Gobi Desert #11

 Hey Everyone!

First week in Mongolia has been insane. We flew from SLC>SEA>Soul>Ulaanbaatar. President Namgur, our Mission President is super awesome. The way he treats us missionaries is super motivating. When he interviewed me he said, he was impressed by the notes from Stake President and Bishop so shout out to Bishop Gehring and President Garlock. 

After a night at the mission home, I got my assignment to go to Sainshand in the Gobi Desert (11 hour train ride from the city). I'm the 4th missionary to ever be here, they’re only 9 members, and we have no church building. Pretty epic!

My trainer is Elder Shcefer, and he is the coolest guy out here. Hard worker, focused, super spiritual, and doesn't take himself too seriously. 

Quick story 

Last night we had to go from the mission home to the train station to catch our overnight train to Sainshand. It's about 4km away. 

The plan was to grab a taxi. But... since traffic was bad and we had so much luggage no one would pick us up. Time was ticking fast. We needed to get to the train station quick or else we would miss the train. After waiting for 20 minutes, Elder Uurtsaihk (native Mongolian I traveled with) made the executive decision that we needed to walk. 

I kid you not, this was one of the most painful hours of my life. My hands were burning from the cold. It was -25F, and I was lugging about 3 suitcases totalling 110lbs. The ground was iced over and bumby so suitcases didn't roll. 

Elder Uurtsaihk said this "We almost died". So awesome!

Anyway this mission is no joke, and I'm feeling so blessed to have the opportunity to serve here. I have the best trainer in the world and we are ready to work hard to help  establish the church in Shainshand. 

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:19-20

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

Love,

Elder Bateman