Mongolia, land of the blue sky and of my heart

Oh, Mongolia. 

The land is beautiful, but the people are even more lovely. It's amazing how quickly friendships can form and grow, even with language barriers! People are people, and we all want to be loved. Short trips can leave lasting impacts…this one did for sure. I'm so excited to share some of my photos from the four weeks we spent there with you all!

Below you'll see: 
Ulaan Baatar, the capital city & where we lived
Chinggis Khaan Statue (and horse riding!)
Hiking by Zaisan with students & friends
Terelj, National Park in the Countryside
Last Rally Day at our school
Exploring the Naran Tuul "Black Market" in UB
Matt winning 4th place in a MAS-wrestling competition (wut!?)
Our final banquet
 

Mongolia: Sneak Peek!

This is the country that swiftly and quietly stole my heart (but maybe it isn't hard to do that?!). It's amazing how visiting someplace can so quickly change your perspective on it, people, and life. That's the beauty of travel and missions. God can do so much in just a short amount of time, if we're willing. I can't wait to share more photos from this trip—but if you really want to know more, you should plan a trip to Mongolia for yourself! You won't regret it.

Re-entry: bumps ahead!

For the first time in my life, being home is not what it used to be. I've loved my home more than any place—the land my family lives on, Midwestern sunsets, and the local people I've known as neighbors and friends for the past 18 years. A short term trip to Mongolia changed my life; it's a little early in the game to say that, but I know it is true. I'm excited to look at this short-yet-long month in 5, 10, 50 years and see how my life is a better kind of different for it all. I experienced intimacy with Christ, and answered prayers, so clearly. I met people I'd heard of before, and now know and love so personally—friends and siblings in the Lord, who I can't wait to be reunited with! Our team fought, and fought for unity. A woman who loves the Lord shared dinner and her heart with us…the evening that Jesus used her to remind me that He has made me who I am for a reason. And I'm now beginning to work through what that could be, and look like, and take me moving forward.

Much excitement! Much fear and trembling and trust.

Beautiful wildflowers overlooking Ulaan Baatar

The next month will be a wonderful but hard time of re-adjustment. Lots of change will be happening—a best friend gets married, I get to again trust the Lord to provide for my fundraising needs, I move into an apartment for the first time (!!!), and also move towards a very unknown future. However, I am so thankful to have promises that are true and trustworthy to cling to. Hebrews 11:16 is a clear reminder that although I don't know what will happen after my second year of Edge Corps, I have a permanent home! What a hope to cling to. 

This little blog of mine will be frequently updating with weddings, engagements, and senior photos this next month—and hopefully, soon I'll also get to share photos, stories, and some of the wonderful people that the Lord brought into my life in Mongolia. Woo-hoo! Can't wait!