I must admit that I have a very long way to go in learning the Mongolian language. But, how exciting to see small words making a difference in the way I can relate to someone or even request something. Yesterday, Kevin and I were on a walk to go to the post office for postage. A beggar approached us and said "Moooney?" The beggars have learned that wonderful English word. I smiled at him and shrugged my shoulders, signifying that I had no money. (Kevin had some money, but I didn't). We kept walking at a normal pace and he kept walking right along with us. (Since then, we've found out that's very strange for a beggar to continue walking with you for several blocks). He reminded me of a lost puppy in need of a warm meal. I searched my mind. What could I say to him to help? What could I communicate in Mongolian?
Kevin and I began talking to one another. What should we do? We didn't feel scared or threatened at all. There were tons of people walking on the sidewalk, and he didn't seem threatening. The two teen aged girls ahead of us kept looking back to see if he was still walking with us. I smiled at them and they smiled back. We were attracting attention, for sure!
Suddenly, I thought of something. "Talkth?" I asked him. That's "Bread?" His wide, sad eyes brightened and he shook his head up and down. There's "Mini Markets" all along the sidewalks to pop into. I waved my hand alongside as if to say, "Come with us," and we went into a market and bought a large loaf of bread for a mere 650 Tugricks. That's less than 50 cents! And it's beautiful bakery bread. (Side note: bread and red peppers are two things I've noticed which are extremely cheaper here. Many groceries are more expensive or similarly priced as the US...but, I digress!)
Kevin and I began talking to one another. What should we do? We didn't feel scared or threatened at all. There were tons of people walking on the sidewalk, and he didn't seem threatening. The two teen aged girls ahead of us kept looking back to see if he was still walking with us. I smiled at them and they smiled back. We were attracting attention, for sure!
Suddenly, I thought of something. "Talkth?" I asked him. That's "Bread?" His wide, sad eyes brightened and he shook his head up and down. There's "Mini Markets" all along the sidewalks to pop into. I waved my hand alongside as if to say, "Come with us," and we went into a market and bought a large loaf of bread for a mere 650 Tugricks. That's less than 50 cents! And it's beautiful bakery bread. (Side note: bread and red peppers are two things I've noticed which are extremely cheaper here. Many groceries are more expensive or similarly priced as the US...but, I digress!)
We handed him the bread and I felt ill equipped in telling him about the bread of life. I so wanted him to know more. Next time I'll have a printed bookmark in Mongolian which has good information concerning the bread you can partake in and never again become hungry. There are opportunities all around us. May we be wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16).
5 comments:
You have had a heart for the hungry for so long!
My thoughts are transported over 20 years back to my apartment in Capitol Hill and the bums that would sleep by the dumpster. And the lunch you gave one of them, including canned pineapple.
Do bums carry around can openers?
Your "lost puppy" now knows where he can get more bread. May you help him be filled with abundance!
What were you mailing? All these stories are really awesome!! That's the cool thing that I've notice about about the Spanish m-trips I've been on. You learn all the "J" words. :) What a blessing, and that is cool that other people were noticing you.
What a beautiful post. You have had wonderful opportunites to be bread and light. Blessings to you as you press on for Him!!
Rebecca: How funny about the can opener. I can't remember this happening, but I'm sure I didn't even think of how he was going to open the can. Strong teeth?
Alicia: We try to mail a letter or two or three every week. You'll get one someday soon! :) I think the one we took on this day was for Nora Q.
Rebecca: How funny about the can opener. I can't remember this happening, but I'm sure I didn't even think of how he was going to open the can. Strong teeth?
Alicia: We try to mail a letter or two or three every week. You'll get one someday soon! :) I think the one we took on this day was for Nora Q.
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