of my Senior One students when it started snowing outside. Mass pandemonium ensued as they were so excited. I was just happy that I did not have to teach then on Saturday. Anyways, the rest of the day they managed to play outside as much as possible. And ala Oklahoma style, the sun was out all day on Sunday which begun the melting process. But, it was not enough, so last night the roads were quick slick. I saw quite a few wrecks yesterday from people sliding into each other.

As for the last part of my title, I will explain. I have been meaning to put this into a post at some point in time, and today seemed to be a good time. One thing that the schools do here which I think is a good thing is that they utilize their students to keep the school clean both inside and outside. Each Monday, during their 7th Period, they are to clean their classroom - sweeping, mopping, and cleaning the windows & blackboards - and the hallway portion that belongs to their classroom. A portion of each class will then head out to clean the school grounds i.e., sweeping, raking leaves, pulling weeds. The outside jobs are various and change with the seasons.

Well, this morning Class 147 which is one of my Senior Two classes was outside shoveling the snow. Here, most parking areas and sidewalks are a ceramic-like tile, so my students were both scraping and sweeping the snow off the tiles. I commend them for their hard work being it was cold and the sun was still hidden behind buildings.

Happy December & 22 Days until Christmas!

Thanksgiving: Turkey & Thankfulness

2007-11-21T06:04:00.000-05:00

This is inspired by some other blogs and e-mails that I have perused over the past few days. Now I will be honest with you, I am going to miss having Thanksgiving with my family! It is one of those events/moments in life that are big hassles but always blessing when through. I will miss cooking the pumpkin pies and doing the last item shopping while picking up the fresh turkey from Jumbo Foods. Then helping my mom cook most of the food on Thursday while the rest of the family slowly gathers together. Two things to further note about the day's happenings on Thursday in my family. First, my mom, grandfather, and I will have our traditional slices of pie for breakfast with either coffee or tea. Second, my grandfather would have the turkey cooked fully by maybe 8am because he would put it on to cook around 4 or 5am. Thus, we could also have turkey for breakfast. Not to out do himself, one year the turkey was cooked by 6:15am at which he abruptly woke me up with this information! Therefore, this is my warmest greetings to my family who I love and miss greatly!

Onto the things for which I am thankful...

~Father's Redemptive Heart
~Holy Triangle - Father, Son, and Guide
~Father's Heart for the Nations i.e. Mongols
~Family - MOM
~Friends - American-based, American friends here, and Nationals
~Ordos Mongolian Middle School - great friends (san naigee) & teaching
~Ardent Thought-Lifters to Father
~M in C Team
~HH Team
~Sending Agency to me and many others
~Frequent Skype friends - K.S. and M. & K. P.
~Other Chat Buddies

Parting words ~ My mom has been an amazing advocate and supporter for me in lifting up thoughts to Father. Furthermore, she is doing all my busy work there in the States when I need papers filed, presents bought and delivered, things investigated, etc. Thank you MOM!

National Holiday = Week off from School

2007-10-07T00:08:00.000-05:00

This past week has been the country's National Holiday which means school's shutdown and most businesses run limited hours and days of operation for an entire week. During this week off, I was blessed to visit one of my students in his homtown. During my time with him, I met almost all of his family which is quite large and was able to visit with some of my students who also live in his hometown. It was an amazing time to spend with him which also offered some chances to share more of Father's love for us and how we can always go to Him to talk. Father blessed this time with my student and I am very grateful for it. On the way to his home, we stopped at an area of town that is being developed. In this area, there are some huge monumental statues devoted to the life and empire of Ghengis Khan, the great Mongol king and leader of history. Next, we visited his Mausoleum where his final-resting place is believed to be. As I noted in the previous post, Mongols revere G.K. as a god, and so while we were there, my friend and his family bowed to idols of G.K., offered monetary sacrifices, and received blessings from a Mongol and from a Buddhist Monk. During these times, I was talking to Father on their befalf. It was very sad and disheartening that the Enemy has so deceived people into bowing to fake gold statues. Ask Father to intervene and to reaveal Himself unto all Mongols through dreams, visions, workers, and whatever it takes.

