MST 2009

After we finished training all the newbies, it was our turn to get together with our training class of M19s to discuss our successes and challenges during our first year at site. To date, we have been here just over 15 months - three months of training, and a full year in Bayankhongor (pr. "buy-in-hunger" for those scoring at home).

This three-day mid-service training (MST) was also designed as a working retreat to help us recharge our batteries. Thankfully, the budget our Peace Corps office requested for this gathering was accepted, and we were actually treated to a pretty decent few days in Terelj National Park, just outside of UB. We had some good food, meaningful collaboration, and believe it or not, one of Mongolia's two golf courses.

Thanks to Garrett for most of these pictures.

The driving range left a little to be desired, including a fence to keep out the animals and a machine for collecting the balls.

It wasn't exactly the best course ever, sporting hard as brick artifical greens, but beggars can't be choosers.

Fellow PCVs and great fellows, Brian and Patrick joined Nathan and Garrett for the walk and some picture taking. Their golf-like commentary was hysterical, especially Brian's, whose dual citizenship as a Brit grants him a native British accent - twas perfect for a day at the links whilst on holiday.

The skins game was spit almost even with Nathan upping Garrett by one. All 6 balls were lost in the impossible rough, which led to only eight of the nine holes being successfully completed. but who's counting?

During our down time one evening, there was also a Settlers of Catan tournament. It's a board game kind of like Risk meets Monopoly launched from the mind a super nerdy German guy in the 1990's. It was a blast, and though Nathan was knocked in the first round, Leslie and our site mate, Fahd, made it to the finals in this double-elimination extravaganza.

Thanks to Amber Barger [white sweater, bottom right] for these pictures and for organizing the tournament.

But it wasn't all fun and games. We spent from 9-4 everyday meeting in various small groups discussing our last year and developing strategies for next year. Despite the concerns from some of the Mongolian staff that there was a lack of strict structure, this open format proved to be really worth while and worked extremely well for us. Sections of the day were used for sector-specific meetings, fundraising/grant writing, safety and security, cooking, mental health, and of course, the Mongolian language.

Leslie, Patrick and Garrett have a silly moment during an otherwise very productive Mongolian lanugage session.

Leslie enjoying the cooking demonstration/class with Matt (with the hat) and Evan (with the classes) put on by the medical officer, Paul (kneeling, far left). Thanks to Matt for the photos.

All and all it was a great way to get new project ideas, and the much needed rest and relaxation gave us great energy coming back to site. Thanks to the Peace Corps Mongolia staff for a well orchestrated event from start to finish. Year number two at site is officially off to a good start.