Where have I been?

Hey, I know it's been a long time since my last blog, but I gotta real quick break where I hope to spill some things in a nutshell.

My site: Orkhontuul Soum, Selenge Aimag (or provence), in the Central Region of Mongoia (the aimag right about UB)
Orkhontuul is a small but growing town. Currently there are 1500 people living in gers, houses, and apartments. I live in a ger, a traditional Mongolian home (it's like a mix of tent and a log cabin). I cook most of my meals, but on occasion I will eat with my Hashaa family (Hashaa = yard. The hashaa family is the family who owns the yard that I live in. They've taught me how to chop wood, pump water from the well, and use coal).

The secondary school I work at has about 400-500 students from K-10th grade currently. This year they became a full 12 year secondary school. (However, Mongolian education system is different than the US. There is no 6th grade, but 8th grade is split into to years, 8a & 8b). I work with the two English teachers at the school, Monktuul and Anhkbayar. We teach from 4th grade to 10th. I also teach a speaking class to the 10th graders, and Monktuul and I teach an English games club in the afternoons.
There are approx. 14 teachers, a social worker, a librarian, 3 school workers (janitors), a jijor (like a night watchman), a Training Manager, and the School Director. All of them are very good friends and some married couples are both teachers. They are all very friendly and always concered if I am warm and able to make fires.
School Subjects: 1st-5th grade, English, Russian, Mongolian script & language, Biology & Chemestry, Geography, History, Math & Physics, Music, Dance, Technology (wood shop, sowing, etc), and P.E./Gym class.

Orkhontuul is a River Valley between the Orkhon and the Tuul Rivers (hence the name). It is also split up into two parts that are approx. 18 kms apart--New and Old Orkhontuul. I live in Old Orkhontuul. The train is the only mode of transportation in or out of the soum. Not many people have cars or trucks, but those who do use them to transport livestock and hay to their home. A majority of the population are farmers and the rest work for the railroad. (the railway workers live in the apartments). There are 3 stores in the whole town and they all typically have the same things.

My typical meals: meat (horse, goat, sheep, or cow--all taste good to me), rice or pasta, and some veggies- potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, and surprisingly pepers can be found here. I typically get my carrots and potatoes from my hashaa family since they grow their own.

Misc. I love receiving Care Packages and the other teachers enjoy looking at what I got. I always share my surprises with them.