Following this post are some pictures of my time with my friend and his family. As you view them and the other places I visited, please ask Father, the Lord of the Harvest, to mightily be known among the Mongol people. My fellow workers, I, and Father desire that they also be His children!

Note: These are a few of them. Click on one and it should open my Flickr page where you can view the rest of them!

www.flickr.com

New People and Places

2007-10-01T08:48:00.000-05:00

Over the next several weeks, I will be writing about new people that I meet here and new places that I have discovered or learned about from friends.

First, I have been walking around my part of town lately to see what I can find. Just, this evening I have discovered a coffee shop around the corner from my apartment. This makes me happy! I also have been to several of the parks in town which are quite nice. Not far from here is Genghis Khan's Mausoleum, his burial site. Mongols revere him as a god often, and so this is their religious shrine. I have not visited there yet, but many of the students want to take me. Ask that Father's presence would be known there and that He is the one true, living Gd. Further, I have several places that I will write about later after I have experienced them first hand. My city is fairly small, but I like it that way. It has a somewhat quaintness about it like my home in America.

Today, I want to write about some people who have become special to me. First, there is the lady who I buy water from every morning. She runs one of the shops right next to school, and so I buy 3 or 4 bottles of water from here daily. We have chatted a little, but I would like to talk more with her as time progresses. Second, there is the lady who runs the store on the school grounds. She is very nice and she helps me out with some things. I buy my Pepsi and Cokes from her when my supply has been exhausted. According to my students, I drink way too much of it. But, to American standards, I hardly drink any at all. Oh well, life goes on. My kids English skills may not be the best, but they all know how to tell me that my Pepsi will kill me very soon. To them, it is the worst thing to do to your body. Meanwhile they are out sucking in carcinogene after carcinogene from cigarette smoke, smog, etc. I laugh it off. Back from my rabbit chasing to introduce my favorite lady. She is the commander of Line One -- Second Floor in the cafeteria. She takes care of me. One day, one of the other workers handed me my tray of rice and main dish. She was not happy with the quantity of rice on it for me. So, she quickly added about another half-laddle full of rice to my tray. She smiles greatly as she then now hands me my tray. She also knows what I want when I come through her line. She is a very sweet lady.

I am telling you about these people and places so that you may be lifting then up to Father for Him to work in their lives and to be a constant presence among the places.

More to come!!!!

Home Sweet Home

2007-09-23T07:25:00.000-05:00

I arrived here in country on April 18th. I finally moved into my own place of residence here in country on September 18th! Yes, that would mean for the first five months that I was on field, I was a bum who borrowed a couch from the Pearl Hotel and from my teammate, James. Thankfully they were gracious enough to allow me to hang out for so long. Granted, the Phoenix was paid money, and James was given another roomie to add to his long and very illustrious list of roomies.

Well, I am officially living and teaching now in the city / area of Dong Sheng / Erdos (or Ordos). I honestly don't know what specific answer should be supplied here. Signs and peoploe refer to this as Ordos but my bus ticket reads Dong Sheng (characters not words). Anyways, I started teaching at the Ordos Mongolian Middle School on August 27th. I teach 13 classes each week at 45-minutes a peice. I teach all of the Senior One and Senior Two Students which translates to Sophomores and Juniors for the rest of the world. My purpose is to help improve their overall English skills but primarily their spoken skills. It has been a blessing to be here so far. The students are great to be with and to be around. I have told them that I like watermelon very much. When I am in the cafeteria eating at school, they will buy me some xi gua (watermelon in chinese) if there is none visible near me. It makes me laugh. The same is also true with bottles of coke or pepsi. I usually drink some with my meals here being it is my one American luxury when eating chinese food almost every meal. They will want to buy me one if I do not have one in hand. Granted, a piece of watermelon is about 7 cents and a bottle of coke or pepsi is 25 cents. It is the thought that counts. It makes me feel wanted, yet it flusters me because I don't wan them spending their money on me. But, it is who they are as a people, in general.

