This is a very special necklace, with a very special story. Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess, who took a long journey to a far off land. Across the ocean? Across the ocean, over the mountains and through the desert. To marry a prince? No, but... It was in the desert where the princess met her one and only true love. He was a poor camel guide, who was leading the expedition. Even though he knew he could never be with her, he couldn't take his eyes off the princess. And she noticed. Busted! Maybe, but the Princess secretly loved him back. One day their caravan had stopped to rest and they heard a strange sound, like a whinny. So, they decided to check it out, and walked down a long canyon. Know what they found at the end? A horse? Yes, a beautiful stallion. But it's foot was trapped in a snare. And just as Tume.., I mean the guide went to free the horse, they heard a loud sound, like a freight train. What was it? It was the sound of a sandstorm coming. The guide knew how dangerous it was. So he wrapped the horse's head in a cloth and he made a little tent to protect him and the princess. Did it work? Thanks to the guide, even though the storm raged all night, they were safe. In the morning, they led the horse back to the caravan, but it was gone. What happened? The Princess' group had tried desperately to to find her when the storm came, but they had to get to safety. So the guide and Princess rode the horse all the way back to the castle. Where they lived happily ever after? Sadly, the Princess had to return to her kingdom and the guide stayed with his people. No! But he gave the princess a gift. He had carved a small horse for each of them to remember. That's so sad. Yes, but the Princess and the guide always had Paris. Paris?? Their memories of the time in the desert. The Paris Desert... How romantic. And this is the horse, right? Yes. So now you can remember the story of the Princess and her one true love. Happy Birthday Do you believe in fate? Fate, no. Providence, yes. How long have you known me? It's the same thing. Sure, but one is random chance and the other is a master plan for your entire life by the creator of the universe, that's all. Whatever. What is going on with you? Nothing's going on, Paige... Well, all fitted for my tux. Can't believe I'm giving my little girl away in just over a month! That's nice These ones too? Mya... Yes, Mom? Mya, I thought we'd have more time... I'm sorry. You're going to pull through this. I wanted to tell you about your father... He was... He... Mom? Mom… Tumen... Jargal... Mongolia? Are you kidding me? This is crazy, Mya! You don't know the language, you don't know anyone... I know one thing. I have a father out there. All you have is a name... Don't you see? This, this is the one true love my mother always talked about And I need to find him. Well, as your best friend, I can't stand in the way of that. Be careful. And remember even if you do find him, it might not be what you're looking for. Come on, have a little faith. Providence, remember? I'll be praying for you. And I need my Maid-of-Honor on August 15. I'm not going to miss your wedding. Excuse me, do you know where I could find a bank?... Sorry, I don't understand... Keep an eye on the motorcycle. This isn't the best neighborhood. There you are, Sweetheart! I've been looking all over for you. What have I told you about wandering off like that? Gerel! What are you doing, going off with some stranger? But Daddy, she didn't... Don't argue - we still have many things to get. Uh, a thank you would be nice! You try take daughter and want thanks!? You crazy. Take!?? I wasn't taking her. I was saving her. And what kind of a parent leaves
their kid alone on the street? You should be ashamed of yourself. Kidnapper! Loser! Welcome to Mongolia. Aaaaagh! Daddy, Daddy! Stop! She's the one who saved me. Stop! She the one who saved me. My daughter told me what you did. I am very sorry. I - was scared. Love her very much. It's okay. I know it looked bad. Don't worry about it. Why come Mongolia? I'm looking for someone. Please, let me give you ride. Yeah? Oh, okay. Where you going? The Gobi Desert. Ah... The DESERT Desert. The Desert Desert? The Gobi means desert. Oh - a joke! Yes. Joke. We do that here, too. I'm Bataa. This Gerel. Hi Gerel. It's a pleasure to meet you officially. Well, we aren't going as far as the desert, but we're along the way. And you must stay with my family. Please, you sleep here. Thank you, Bataa… for everything, Not