Epic 30th Birthday!

Two months ago today I celebrated my 30th birthday! Well to be truthful, I celebrated my birthday over a couple months time. :) This four month trip that I recently returned from was graduation gift/birthday celebration trip to myself. I'd been itching to travel and since I had just completed my Bachelor's degree and my 30th birthday was approaching, I figured what better time! The celebrating began in Mongolia, where my friends threw a birthday party for me the night before I left. Numerous people were invited, old friends from ten years prior and new friends I had just recently met. Crazy that some of my old youth group crowd came with their young children! Trina made not one, but three cakes for us to enjoy! Apple spice, lemon poppyseed and of course, chocolate... I may or may not have had all three. ;) 

birthday bash in Mongolia

three delicious cakes!

I continued to celebrate through out Europe and ended up waking up the day of my birth in Paris, France. Now, to be honest, Paris has never held much intrigue for me, it was never high on my list of places I wanted to visit. But when I realized that I would have to fly through there on my way to Tunisia, why not spend an day there!? So I began my birthday eating hot, fresh baked croissants slathered with Nutella at a French hotel. I got picked up and began to explore the city some. I didn't have much time, but we saw quite a bit in a short amount of time. Stopped off at the Notre Dame cathedral. Massively amazing, the architecture is simply incredible. Then on to the greatest attraction of Paris, the Eiffel Tower. Now, remember Paris was never a big wonder on my list to visit, but the Eiffel Tower is impressive. Well worth a trip there to just see it. Way bigger in person than in pictures. We climbed the staircase to the 2nd story and passed on the elevator to the top, because there were so many people in line already. 

We ate our lunch after that while on a riverboat that took us up the river through the city. The tour was all in English and I learned about several other old, cool buildings in the heart of the city. It was a gorgeous, sunny day. Had to laugh at all the tourists with their selfie sticks. One middle aged guy stood and took selfies almost the entire one hour boat ride. 

Then the mad dash to the airport. Actually the drive to the airport wasn't bad. And check in wasn't either, but then the line for passport control...... it wasn't a dash either, more like a snail's crawl. I had plenty of time, or so I thought, but I didn't figure for an hour plus in line for emigration. I sighed a breath of relief after making it through finally, then turned the corner and remembered I still had to go through security. Ugh. Thankfully, that didn't take as long, but was still running late by that time. Then of course, found out my gate was the far end of the terminal.... so with my backpack and computer bag commenced to fast walking/running through the airport. My shin splints acted up and my legs were screaming in pain by the time I made it to my gate. BUT, I made it! 

And wonder of wonders, I was greeted in Tunis by four smiling faces and once at their house by a lovely oreo cheesecake to finish off the day. 

perfect end to the day

Back to Mongolia. Again.

The middle of April I found myself in Outer Mongolia, one of my favorite countries. I continually have people asking me what my favorite place is that I have visited. Honestly, I kinda dread that question, because there isn't a simple, easy answer. But Mongolia is one of my favorites, probably because it was the first country I lived in outside of North America. This was my 5th visit in the past 10 years. It was good to see old friends, who are now grown, married and have their own families, as well as make some new friends. The night I drove into Khatgal, there was a crazy blizzard;  I had to climb over major drifts on the porch to get into the house. But most of the weather was nice. It was spring, so warmish sunny days, but really windy. 

one of my favorite views ever

did I mention that it was windy?

Sorry for the lack of blog posts. I've been on the go for the past few months, the longest I've been in one place was 18 days in Mongolia. Otherwise I've been changing locations every 2-8 days. Its been an adventure and soon I hope to have some blog posts up about this trip. :) 

Youth Night & Big City

The night before I left Khatgal, we had our first official activity at the new church building in the center of town. I was going to miss the first church service by one day, so we had youth night the Friday before. Just had a handful of teens, but it's a start! Now that the location is better, the place is large enough and we have a Mongolian that is on board with being in charge, we're praying the group will grow.

