A few more favorites

At the top of Zaison Hill

The hill overlooks the  city of Ulaan Bataar. Since it was quite snowy, so we couldn't see as much. But it was still a great view.

Dad was part of the snow clearing crew.

They stayed a few steps ahead of the crowd that was making its way up the hill.

It warmed my heart to see this.

Hearing the Mongolian Church members sing "High on a Mountain Top" was amazing. 

It brought tears. 

20 years ago to the very hour of this meeting, Neil A. Maxwell dedicated Mongolia for the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His dedicatory prayer was replayed over loudspeaker. At that time there were 2 members of the church and 3 investigators present. Now there are more than 10,000 members of the church in Mongolia! 10 percent have served missions. Wow!

Being a part of this experience was another favorite memory for me. The Spirit was strong on that hill, in spite of my nearly frozen feet! I chose my footwear with more thought and care after that day. 

At the bottom of Zaison Hill-

Big Buddha in the background

Cashmere Factory tour

Oyun is wearing that blue cashmere in the form of an adorable hat.

Mongolians like to make the peace sign I've noticed. :)

I bought no cashmere. Too expensive!

Riding camels with my sister

Awesome!

Tawny's turn

We got to visit this sweet little girl named Ariuuna and bring her a few gifts and groceries.

Isn't she beautiful?

Opening a care package

Ariuuna loves her family, and she wanted to show us her family albums. She made sure to tell us how she was related to each person. 

Her dad died when she was only 1 year old. The family (mother and three daughters) has had a hard time of it since then. They actually had to build this home on their own. I can't imagine it.

Ariuuna tried on a dress that we brought her. 

Thanks again, Girls Scouts and Faith in God Girls! She loved the clothes and thought this dress was so pretty. Nara Thompson sponsors this sweet girl. I'm so glad!

Mom, sister, and Ariuuna

They are doing their best in such a tough situation. That mom works so hard to give what she can to her daughters. This situation is so much better than that of Gan-Ochir.

She grabbed Tawny's hand and walked with her to the fence. 

Tawny loved it. What a lovely little girl.

Mongolian children at another home visit

 Tawny had to chase this little guy around the ger for this picture.

Cute, right?

Inside their ger

These girls were getting water for their families. There is no indoor plumbing in the gers.

We often saw children doing this job. Can you imagine getting water in -40 degrees?

Running water- another blessing I take for granted.