End of the digression. My apartment is about 2km (one mile) from the school. Eventually , I will get a bicycle and will ride it daily. Currently, I walk which is fine with me. I enjoy it. The weather has been quite nice here lately. The lows at night are about 55F and the day's highs are 75F. Lots of sunshine to go with it! My apartment is quite nice, but it is taking time to get used to being here things don't always work out in my American logic. It will be fine, and I will survive.

Further, I am learning more of my new home and more about it. I live in a quite nice city of about 100,000 people which is equipped with a KFC (Praise Father), a Dico's (another western food place), and several restaurants that serve western-style food. I am learning my way around town where things are located and where you can do things. Today, I found several DVD / CD shops, a coffee shop, and it seems an ice cream parlor. The last will require more exploring on another day. I will keep you posted as to my findings.

Well, I will write more later and will hopefully include some pics of my new home, place of employment, and city. In conclusion, Father arranged all of this; therefore, I give Him all praise and thanks!

Father's Faithfulness = My Teaching Position

2007-08-18T00:30:00.000-05:00

Earlier today, I received the phone call that I had been anticipating for awhile now. OK! Maybe like 4 months!!!! Anyways, I have been offered a teaching position at an all-Mongol School in Erdos Area. My new school is the subject of my last post. I did my last English Camp of the summer at this school.

I will post more details about the school and position later.

Summer's End and My Last Adventures

2007-08-03T23:17:00.000-05:00

Well, my third and last English camp of the summer has concluded. It was a blessing to be a part of this experience. The school that we were at was learning some Mongolian dances for a major celebration occurring soon in their school's city. So, one of the English teachers took advantage of it and hosted an English Camp for his students.

The students had class twice a day in which it was very open and free as we discussed life in their homes, families, and cities whereas the same for me in America. The hidden blessing in all of this is that their teacher is a believer and so has told them before of Father's Word. Thus, they were slightly familiar with it and what it contained. But, we were able to expound even more on what was found in it. I was blessed to be able to spend a good part of each day with them in which more chances to share were present. Furthermore, music is a major part of the Mongol culture. They are a singing people in which all of them are able to sing exceptionally well. Due to this fact, they always are wanting you to sing them a song. Therefore, we have more chances to share with them through songs that talk of Father's grace, love, and peace. Throughout the week, faithful sowing happened in and out of class!

There was also some great times of learning about their culture. All of the students were determined for me to learn some Mongol language by the end of the week. I learned just a few words, but I was able to learn quite a few of their names in Mongol which they thought was great. I also have bruises on my arms and a nice scraped-up left leg from learning to Mongol wrestle. My arms and leg are fine! It was a great time to spend with one of my new friends. Further, I have been invited to come and meet some of the student's families in their hometowns. This will be a further blessing to spend some time with the students and their families!

Thus, my English Camp adventures concludes for the summer. Father has blessed me with many new friends this summer. I have further understood His passion for the nations and for the Mongol People! I am truly blessed to be a part of them this summer. Furthermore, I was blessed to make some new American friends!

English Camps, Adventures, and Father's Blessings

2007-07-21T04:02:00.000-05:00

Well, a week ago we worked with one of our last vol. groups for the summer from Alabama. We headed to a city called Lan Qi to mingle with students the first day and then to work wth teachers / students the next several days. It was a great trip in all where Father was shared with all of the students and teachers present. The adventures occured on the front and back end of our time in Lan Qi.

Before leaving our country's capital, one of the ladies somehow misplaced her passport without knowing it on a bus that is being rented. The bus could leave but decides to stay and wait on the group. So, she and two other ladies head back to the hotel to search for it there. They feeled urged to pray for it while at the hotel. At that same time, one of the ladies is compelled to dig under the seat cushion where she was sitting on the bus that waited when not required. She found it! Father's first blessing!!!

