Цагаан сар... сайхан шинэлээрэй! #13

 Hey Everyone!

This week we got to set up the first physical location for church in Sainshand! In fact this first and only church location in the entire Gobi Desert!! This has been the most special and unique beginning to the mission I could have dreamed of. Words cannot express how greatful I am for this opportunity. I'll throw pictures below! 

For the past 3 days Mongolia had been celebrating the lunar new year. A celebration of surviving the harsh winter and the ushering in of spring. Essentially it's Thanksgiving on steroids. For 3 days, stores are closed and everyone stays inside as they feast with friends and family. 

My companion Elder Schefer and I visited 8 homes during цагаан сар. Each time you go to someone's home they will load you up with бууз (dumplings). No matter how much they give you, you have to finish it. After eating 120 dumplings, I can say that I'm exited to take a break from them. Super tasty, but my stomach felt like it was going to explode for the entire 3 days haha

So it's been 4 back to back P-Days. I'm exited to get back to work!!

Spiritual thought:

One of english students invited us to her grandma's place for the lunar new year. This grandma was awesome. She reminded me of my grandma Leona Betteridge. Her smile, laugh, countenance, love, and generosity were nearly identical. I felt my grandma sitting beside me supporting me. 1 year and 1 week after her passing, it makes me happy to know that she is watching and smiling as I do my best to love and serve. 

To grandma Leona Betteride for showing me what it means to live an abundant life of faith, family, and love... I'll forever be greatful.

As I continue to read the BoM I was captured by Alma 32. It compares our faith to tree. If we want our faith to increase we must "experiment on the word"... or act in faith first. When we act in faith, we are metaphorically watering our tree of faith. With patient and diligent watering, our tree will eventually bear fruit. The fruit can be increased happiness, peace in christ, a mended relationship, loving family, feeling connected with God, and anything else that brings increased joy in life. 

For me, I look forward to getting married and starting a family someday. To raising children in faith, joy, and love like my parents and grandparents. I know that by watering my tree through serving God, loving others, being righteous, and striving to be christlike that someday I'll be able to.

"I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world" -Mother Teresa 

Love you all,

Elder Bateman