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Update on Mongolia Mission Trip
January 16, 2007
In October of 2006, Frank Roberts of the Houston District Office and his wife left for a mission trip to Mongolia. We recently heard from the Roberts, who are living in the town of Nalaikh, about 35 kilometers southeast of Ulaanbaatar, the capital city.
"We are living in a comfortable apartment, modest by US standards, but probably one of the nicest in town. It is a fourth-floor walkup with a nice view of the mountains to the north," comments Mr. Roberts.
The major industries in Nalaikh are the coal mines, power plant, garment factories, a bakery, and a military base. Most of the people live in humble dwellings, including many who live in a ger ("yurt" in English), the traditional Mongolian round, white felt tent stretched over a wooden frame. These gers and the houses in the ger districts have no indoor plumbing, but they do have electricity and television. A coal and/or wood burning stove in the center of the ger keeps it warm. Those who live in apartments have indoor plumbing and heat from hot-water radiators, but many of the apartments are small and without much furniture.
For eighteen months, the Roberts will be providing shadow leadership, training, and support to the local Latter Day Saints (LDS) congregation. Mrs. Roberts is also giving basic piano lessons.
According to Mr. Roberts, all English-speaking missionaries in Mongolia are required to teach English as well. "We teach English at a local 'business college' and at the church."
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