The ride up there was supposed to be about 5-6 hours. I can handle that. Well, this ride takes over 10 hours because the drivers were being nice. They figured we didn't want to pay for the toll roads, so we literally go out through the countryside with nothing to be seen at times for miles. We bounce through it making our own road at times for about 4 hours. During this, we drive over some big rocks that puncture the back-passenger tire. We saw air propelling dust and small peebles in the air. Yet, the drivers get out and say nothing is wrong. We drive on due to Father's hand and provision. We finally get to the hotel in Lan Qi. Nonetheless, our ride home was 6 hours on very nice, NEW roads and cost only several hundred RMB (about $50).

Father's further blessing on the group was there flight home through Tokyo. Well, they were experiencing early typhoons this year and were cancelling flights for several days in Tokyo and throughout Japan. Thus, their plans to be home on Sunday evening were shut down for several days. Father's provision foremost allowed them a proper attitude that continued to conveys Father's joy and peace in their lives. He also watched over them while in Tokyo in terms of hotel arrangements, finances, and friendly assistance from natives. Furthermore, He also provided them with enough seats on a flight home. For this flight, they were on stand-by. Also, the flight was a day earlier than planned originally! This new flight allowed them to get home late Tuesday evening (American time).

Considering all of this, this last trip was an amazing time of sharing, making friends, and experiencing Father's blessings nad love for us all!

Visa Renewal--Document not the Credit Card

2007-06-26T02:48:00.000-05:00

Warning: Longer post, but all must be read to understand the joys of visa renewal here!

This past weekend Des and I had the 'privilege' of renewing our visas. Now, usually this would mean mailing in a form with some money and in return you get a new document. Not for us. The story begins on Friday morning...

Des, my supervisor's wife, my supervisor's 2 daughters, and I head out at 8am for 'Enid' (our destination is actually a nearby border city) along with our driver. Now, we pack into a nice Volkswagon with me and the driver in front and the rest in back. Now, the girls got to share the middle seat with some creativity. So, we head off for 'Enid' and get there after about 4 hours of driving. This part also includes jumping toll gates which when translated means off-roading in the desert for about a mile. Remember, we are in a VW sedan. Right, they don't naturally go together, but here all things are possible.

Saturday morning our adventure begins again at 8am. I did not sleep at all on Friday night, and Des gets motion sickness fairly easily. Hence, not a great start to our day! So, we crawl into the back seat of this soft top make-shift version of a jeep. But, the back seat happens to be a board covered with some carpeting. No hand holds, seatbelts,seatbacks, or any other normal feature of a back seat. Now, as you read about this journey, think of a race for life. Basically, we were entrants in the Border Crossing 500! Both directions!

We begin at the customs office where we get our vehicle identification number to enter and exit the country. Once our driver had this number, he ran out of the building and drove off quickly. While exiting the parking area, he about hit 2 people and several vehicles. Remember this is a race. So, off to the border we race along with many others trailing behind us.

In summary, leaving the country and reentering requires stops at three different check points for both directions. So, SIX checkpoints where each stop requires its own form and is in a different building. At each checkpoint, they check the form with your passport, visa, and yourself. If all things match and are checked correctly, then you get to pass through with no hitches. Thus, the process is go through a checkpoint, get stamped, run out to our jeep, drive 75 meters to the next one, run in, and continue as necessary. A process that should work fairly easily. But, enter the amateurs and everyone else!

At the very first checkpoint, the customs officer believes that Des may have a fake passport because the picture does not seem to match despite Des entering their country several times in addition to many other places with this same passport. Des' hair is longer now, and the lady who took the picture did not do a good job. So, they scan her passport with UV light, bend it, and poke at it for about 5 mins. Finally, they come back and let her pass. Onward we go!