It was a blessing to be there that night.

the foreigners. :) 

 We (I should say they, I took pictures) played a "crazy American" game. When I first started doing strange games like this six years ago, they all thought I was crazy. But then they enjoy them. :) Each person had a candy tied to the end of a string (I used dental floss - Thanks Tman!), the other end they put in their mouth. The first person to get the candy in their mouth without their hands wins! 

silly boys

We also had a foosball tournament. Most of them had never seen a foosball table, let alone played. It was fun to watch them try so hard. 

most of the group who came out

Bogi teaching for the 1st time! 

The past few days in the city have been busy, busy! I stayed Saturday night with some friends and went to their church that morning. Caught a ride home with some people, spent the afternoon at their house, then went to a different church that evening. I've enjoyed the company of God's people.

After Sunday, I've been running errands around town - trying to pick up a few things, see old friends, visit the dr. (always an experience), etc. Yesterday pretty sure I walked at least 10km. all over town. But it was a beautiful day! Warm and blue, sunny skies! that's a luxury here in UB. 

 Tonight I met up with some friends from Khatgal, who are now here in the city either going to college or working. I mentioned that I was going to prayer meeting afterwards and they asked if they could tag along. So, five of them crowded into the back seat of our SUV and away we went. I was thankful that they wanted to come! Some of them, I hadn't seen in 4 years! 

Khatgal friends in the big city

My time here is drawing to a close. Tomorrow I'm off to a new place. Only God knows what adventures await me next. He is Ever Faithful!!

A few Pictures

Back in the City. 

The past two weeks I had a blast with the Cofers. They finally made it home from the capital and I just stayed on at their place. No sense in moving again. (3 places during my 2 months in 1 town, whew)

Jesse, Jaaz and I had some crazy times. Lots of fun memories. Trina and I had some sweet talks. And of course, Mickey made me laugh lots. That guy is SO crazy!

I am enjoying the slightly warming weather. Only have wear one or two layers instead of three or four. ;) and it's a little more enjoyable walking outside. Though now that I'm back in the city, the pollution is not enjoyable to breathe in while walking. Gonna miss the clear blue skies of the country! 

Enjoy a few random pics from the past few weeks....

Bogii and Saikna's family

sunrise

frosted hair on my walk to the postoffice

some of my now grown up youth group from 6 yrs ago!

love this pic

oh the craziness!

my Mongolian family!

Tsagaan Sar, Box and GRACE

This past Monday and Tuesday was Tsagaan Sar (White Moon/month) - one of the big Mongolian National holidays. We were invited to a couple homes. Always bring a gift for the host and hostess of the house and be prepared to eat a lot. Buuz, steamed meat dumplings, are traditionally served, along with cold salads and hot milk tea. This time we were also served homemade fruit juice that was quite tasty. Much better than the drink we were offered the day before. :/

enjoying milk tea

enjoying the sugary treats

Today I received a phone call that I had mail at the local post office and I'd better go pick it up. I quickly threw on some layers of warm clothing, grabbed Jaaz's bike and set off. Big mistake! I haven't ridden a bike in a LONG time! And on icy trails and roads in the sub zero weather, that was interesting. My legs were hurting by the time I got back to the house! But so excited to have my box here!!! I was dreading the thought   that it would arrive after I left Hatgal. God is good. I thoroughly enjoyed opening it, seeing all the randomness from my BFFF and my sister. All their notes and stickers were awesome! 

My long awaited box!!!

Recently I've been reading through the New Testament again. One thing that I was noticing was that many times that the word "Grace" appears. Been thinking a lot about God's grace - how He always there for His children, giving strength, grace and peace during trials and struggles. So glad I serve a God that cares!!

Tonight I am especially grateful for His Grace. I opened my email today for the first time in a week and in my inbox was a troubling email. A short forwarded note that a good friend of mine was killed a couple days ago. I don't know much about the situation, but she leaves behind a husband and three dear, lovely, young children. This family was one of God's warrior families, serving Him on the foreign field. 

My heart is heavy tonight. 

But I KNOW my GOD is Good. 

and I KNOW HE is still in Control. 

God's Grace is Real

Alone.... and Kindle!

ALONE.

What does that mean to you? 

For me, it means the past two days my ears have rang because of the silence that threatens to engulf me. At night, the dark and quiet closes in and reminds me that I am all alone. I may be living on the outskirts of a town with 3,000 other people, but there are only two Americans currently here. And the other isn't someone I would willingly chose to spend time with. 

