Missionary Dan Email #17 from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Presented here are portions of Elder Daniel Willoughby’s seventeenth email from the Mongolia Ulaanbaatar Mission. If anyone wishes to send Daniel a message, write it in the comments and I will make sure he receives it.

Wow its crazy that Nathan is already home. Didn’t he just leave? It sounds like he had a very successful mission.

Daniel Singing in Mongolian

On Mother’s Day Daniel spoke with the family and Jill recorded him singing in Mongolian.

Missionary Work

This week was definitely different from last week. It has been good to get to know my new companion. We celebrated his birthday in our apartment (see picture). Surprisingly I have almost met his entire family. One day his dad was on the bus in the city and his brother gave a ride another day. Mongolia is a small place so a lot of Mongolian missionaries here see their families.

Most of the time I can understand what my companion says, which is an amazing blessing from the Lord. Sometimes we get out the Oxford dictionary and attempt to say things to each other. It is a good experience. He is trying really hard to learn English and thanks me for teaching him. I am not the best teacher but the Lord is helping him learn.

The Branches

The new branch is great. I am doing my best to get to know them. I am able to talk to one member a lot that likes to try and speak English. Most of the time I can understand what he is trying to say. The branch missionaries are really good to come with us when we teach lessons and they are good teachers.

Yesterday made me very happy. There was a fireside being held at my old branch and we were able to attend. When I got there my old district all said, “Elder Willoughby!” I couldn’t help but smile. They all gave me hugs and when I say that the Sisters are excluded. I also got to see Mongon od and Erdenmuhx. As I was talking with Erdenmuhx she said she was looking for me when she received the Holy Ghost. She recited to me, “Where is Elder Willoughby?” I said I really wanted to be there but when the president says to move, we move. She understood and was happy to see me. Mongon Od also volunteered at the fireside to read a scripture. Elder Altangerel said to me, “That’s our new member. :)” We gave each other high fives.

I was also greeted warmly from the Branch President, his counselors, and the other members in the branch. It made all the hard efforts worth it. It made me so happy to see my new members there going strong.

Weather

It is warm mornings, kind of hot in the afternoon, and great temperatures the rest of the day. It is much just like the weather in Utah.

To Mom:

I am very grateful that you are my mom. You were and still are my favorite mom. I love you for who you are and you mean a lot to me. I’d be no where without you.
The backpack I got from the MTC works great for my mission. It was 30 dollars. I bought a carry-on in addition to my backpack at the MTC as well which was even cheaper. It worked great and I had no problems. Every mission is different. The apartment is nicer than the last one. It’s very comfortable. Thanks for taking care of Mikey. :)

To Dad:

I have to say that for how old you are, sleeping in church should be part of your routine, but I am grateful for your example of always making the effort to fulfill your callings. I am not really sure where Ehxtaban is… The stake was delayed because of presidential elections here. Nothing bad happened, they were just being cautions I think. When I learn more I’ll tell you about it.

To Byron:

You’ll be great. Work hard in the MTC and it will be a blessing your whole mission. I absolutely loved the MTC, even after 13 weeks there I would have stayed (well, maybe). Don’t let anyone mess up your thinking of what you can become. The possibilities are endless. The Lord has great things in store for you. I am excited for you to serve along with me. I don’t want you at my homecoming but I want to be at yours.

To Steven:

Thanks for the pictures. Its fun to get to look at them.

Love, Elder Willoughby