I've been bit by the "Love Bug!"

It is true.  I met this really great guy when I got back to Choibalsan (Choi) from my travels to Ulaanbaatar (UB).   I had heard about him (even before I got here) but really wasn’t interested in meeting anyone (if you know what I mean).  I wanted to focus on work, getting to know the culture, etc.  But, the other volunteers were pretty persistent from the get go that we would be a good match; including a PeaceCorps volunteer who seemed to know him particularly well (which is another reason I wasn’t too keen on hooking up with the guy).  Ultimately, I gave into the pressure and (I must admit) they were right.  We really are a good match . . . he makes me laugh, loves to spend time together and is a great snuggler.  He even has white hair like me - men age quickly here so you would never know he is quite a bit younger than I am. 

So, hang on to her hats ‘cause what I am about to tell you is going to really shock some of you . . . he moved in with me almost immediately after we met.  I know; I know it is crazy but life is short – right?  Actually, the real reason he moved in is because he lost his apartment and needed a place to stay.  It was only supposed to be for a short time; but, now that he is here it seems to be working out. 

Oh, did I mention he is a cat named Pity?  No, I didn’t tell you that?  Sorry.

So, why the name Pity?  Well, Marg – the VSO volunteer who found him named him.  He was less than two months old at the time, immobile and partially frozen (average temperature in January is somwhere between 30 to 40 degrees below zero).  Plus, there’s a good chance he may have been tossed from one of the balconies near where he was found.  Marg, an early childhood and disability specialist by trade, was able to nurse the little guy back to health; unfortunately he permanently lost mobility in his hind quarters. 

In February, Marg completed her placement and returned to Australia and Pity moved in with Susanne a PeaceCorps volunteer from Idaho.  Susanne went home the week I was in UB; hence why I now have a roommate.   A group of new PeaceCorps volunteers will be arriving in August so I will be looking for an appropriate roommate for Pity when I leave in March 2012.   

At this point, Pity seems to be doing fine.  He is a bit small for his age; has buggy eyes and when he tries to run on flooring he looks like a car fish-tailing one way and then another.  Health wise, it is a bit uncertain (every once in a while he gets a clot at the base of his spine) but for now he is happy and out of the elements.  If he was left on his own outside he would not last through the night.  A disabled cat in a world of pack dogs wouldn’t have a chance. 
In addition to Pity, there have been a few other “happenings” in Choi. 

For example, I started working with Byamba, a new interpreter last week.   His interpreting and translating skill-levels are not as high as the prior interpreter so I will need to ratchet down some of my expectations.  However, the coordinator and board members respond really well to him which is critical - particularly since I only have 8 months left.  Plus, he is very interested in learning.  What is most impressive about Byamba is that he is self-taught - absolutely amazing.   All in all, I am very hopeful.

Last week, we also had an emergency meeting with the regional hospital director about the space they are currently providing to APDC (free of charge).  Just prior to the meeting we were informed that the hospital wants its’ space back, effective immediately.  Fortunately, we were successful in convincing the director to allow us to stay a bit longer. We were given a bit of reprieve; but needless to say, pressure is on regarding a capital campaign for arehabilitation and day care center for our children with special needs. 

Then, last Friday, I learned around 11am that the province governor would like for Easterlina (a VSO volunteer from Kenya) and me to attend a regional conference on women and children, scheduled to begin that evening.  It is not uncommon in Mongolia to hear about “happenings” at the last minute but I was a bit surprised since this was a regional conference with representatives from Russia, China, Korea, and Mongolia.

It was quite the whirlwind for 36 hours.  Here we were excited to be included in a conference with international semi-heavy hitters and they were excited to be around an American and Kenyan (particularly Easterlina as an African).  “Photo ops” and press interviews were a common affair.

Saturday, during the day, several speeches were given by country leaders and comments were taken from those in attendance.    Issues facing women and children seemed universal –issues of unequal power, sex trafficking, violence, and child labor were common themes.  The evening was filled with traditional Mongolian performances (see video below) as well as singing and dancing competitions among the attendees - Mongolians love competition and based on how much fun everyone else was having I think I can safely say so do the other Asian countries.  During one of the dance competitions, Easterlina, a “bootilicious African woman,” (as she described herself on Facebook) was partnered with a small-framed somewhat timid older Korean.  Easterlina is a bundle of energy so took control of the situation.  Her partner quickly recognized her assets and modeled everything she did on the dance floor.  It was absolutely hysterical.  Needless to say, they took first prize!   It was a great group of people (predominantly women) with a lot of sense of humor . . . particularly, the women from Siberia . . . they were crazy fun!  

My next update will be about Nadaam, Mongolia’s 3-day independence celebration and massive exodus of workers for month long family holidays.