First Impressions

I am finally at my site and I must say that there is beauty in this small aimag center. I like the size and the available resources. I am also living in a Mongolian ger, which is a traditional living arrangement that is sacred to the nomadic culture. I was terrified about living in a ger prior to moving and I must say that I like it so far. My favorite part is creating my own fires. It’s a strange feeling to acknowledge that my life will be literally in my own hands during this winter as I try to stay warm.

I have been hanging out a lot with one of my counterparts. She is awesome! She basically took me under her wing and she has showed me this beautiful aimag center, Mandalgovi. I am looking forward to working with her for the next two years. My other counterparts and hosha mother that I have met are very pleasant people as well. I will have more detailed updates when I am able to get my Internet up and running.

Bayartai!

My Ger

Morin Khuur - Mongolian musical instrument

My awesome CP - Bumaa

Me (It was really windy in this pic, hense the hair lol)

A nice view of some of my aimag center from the Black Hill (Khar Ovoo)

Site Placement

I have been anticipating this moment during my entire summer of training in Mongolia. My site placement! Drum rolls please!! 

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I will be living in Dundgovi aimag in the aimag center Mandalgovi. I know many people reading this have no idea where that is but if you do some research you can find out more information about my new home for the next two years. Also I will be living in a ger, which is the traditional way of living in Mongolia. Over the years many locals have adapted to living in apartment but gers are true to Mongolian culture.

When I received my site placement I was consumed by many emotions and although it has been more than 24 hours, I am still feeling a bit overwhelmed. I will keep everyone informed on what is going on during my last week of training before I am sent off to sight. 

Family Appreciation Weekend

Last weekend was dedicated to appreciating our host families. It was one of my most memorable events during training. I deemed that weekend necessary because no matter what situation we went through with our families this summer, they deserved to receive some sort of praise for allowing us to live in their homes. Here is a list of what my training site group did for Host Family Appreciation Day ( Saturday, August 3^rd, 2013):

1) Met at the high school is our soum to depart to the mother tree (eej mod).

2) Arrived at the mother tree site and said prayers while giving offerings (such as rice, milk, vodka, money, etc.).

3) Had a picnic where our host families prepared appetizers (such as pototo salad, fruits, bread and jam, vegetable and meat entrees of all sorts), played several Mongolian and American games, gave our families their certificates of appreciation, and engaged in various activities that I cannot recall.

Overall this has been a very good week. I also realize that I am a week away from final center days, where I will find out my site placement and participate in the final activities of my pre service training for Peace Corps Mongolia. I am excited and nervous at the same time but I am ready to see what mysteries will unfold themselves these next two weeks!

The Mother Tree (Eej Mod)

My Host Sister and Host Mom

My site mates and I presenting the cakes to our Host Families.