I don't mind being alone. Reading, studying, tutoring and emailing have filled up much of my time. Besides the normal living, as in stoking the fires to stay warm and cooking food. But as much as I enjoy it, it is eerie. 

My Christmas presents from my family came a week or so ago. I had requested and received a Kindle! I love to read, but had refrained from getting a Kindle or Nook, because I prefer a real book. There is just something about having a book in your hands, breathing in the aroma of old paper and ink while living the experiences of another person during a different time. But I've realized this trip what a blessing a Kindle can be. While in Xinjiang we traveled with only backpacks for days. We had many hours in buses, but I couldn't  afford to bring any books. (besides my NT) One of my traveling companions had a Kindle with hundreds of reading options! I decided then and there, it was time to get one. 

Funny thing is, in order to add books to your Kindle library one must register the Kindle. No problem, except you need wifi to do so. Ugh, I am in the middle of Outer Mongolia! Wifi doesn't exist out here! All internet is dial up, so I can't connect and add books yet. The only books that came on the device are two different dictionaries. Now don't laugh, but at times I've taken to "reading" through parts of the dictionary. Hey, it's helping build my vocabulary! And it has been helpful also while studying, I can easily look up a definition when I want a better explanation of a word. 

Just to reassure y'all. While I may be humanly "alone," I am not truly alone. My Lord has never left me. And my time with Him has been sweet. 

God is good!

Oh, one more thing.... 

I just want to say "GO NANOOKS!!"

Our college hockey team, University of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks have won the past six games! They are now #20 in the nation in Division I College Hockey. I may be thousands of miles away and not able to attend any games this season, I'm still cheering them on. I've been able to listen online to a couple of their games and have enjoyed it immensely. 

Joy in Winter

Mongolia is known as the Land of Blue Sky. It is hardly ever overcast and cloudy here. Most days the sun is shining and the sky is a brilliant blue. I love it. Sunshine and blue skies make me happy. But as I shared yesterday at the Ladies Bible Study, our happiness should not come from our surroundings, our circumstances. But we are to be happy, ie. have joy, ALL the time. 

Some days it may be a struggle to be joyful, but when we think of our salvation and our hope of spending eternity with the Almighty God, we can be joyful! 

Psalm 16:11 says that there is fullness of joy in the Lord's presence. So, when you are tempted to be discouraged, spend time with God. Then you will have true, lasting happiness. :) 

Thought I'd share a few pictures. I haven't taken many since I've been here. I know, I know, I was supposed to take a lot of pictures. But this is my fourth time here and it's kinda like home, so it's weird to have the camera out all the time. But I'll do better. :)

This picture reminds me of joy... 

out my window this morning

almost full moon (I have a hard time capturing the moon)

working upstairs during twilight hours

Shopping, Baking and Blessings!

Earlier this week I went to the дэлгүүр (store) by myself! I am housesitting for a friend and there wasn't much in way of food at the house. So, off to the store I went. I used Mongolian mostly and the lady shopkeeper understood me! They didn't have everything I wanted but I was able to get a few things so I could have something to eat at least. I was just pleased with myself that I went alone and used my Mongolian. :) 

the store I went to - right across the road from my cabin

All this for $10USD!! pretty good I'd say. 

Then, when I got home I make myself some biscuits. (of course always reminded of Nicole!) And boy, did they taste good! Most anything would taste good since all I had eaten was one slice of bread in about 30 hours. Was reminded again how thankful I am for food! Especially the variety of American food. Here the norm is meat (sheep, yak or cow), potatoes, cabbage, carrots, onions and flour. Now I like all those things but if that's all you have to work with..... day after day. 

my biscuits. tribute to Nicole :)

Today was a blessing. 

We had a ladies prayer meeting at Сайхнаа's house. I spoke on how praying together can bring us all together. One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Acts 2, where it says that the first church was gathered in one place in one accord. It fascinates me that so many different diverse people can be gathered at one location and been of the same mindset. They had Jesus in common and because of it, they put everything else aside. Prayer is an important tool to our Christian life and to the church. When we pray together, we come together and are united. I spoke for maybe 20 minutes, then we shared requests for another 20-30 minutes. We finished up by praying.... for an hour! 

