My sole purpose for going to Mongolia was to help babysit my nieces and nephews. Joseph and Heidi had to go to Hong Kong for a Mission President’s Conference, and weren’t sure what to do with their kids. Chris’s mom and I stepped in and offered to come.
Marianne, Tommy, Becca
Monday
Heidi and Joseph left first thing in the morning so we gave ourselves a tour of the mission offices, meeting all the senior couples. Everyone was so nice! By the time we went back to the Benson’s flat, we had our whole week planned for us, with arranged transport and childcare help. We truly didn’t expect to see much of Mongolia while we were there as we would be busy with the kids so we were truly amazed!
Batbold, the main mission driver had just come back from his summer in the countryside and ready to work. He took us to a new green park with a little play area for the kids. But, we definitely learned again how bad the traffic is there. After an hour in the car, we arrived, but the temperature had dropped and Marianne was asleep. We really tried to stay for at least 30 minutes, but none of us lasted very long.
Sleeping Marianne with Batbold
Tuesday
Mom and I were able to go out to tour the city with Sister Stewart, while Sister Wood stayed with the younger kids at home.
National Museum of Mongolia
We started out at the National Museum where we learned so much about Mongolia’s history.
Sister Stewart and Mom
Primitive Mongolians
Cave Paintings
Traditional Soldier
Far Reaches of Mongolian Rule in the 13th Century
First Ger Spotted
We had a great time walking around the city, and even got some souvenir shopping done!
City Walking with Elder & Sister Stewart
Wednesday
We were invited to go with some of the missionaries to an orphanage to deliver clothes, but our babysitting fell through and Mom insisted I still go.
Meeting with the Director, Ayurzana Chogdov
When we arrived, it was explained this wasn’t an orphanage, but rather a shelter (a temporary fix).
The Common Room
When the children are picked up off the street (or come in voluntarily), they only keep them for a maximum of 7-10 days. At that time, their parents come pick them up, with each of them being interviewed to find out the home situation. If the situation is a good one, the parents take the children home. If not, they are taken to another organization with schooling.
Dormitory
When we arrived, there were only 2 children there, with both sets of parents having their interviews to take them home.
Mr. Ayurzana
On our drive home, there were 2 horsemen in traditional clothing that galloped past us. The senior missionaries said they had never seen that before and assumed it was for a government visit from Bulgaria. However, the people on the street didn’t seem too surprised.
Traditional Soldier in a Modern World
Thursday
Our Thursday was pretty open, but Batbold insisted that we go to the Puzzle Museum in the city so we did. Batbold had a hard time finding it as it was covered with scaffolding for some reconstruction they are doing. But, after asking a couple people on the street, we found it! It was quite interesting.
Tommy and Grandma at Puzzle Museum
The owner and founder of the museum, Mr. Tumen-Ulzii, became interested in puzzles at a young age. He started inventing and crafting interlocking puzzles, and now has done over 2,000! We weren’t allowed to take any pictures inside, but it really was interesting.
That night, the older kids had their Open House at the school and wanted Mom and I to go. Sister Stewart was great to step in to babysit and Batbold drove us. Again – bad traffic! Mom and I eventually just got out and walked as we would have been late if we had waited in the traffic.
Older Kids’ School
Being here in London, at a similar international IB (International Baccalaureate) school, I found it interesting to compare and contrast.
Traditional Furniture Displayed in School
Friday
We were really looking forward to Friday as Batbold was going to drive us out to the countryside to see the Chingiss Khan Monument.
Ger Communities from a Distance
It was neat to leave the city and see the ger communities all around.
Closer Ger Communities
When we expressed an interest in them, Batbold pulled into one and had us look around. We felt a little weird just walking around taking pictures.
Batbold later told us that we had been visiting his nephew who is building a large garage next to his ger.
Ger home, but building a large garage
Marianne & Grandma
Further along on our drive, we started seeing areas that looked like dots on the hillsides. We wondered if they were animals . . . .
Dots on Hillside
But, on closer inspection, and Batbold’s information, we found they were cemeteries. We didn’t make it up close to one, but they looked really neat.
Cemetery
As we drove along, we eventually ran out of road. They are still building it! So, we went along the construction, rough-roading it, along with everyone else.
Herd of Horses
It was a bit strange driving along to all of a sudden find yourself in the middle of herds or flocks.
Up Close and Personal
When we arrived at the monument, we were pretty amazed at how big it was! It is the largest horse statue in the world. However, when the Crazy Horse Statue in the US is completed, Chingiss Khan will become the 2nd largest horse statue in the world.
Marianne & Batbold
Guard Outside Statue
Marianne & Tommy
We actually got to go up the monument and came out on top of the horse’s head to a lookout point!
On Top of the Monument
The kids got a little nervous on top of the Monument so we took in a quick panorama view and headed back down.
View from Horse’s Head
Before leaving, the kids got to try on some traditional Mongolian clothes. It was all really fun, until we were spotted and others started wanting their pictures or to get in the pictures with them. When you have fair skin and blond hair in Mongolia, you’re an instant celebrity!
Marianne & Tommy
Chingiss Khan Monument
Outside the monument there were bird handlers on the ready so tourists could take pictures with their birds. We weren’t brave enough – those birds were huge and didn’t look very friendly!
Birds on the Lookout
We truly did have a great week! We got to see a ton more of Mongolia than we thought we would and we played hard with the kids!
Kids’ Bus Passing by Building, 40 Minutes Before Drop Off
Last Off the Bus – Finally!
Then when the older kids got home in the evenings, we got to be on homework and dinner duty. Nothing is more fun than doing that away from home, away from your own worries and cares!
Leave a Comment