Sagaalgan and Seeing Friends

     We arrived not too long before the beginning of Sagaalgan (White Month).  During this month, we were able to visit several neighbors.  It was really special to have time with these special people- especially after having been away for 5 months.  I didn't get many pictures myself, but our friend, Natasha sent us these photos from our time at their house.  She made delicious salads, buuzi (Buryat dumplings), and some delicious fried dough in beautiful configurations.  Our kids had been CRAVING buuzi for months, so it was a special treat.  

     Leif shared a special blessing from the Bible and presented it along with a gift.  Anneka wrote it out ahead of time in beautiful writing in both Russian and Buryat.

     Tea and towels are traditional gifts to give.  We gave each family member a gift, and they gave each of us a gift, too.  

     The covid numbers here have gone way down.  While in public, we wear masks, but this was our first time to be with people inside without masks for many months.  It felt both strange and wonderful to have a "normal" feeling gathering with people once again!

     We visited other neighbors on another evening.  They gave us very nice gifts like soap, body wash, craft supplies for the kids, chocolates, and tea.  

     The girls hung out together in a separate room and ate their food (chicken, vegetables, fruit, cake) together there. 

     It's also been wonderful to reconnect with friends since we've been back.  The kids have been wanting to go ice skating all winter, but it felt complicated and expensive in the States with needing to register online ahead of time and not having our skates with us.  Here, they have limits of how many people can be on the rink per hour, but we didn't need to sign up ahead of time.  And it was -25C outside, so it felt safe as far as outdoor covid spread.  =)  They did take our temperatures at the door and required masks upon entering the building.  

Skating in a Line

Frozen Eyelashes!

Ella has been looking forward to ice skating more than anyone.  =)

One evening after English Club, we visited the city square and enjoyed the ice sculptures and lights.