What a sweet time it was. At one point while one of the ladies was praying, I thought of Hebrews 4:16. 

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to to help in time of need."

There we were six ladies (five Mongols and one American) praying in our native tongue, beseeching the throne of grace. Pleading for healing, for lost family and friends, for God to move in our community. 

I think I caught a glimpse of heaven today. 

The bond we as believers have is powerful. Though I can't sit and talk more than small talk to most of those ladies, we have a bond of sisterhood. We love each other because we all love the Lord. 

Also today something happened that I never thought would happen! 

Four years ago when I was here working, I lost my high school class ring. I had no idea how or where I lost it. When I realized it was gone, I was here in Hatgal, but thought it might have been lost in UB. I looked and looked and asked numerous people if they had seen it. After returning home, I thought about it every now and then and kept praying that someone would find it. Eventually I gave up and forgot about it. 

Well, today Сайхнаа brought out my ring and asked "is this yours?"

I was shocked to see it! She said her husband found it 2 years ago! But they had no idea who's it was and everyone they asked didn't recognize it. I had given it up as lost forever and wasn't really concerned about it. But isn't God good to bring it back to me!? 

I just want to say again - My God is an Awesome God. Not only did He create this entire world. He loves me.... Unconditionally! And His Son died for my sin debt, so I could be reunited with Him. 

I'm so glad I know Him. 

Do you?

Cold Walk

Cold is part of Mongolian culture. Comes with the territory. But being an Alaskan, it's no problem for me. :) Though here I don't have the luxury of a vehicle. So everywhere I go, it's by walking. Today Jaaz and I went to the store and postoffice. We argued about the distance - we both really have no idea. But we probably walked at least a mile there and back. Good exercise. And it was warmer today! Only about -10 or -5. With all my layers on, I actually got hot walking. Which is nice after wearing five layers and still being cold.

The past two weeks, I've been trying to spend a couple hours each day learning what I can of the Mongolian language. Thankfully I'm staying with a lady who likes to teach her language. I've learned a bit, but SO much more to learn. I do ok with reading and writing, but when it comes to hearing and understanding, well that's still a struggle.

Hatgal's main street

ready for walk

Friends For a Lifetime!

Hello from Outer Mongolia! Yes, I am still alive. I know I haven't posted in a while... but being so far from "civilization," my internet is not the greatest. Actually, this is the first time I've been online with my own computer. And its like the old days of slllllooooowwww internet speed. :) Good test of my patience. 

So far, my stay here has been good. Great to see old friends. One huge blessing was to see my very good friend (sister) Lkhamaa!! Last time we saw each other was almost 3 years ago. She now lives Down Under with her Aussie husband, but was in UB for just a week's visit. Thankfully our stays overlapped and we got to spend some time catching up! She was my first Mongolian friend and we have so many awesome memories together!!! haha, one of my favorite was learning how to Mongolian wrestle. 

Also, working with the teens together. I was so incredibly nervous when she first asked me to teach. But now I'm so grateful she did. It was a blessing to share my heart with them each week. And oh the games we played! They all thought I was crazy when I introduced a new game for teen competitions. 

And hours of playing basketball. Rain, shine, snow or ice. warm or cold, we would play almost every day. 

Then there were the sledding trips, the hike to the frozen ship, wrestling on the lake, walking up the hill that overlooks the town and "breaking" my ankle. HAHA! 

2007

Not just fun memories but serious memories. Talks of the future, of our Lord and His Word.

My friend, thank you for the wonderful years of friendship. Even though now many miles separate us and we don't talk often, I still count you one of my dearest friends and you will always be in my heart! 

2009

2012

I love you! 

God's Testing and My Trusting

I wrote this narrative just over a year ago about my trip to Mongolia in March of 2010. It was a challenging trip in many ways, but the Lord worked everything out and I enjoyed my time with many dear friends over there. Thought it would be a good introduction to my travel experiences. :)

  Some of you have heard of my latest adventure, but most of you are still in the dark. Maybe some didn't even know that I left the country recently. I was trying to keep this trip on the down low, so I could surprise some of my good friends.

