The Sun Will Rise....

I have been in Mongolia exactly one month, the adventure has not been easy, and just about everything that could go wrong has.

 Looking back to the first week of training, we were asked what strengths we bring to the team here in Mongolia. I said “flexibility” and "intentionality". I'm sure God chuckled just a bit after He heard those words....

A week into our trip, my team (AKA the DIVAS) was placed in a small province called Khentii. We were there about a week, and as you know, one of my teammates had to leave to go back to the US because of family stuff. Because of this, and other things, our teaching schedule and living situation changed…and then changed again…and again. Three times in one week to be exact. Change always seems huge when you’re in the middle of it. I tried to roll with the punches, but I got caught up in the weight of it all, and started to feel totally overwhelmed.

 The first time we were promised a replacement team member from the capital city, UB, but couldn’t come at last minute, so we got someone else for the final week of classes.  I have had a very hard time adjusting to this new member, it has brought back a lot of different emotions, insecurities, and struggles from my past. What I am finding is that no matter how much therapy you recieve or how well you have worked through your "issues", there will always be triggers and tactics in this life that the enemy will try to use to get you off track, especially when you are living on mission and intentionally being the hands and feet of Jesus. It is in those moments that you need to keep your eyes focused on Jesus, because in a split second you will find yourself treading water and gasping for a breath, just like Peter did when he was walking on water and began to look at the storms around him. 

 What I am finding is that when I am intentionally focusing on Jesus, I am reminded,

"Fear not Carleigh, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you will not be burned, and the flame will not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, Your Savior. (Isiah 43:1-3)."

Once I recognized my inability to pull myself up by the boot straps, I began to lean into Jesus, and reminded of another promise, " Behold, I am making all things new. I am starting with you (Carleigh). I want you to be evidence through out the universe because I have restored and redeemed you (Revelation 21:5)."


The Lord is using my brokenness, my insecurities, my struggles, and my roller coaster of emotions, to let his light shine through me because it is a constant reminder to the world that we don't have to have everything together, each one of us has different forms of brokeness, but when we allow Him in, He uses them for His glory!

I am choosing to not believe the lies. 
I will fight to believe the truth and the promises He has given me. 
I will cling to God even in the dark, believing and knowing...
                                                                                       the SUN WILL Rise!

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Naadam Festival

A few weeks ago, we got the privilege of not only watching the The Naadam Festival in Khentii, but we were invited to be a part of the opening ceremonies. We gathered in the center of stadium and joined the parade, the Mongolians went crazy! They do not see many foreigners, let alone 3 American ladies. 

Getting Ready for the Opening Ceremony

Needless to say, we were completely under dressed for this occasion, but we were honored. We were the only foreigners asked to be a part of this parade and celebration. We were later informed by our students that we were on T.V.

 It has been said that Mongolian archers are the best in the world. Both men and women wear traditional costumes and shoot arrows made of willow branches and vulture feathers. The one who hits the target the most times is the winner.

 Mongolian Delicacies...
Fermented Horse Milk & Horse Meat

 I liked the horse races best, we had VIP access. The jockeys are boys and girls (between 5 and 13 years old). The children ride bare back for about 10 to 15 mils depending on the age of the horse.  The children begin    practicing for these races at the age of 3.

Top Right: 12 time World Champion Wrestler and politician.

The last event is  wrestling, which is very different than American wresting. First, there are no weight divisions. A small wrestler can be pitted against someone two times his weight. This can lead to some very interesting matches. Second, there are no time limits. The loser of a match is the wrestler who falls first. A fall is when any part of a wrestlers body, except his hands or feet, touches the ground.

Teaching English in Chinggis City

As many of you know, I came to Mongolia to teach English. I was expecting to work with Mongolian teachers and professionals, however I was placed with the Intro English speaking students, (which has turned out to be kids and teens, my hearts desire!). It has been very challenging because most of them only know basic English phrases and I do not have a translator.

Some of My Students

 The first day, I had one student walk into my class and take a seat. I asked all the students to write their name on a piece of paper for a name plate. She just looked at me and stared. I recognized her stare, it's the same one my 1st graders give me when they don't understand, I felt right at home! I quickly found out not only did she not understand a word I was saying, she had no idea how to write her name in English. She had never seen the English alphabet before. I was in shock! 

Needless to say, she is slowly improving and now able to write her name in English.

As a whole,  Mongolia has a very high need for teachers because  students are willing to do whatever it takes to take an English class. For many Mongolians, it means they have a shot at a better paying job.

Bus Ride to Chinggis City

Sain UU...which means "Hi, How are you" in Mongolian. (It is pronounced San Beno.)

