Today is Genghis Khan's birthday. I did not know this until Manasa and I arrived at my school for Mongolia classes and the door was locked. After calling the teacher we found out it was a national holiday to celebrate this respected leader's birthday. When we got in the taxi, we decided to stop at the store on the way home, and the taxi driver was saying how Mongolians are crazy because they celebrate this birthday today even though no one knows for sure what date is Genghis Khan's day of birth. He described that it's a day when families get together. When we got home we turned on the television to hear the very wise President
( Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj) of Mongolia discuss Genghis Khan's victories but more importantly used it to promote decisions to unify and strengthen the country today. Genghis Khan was known as a warrior, fearless and smart. He was only 20 when he began building a large army and started destroying the armies of the rest of Asia. He
was successful – the Mongol Empire was the largest empire in the world
before the British Empire.
The words "Genghis Khan," mean "universal ruler". All this rich history makes me think of the lineage of Christ. Ask any Mongolian to tell you some stories about this warrior (also known as
Chingis Khan or
Jingis) and they will be able to tell you folklore stories, historical facts, maybe something about a family member or the town where he was born. I asked myself what would I say about my 'Lord', and ruler- Jesus Christ. Would I be able to tell you stories of His victories, great speeches and legacy? More importantly would I be bold enough to share what He is doing in my life today? Good challenges and thoughts on a day where Ive been blessed learning more about the culture I live in, and also thankful for the 'leader' that I will always follow ~
*Me in front of Genghis Khan's monument in Sükhbaatar Square, UlaanBaatar Mongolia
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