    Back in December, God provided me with airline tickets to Mongolia through some friends here in Alaska. I hadn't planned on visiting Mongolia for a several more years, but when I was given this, I couldn't say no. The only time that could work for me to go overseas was during my spring break. Since I was traveling so far, I decided to take an extra week also. Plan was to be gone exactly 2 weeks.... but the Lord had other plans.

   So, I left Fairbanks on March 1st, flying to Seattle then to Beijing and finally to Ulaanbataar, Mongolia. I was told here that my bags could only be checked thru to Beijing and not my final destination. I tried arguing with the airline agent, but she said it wasn't something she could change, that I would have to talk to the airline in Seattle. Since I had been thru this scenario before (4 years ago), I wasn't too happy about the situation. Arrived in Seattle and talked with the Chinese airline. They said no problem, took a copy of my itinerary and promised to find my bags and check them thru to Mongolia. I breathed a huge sigh of relief. From there I flew 11 1/2 hours to Beijing... that was a LONG flight! I was very tired when I arrived.

Me, Hossa, and Jaaz

  I landed in Beijing at a different terminal that I have before, so wasn't sure where to go. My first attempt to clear customs was a flop. I showed them my passport and flight information, telling the agent I was only passing through and needed to get to a different terminal for my connecting flight. He said that my itinerary didn't have my confirmation code on it, therefore he couldn't let me thru. WHAT?  So, he told be to go back behind the yellow line and wait. Wasn't sure what I was waiting for.... then a young man from the airlines came and got my itinerary and left. He came back about 20 minutes later with a paper from both airlines saying I was confirmed on the next flight. So, I made it through customs, headed downstairs, passed through baggage claim and out of security. Once I was 'outside,' there were swarms of people everywhere!

  After asking several people where to go, I walked out the glass sliding doors and out into Beijing! Now to find the right bus.... among the 50+ buses lined up on the street. Located the right one and climbed onboard. After a couple minutes we drove off, passing through Beijing to reach the other terminals. Dropped off at Terminal 3, I made my way inside the massive building and found the Mongolian airline check in counter. They were checking me in and the clerk asked how many bags I was checking. I told here they were being transferred over from ____ airline. She said, oh no, they don’t get transferred; you need to go get them from baggage claim and then come check them yourself. Oh and by the way our counter closes in 1 hour.

  You’ve got to be kidding me! So I walked back outside to look for the bus to take me over to Terminal 2’s baggage claim. I was waiting, pacing the sidewalk, thinking there is no way I can get back over there, locate my bags and make it back over here in 1 hour. Lord, what do I do!?

  Decided to go inside and find the help desk again. Had the receptionist there call the ____ airline and I explained them again about my baggage. She assured me again that they would transfer my luggage over to my next airlines. So, back over to the Mongolian airline counter I went. She asked again about my bags, I said just put me on the plane and they’ll be there. The Lord was testing me.

  After a 2 hour flight, I landed in Ulaanbataar. Of course, there were no bags at baggage claim for me to pick up. I kept trusting the Lord would get them to me in His time. I was besieged with Mongol taxi drivers as soon as I stepped foot out of the security. I waved them all off, looking for a familiar face among the sea of people. A young man came up and asked if I was Barrie. I almost hugged him, I was so happy to see someone that knew me (even if I didn’t know him yet). lol He was there to pick me up with his aunt and several cousins.

  I should probably try to condense this. I’m sure you all don’t want to waste an hour reading about my 2 weeks. So…. to make a long story short. I stayed in UB, for 3 days waiting for my luggage to arrive. We called the Mongolian airlines every day, went to visit their office once and kept calling and calling. Finally after 2 days, I emailed and called the ____ airlines to find out what was going on. Don’t know what they did, but my bags came in on the Friday flight from Beijing. So, I got them Friday night about 1130pm and the next morning flew out to Hatgal at 8am. I was very glad to have clean clothes!