Things have been crazy here. We are just now settling in and will be leaving Khentii Province in exactly one week and heading to Tereldj, a ger  (yurt) camp with our English students for 5 days and then we will end our time in UB for a few days. I can't believe its almost over. It seems in many ways it has been the longest 6 weeks of my life.

Here are some pictures of our journey to Chinggis City here....

After leaving UB, we hopped onto a bus and headed 6hrs. east of UB to the country side, and ended up in the Province of Khentii, a small  town named Chinggis City, the birth place of Chinggis Khan (pronounced Gangis Khan, if your American). There are about 5,000 people here and they do not see foreigners often, let alone 3 American girls, we felt like movie stars and quite suprised there haven't been any car accidents.

I met 3 girls on the bus and none of them spoke English. It was pretty difficult to communicate, but thanks to iphones and technology, we were able to use different apps to translate!

This was our view on the way to Chinggis City.

The bottom left picture is our fancy restrooms...also known as squatty potties! Most restraunts and houses do not have western toilets, so it's pretty common to see people going off into the distance when nature calls...

My Uncle Steve told me that Mongolian children are some of the most beautiful and cutest kids. At first I laughed and thought are you serious, but I couldn't agree with him more! They have the most beautiful skin and biggest checks with permanent dimples!

After a very long bus ride, we made it! Our living conditions for the last 3 weeks have been pretty booshie, we are staying at the Khan Burged Khentii Hotel. It is about $30 a night.  Occasionally we have hot water and internet, both of which are a hot commodity around here...

Fighting the Battle

I am sorry it has taken me a while to post. We have been fighting some major spiritual warfare and at the end of the day, it leaves me exhausted....So for now, please pray....

Battle #1 
I am on a team with 2 other girls (Debra and Meredith) and we have been placed in the countryside, about 5 hours east of the Capital, UB. Meredith found out her father in in need of a heart surgery but they are unable to operate currently because there is a blood clot near his heart. He is at a high risk for a stroke and/or a heart attack, please pray for her family.

Debra (Left)  and Meredith (Right)

Needless to say the last 48 hours have been very difficult. We have been waiting for updates and hoping for a full healing and recovery for Meredith's dad. It has yet to happen, but we continue to pray, with urgency and expectancy. Last night, Meredith had a major panic attack and our director came out from UB. She is now heading home to be with her family. Please pray for her as the travel arrangements are made, her safety as she travels, that she will feel a peace that surpasses all of her understanding and she finds comfort only He can bring.

Lastly, please pray for Debra and myself. We are both very raw and doing our best to keep it together as we try and fill in her shoes. It looks like we will be splitting Meredith's students, which means we will each be teaching about 30 students who do not know any English. Please pray that we are effective and able to press on as we are both feeling broken.  

More to come....

We Have Arrived

After 15 hours of flight time, our group made it! Luckily I was able to sleep due to our  red eye flight that left LAX  around 2:00a.m. We arrived in Beijing, China, had a small layover......

Beijing Airport

and arrived in Mongolia this morning...
                                            around 11:00am.

The "pose" in-front of  the Beatles memorial, Chinggis Khan (as Mongolian's spell it) and his faithful military personal!

Let the adventure begin....

Hi Everyone...
My time in CA has been a blast. I have been able to see lots of friends and family, it has been very busy, but a joy!

My family supporting my t-shirt fundraiser! Love you guys!!

My friend Jamie and I at the OCEAN!! My home away from home!

One of my college girlfriends...It was so great to see you Mel!!

I am getting ready to head to LAX where I will be catching my flight to Mongolia. I can't believe the day is here! Please pray for safe travels as I adventure out to be the hands and feet of Jesus!

This CALIF girl made her luggage under 40lbs...can you believe it???

P.S. My goal is to update the blog every Wednesday or so as long as I have internet  :)

Made It!

Words can not express how thankful I am for all of the prayers and support as I start this adventure. There has been a lot of spiritual warfare and I am so thankful that I have friends and family standing in the gap on my behalf. Please continue to pray, as I get closer to leaving to Mongolia, I know the enemy will be working over time. 

Please pray for the following:
- Rest: The last few weeks have been extremely busy, and I am running on very little sleep. Please pray my time here in CA would be one of refreshing, both spiritually and physically.
- Unity: Our team would be united and working toward one goal, that we would be the hands and feet of Jesus.
- Peace: Pray that I am overwhelmed with His peace, and all sense of fear would be washed away because our God is not one of fear, but of power and authority!

Ephesians 6:10-13
"Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against, the  wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle with flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places! Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand!"

