This was my first sewing project and this is part of the reason we took the train to Erdenet that fine fall day the end of Sept. 2014. I spent a delightful day with Sister Hill buying enough flannel and batting from the local black market to make 50 baby blankets. All RS sisters had been called and invited to donate their time and expertise the next day.
To my very pleasant surprise close to 30 ladies turned out, some who are less active and a couple of investigators included and we set to work without taking off our coats. Coats stayed on because it was soooooo cold in the building. (The city had not turned on heat to the city's buildings yet). Friday was evidently the last day of a lovely Indian Summer and Saturday was the first day of winter.
The ladies were undaunted.
I was freezing, but they had purpose and focus. Their goal was to finish 50 blankets to donate to the local hospital and they really pushed to make that happen.
Everyone who owned a sewing machine brought it and we had electric and hand crank machines to use.
It takes two to use the hand crank machine and these two ladies worked in sync, one pulling the fabric thru and the other cranking to make the needle go up and down. It was beautiful to watch.
Others did the hand quilting using the international tying stitch I taught them and they are quick learners.
Sister Hill and I have smiles on our faces because we are holding the first finished blanket.
At the end of the day 25 blankets were finished. The ladies gathered together again another day to finish the rest and then took this photo of all who participated before they took the blankets to the hospital. You might think that its nice that they made those blankets but the picture is much bigger than that. The fellowshipping that happened that very cold day warmed the hearts of some who had forgotten why they were baptized and others who are investigating the gospel saw the power for good that is a part of true religion. Faith, hope and charity. Relief Society. They go together.
What better way to get acquainted with Mongolia than to pay a visit to the local open air market called the "black market". I found out quickly that folks here don't like it when people take their photos without asking and most say "no" if asked...so a bit of quiet photography (that means snapping photos without looking thru the view finder) so as not to upset the locals was the order of the day.
CCJ stands for cheap China junk and that's what you find at the black market. This shopping cart is a handy way to move the merchandise around to all "could be" customers. If the corner where you've set up shop is not producing results its easy to move to the next corner. I call this clever marketing. Take the merchandise to the customer.
I was surprised to find several booths with fishing equipment. Rods and reels abound and act as a magnet to David.
He's hooked and they reel him in.
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What fur" you say. Animal fur made into hats and coats has no stigma here. The bigger and furrier the better and I have to say, fur keeps me warm.
Where there are lots of animals... and there are lots of animals here, there are lots of leather belts just waiting to wrap around your waist.
This is shoe city, just a part of the BM. There are about a bizillion pairs of shoes here. Imelda Marcos could wear herself out here. (For those of you who are too young to know who Imelda is...look it up. I'll give you a hint. She is from the Philippines and she's the wife of someone who was quite important in the government there some years back and was involved in a big shoe scandal).
Now these boots are a work of art. How do they make the toes curl up like that? I have it on the best authority that elves make them.
This little boy is just like any other little boy being dragged thru the market by parents who have an agenda but he's really cute in his little dell (that's the traditional robe the Mongolians wear).
Personal hygiene is important and many people wear face masks even when there is no pollution in the summer. I have been told that when they are outside in the sun they cover up like this to keep their skin white. White skin is a prized possession here.
I wanted to snap a photo of this lady's face which was rich with life and hardship, but could only get her back which leaves all to wonder what stories she has to tell.
We decided to take the night train to Erdenet. The doctor was meeting with another doctor and I was involved with my first RS sewing project. Going by car is an uncomfortable journey of 6-7 hrs over rough roads that leave you feeling like a marble in a jar of marbles that has just tipped over onto the floor and rolled to the stairs and tumbled down to the bottom. Is that graphic enough? So the train sounded like a fun alternative. Here we are at the station in UB ready to board the long green line.
We bought tickets for a private car with 4 bunks. Do you remember the bunks at stake girls camp? Well, those were roomy. We had a piece of plywood with a couple inches of padding and about 24 inches wide. I've become wider than 24 inches since girls camp. Osorjamaa, our translator came with us. Does the doctor look comfy?
Close quarters for three let alone a fourth person. Let the party begin.
Here we are at the beginning of our train adventure looking forward to a nice ride hearing the sound of clickity, clackity lulling us to sleep. We had been given clean sheets and a blanket and pillow to use and we were pretty impressed.
Its always movie night on the night train if you bring your own movie, but I forgot the popcorn.
The long corridor is just like in the "Orient Express". This is getting more fun by the minute except for one thing...the bathroom door is locked! Dr. Lewis is in trouble. There's not a pee can in sight and the windows are locked shut. Tight spot for the doctor, but the "cat look" from Shrek works and the lady guarding the bathroom finally lets him in after assuring him with one look that she is in control and has decided to be merciful. (His tears may have helped).
After a rather long night, this is what we awoke to. What a beautiful sight with the sun just coming up.
The sun is creeping up the hills and the light is that special light that happens only at dusk and dawn.
Up and ready to go, we look none the worse for our train adventure. We will sleep well the next night.
The sun is up and its a golden autumn day.
This is the bathroom guard. If she told you "no" you wouldn't argue with her.
Our train ride is past, the beautiful autumn day is ahead and we've just had another Mongolian adventure. Toot, toot!
