This is a good story on the effect of a winter storm from 20 years ago on one family: https://www.npr.org/2020/01/28/800592753/a-decade-of-dzud-lessons-from-mongolias-deadly-winters
Mongolian 'blizzards' get a lot of foreign press. This story is more circumspect in describing one microcosm of the Mongolian en masse migration to the capital, and the general citification of this land of pastoral herdsman nomads. The article touches on how extreme weather can cause culture changing cycles, which are also affected by animals numbers, over-grazing and rancher's preparation.
Thursday, January 30, 2020
Precautions for New Flu Virus in China Reduces Activity
It's not a pressing clear and present danger in Mongolia. There have been no cases of China's latest flu crisis here. As in other countries, the much more likely risk is your local domestic flu virus.
But in order to prevent a crisis here, Mongolian officials closed the land border with their southern neighbor last week, as well as all universities, schools, pre-schools, trainings and public gatherings. The kids' teachers still have to show up to work. We were there yesterday to pick up their homework. and books. Many of their lessons will continue via internet for Clara. Josiah is reading a lot more with his mom, getting a little taste of what home school was like for his sisters.
The government order means our trainings with basketball and Alpha must stop, as well as church meetings until March 1st. Last Sunday we worshipped together without kids' church and without greeting time. Some people wore masks. More Mongolians are doing that at work now too.
We are wondering how this government step will affect the Mongolian Lunar New Year celebrations in late February. That's the one where friends and family visit up to 10 homes over 5-10 days for feasting and greetings. God knows. He is able to heal and protect. As we pray for people in China, we also pray He will keep Mongolia safe and make this break a blessing for his purposes.
But in order to prevent a crisis here, Mongolian officials closed the land border with their southern neighbor last week, as well as all universities, schools, pre-schools, trainings and public gatherings. The kids' teachers still have to show up to work. We were there yesterday to pick up their homework. and books. Many of their lessons will continue via internet for Clara. Josiah is reading a lot more with his mom, getting a little taste of what home school was like for his sisters.
The government order means our trainings with basketball and Alpha must stop, as well as church meetings until March 1st. Last Sunday we worshipped together without kids' church and without greeting time. Some people wore masks. More Mongolians are doing that at work now too.
We are wondering how this government step will affect the Mongolian Lunar New Year celebrations in late February. That's the one where friends and family visit up to 10 homes over 5-10 days for feasting and greetings. God knows. He is able to heal and protect. As we pray for people in China, we also pray He will keep Mongolia safe and make this break a blessing for his purposes.
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Mongolia Basketball Academy Starting Small
We were so grateful to God to get the same space where November's training occurred rented twice a week. They were not sure they wanted to rent to us since they had their own basketball coach employed to offer lessons. But by the grace of God we signed a contract and started last week!
We have had a little trouble getting many of the 30 coaches to come out to train as Academy coaches. Many of them have coaching jobs at schools. Some were coaching at the National University! One day only one coach showed up with his 9 year old kid. Today was a bit better. Two coaches and 5 kids. It is a humble beginning, but I believe we're gaining momentum:
We have had a little trouble getting many of the 30 coaches to come out to train as Academy coaches. Many of them have coaching jobs at schools. Some were coaching at the National University! One day only one coach showed up with his 9 year old kid. Today was a bit better. Two coaches and 5 kids. It is a humble beginning, but I believe we're gaining momentum:
These 10 year olds are off and running, and learning fast!
Alpha Course Starting Strong
The Alpha Course that we wanted to start with our English speaking church is off to a good beginning. Thanks mostly to our Mongolian speaking church's involvement, we had over 45 people show up the first week. So we run the videos in Mongolian with English subtitles running at the English table. The food, film and fellowship that follow have all been enjoyable. Not bad entertainment on cold Thursday nights in January. We're planning to meet 10 consecutive weeks.
Week two had less people, but still we sat around 5 tables. Here's a look at last week during the discussion time. Renee enjoys a brief minute sitting down...
Week two had less people, but still we sat around 5 tables. Here's a look at last week during the discussion time. Renee enjoys a brief minute sitting down...
after working in the kitchen to help make, serve and clean up from the meal. Looking forward to this week's turnout.
Saturday, January 11, 2020
A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
It was great to have the older girls home for 3 weeks from Germany. We made some great memories and did some traveling. Here they showing off their last Christmas presents to arrive and be opened. The girls all got personalized necklaces and Josiah got two new books of jokes.
We all missed them when they had to return on January 5th.
But we're hearing good things and seems like they're happy to be back to their friends and activities.
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