worry. You save my daughter. Forever thankful. Goodnight Goodnight Good morning, Miss Trouble. Isn't that your name? No. Well, Daddy said to come and check on Miss Trouble. Did he? Well, you can tell your Daddy that his name is mud. Mud? Never mind. Are you going to stay with us a long time? No, actually. I have to find somebody. Well, you found me! I did. Hey, do you use the stove for cooking? Yes, and keep warm in winter. And what's this, some sort of coal? No. Cow poop. Oh! Well that's good to know. Is this your mother? Yes... Wow… She's very beautiful. I have to go. Wait okay, bye. Are you okay? How is our guest? Miss Trouble says that is not her name. You didn't call her that, did you? She says your name is Mud. What does that mean? It means you did call her that. Now get ready for church. This... More pretty on you than my grandson. Bataa? Yes. Wedding shirt. Sadly, arranged by parents. Sadly? They seem like a beautiful family. Yes, beautiful... End too soon. What do you mean? Cancer. Gerel's mother. I'm so sorry. I lost my mother to cancer. Then we are comrades. Yes? Yes. I guess so. My name is Orgil, but everyone calls me Grandfather. Mya. Welcome to Mongolia. Thank you. First time? Yes You like? It's been... Interesting. I haven't seen anything other than Ulaanbaatar, So… Oh. Ulaanbaatar not Mongolia. Come. This... Mongolia Oh... My... God. You like? I like. Why come Mongolia? I'm looking for my father. It's a long story. I'm old. Got time. Okay, well, my mother was here in Mongolia studying camels in the Gobi Des… Er… Gobi? Ah... Gobi. And, well, their tour guide was a handsome man and one thing led to another and by the time she left Mongolia, she was pregnant with me. I thought you say this first time in Mongolia. I did... Ohhh… Funny. And now, I'm twenty-five years old, I've a wedding coming up and her father's walking her down the aisle and he loves her so much, and I don't even know my father. Ah… You here to find him. Yes. That very important. We will help. Yeah? Really? Thank you, so much! We go to worship. Want come? Yes! Please, I'll go get ready. Uh, Okay. Mya will come with us. I think she's a Christian. Why? Because when she first looked at mountains, she praised God. Well, she is an American. I also told her we help her find father. What? Grandfather, I can't leave now As Christians, we must help people in need. Uh, I'm sorry, Mya. Not thinking. I guess there are some few drawbacks to living like this. ...I hope you slept well, Mya. Don't you mean Miss Trouble? So you go with us, to worship? Yes, so I picked up a few things. I found a prayer flag and this cute little hat and some prayer stuff… Won't need. Doesn't hurt to be prepared. Hey, I was thinking. Do you know what you could really use in here? A big screen TV? Sort of. A huge picture window. The view outside is too beautiful to hide. It's not hidden. It's outside. Yes, but think about how cool it would be if it was inside too. Maybe cool. But not practical. We travel, pack up house, move to other grazing fields. Then you could open the window to let in fresh air. And in winter, snow and ice. Double-paned glass. Double pain to move. But then your yurt would be unique... Ger. I'm sorry, are you growling at me? No, Ger... Russians call home Yurt, we call Ger. Then your Ger would stand out from all the rest. Stand out like we crazy. No, stand out like romantic. Didn't grandfather say you were getting married? She a doctor. Very practical. Oh, do, you call her Dr. Trouble? All women trouble. Okay, well, if you're going to marry one, you have to realize that women, even practical ones, love romance. Okay, okay. But now, I must prepare horses. Welcome all. I see Bataa has a guest. We have a friend from America who wants to worship with us. This is Mya. Dear Mother Sky and departed fathers. We ask you to bless us from the realm beyond... Uh, Mya, we not pray ancestors... We pray Jesus. You don't... Thank you for sharing. Let us sing 'Amazing Grace'. You could have warned me. I tried. So... That worship service was not what I expected. Not think we Christians? Well, I thought most of Mongolia
