Service, Learning, and Friendship—Our Weekly Routine

A Routine Week in Mongolia

This week was what we’d call a routine week—no extra trips, projects, or big meetings. But what exactly does a “routine week” look like here in Mongolia? That’s what I thought I’d share!

Sundays begin with our two-hour church block. Our congregation includes a handful of native English speakers from the mission, the embassy or tourists, as well as many Mongolians who speak English. At church they have small wireless transmitters and members willing to interpret so we can hear the message in English each week. I usually play the organ or conduct the music, and recently I’ve been asked to direct a choir for a special upcoming event (more on that in a future post!). In the evenings we’ve been holding choir practice.

Mondays start with time to work on writing stories and completing our communication assignments. We work with the communication director in Mongolia, Nasanbold (Naska), to know what things we need to work on.  He has his hand in lots of different things, and has a great knowledge of the government and public affair workings as well as what needs to be done in communication areas.  We enjoy working with him in this capacity. 

In the afternoon, we join a virtual meeting with communication directors and missionaries from the Asia North Area, which covers Japan, Korea, and Guam/Micronesia. We discuss upcoming events across the region and ways to improve Public Affairs work. In the evenings on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday we help with English classes. Lately we’ve been tutoring a member from Inner Mongolia who hopes to study in the United States. Many here see the advantage of learning English, and we’re grateful for the chance to help.

Tuesdays usually begin with our weekly Mongolia government/legal affairs meeting where we discuss government and legal issues such as visas, registrations, and permits.  This meeting includes individuals from legal affairs, public affairs, and leader/member support.  If nothing else is scheduled, the rest of the day becomes our “preparation day,” filled with laundry, dishes, and other chores (yes, even on a mission, the floors still get dirty!). We also use this time to explore—finding little markets and trying new foods.

Wednesdays begin with our English Connect class, where we help Mongolian missionaries learn English. Their determination inspires us, and we love supporting their progress.

Thursdays are dedicated to service at the House of Mercy, where we help serve and clean up lunch for the homeless. We’ve grown to love the people from other faiths who serve alongside us, united in the spirit of compassion. Each week reminds us how much we take for granted—and how blessed we really are.

Fridays are often open, but they usually fill up quickly with service trips or publicity events.

When we’re in the office, we feel especially blessed to work with three amazing people:

• Batmunck, the mission housing and vehicle coordinator who set up our apartment when we arrived, takes care of 70+ missionary apartments across the country. This includes managing leases, repairs, water filters, supplies, and furniture. He also takes care of the 6 mission vehicles and with some of the "roads" these vehicles travel on and the miles they put on, wheel alignments, flat tires, and oil changes are a full time job!  This work keeps him constantly on the move, but when he’s in the office, we enjoy catching up.

• Khongorzul, the mission financial secretary, manages the money that goes on the missionaries' cards for food and necessities, travel reimbursements, rent payments, medical appointments, insurance, and anything else the missionaries ask her to help with. She’s also a devoted mom to an adorable two-year-old and is always ready to help us learn about Mongolia, find a hair salon appointment, or just brighten the day with her kindness and humor.

• Enkhjiguur (Jay), the mission secretary, is the interpreter/translator extraordinaire, responsible for making sure everyone receives needed communication, whether from English to Mongolian or Mongolian to English.  He manages the mission president’s schedule and works with church headquarters on new missionary arrivals, returning missionary departures, and missionary paperwork (and there is plenty of that!). Until the president (and we!) get licenses, he is also the official chauffeur, taking the president (and us) on necessary trips.  If it needs done, just ask Jay!  With his keen understanding of American culture and humor, he keeps us laughing with his sharp wit!

We love these coworkers and admire their dedication to their families, their country, and the gospel.

So while it may have been a “routine” week, it’s the kind of routine we’re grateful for—full of service, learning, and friendship.