This week we had a great evening with folks from around the city visiting the “Grain of Wheat Student Center” sampling amazing baked goods. Dandig (our chef) worked hard, along with Renee’ to create this:

Of course we have to hand it to all of our staff. Onon, Ariuka and Haliuna all worked hard to make it a successful evening. So “hats off” to the staff at the Ulaan Buudain Ur (Grain of Wheat)! You guys did great!

Also thanks to all of you who have given to our work special and sent gifts to the center and a very special thanks to those who’ve prayed. Your help is crucial, and we’re grateful.

This is Ariuka and Haliuna working on some paper flower decorations that were also donated to the Center. Haliuna especially loves to create things like this. They had a lot of fun decorating for the open house.

This summer has been quite cool. We’ll hit one warm day in the upper 80′s (I think we’ve even cracked 90), then the clouds and wind and rain comes billowing back and things cool right down. We’re not complaining. However, with a day like today it would be nice to just stay inside with a cup of coffee and a book …

In any case, here are a couple of interesting shots of the sky from a walk I took this morning.

This is sort of a “Friday Photos: Special Edition”. I wanted to post a few shots of our Fourth of July at the American Embassy (and Mormon Church) sponsored picnic. It was a windy, rainy 50 something degrees. Not the typical heat and sweat of July 4th’s that I remember from the past.

It was also a bit of a strange Independence Day in other ways, too. There were lots of white shirts and name tags, along with Mongolian girls dressed as German Beer Maids (October-fest … Fourth of July … about the same kind of holiday, right?) However, we did enjoy the genuine Oscar Meyer Hot Dogs, as well as the pig roast with friends and team members. It was a fun day. Here are a few pictures that captured the afternoon.

And a final bit of news. I’ve decided to raise a little bit more money in our car fund, trade in the Toyota Land Cruiser and purchase this:

Not.

This week Renee’ began training the newest worker at the “Grain of Wheat Student Center” in Ulaanbaatar. Dandig is learning how to make all kinds of tasty goodies that we are then able to sell at our cafe at quite reasonable prices. Renee has enjoyed working with Dandig, because she is a quick learner and only after one time of watching Renee’ do it, she’s launched out on her own and is making our cafe smell delicious!

This says “We are selling dessert cakes and hot coffee”

So, next time you’re in Ulaanbaatar stop by and enjoy the best coffee and baked goods in town!