Between the 2nd and 3rd stops of leaving the country, we have to wait for about an hour for a customs official to inspect our vehicle. When we are cleared, the race is on again. Well, our driver was wanting to cut in line so that we could come back in the country quicker. Well, the customs guy for the other country catches us and tells us to go to the end of the line. Well, we try again and get caught. Basically, we are doing doughnuts on the highway trying to cut into this very, very long line. Well, we go down the line a little and find a weak link that we exploit. Granted we about take out several trucks to exploit this hole in line. Once in line, there is lots of bumping and pushing as we are in the prime realty area of the line. The front of a several mile long road. Well, we finally get to start the process of reentering our home country which again is three stops with forms and lines. Now, the lines are not formal and polite. Lines here are a dog-eat-dog world of every man for himself. We actually were physically blocking people from cutting so that we could keep our place in line. We also were stepped on, pushed, and used as leaning posts.

About 4 hours later, we managed to finish the race of renewing our visas. We did not win because we are the amateurs who do not know the process well. But, the task was accomplished and we are glad!

Finally, our return ride home with the same seat arrangements was gentle until the mountains north of home. Our driver barely missed creaming several cars and motorcycles. By listening to his phone conversations, he was about late for another appointment, so he was desperate to get rid of us. Though he about killed us!

Well, this was my adventure this past weekend! Hope you enjoyed reading about it because I enjoyed living it when it was over! Below are some pictures of the border crossing through which we went (yes, that is a huge rainbow welcoming us home)

To the Land of Dinosaurs....

2007-06-12T03:50:00.000-05:00

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!

Hither To and Fro

2007-05-19T10:35:00.000-05:00

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

2007-05-13T21:56:00.000-05:00

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

2007-05-02T03:30:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-04-23T01:36:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures of my current "home!" My friend went to reserve me a room and they said they had none at the usual rate. Returns the next day to try again. Yes, we have a room at the usual rate. He reserves it, and then I arrive on Wednesday night. Actually, they do not have a room at the regular rate, but instead they take my money at the regular rate and give me one of the suites on the 14th floor! Below are pics of my temporary home:

Below are some pictures of the skyline from my 'home' at night! The major traffic loop system is right next to my hotel which is the blue and red lights. The others give a brief glimpse of the neon signs found on buildings.

This last pic should be rotated in your mind about 45 degrees to get the full idea of it! Yes, I just made you think!

In-Between Here & There

2007-04-13T00:42:00.000-05:00

Well, I am sitting at a friend's house in Stillwater eathing cookies and milk. Delicious!!!! I have been in a state of limbo this past week as I have worked on transitioning from orientation to home only to transition again in several days to the field. I am not sure what to think or to feel as I go through this stage in my current life! Please do not get me wrong in that I have truly enjoyed the past week with family both in Oklahoma and in Texas! It has been a great time of visiting, reminiscing, and laughing. I cherish these times with family because I learn so much about my family's rich heritage that I did not know about until only recently. Thus, I am blessed and very grateful to have these opportunities while I can. Furthermore, I am spending time with friends which will be a very enjoyable experience! I am pumped about the next two days.

On the other hand, my mind is working towards Tuesday and all that still needs to be done by then. Furthermore, I am trying to not to fret over anything that is past the security gates at the airport. Since I do not control anything on the other side then I do not have any need to worry over it!

Well, this is short, but it is an update! The next one will come from the other side of the ocean! Thanks for everything from you all!

Regional Week

2007-03-31T10:13:00.000-05:00

We met this week in our respective regions to hone in on the ideas and concepts that work effectively in our own regions. The EA regional time was enjoyable with snacks, discussion, laughter, and variety. It was nice to finally learn of things that are highly applicable and manageable in my region. The last morning of regional week was spent talking to Father on behalf of my fellow EA regional peers!

Further, this week has been spent on finishing up those last minute details that cover a plethora of subjects and topics. I continue to realize with each passing day how blessed I am to be here at orientation with such amazing people. The representation of talents and gifts here is amazing but also a blessing in many ways.

