Presented here are portions of Elder Daniel Willoughby’s thirty sixth 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.
Daniel (second right) with missionaries from his zone in Ulaanbaatar.
General Conference
General Conference was great! It went by extremely fast. We were sad when it was over. It was so exciting to watch. Waiting for it to start was like going to a midnight showing of a movie that just came out. Luckily I didn’t read any spoilers. Ha ha. Elder Holland was really into his talk on Sunday. It reminded me of when he came to the MTC and “yelled” at all of us to stay on our missions. He is one of my favorite speakers. Also all the Elders from my MTC group were there. We planned our year mark party that is coming right up.
Missionary Work
My companion and I are getting along good. The first week with him was quite a challenge, but I’ve adjusted. He gets to call President Andersen every morning now because he didn’t wake up on time a few times. That has really been helping him to get out of bed in the morning. He is lots of fun and is helping me learn Mongolian better. He is also feeling much better. The doctor gave him some Tums. It is funny because the word tums in Mongolian means potatoes. Those have helped him out.
A Funeral
I don’t know much about funerals in Mongolia. I went to someone’s house that recently had someone die like one week ago though. We helped them peel tons of potatoes and cut lots of meat. Apparently they have lots of people come over and eat food. They also have a little black box that plays somewhat strange music. They let it run until the battery is dead. It is next to a picture of the person that recently passed away. Other than that I have no idea what they do for funerals.
Dogs and the Weather
Dogs are everywhere in Mongolia. We run into at least five a day. They aren’t much of a problem though. All the dogs I have met are always afraid of us. If they start to approach you, you can just pretend to pick up a rock and they run for their lives.
The weather has actually stayed very warm. Today it is actually hot. It is strange because last year at this time it was very cold. It is kind of handy that the only winter I am in Mongolia for hasn’t yet come. They say January is the coldest month.
His Work and His Love
We didn’t take a single picture this week so there isn’t any to send. I’ll do better this week about that. I am thinking of taking some pictures of the families I meet with every week.
I know this Church is true and that the Heavenly Father and His Son are helping us do His work each day. I have come to know more fully of His love for us, His children. I know He does indeed love us.
Love from Elder Willoughby
Mongolia is a beautiful asian country. I love it.