Happy Birthday Kenny!

The Boss turned 2 today!

This morning Nate announced, "Today is your birthday, Kenny. You can do whatever you want!"

We had a good day, despite ugly weather. We had planned on a picnic and a day at the river but that got canceled when we woke up to rain and cold wind. The kids were disappointed but it didn't take much to convince them that it was better to stay home. The hate the cold almost as much as I do. =)

Kenny enjoyed his cake (homemade chocolate cake with teddy bear sprinkles) and presents. We had a hard time getting him to focus on opening his presents after he opened this toy from his friend, Temuka. It was a tank that spins around and makes loud shooting noises.

The "off" button didn't work (ah, the joys of real Chinese toys) so we had to take one of the batteries out to turn it off.

His Mongolian grandparents gave him a riding car. He LOVED it.

Mommy and Daddy got him a soccer outfit. Hetee is a huge soccer fan and hopes at least one of his sons plays soccer one day. So far it seems that Kenny is the most interested. =)

Pardon my hair. I just woke up from my nap.

Oops! I lost my balance and fell off the ball!

Beggars can't be choosers. I would have liked Beckham's uniform but mom and dad couldn't find it in my size. Instead they got me this one. Shevchenko is a Russian player that plays for Chelsea. He's ok, I guess...

We love you, Kenny Boy, and wish you many more happy birthdays!

Caption Needed

I'm sorry y'all. I simply lack the inspiration to come up with something funny for this photo. Please send me (via comments section) your suggestions and make us smile. The winner will receive a postcard from us all the way in Mongolia! (Hey, I'm broke, alright?)

Ministry Update - Hutul

Today Hetee and I traveled about 45 minutes to Hutul, a small town where we have a branch church. We had a great time with our church leader, Demchik's family down by the river. Dimchik and his wife Zola have 3 children and are expecting their 4th baby in August.

Besides leading the church, Dimchik and Zola both work for the cement factory in Hutul. They stay busy, busy, busy!

Today was spent encouraging the leaders, playing with their children and picnicking by the river. It was a nice time for us to wind down and enjoy the sunshine and the breeze!

Children's Day, June 1st

As usual, I'm late in posting our Children's Day happenings. It fell on a Sunday this year and since Hetee was scheduled to preach in UB, we got the kids their presents early. Abi got a pony and a Barbie, Nate got a scooter and Kenny got sand toys for the sand box.

On Sunday, the kids and I walked to church, even though we weren't supposed to have the kids out and about due to the Entrovirus 71 quarantine. All of the children's activities that normally take place on June 1st were canceled so there wasn't much to do. The weather was nice so I decided to take the kids to eat out after church. What fun! I realized that it had been a while since I was out alone with all 3 kids. It was a bit of a challenge but Nate rose to the occasion more than once and helped me with Kenny and getting in and out of taxis, etc.

Kenny, enjoying a glass of cherry juice

In Darkhan, our family has somewhat of a celebrity status. Anytime I'm out with the kids, strangers come and try to touch their cheeks or stroke Abi's hair. We get stared at-- a lot! Every now and then Hetee or I get recognized from TV (we've both been on a couple times, teaching) but most of the hoopla comes from being an inter cultural family with cute kids. =)

The waitresses at this particular restaurant LOVE my kids. The take them into the kitchen and feed them stuff and let them run around. The kids like eating there because they can be themselves. For Children's Day we were able to eat on the outdoor tables. This created even more ruckus and we literally had a crowd watching us eat.

Abi, checking to make sure the bamboo is indeed fake

This is the "serious big brother" look

Later that evening, when Hetee got home the kids filled him in on their day. He was impressed that I took them to eat out all by myself. I have to admit, it was kind of difficult, especially without a car. But we had a good day and hopefully created some memories.

Ministry Update - Erdenet

A few weeks ago we took a trip to Erdenet (3rd largest city in Mong. about 2.5 hours away by car from Darkhan) to visit our branch church and missionaries who serve there. It was a quick trip but it was great to see everyone.

Our missionaries, Daagii and Soko (pictured above) have 4 children, all around our kids' ages. When they moved to Erdenet from Darkhan our kids were so sad to see their friends go. It was so nice to see them playing together again.

Their oldest, Huslen, and Nate are best friends and miss each other terribly. Here they are pictured together. Huslen has Nate's slingshot in his mouth.




Our friends John and Diana were here visiting and ministered with us in Erdenet. Hetee translated.
















After church, I had the privilege of getting to know a baby I helped save from abortion! His mommy and daddy are married now and serving God.