Furthermore, I continue to be blessed by the kids here at orientation, and I continue to learn of their uniqueness and the spice that they add to life. Thursday night at dinner, one of the 2-year old twins just woke up from a nap before dinner, and he did not want me to put him down in his highchair. So, I carried him around for about twenty minutes until his parents made him sit and eat. The same one last night at a bonfire had a marshmellow shoved in his mouth while he had a graham cracker tightly gripped in each hand. All the while, trying to get the attention of one of my roommates! It was quite hilarious!

I have another story that will make you laugh and possibly fall out of your chair. It is about the 3-year old boy in our quad. This past week, he was discovered in the bathroom "showering" in a kid's urinal! Supposedly, he was flushing the urinal and then splashing the falling water on himself. Yes, his parents are amazing parents who regularly bathe and care for their chldren. It is simply who he is! He will be an interesting teenager to say the least!

Have a good day and week!

DC, 7 Kids & Me

2007-03-22T21:55:00.000-05:00

First, this is my shout-out to Baker for highly encouraging me to update my blogspot!

Second, the entire population of FPO (orientation) headed to Washington D.C. for a day of culture, observation and sharing. Let me set the scene first! 5 buses roaring to go at 8am this morning as we dragged ourselves on them for the two hour ride ahead of us! The ride was decent considering most are not fully functional then! Our drop-off point in DC was Union Station which is where the day's journey started for us! For me this was a group of two families who account for four more adults and SEVEN children all under the age of 6 years! So, we headed out for Chinatown with three strollers and many frantic nerves as we crossed streets and dodged people on the sidewalks. Lunch was amazing and was some of the most authentic Chinese food that I have had in America ever. Granted, one would expect authenticity in Chinatown of all places!

Next, we headed across the mall which offered a great chance for the kids to run free for about fifteen minutes. This lead us to the National Air & Space Museum which occupied the afternoon with amazing sights, hand-on exhibits, and glimpses into flight. We then returned to Union Station for a quick dinner before reboarding the buses for the trip back to the campus. Thank you Father for the minimal traffic that we encountered on the way back which saves us upto an extra hour of traveling with tired, fidgety children and adults.

All in all, it was a great day to be out and about with some very beautiful weather with the Cherry Trees beginning to blossom! Some pictures of the trip follow! Enjoy them and I will be writing some more!

Warm weather and more from Rockville

2007-03-17T15:03:00.000-05:00

This week we finally had more than one day of nice weather. This past week actually had three days of sustaining weather above 65 degrees with lows above freezing. The weather was enjoyed by all here especially the parents with kids. On Wednesday, the kids in the Asia region of quads played outside for a solid two hours after school! Amazing!!!!

Further, this weather provided a beautiful backdrop for our personal spiritual retreats on Thursday! Basically, we were given four hours to spend with God alone in whatever manner we found fit! I spent it outside resting in and meditating upon David's insights in Psalms 8-15! David wrestles with some tough stuff and some amazing things in these passages. It was a nice and needed time with Father after a previously encountered week that was mentally and physically grueling!

Well, today we finished our ESL Instructional Class today here at orientation, and I have to give shout-outs to my table mates: Daniel R., Jamie N., Sara H., Peyton C., and Jimmy B. It was a good time to consider how the English language works and how best to relate these ideas to others!

Well, I sign off to go accomplish some things before an evening spent with amazing friends eating Chinese Food at a restaurant in downtown Richmond!

Stories and More for the Week

2007-03-09T21:23:00.000-05:00

Good day to you all!

Life here at orientation has been exciting this past week with many different things going on throughout the week! The first part of the week was filled with sessions on storying which is basically a technique for telling a story in a precise, purposeful, and practical manner so that all audiences may follow along. I learned some important things to take with me as I head out overseas! In addition there were some sessions on taxes (not fun) and payroll (very fun).

Additionally, we had a workshop that was great fun as we explored our results from the MBTI personality inventory. We did some activities that had some interesting and diverse results based on the personality type being exploited at the time. It was all in good fun, and I have to say that Group B rocks the world!

