The rain was pouring, and I was disappointed to miss the last chance for a camel ride in the Gobi Desert. But our colleague, Hee Chul, was undaunted. His four-wheel drive could handle the rough terrain and inclement weather.

A barren site met our eyes as we bumped along the tracks in the sand. The shrubs, in pretty autumn colors, grew in small clumps as far as our eyes could see. As my eyes searched the terrain, I saw what I was looking for—a camel.

In the distance there was a ger, a Mongolian home. Turning off the rough trail, we headed toward the encampment of two ger, a shelter, a two-wheeled trailer, several dogs, and about four camels. The noise of the approaching vehicle soon brought several children and adults outside.

Hee Chul exchanged greetings with them to let them know we were coming as friends. I don’t know what they thought of this strange foreign woman who wanted a camel ride, but they agreed to our request.

A Camel Ride

A lady approached the camel closest to the ger. In the cold wind and rain, I wondered if I was foolish to attempt this adventure. The camel was upset at being disturbed and spit a mouthful of foul smelling stuff at the owner. Clumsily, I got on the camel's back with the instructions to hang on to the clump of fur on the front hump.

After a short walk, I asked to return to the ger. Had it not been for the weather I would have enjoyed a longer ride. But I just wanted to take a photo and get into a warmer, drier place. With grunts and protests, the camel went down on his knees, and I gratefully got off.

The Warmth of Hospitality

Our hosts invited us into the ger. The little stove in the centre kept us warm. They served us some warm camel's milk from a thermos. Hee Chul began conversing with the family. The owner was a weather-beaten lady named Grandma Cholo. Her two daughters, along with their husbands, and six grandchildren had come for a visit.

Grandma's face was wrinkled. Her eyes appeared to be that of an aged woman, but she was only 55. I wondered what stories she could tell me of her harsh life in the desert. Love of children and family were evident. Looking around, I could see that her wealth lay in the camels.

Sharing the Hope of Christmas