Thank You Mongols!

Thanks to the Mongolians and namadic people of the steppes we were able to enjoy a great over nighter at the yurt! The yurt design is actually pretty close to what an authentic yurt from the steppes of Asia looks like . . . though I don't think the ones there would be surrounded by quite so many hills and trees. It's amazing that one peoples form of shelter can be anothers form of recreation!

One of my good friends from high school, Jana, was able to come . . . here she is enjoying some music and relaxation on the bunks. Because of the recent spring weather the snow has been melting durning the day and freezing at night, which gave us a good foundation to go exploring off trail last night. We woke up this morning to about two inches of fresh snow and a beautiful sunrise. But soon, as we ate breakfast, the clouds came in and dumped two or three more inches of snow on us only to disappear for our hike out. To dad's dismay the fresh snow was extreemly sticky and difficult to ski on.

Yet again we had a wonderful adventure . . .

Avery, Dad, and myself on the bridge.

I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane

"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore."

- Andre Gide

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This year is turning out to be a year travel and adventure for me. On May 30 I will be leaving for Ghana, Africa for a month. I am traveling with a group called Families for Children International and will be teaching orphans in the city of Cape Coast . . . about two hours from the capital, Accra. The preparation is getting to the fun stages now. I have taken care of my passport, vaccinations, malaria pills, etc. Now it's time to start planning lessons for the children!

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Soon after that I will be jetting off to London to spend a semester abroad. The BYU London Center is just around the corner from Hyde park so we will be in a great location! From what I have learned about the program so far we will have classes in the morning, followed by free time to explore the city for the rest of the day. We will also take extended trips to the north and west of London, and a week long excursion to Paris.