  I have never liked the city there, so I was happy to be headed out to the village and to my friends. I had met up with my wonderful friends, Mark & Tammy Siekbert the night before, and we flew north together. On that 1 ½ flight from UB to Murun, I felt as if I were going home. Joy was overflowing in my heart. The first person I saw as I came into the small local airport of Murun was my dear friend, Pugee! I smiled at him and he just stared back. lol I walked over to him and he still stared at me, I think trying to figure out if it was really me or if he was seeing things. I said hi and asked if he knew I was coming. He had no idea and was totally taken back. So, I would say that part of my trip was a success.

the group my last night in Khatgal

  We had a pleasant drive up to Hatgal. I sat up front with Pugee and Anka and we had a good time. It was a beautiful, sunny day, though a bit chilly and windy.

  My 5 ½ days in Khatgal were wonderful days. I spent time with the Siekberts and Cofers and all my Mongol friends. We worked, played and laughed together. My last night there, we had a house full of young people. Mark made pizza and we all played crazy games. They love my crazy games. :D

   I was flying back to the city on Saturday, so we drove back to Murun on Friday and I spent the night there in a hotel. The mattress was pretty much like a rock. But I was so tired that I slept well anyways. When I got back to UB, I didn’t want to sit around the apartment all day and be bored, so I ventured out to see some friends. Went to Sprenger’s house to visit with Heather (and see Lindin). J Lkhamaa met me there and we had a good time catching up on the past year of our lives.

  Sunday I went to the English service of Faith Baptist. It was a blessing to be in that service and see the Pattersons, Gays and others that were there. And Monday morning I flew out headed home! Almost didn’t think I would make it to the airport on time. But I’ll skip that story.

  My plane was delayed 2 hours leaving UB…. which meant that I had only an hour and 20 minutes to make my connecting flight in Beijing. Well that wasn’t possible, since I had to clear customs, leave one terminal, go thru security, take the bus to the other terminal and get back thru security. So, short story, I missed my connecting flight back to the states.

  What to do now? Of course the airline I was supposed to fly home on is a smaller company, so they don’t have a counter open 24/7. They only have representatives on the floor a couple hours before one of their flights. So, I didn’t know how to get a hold of them and figure out what to do. Asked some other people and found out their office was upstairs. I took an elevator that I don’t think I was supposed to use.  I wandered around the maze of offices upstairs for a while before locating the right one. Spent 3 hours in their office trying to work everything out. Had to call my parents on their phone, since my cell was dead. They confirmed they could get me out on their next flight to Seattle, unfortunately that wasn’t till Wednesday. Tried finding an earlier flight out with a different airline, but they would have to charge me.

   From there, I headed back to the other terminal. The airline that was delayed and caused me to miss my connecting flight, put me and a whole bunch of other passengers up in a hotel room for the night. I spent the night in a 5 star hotel, free of charge. That hotel bed was 100 times better than the one I slept on in Murun a few nights before. The only catch was they didn’t want to give us individual rooms, so I had a roommate. Thankfully, she was nice. A Canadian teacher on her way back to Tokyo from Dubai. We didn’t get to our room till almost 10pm and she went out to grab a bite to eat and she left the next morning at 530 to catch the shuttle back to the airport. So, I was able to sleep in and relax a little. My parents were able to get a hold of some friends in Beijing and they called me. I took a taxi over to their place and spent the rest of my stay at their house.

   Flew out Wednesday afternoon for Seattle. They couldn’t confirm I had a seat on the Seattle flight to Fairbanks, said I had to wait till I got to the US. Cleared US customs fine, though I felt as if I was getting grilled by the customs agent. I had never been asked so many questions about my travel before. Make it out ok and then headed to the Alaska Airline counter. The two ladies who helped me were major blessings. I explained to them what had happened and they rebooked me on the night’s flight even though my original reservation was purged from the system. They confirmed me on the flight and didn’t even charge me for my bags! I was happy.

   Finally arrived back in Fairbanks on Wednesday night about 10pm. I have never been so happy in my life to be back in Alaska! The missed flights, missing bags and all wouldn’t have been so bad, if I hadn’t needed to be back in Fairbanks for work and school. But Lord knows what’s going on and He’s in control. I just tried to trust Him through it all. Whoever thinks travel is boring, should go with me on my next trip. :D