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creepin'

Sorry about posting 3 times in one day but hopefully this one will have a little more meaning than the other two (although, they are funny).

Last week we were having dinner with two girls that are working in different capacities here in UB. They have both been here for about a year or more and they were telling us about their adjustment experiences. They affirmed our rough beginnings but then they kept talking about Mongolia, after adjustments. They said that Mongolia has a way of getting under your skin. It really grows on you and you can't help but love it.

One of the girls was talking about how for a while, and even still now, she tries to shield her skin, she's not ready to love Mongolia yet. I've been feeling that same way. I want to shield my skin because part of me is afraid of loving this place.

Today we went to Terelj National Park with the Seo's (the missionary family that is here). We went to go have a picnic and see the park. Their girls went and it was a lot of fun. The park is about 2 hours away from UB so we got to see more of the country side. It must have snowed recently because everything was so white, snowy and beautiful.




On the way there I kept looking out the window. I heard the chitter-chatter from the girls in the backseat, I saw the mountains, the snow and all of the animals grazing. I could feel it rumbling inside me...the words "I love Mongolia." It shocked me but the feeling was overwhelming.

I realized that loving Mongolia is creepin' up on me. My skin is slowly becoming unshielded and I like it.

Yesterday, I was reading the devotion for the day from Oswald Chamber's "My Utmost For His Highest." The devotion was excellent and really spoke to my heart, especially about things that I have been thinking and praying about.

It said, "I have to learn that the aim in life is God's, not mine...He simply asks me to have implicit faith in Himself and in His goodness..."

But the last sentence is what really got to me, "I have 'a world within the world' in which I live, and God will never be able to get me outside it because I am afraid of being frost-bitten."

Even though Mongolia is (ridiculously) cold, I remember that it is part of God's world. I can remember that because He created it, it is good. I can have faith in Him and His goodness and I can let loving Mongolia creep on me.

Comments

  1. Hi Miss Holli...I am at Wesley with Mom this morning. We just read your blog. We laughed (a lot) at the first 2. I sure don't want to use that bathroom. I'm not so crazy about those dumplings either! I loved your last story. Your descriptions made me feel like I was right there. I can only imagine snow like that, a winter wonderland! Your a great role model! I hope to be like you and help people around the world! Love, Lauren Besong

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  2. What a beautiful post AND wonderful comment from Lauren. I feel the same way. When you write, I am right there with you. Thanks for sharing your adventures. You're incredible and I love you!

    Love and Prayers,
    Julie

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  3. Yay!!! I get more and more excited for you everytime I read your blog!! :)

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  4. Thank you guys so much for reading and commenting. I love getting to share this with you all.

    Lauren, so cool that you posted on here!

    love you all!

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  5. Boy is Lauren correct, you are a wonderful role model, when I grow up I want to be just like you. We are so proud of you. We love and miss you, Mom & Dad

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  6. Haven't read in a few days but I love the picture of you and your missionary family and your sweet smile. I know you are depending on God to protect you from the cold. You are so brave and we are so proud of you.
    Love Cisy

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  7. I love your posts. I am also a fan of Oswald Chambers and had not read the one you quoted. Great reminder. Love watching God grow you into all He has for you. You bless us as He blesses you!

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