A Mini Naadam and Time with Friends

Last week our friends Tseko and Namja and their mom took us to a small town west of Ulaanbaatar to see the Naadam festival there. Typically Naadam is celebrated from July 11th to 13th each summer, but towns outside of Ulaanbaatar celebrate at different dates. It was a really nice time for us, though a bit rainy. There was a small-town feel to it and we were able to get closer to the events going on. There was some wrestling in the mini stadium and several long-distance horse races.

The horse races are typically 3 hours long. The horses are incredibly exhausted by the end of the race since the riders seem to have little compassion for them and ride fast the whole time. Mongolian horses are smaller than North American horses, but have incredible stamina. That is one reason the Mongol armies during the days of Genghis Khan and others were so effective. In these Naadam horse races, the riders are typically children. They sure know how to ride!!

Later that day we all went to a nice place in the countryside for lunch. Really nice!

I also have photos of time with friends during the last few weeks.

You can see a horse racer in the distance on the right of the photo

This young girl is about to cross the finish line... she won the race

... the mini stadium in the town ...

... me with Kathy, Tseko and Namja ...

... one of the venerated officials ...

... a typical wrestling match ...

our friend Tseko :)

Kathy with Namja and Tseko where we stopped for lunch

Our dear friend Cici got her student visa to go to the U.S. She is going to study at Christ For The Nations Bible school, and is very excited about it. Her family got together for a farewell dinner that we were invited to. Thanks Cici and family!!

Cici with Kathy and me

We always have friends over to our home :) There wouldn't be room on my blog is I showed photos of everyone!! But here are some ....

Me with "the Gangstas"... :)

Zaya, May and Nara ...

Kathy with Bogii and Oogii :)