More mutton for the mushin'

Well today was quite the cultural experience. Our whole team was treated to a day at a Ger ranch in the middle of nowhere. We left about 11:30am and drove well out of town down till the Pastor told the driver to back up and take the road that leads into the mountain side. A little argument ensued about where exactly the road was, but shortly after we dropped down off the roadside and began making fresh tracks on our way to the ranch.
Our host were so nice, and fed us sooo much mutton. It is Mongol tradition to feed anyone who visits your Ger. Even the van driver and his friend (who didn't know anyone there) spent the whole day feasting and laughing with us. Mongols are so friendly, it's so amazing to see how people just welcome anyone into their home. It really isn't an inconvenience, life around home just continues on, you can pretty much let company entertain themselves.
Us boys jumped in and helped out with the sheep a little, untying feed sacks off the snouts of the sheep. It was great, trying to get under the fur to untie the knot, while that sheep is trying to run away with his food, and all his friends and jumping all over you to get at the sacks in your other hand. We ended our time with the family in a prayer for them and their friends and family, it was really nice. The pastor prayed real hard and I'm sure accurate over them. The day really was a blast.
The ride home became very exciting. As we came to the end of the country trail, where we get back onto the highway, we had a nice incline to drive up. Well the first try was fruitless. The second, same. So then they figured they'd try to take it from a different angle. well we pushed hard a a wider angle and just about flipped the van over with all of us in it. So we all piled out and the guys got to pushin the stuck van out of the snow. When we finally got unstuck the driver took the empty van and made a long distance run up the hedge and cleared it triumphantly. It was so much fun. We got the whole thing on video. The best part is that the driver never got angry, he seemed to be totally into the challenge of getting up that hill. It may have helped that we were all excited the whole time too!

We never did get to try the fermented mare's milk, but I guess things could be worse, we could have had to drink fermented mare's milk.

Well that's our exciting Wednesday in Mongolia.

Peace and Love.

Team Mongol.

Baayre Khla, (Thank You)
Baayre Tei. (Good Bye)