The Joy Is in the Little Things

 This week we received the green light to move back into our East Mission office space. That meant lots of moving, unpacking, and organizing—all things I love to do! Here are some before and after pictures of the office area.  I forgot to take “before” pictures of the supply rooms I organized, but it is so satisfying to see the end results. It’s looking good!






We also did our regular weekly service at the homeless shelter. We catch a cab with the Ellersicks to get there and back, and it has always worked out well, especially since we call for the “comfort cab.”  This week, however, our cab happened to have a console in the middle of the back seat, which made things a little squishy! Even though we couldn’t communicate with the driver, we still had fun trying to communicate and sharing a few laughs along the way.

We had another crepe breakfast followed by District Council at our home this week. We have loved having these wonderful young volunteers in our home over the past 18 months. Later that evening, two of them came back by to drop off some delicious rolls, along with this sweet message. They are so thoughtful! Moments like this are one of the things we will treasure most about our time here.




Many of the things we noticed early on in our time in Mongolia—our “TIM” (This Is Mongolia!) moments—now seem completely commonplace to us. Even so, there are still plenty of things that make us laugh! This week we got a good chuckle out of this “almost” correct English on a juice display in a grocery store.

As we look back on another busy week, we are reminded of how much Mongolia has become home to us. After 18 months, the little things—the service, the friendships, the funny translations, the unexpected adventures, and even the cramped taxi rides—have become part of our everyday life. We know we won’t be here forever, which makes us want to slow down and appreciate these ordinary moments a little more. We are grateful for the people who continue to make our mission so meaningful and for all the memories we are making along the way.


Comments

  1. Bill and Shauna CookeAugust 30, 2026 at 3:24 PM

    Memories remind me of a song. Memories placed between the pages of my mind. Yes as your time in Mongolia begins to come to an end, the memories of the events, and people you have been part of will be forever remembered. And that Air Force assisted Christmas drop will NOT be forgotten. What a way to spend part of your retirement time serving the Lord in those far parts parts of the Lord's vineyard.

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