I think that's all for now! I hope to blog a little here and there before I head over seas!

 

Well, needless to say, I made it to California and the 1st stop was.... 
In-n-Out

Why Mongolia?

This summer I will be living in Mongolia where I will be teaching. The focus of my adventure will be threefold: to teach English to teens and adults who live in low income villages, to share contemporary teaching methodology and practices, and to prepare me as I embark on getting my TESOL certification (Teaching English to speakers of other languages).

Organization I am going with:

Since 1981 ELIC (English Language Institute of China) has been placing teachers all over Asia. ELIC primarily serves through the medium of English instruction to meet the ever-growing demand for quality English education in Asia. This organization offers continuing education credits for those who are maintaining a teacher certificate, seeking master’s Degrees, graduate certificate, or Ph.D. ELIC has many other programs for college students, graduates, singles, couples, families and second-career adults. ELIC currently serves in China, Mongolia, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar. In most cases they maintain both year-long and summer programs. While they are focused primarily on university campuses and teacher training, they also teach in a variety of other settings designed to best serve their host countries and government entities. 

I would love for you to be a part of this adventure with me. The most important support I need is for you to be uplifting me throughout my adventure. 

If your interested in buying a t-shirt, please let me know what size and where you would like it to be sent.

About Me

3 years ago I started my adventure, I traded my flip-flops in for cowboy boots. I left everything I knew in California, my family and friends and moved east. I ended up in the flat lands of Oklahoma. I had a little bit of trouble adjusting at the beginning, but it has been an incredible learning opportunity and a great time to reflect and re-focus my priorities. It took some time to get settled, but I have found my place. Often I am asked why I left California, and here is my response: when a door opens you take it. Sometimes you don’t always know why opportunities arise but once you walk through the threshold, you realize, the opportunity was given to you for a specific reason, you simply have to respond in faith. Since being here, I landed a full time teaching job as the first grade teacher at a very incredible Christian School. It has brought me so much joy to be able to use not only my degree, but also my gifts and talents to teach children and prepare them for the journey each of them will embark on. My adventure isn’t ending here…I’m going to Asia!

So many bends...so many blessings

Where has the time gone...

There have been so many bends in the road this past year, but with each turn came many blessings. For one, who would have ever thought I would leave Beautiful Southern California and choose to make a life for myself in Oklahoma, a land locked state? I was let go from Mid-America (MACU) 11 months after arriving here. It was a blessing in disguise, I was sad  how everything went down, but I have come to understand that a business is a business and changes have to be made in order for it grow and be successful!

Little did I know MACU was only a stepping stone in order for my dreams to become reality.

I was offered a 1st grade teaching position back in August at a small christian school on the south side.  

I took a huge pay cut and I wasn't making much to begin with, but (we all know) teachers don't go into the world to make a fortune, they go into the world to make a difference.

Teaching has brought me so much joy and happiness and I wouldn't change it for the world. I am so thankful for my education at BIOLA University and the hours I have spent in classrooms observing. I would not have been able to do it without the help of my Macy friends and family.



    My first Day of many Firsts!

P.S. My mom and I made the reading bench and the bean bag in the picture below.
           

             Our reading lounge.



  


Our Calendar            
 

  

Things We are Thankful For
 As you know, this past week we celebrated things we have to be thankful for, here are a few of the things my students are thankful for:
 
This little turkey said she was thankful for time because she can give it...
 and this one said he was thankful for the planets so he can go and travel around the solar system and learn about the planets...


and this little turkey said she was thankful for books so she can learn from them....

and the last little turkey said she was thankful for Miss Good because she is an awesome teacher. 





 
THE LEGENDS BEGIN....

                            The Legend of Deskerella

Deskerella stopped by to visit. (She is the desk fairy and she is always on the hunt for a clean and well organized desk). The kids have created this awesome story, and I have decided to go a long with it. They found a whole in the ceiling and decided that it must be her workshop.  Next thing I know, they are writing her letters and drawing her pictures.  Sure enough, while we were at lunch, she returned the favor. She left one of her top secret notes and the kids freaked! They couldn't believe she wrote them back!! They found some of her fairy dust outside our back door and one of the students  is convinced they saw her wing. Let's just say, the students are on the hunt to find Deskerella!

