Excitement spread all over the orphanage.  Everyone anticipating the yearly trip to the beach.  All the missionaries climbed into the 4HIM cars, each carrying a child on their lap.  The kids piled into 2 poda poda's and a truck for the long journey.  There were probably 30 kids in each poda poda.  

We arrived and everyone jumped out, heading towards the beach.  As I walked down to the beach, I noticed several of the kids rubbing sand all over their bodies.  Others were running full speed for the beach.  Still others stayed on the beach making sand towns, swimming holes, and just enjoying the sand.  The water was a bit rough and the kids would cling to us as the water came in and went out.  It was such a wonderful scene.

We met a large group of Mongolian peacekeepers who were sharing the beach space.  I think they were wondering who we were, who the kids were, and what we were doing there.  It was really great - they ended up playing a football game against our older boys.  All the kids were lined up against the field watching and cheering.  As the last goal was scored, the crowd went wild and our boys won!  The peacekeepers were very generous by giving the orphanage kiddos their volleyball.  

It was an incredible day for the kids and for us.  That night all were exhausted and everyone went to bed early.  Praise the Lord for the opportunity to take them and to be with them on such a special day.