was either Buddhist or Shamanist... It was. When Soviets came, most of the country became Atheist. Like my son. But missionary come teach Jesus to Mongolians. Great grandfather accept, teach his children. They teach their children. I teach my children. Unfortunately, my parents rejected Jesus. Grew up in Communism. But grandchildren didn't reject. And great grandchildren! Are you Christian, Miss Mya? Well, I wouldn't say I'm Christian. But I'm not Atheist, ether. I guess I don't know what I am. You should believe Jesus. He loves you. Grandma and Grandpa. Grandpa, let's go. Why is she so excited? Grandparents are here. He's happy to meet you, and welcomes you here. It's nice to meet you too. I wish you success in finding your father. He hopes you find father. Thank you. So when are you going to come to your
senses and come back to the city with us? When I'm too old to take care of them. Bataa, you're the best horse breeder in the country, you make more money than I do... When are you going to start enjoying it? You keep our granddaughter moving around the country like a common herder. Now that you're getting married again, it's time to think of your family. I am thinking of my family! My son say Bataa must move to city. And Bataa said 'no way'. I can understand why. It's beautiful here. What about his fiancee? I don't know how to tell him. But there's no way I can spend that much time out here. All my patients are in the city. Leave that to me! We've tried to get him to quit his
traditional lifestyle for years. Now he has to consider his new wife and new life. I don't know, he seems pretty firm. That's when I use my secret weapon. Secret weapon? Yes, he's a Christian. How's that a secret weapon? You know him, how he's trying to do good things. That's the one thing I love most about him. Well… All I have to do is quote the Bible to him. You don't believe the Bible. You know, Bible say; 'Honor your Father and Mother.' It works every time! Every time? Yes. You know why we're here decorating for your marriage? Because we love each other? And this is my fiancee, Tuya. It's a pleasure to meet you. You're getting a good man. Even if he is a bit pig headed. That is a common trait for most Mongolian men. Mya is looking for father. He Mongolian? Yes... Well, it's a long story, my mother met him while she was on a trip here. How are you going to find him? Well, I have a name. And I know he lived in the Gobi. This is a big country. I guide. Bataa chaperone. A chaperone? I am hard to resist. When? Tomorrow. Tomorrow?? What about the wedding? We not miss. Oh, this is probably not a good time for you guys. It's fine I can find it on my own. No, no, Grandfather is right. You need help. Anyway, you two would just be in the way of us making this place ready for the wedding. It wasn't me! Why did you do that? I find dinner. Good luck. He no need luck. Hey, can we go check out the river? C'mon! What do you know about your father? Next to nothing. My mother wouldn't talk about him. You don't ask? Oh, I asked. A lot. But she always said that she'd tell me when I was older. But then… Well, we ran out of time. I'm sorry. She used to tell me this story about how he saved her from a sandstorm, and they found a wild stallion... Anything else? He is a good carver. He made her this. Beautiful. What? Uh, it's a beautiful carving. Did she ever say what part of the Gobi she travelled to? No. But I have a photo. What, Do you see something? A tour company took them across the desert, right? Yeah. Well, this camel has a sash and symbol on it. It might be from that company. So if we find this tour company... And we find your father. Thank you Grandfather. That was delicious. You are welcome. So, do you guys pray over every meal like that? God provides, so we thank Him. You pray like He made everything. I mean, my whole life I was taught that the
universe evolved from nothing. You believe that? I don't know. My ancestors looked at sky and said; 'It was God.' Communists looked at sky and said; 'See no God.' I look at sky; it wonderful, must come from God. So I worship God. But He's so far away. Not really. Jesus talks to us every day. He going to talk to you right now, Mya. Oh yeah? He's going to talk to me right now? Actually speak out loud... Not if you can't keep quiet and listen. Okay. Fine. God say... "So - who like me? Who holds a candle to me?" says the Holy One. Look at night sky: Who do you think made all this? Who marches this army of stars out each night, counts them off, calls each by name. Yeah, but you're just quoting the Bible. Bible, God's Words. That's too easy. God loves you. Why would He make it hard? I wish I had that kind of faith. What take more faith? To believe all this... ...Come from nothing? Or from loving Creator? That's the thing. We're not talking about faith here, we're talking about science. I mean - you ever heard of Newton? Galileo? Einstein? No credible scientist today believes any of this stuff. I'm sorry… I think I need to get to bed. You know these people she talk about? Yes, but they all believed in creator of universe. Ah, they must be very smart guys. Who you think you are, Genghis Khan? Besides, she looking at me, not you. Staring at you, huh? What is that? Genghis Khan. Genghis Khan? Like the conqueror of the known world? Who organized the Silk Road? A monument. A big tourist trap. Have you ever been there? No Wait. If it's a big tourist trap, we might have
