Happy Birthday, J.D.—Now Please Pass the Fried Bread

This week felt like we could finally catch our breath a little! Things moved at a slower pace, which gave us time to enjoy some meaningful moments.

The Pearsons, Humanitarian Missionaries serving in Tokyo, came to help with a few projects and joined us at our weekly service at the House of Mercy Homeless Shelter. Serving there has become a highlight for us—the people truly feel like friends now, and we look forward to seeing them each week. This time was extra special because it happened to be J.D.’s birthday! Everyone sang “Happy Birthday” (in English—somehow everyone seems to know that one), and our sweet Korean nun friend surprised him with handmade soap. Afterward, we celebrated with a birthday dinner at The Mongolian restaurant together with the Pearsons.









The surprises didn’t stop there—our district missionaries showed up later that evening with eclairs that tasted just like home and sang another round of “Happy Birthday.” And if that wasn't enough, the sisters brought him some cheesecake that was equally delicious.  The card said, "To the Giver of Good Advice"...and that he is!  The missionaries flock to him for advice!  Another year older and wiser too for J.D.!




Earlier in the week we discovered a small market not too far from our apartment that sells fresh boortsog (fried bread). We’ve been hoping to find some, so it felt like a little victory. The market also had a full meat counter—something you don’t often see back in the States.



Not everything went smoothly, though. We made yet another attempt at taking our driver’s license test. After weeks of paperwork—complete with notarized, translated copies of our U.S. licenses, passports, and residence cards—we thought Monday was the day. But they were full and asked us to return Thursday. So back we went, waited our turn, and just as we reached the front of the line…the internet went down. Everyone else switched to the paper version, but since no English translation existed, we were sent home once again. Maybe next week will be the lucky one!

Finally, since there was less to report this week, I thought I would share some of our entertainment.  We’ve been enjoying watching the construction project right outside our window. A new apartment building has been steadily rising since the day we arrived, and it’s become our evening entertainment. The trucks and cranes often roll in at night when traffic is lighter. What began as a foundation at ground level is already up to the 11th floor. We’re excited to see how high it will climb!



It is fascinating to watch them pour the concrete, bringing it from the ground up and then spreading it on the next floor.  



More recently they started digging out the area right in front of our window.  How long can a person watch a scoop pick up dirt?  Apparently quite a while...it was almost mesmerizing to watch lol!



We miss you all and love to hear from you! Here's to another week of adventures!  

Comments

  1. Lynda RodriguezAugust 17, 2025 at 6:48 PM

    Happy Belated Birthday JD !!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Bill and Shauna CookeAugust 17, 2025 at 8:31 PM

    Yes Happy Birthday J.D. These blogs are a fantastic way to keep up with your mission and find out some tid bits of life in Mongolia Your blogs are just right. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete

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