I don’t know about you, but before going into Mongolia I had absolutely no idea what to expect. Now, after spending a month in that beautiful place, I am proud to say that I was able to experience their culture. So here are 11 things I saw, experienced, and believe you should know about Mongolia.
- First of all you should know that Mongolian babies are the cutest. Their chubby cheeks brought a smile to my face every day.
- Now about the weather…it’s crazy. While in Mongolia you are likely to experience multiple seasons in one day. A day may start off overcast, freezing, and even snowing. But by the end of the day you’ll see sunny and 75. It’s unpredictable. We learned to bring layers wherever we went.
- The traditional homes in Mongolia are called Gers. The easiest way to explain it would be to equate it as their version of a tent. Gers are mostly seen in the Mongolian countryside or on the outskirts of the city. Sidenote: Mongolia only has one major city, Ulaanbaatar. We had the opportunity to spend some time in the Ger district and it was a great way to see how the people live and learn more about their culture.
- Mongolians eat lots of mutton. If you are served meat, you might as well just assume you’re being served mutton. This was hard to get over at first, but eventually you’ll come around to the idea. One of our final meals was being served mutton right off the bone. We actually got to watch the process of making it and then all dug in when huge chunks of meat were put on our plates. It was actually quite good.
- Despite popular belief, unmarked taxis are totally safe. Obviously use some discernment since you are getting into a random guy’s car and basically hitchhiking around town, but they are cheaper and pretty reliable. We used unmarked taxis all month without incident. Some of us even liked the idea of bringing this system back to America. It’s a great way to meet people and have some pretty interesting conversations.
- Along the lines of transportation, in Mongolia you’ll face many options to get around including, but not limited to; taxis-marked and unmarked, bus, bike, horse, and camel. Take your pick, I’d suggest horse or camel though, it keeps life fun.
- Mongolians love to have fun. This is evidenced by the extraordinary amount of karaoke bars throughout the city. Everywhere you go, there is a sign for karaoke. Our contacts also hosted open mic nights every week. They love to sing and show off their talent.
- Mongolian people also love to share. It’s a part of their culture to share everything. So if you make yourself some tea with a Mongolian friend around, you might as well go ahead and offer some to your friend. It really blesses them and I think helps open up the door for friendship and conversation.
- When greeting elders in Mongolia, it is customary to hold elbows and go in as if you were going to kiss both of each other’s cheeks, except instead of kissing, the elder will sniff you. It’s weird, but just go with it.
- Mongolia is completely underestimated. It’s beautiful, there’s life and advancement happening. Sure it’s cold most of the year, but Mongolia offers so many gems. Their coffee is spot on, the hills are breathtaking, and the people are so kind. It’s definitely a place worth visiting.
- Mongolia wants to know Christ. The young generation is the key to revival in this country. The fire is being lit and the young people are desperate for hope. I believe Mongolia is overlooked, and I think this gives room for the enemy to speak lies of rejection and desertion over the people of Mongolia. My heart for this country is that they will grow into the identity given to them through Christ and that revival breaks out over the country. I want to hear stories of amazing things happening in this place.
Please be in prayer for this country. Pray that they come to know their identity. I met some amazing people meeting the needs of Mongolia’s poor and being Christ to the least of these. I am praying that God ignites the hearts for more to go into Mongolia and share His love.