The Beautiful California Mermaid

Over the weekend, I got my hair cut and colored. The student's didn't recognize me at first, they were a little nervous, but once they did I was swarmed with hugs. They kept saying, "Miss Good, Miss Good you just look so beautiful!" Another student said they loved my hair and that I look really pretty. My favorite comment of all, "Miss Good, did you know you look like a beautiful mermaid from California?" I tried so hard not to laugh, the little girl was so serious. While everyone was complementing me on my new style, one of my students said she hated my hair and bursted into tears. I called her aside and asked her what was wrong and why she was being mean, she said she was sad because she wasn't getting attention. Once again, I tried not to burst out laughing, I guess I am cramping her style. 

 AKA: Miss Good

Friends

I feel as though I am looking out the window of a train and I simply see shapes and outlines. I know what I am looking at because I see them everywhere, but I don't know them by name. My life is just going by a million miles in minute...

So many have been asking how am I doing, and here is what I have to say about that!

I have been here for 5 months now, and this place is really starting to grow on me. I don't think I will ever call it home, but I am definitely enjoying the experience. With that being said, I have had my ups and downs. The last few weeks have been very hard. I miss my friends deeply!

I miss everyone back home very much. My friends are irreplaceable. I may not be able to talk to you everyday, but that doesn't mean I am not thinking about you. As time goes on, I am starting to form very special relationships here and I am so thankful for them.

I am also learning that God puts people and friends in your life for a reason, a season and sometimes a lifetime.

Some of my friends have been placed in my life for a reason, to help guide me, share with me, encourage me, with difficult situations and when their time is up, they are off. This may be because they walk on or they force you to take a stand. What I have come to realize is that their job is done. God placed them in my life for a purpose and when that purpose is fulfilled, their work is done and its time to move on.

There have been some that have come into my life for a season. These friends have shared experiences with me, laughed with me, cried with me and grew with me. I wouldn't have been able to grow had you not invested, shared, and walked with me. But there comes a time when the winds shift and the tides change and the compass is pointing you into another journey.

Lastly, I have friends who will share the rest of our lives together. They will walk alongside me, through the ups and downs. They see me at my best, and they see me at my worst but they choose to hang on. When they see me slipping up, they love me and walk with me through it. They are gracious and compassionate. They are slow to anger and they love me deeply!!

Because of all of you, I am a better person today than I was yesterday and I will be a better person tomorrow than I am today!

The Holidays!

The Holidays!

The holidays are starting to look a lot different than what I was used to. My mom and I now live in a state half way across the nation, which meant we would not be able to make it home for the holidays. In some ways, it was nice and relaxing and in others I missed my home very much! I really missed not being able to watch my kids preform in their Christmas performance, being in the classroom working on the special Christmas projects, spending time with friends, and visiting Disneyland, the most magical place of all especially during the holidays!

So lets see...where do I begin? I guess the beginning is a good start.
My sister came out to visit for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. I was so excited to see her at Thanksgiving. I waited just out side of security to see her! I would have tried to make my way to the gate but that idea would have lead me to jail. When I saw her, I got all teary eyed (she didn't see of course, or at least I don't think she did). I was soooo excited to see her. It had been 3 months, but it seemed like years, especially considering we were living together before I moved out here. We have gone through a lot of great times, and a lot of hard times together. We are bestest of friends...huh sissy!
Anyways...that is beside the point.

While she was hear, we had a lot of fun! We hung out, reminisced about old memories (the things I used to do to her = priceless), watched a TON of Gilmore Girls. Here are some pictures of her trip from Thanksgiving!

POPS....has every soda you can imagine ROWS and ROWS...FLAVORS upon FLAVORS!

Our little Thanksgiving Dinner....I didn't even get all the delicious food :( It was nice and mellow!


Now for Christmas....we didn't think Nickie was going to be able to make it out. Tickets were upwards of $1,000 and it just didn't seem feasible for such a short amount of time. We were starting to loose hope, but we all pulled our pennies together and found a ticket for half of that! It was a little Christmas miracle for our family! In buying her ticket, we spent all of our money. We didn't have anything left for her visit. We were all seriously going to live off of Top Romin for a week. But we figured, who cares as long as we get to be together. So Nickie was supposed to get here on the 22nd, but her flight was over booked. They asked for people to volunteer their seats and in doing so they gave free mileage to them. However, Nickie wasn't willing, she wanted to make sure she was here for Christmas. But they didn't get enough volunteers so they bumped her and because she wasn't willing, they gave her a check for $1,300. That was almost 3 times the price of her ticket! Because she didn't sell out for less than best, she received something so much great! It was the ultimate Christmas miracle for my sissy, mom and I. We were able to have a Christmas after all with a delicious dinner and presents. God is good!

Here are pictures from her Christmas visit....

Christmas Eve dinner....

What could be better than that?

Driving around and checking out the Christmas trees!



The way they do the lights are
are incredible!

