From UB to Darkhan

I began my second day of teaching today (Saturday). Many more leaders were able to join us this morning due to better traffic and work schedules. Almost all have to take the bus to the church office and traffic in UB can be, let's say, horrendous.

We had three, one hour, sessions on the Holy Spirit. The leaders were so excited to learn a completely different way to relate to God as they saw the Holy Spirit in a whole new light. Once again Mona (or Moni) translated for me. She has just returned from four months in London and her English is excellent.

The last session ran about forty minutes long as they had many questions and I had long answers (imagine that). We all hugged and posed for pictures and then I had to make a dash to my apartment (twenty minute fast walk) to get packed. Ps Hetee from Darkhan was soon to arrive to take me to Darkhan.

I ran over to Mike and Diane's to give them the money for the guest house and had a chance to say a big "Thanks!" to them. They made my stay in UB an absolute pleasure. They're off to Singapore for a conference so I won't see them again before I leave.

Ps Hetee arrived and he said the road from Darkhan to UB was really icey and bad. It's about 225 km to Darkhan from UB and it can take an hour just to get out of UB due to traffic. I prayed that my bladder would hold out (which it did) and off we went. Little Abi was with us and she kept us entertained singing her version of Wedgie Tales. (Yes, Wedgie.)

Ps Hetee was right; the road was treacherous at times, especially with a dirty windshield, twilight sky and cattle crossing the road any place and time they like. It was getting almost impossible to see them and so Ps Hetee leaned close to the windshield and we all prayed we wouldn't hit anything bigger than the car.

We made it to Darkhan without incident and arrived to a very excited family eager to know we were safely home. Big hugs from everyone and then I got to play Santa Claus and give out the goodies I was able to bring, even with the new airline weight restrictions. Melanie quickly fed us some homemade gumbo (yes, real Louisiana gumbo) and I've got to tell you, having not eaten all day that was about the best thing I've ever had, next to my wife's cooking, of course.

We then sat around and watched Nate and a neighbor kid try to "kill" each other with Mongolian wrestling techniques and martial arts. Abi and Kenny ran around chasing their new kitty and I learned I have to be very careful with kitty since Abi thinks I'm going to break it. Kenny is just Kenny: a little cute man.

I'll be preaching today (Sunday) at 2:00 PM (normal church service time). The seminar on the Holy Spirit will be Monday - Wednesday. Can't wait to sit with the leaders and learn together.

Due to the internet connection I won't be able to upload video but I'll add some pictures as I'm able.

Please keep my family in your prayers.