Postmission While still in Mongolia I started packing several weeks before we were scheduled to leave. I was determined we’d leave with fewer suitcases than with which we had come. In my mind I wanted to get it all into four (half of those we came with) but it eventually looked like I’d have to settle with five. Then it began to look like five wouldn’t do until Baatar and Doya came to our rescue. The afternoon before we were to leave they came to help us with last minute packing. They knew we still had a medium-sized carpet, several leather jackets, and a myriad of gifts to get into that last suitcase. (page 317)          We should have known better than to worry about getting it all to fit. They’re a marvel at packing. Baatar soon had the carpet folded to just the right size to fit in the bottom of the suitcase and then they began rolling the leather jackets, placing two heavy leather pillows (gifts) between them and all the other large and small gifts that had been brought to us during our last week. Former Elder Schipp had warned us we’d receive many gifts before leaving but I thought everyone who was going to give us something had already done so. Not! They did succeed in getting it all in, however, and I wished I had had them do the whole job and we’d probably have gotten out of there with three pieces of luggage!(page 318)          Morning eventually came and we showered, had a small breakfast, and packed our last minute items. We sat down and waited for Baatar. Then friends began to come by to say goodbye; more small gifts came. Baatar, his wife Enkhsaikhan, daughter Oyunga, and Doya came—not just to carry down our luggage and drive us to the airport but with “breakfast.” Enkhsaikhan had gotten up early in the morning to start a fire in their ger stove, make buuz (bodes), and hyarum (milk tea) for us. We were overwhelmed! They explained to us that Oyunga was supposed to be in school but she wouldn’t go as she had to say goodbye to her American grandmother and grandfather. So they drove her to school and explained to her teacher she’d be absent that morning.      Doya, John, and Nancy                               Buuz and hyarum Enkhsaikhan and Doya and several of the other guests went into the kitchen and got plates, cups, and silverware and proceeded to serve a meal to everyone present and all others who arrived. Enkhsaikhan served us each three buuz and John “graciously” kept giving his to newcomers. Another larger gift arrived and Baatar and Doya tucked it away in a suitcase. (page 319)  <<< back    next >>>