A Good Friendship

We had a recent trip up to the Russian Monument, Zaisan, a famous site we've been to before, but a fun place to visit every so often.  You can see the whole city from side to side.  Ulaanbaatar is a long, skinny city that runs like a snaking river through the valley between two ranges of mountains. 

We have become good friends with this dear family.  I met Enebish (the father) in February 2011 when I was meeting with a group of friends at a restaurant.  Enebish heard us speaking English and he came up to me and asked if I'd teach his wife English.  I met his wife, Munkhtsegtseg, who was also at the restaurant (the woman in this photo holding their son), and we made plans.  Their two daughters are also in this photo.  We have had many meals together, and on a recent Sunday, we ate together at their home, then they drove us all out to Zaisan.  It was a cool, windy day, but the friendship was warm. 

Kevin and I stand with part of the monument behind us.

Nearby the monument is a children's park where a child can ride this toy train.  Here, their son enjoys a few moments.

This Buddha statue stands at least 40 feet tall.  It glints in the sun.  I was recently reading in Deuteronomy 4.  The Israelites were reminded to NOT create any graven image to worship, since it would only be of their imagination, because God did not show Himself in the midst of the fire.  It is joyful to share with others of a God who can see and hear and respond!

Another work of art at the Zaisan area.  For many, it is more than just art.