The last part of the week was sessions on safety while traveling. There have been many excellent things taught during these sessions with some very unique HANDS-ON practical applications!

Further, time in the quad continues to be fun and always constant. This evening at dinner, I was eating my dessert (translated here as a bowl of cereal--Apple Jacks) at the table with a fellow quad family. One of their twin sons loves to eat chips, and tonight he decided to dump out every bag of chips in front of him. Thus, he amassed a pile of chips quite high and broad in front of him. He then very gleefully proceeds to chow down on sour cream and onion potato chips. He had the biggest, sheepish grin on his face as he was doing it also. I have been blessed with some really awesome families in my quad. Also, roomies!!!!!!!!

Visual Image of Shots Day here at Orientation

2007-03-04T21:25:00.000-05:00

This is a visually stunning image of the joy found only here on Shots Day at Orientation!

Look closely at her face, and you will see gargantuan tear drops that are very, very real!

The shots heard around the world....

2007-03-02T20:31:00.000-05:00

Today was the second round of shots for half of orientation. In addition to the shots, each person recieved the shot of stuff for the TB skin test. This backed up the schedule, and created mass hysteria among the children because this was where they could see it. Needless to say, there were abundant amounts of tears shed and down-cast faces. The rest of the week has been spent in two different workshops regarding doctrine and spiritual warfare. They both were informative. The second was led by Jerry Rankin, IMB president. He did an amazing job of really bringing to light our struggles that qualify as spiritual warfare. Others who are on the field now, say that it is all very relevant!

This week began with two wonderful, fun-filled, non-stop evenings of babysitting the SIX kids in our quad. Yes, that translates to 3 single men and 6 kids all under the age of 5! The first night was voluntary so that their parents could go out on a date alone! The parents loved it and we loved having the kids! The second night was so that the parents could attend the fellowship at Jerry Rankin's house. It was actually a great time to meet with him, his wife, and some of the other big wigs of the IMB! The best part about kid watching for both nights was dinner. Thank you Father for those who came along to help. Though it was great fun which is quite certainly to be repeated again very soon!

Images of Home (For Now)

2007-02-26T16:16:00.000-05:00

These are some pictures of the campus where training is being held:

Shots for everyone....on the house

2007-02-23T21:45:00.000-05:00

Today was the day of shots a la Henry Ford style. The two staff nurses are on both sides of a high stool and they stck you at the same time to expedite the process of administering shots to 150 adults and numerous children. We are split into two groups, and they move fast through them. Both days they have finished at least 30 minutes of their scheduled times.

Today, I received the first set of three shots to be adminstered over the next few weeks. The nurses' special for the day was rabies and the first round of Japanese Encephalitis. I still have the last two rounds of J.E., my tetanus booster, the third round of Twin Rex (Hep A & B simultaneously), another booster of polio, and another round of mumps / rubella.

Anyways, there are quite a few people with sore shoulders running around campus right now.

Yesterday, we were blessed to have an opportunity to talk with some J-man who are here on campus for debriefing. They shared their joys, blessings, and frustrations from the field. I learned so much from them in just 45 minutes. They are the current experts since they just came from where we are headed.

Have an amazing day!

In the beginning.....

2007-02-20T21:57:00.000-05:00

...was a flight out of Will Rogers World Airport at 6 o'clock in the morning when the sun was nowhere near up or rising. Six hours later, we landed in Norfolk for a two hour bus ride. Since that fateful bus ride, I have made many friends who will be friends for life and have learned many things. I have further been blessed to live in a tri-quad with two families with three kids each and two fellow roomies. Thus, there are 7 adults and 6 kids (actually 6 and one on the way). The 6 kids provide ample amounts of free entertainment and enjoyment both in the quad and especially in the cafeteria. It is so fun to be around them.

In future posts, I will bring to light any comical and / or thought-provoking events and happenings. Also, interesting stories of the kids in my quad will be told!