MERRY CHRISTMAS

It has been 6 months and a week since we arrived in Mongolia! The time has gone extremely fast. We are still enjoying our mission and the wonderful people here in Mongolia. We have made many friends and are continuing to meet new people weekly.

I am becoming expert at making khyaram. It's basically watered-down milk. The Mongolian people serve it as soon as a guest arrives especially in the winter time. You bring a pot of water to a boil and add milk and salt. (Approximately 4 cups water and 1 cup milk and 1/4 tsp. salt.) You then bring it to a boil again and pour the boiling hot liquid into small bowls, not cups, and serve. They drink it very, very hot, because it is very, very cold here. We have learned that whenever Mongolian guests come, I put a pot on right before they arrive. I'm finding it tastes pretty good, but I've burnt my mouth a few times. :) The people here do not drink coffee! Just plain boiled water is also popular. No one drinks hot chocolate except if we offer it here in the apartment.

Most people in Mongolia are Buddhist and do not celebrate Christmas. The stores however have been playing Christmas music since Thanksgiving like they do in the States. Several businesses have put up trees and decorate. The first Sunday that the Old Darkhan branch had their tree up, several families were wanting to have their picture taken in front of the tree. Most families do not have that luxury.  We bought a little tree for Christmas and some lights and ornaments. We placed our family picture album under the tree because it is one of the greatest gifts we have received from our Heavenly Father. The family is of God and everyone needs to do all they can to fortify, strengthen and protect.




I did buy a cute little Mongolian nativity. It has a camel, yak, horse, goat and lamb. Jesus' birth is such an important event. I didn't want it to come and go as Thanksgiving did. The birth of Jesus brought light and hope to everyone who has ever lived or will ever live on the earth. It should give everyone a reason to rejoice.

For the past couple of weeks Dan and I have been sharing our own family's Christmas traditions by reading Luke 2 about Jesus' birth, whenever we visit someone or have them in our apartment.  We also invite them to sing a few Christmas carols. Most know Silent Night, but that's about it. It has been a very special time. I hope that you will gather your family around you and share this wondrous story.
When we are out visiting at night in the ger district, and it is bitter cold, we have the Sister Missionaries sing Christmas carols with us as we make our way back to the taxi stand (at least a half mile away. It helps us forget how cold it is and makes the time go faster. :)

We spent Fri., Sat., and Sun., Dec. 6, 7, & 8, up in a little town on the Russian border, called Selenge. We visited about 12 families in their homes, sharing the good word of God and some Christmas carols. In the picture on left, the girl in pink has been in a wheelchair all her life. Whenever we visit the Branch, she is faithfully at church with a beautiful smile. She is such an example to us. She is the oldest of 6 children. All the children are so sweet.









Dan and I spoke at a fireside Friday night in the chapel up there. The topic was "Obeying the Commandments." We also spoke in Church on Sunday as well. Dan conducted Leadership training and I gave a Sharing Time lesson and conducted Music Time in Primary for the children of the Branch. They were all so sweet and eager to learn about Jesus' birth and when He will come again. The people are so warm and friendly.  It was a good trip!

This family is being taught by the Sister Missionaries (Sister Batulga is wearing a white coat and the other is in the tan coat.) They came to the fireside and also to the Sunday meetings.

 

The two ladies closest to me are Mother and Daughter. They sew children's boots and vests for their living. The Mother is deaf and lip reads. 

 

I imagine that all of you are busy with preparations for Christmas. We wish you all a very, merry and blessed Christmas. We pray for all our family and friends back in the States. Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement. Thomas S. Monson said if you remove the last three letters in, "The Spirit of Christmas" you will have --- "The Spirit of Christ". I like that. I know as you focus on the reason for the season, you and your family will be blessed with the Spirit of Christ. Merry Christmas and God Bless!   ~Dan and Debbie