Thanksgiving

It's been a while since our last post because we were traveling, experiencing our duel Thanksgivings. Our apolgies.

Our Thanksgiving afternoon began with a short Skype conversation with Nathan's friends and family as everyone gathered on their end for Thanksgiving Eve. Soon after, we were driven to the Bayankhongor airport by Nathan's colleague, who stayed around to see us off. We had about a 40 min wait during which we gave her the short and dirty on the first Thanksgiving and what is means today. She knew a lot about it already, so it wasn't a hard sell.

Then we hopped the afternoon flight to for 1 hour and 5 mins of comfort. The drive would have taken anywhere from 13-24 hours we've been warned, so we were extra thankful we were able to fly - especially on Peace Corps' dime. Due to required Peace Corps training, we could come into UB, work with our organization for a while, and then stick around for training with our counterparts.

Our walk to the flight. Bayankhongor Airport

The drive from the UB airport to Darren & Laura's apartment. Almost as long as the flight with UB traffic.

We ended up have 2 Thankgivings, really. The first one, we celebrating with a small group on that on that Thursday at a Thai restaurant, then jaunted over to the Grand Khaan Irish Pub to meet up with everyone else who was in town.

Thanksgiving - Round One (Thai food on ACTUAL Thanksgiving Day)

Went to the Grand Khaan for some after dinner fun with everyone who had gathered in town for the big weekend.

Then for the main event on Saturday with the ambassador, complete with turkeys he flew in for us and all the trimmings provided by Peace Corps staff and volunteers.

Nathan doing his official duties as "Turkey Carver."

Dylan and Yoomie presenting their turkey. And yes, Yoomie gave it an orange rind bow.

An example of a Peace Corps Volunteer Thanksgiving plate. There's always a fear it's a terrbile joke and the food will be taken away so you must stock up at first!

The appetizer table. Notice the famed "Bucket O' Salad" brought to you by Cady Sinnwell & Emily Holekamp.

Many were shocked by the occurance of traditional mongolian food (hosuure) at the Thanksgiving meal. Thankfully, when you bit into the hosuure you discovered not mutton but curried potatoes!

The beginning of the dessert table. PCVs feared a lack of desserts. Eventually, the table was stacked 5 desserts high (specifically cake boxes).

Determined to add class to the event our Ambassador brought nice pumpkins and a table runner! Thanks, Ambassador Minton!

Fed and watered and ready for the couch.

Evan & Nathan attempting to breath after devouring the Thanksgiving cornucopia!

Sure, your Thanksgiving was nice, but did it involve Dennis Rodman?

PCVs are grateful for this amazing meal! Here's our Country Director, Jim Carl, being presented with a felt painting (Thanksgiving 2008, in Mongolian script along the side.)

Special thanks to Darren & Laura (the other married couple in our training year) who allowed us to stay at their apartment over the holiday. They have a lovely faculty apartment with a fold out couch and cable TV! Pretty impressive! We slept like babies and watched Daddy Day Camp because beggars can't be choosers!

It was a great time, but tiring.

Note Darren & Garrett's reaction to the long few days!

It was a great time with friends and great food! Though we missed our families and friends, it was a thoughtfully planned event and went off without a hitch! Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers for us over the holiday!