Our Trip to Dallas! In-n- Out was a MUST!!!

YUMMMMMMM!










More updates to come!

EXACTLY 1 MONTH LATER…

Meet Lucy!

It has been 1 month since I arrived in Oklahoma! The most frequently asked question I am asked, is “what do you miss the most about California?” Honestly, my response is my friends. I miss everyone back home so much. I have slowly branched out and began meeting new people but it hasn't been easy. I am trying to get connected at church and find a solid group of friends who can walk with me through my new experiences. I am so thankful to those of you who have been praying for me and staying in touch! It means so much to me and I am so grateful to you!

Another thing that will take some time getting used to is not being able to take a walk on the beach or go for a hike. There is definitely not a lot of things to do out doors here. It is very limited and flat! But over all, I am really enjoying it here. The pace is a bit slower and more relaxing. The people here are pleasant and friendly.

My Apartment...

Since I have been here, I have been getting settled in my new little apartment in midtown. It is just a few blocks from downtown. There is a lot to of really fun restaurants to eat at. Living with my mom has actually been pretty nice. We have been able to catch up and enjoy each others company!

My room!

My New Job…

Upon arriving here, I started my new job. I am so grateful for this opportunity! I am still learning the ropes and learning to work in a university environment! It has been a little on the stressful side but my co-workers are great! It is much different than working with my kiddos! I miss them tremendously!

On my first day at work, the guys pulled a prank on me!

I was eating in the cafeteria with a bunch of my co-workers who have become great friends and I got up to go to the restroom. While I was gone, they took off the lid to my cup and poured a bunch of salt into

my drink. (I had no idea they did this!) When I got back, I grabbed my cup and went to get a

re-fill! As I was walking back, I took a sip and laughter

broke out in the whole cafeteria. My face was priceless! I told them something was wrong with the fountain drink machine and I put more in my cup for them to try. I told them it tasted like salt and the soda mixture was off! They kept laughing and I tried to convince them something was wrong with the soda and they needed to try it. After a few minutes of this going on, my

boss told me while I was gone the boys poured salt into my drink. I busted out laughing. I was so convinced that the machine was broken! I told them

I will get them back...let the practical jokes begin....if you have any ideas be sure to let me know!!!

Friends…

As for my friends, it has been a little

challenging meeting people here. I have been learning the best way to meet people is by putting yourself out there. I met a super fun easy-going girl who lives on my floor! Her name is Sarah! We have spent a lot of time doing different things together. She has also been introducing me to her group of friends which has been nice.

This past weekend we went to the Oklahoma

Sate Fair!

Sarah & Shayna

We walked around and people watched. We saw a sign for the world's smallest lady so we decided to pay a dollar to experience such a sight. We had no idea what to expect! She was so small she could fit into a backpack! After we left we felt really bad for her. She seemed really sad and lonely! We felt like we were paying to see her in misery. It was awful!

We then tried to pick up our spirits by going on the Ferris Wheel, however right after we bought our tickets they shut it down because a storm was rolling in and they were concerned we would get struck by lightning. We headed to our car and enjoyed the storm! It was beautiful!

A storm is brewing....

I also met another really sweet girl my age. Her name is Robin! She was a little on the shy side at first but as we spend more time hanging out she has been opening up. Tonight we are going to go back to the fair because she is in a Karaoke competition and she could open for Dierks Bentley if she wins! GO ROBIN!

Going Out and About…

Going out with my girl friends has been really fun. I have been meeting lots of boys. It’s been really nice not being tied down and just enjoy my freedom!

Car…

I have made it to the big leagues. I just bought my first car.

I got a 2009 white Honda CRV! I love it. I love driving on the open roads blaring my country music! I fit right in, all I need are some official cowgirl boots!

Weather…

I love the weather here! It changes so quickly! One moment it will be sunny and beautiful and the next you will see big beautiful clouds piled high! The sky will go from blue to dark in a matter of minutes. I love lying in my bed and watching the storms pass through the city! The thunder and lightning here are something else!

The sunsets here are glorious! I look up in the sky and I often wonder, how can people not believe in a great power! The heavens truly declare the work of A Creator! The night sky is also so surreal! I see millions of stars every night and I could just stand for hours on end enjoying the stars that dot our sky! I have been missing out on something so captivating!

You know when you’re not in California anymore when:

You see fake palm trees

Have to show ID to buy Cold Medicine at Target

You can’t get alcohol from a liquor store past 8:59pm

Lemon Drops are less than $6

People where over-alls on a regular basis!

There is no mountains or beaches…just FLAT PLAINS!

Instead of Arrowhead Water....its