information on the touring company my father worked for. Could be fun! Hey guys! Mongolians! Look! Real Mongolians! Look! Genghis Khan! He's a real descendant! Can I get your photo? Show Mya around. I ask about company. Did you find anything? Company called 'Go Gobi'. I ask about Tumen, say must wait for manager. He in meeting. So... we wait. There is something we can do... Will you take a photo of me feeding it? I take picture. Uh… It's not working. Oh, - it needs a battery. Okay, hold on, I have a battery. Do you mind? I can go get it. Trade you. Okay, I'll be right back. She make nice wife. She not believer. I think Jesus changing heart. Too bad you engaged. Anything else, too bad, Grandfather? Too bad she take jerky with her. I got it! Mya! Mya! Are you okay? Yeah, I think I am. I didn't think about it. Yeah, didn't think it's going to you. Yeah, eagles can fly, right? Let's just change the battery. It's okay, it's okay. It was my fault, I brought the meat... I wasn't thinking. Let's change the battery. That's crazy. I'm really warm, I think it's adrenalin. Camera's okay. I guess he can have that. That's fine. Thank you. Manager ready! Okay, let's go. Yes, that's him. That's so great to hear, Best of luck to you Mya, I wish I help more, but Tumen is a nomad, after all. Thank you so much. This helps a lot - we grateful. Thank you. Yes! Finally! A breakthrough! I knew coming here was going to be a good idea! Where are the horses? Go home... Home? ... But, we . . . can't go home! I'm sorry. Please - not when we're so close... Relax Mya, not us. The horses go home. Wait, you mean to your Gers? But how? It's so far away. They know way. So what do we do now? That's what I trying to figure out. Maybe start with AAA. You have that here? Yeah, they come, bring replacement horses, new bag of oats, check horseshoes... Very funny. I have friends close to here. We can stay there. Better call Tuya. When horses show up without us, they worry. Daddy's not going to like all these
things you bring for the wedding. If we left it to him, he'd be married outside by some river or trees Sounds good to me! See how he's corrupting my granddaughter, Tuya? Not to worry, I'll make a lady out of her. See Gerel - listen to Tuya! So Bataa… How long have you and
your fiancee known each other? Not long. Know Tuya three months. That's it?? His parents arranged. They still do that here? Sometimes. Bataa's mother like control. Do you love her? That not matter. Parents already decide. That totally matters! Bataa, Bataa, wait I trying to obey God. He say 'Honor your parents'. He also say 'Not marry unbeliever.' She's not a Christian? No. Wait.. Why should that matter? Heavenly Father say. You people are confusing. Marriage important. Share life, must agree on God. So why are you marrying Tuya if God wants you to marry a Christian? Gerel need mother, and parents want this. What do you want? I want to do the right thing. Somehow, think this not it. That's a little... subversive, Grandfather. What is sub-ver-sive? It means you go the opposite of what most people say. Yes, that sure Grandfather. It's so good to see you again Bataa. And this must be your father. He's my grandfather Oh, you're handsome. My American friend. Hello. I come because these two needed chaperone. What did he say? He just being subversive again. Sorry our car not working. No worry. We find way. At least road have more traffic this week - people go to Nadaam. Thank you so much for everything. Okay Bataa, see you later. Bye! Bye! So we're just gonna walk to the Gobi? What are you doing? Getting us a ride. That's not going to work. Oh yeah? Watch me. Oh, I suppose you could do better. Watch and learn. I saw that movie, too. In Mongolia, this mean you okay. If you want ride, must do this. Germany? America. Ah... John Wayne. John Wayne! Why come Mongolia? I'm looking for my father. That not good idea. Of course good idea. This Airag. You drink before? No. Traditional Mongolian drink. Take big sip. I wouldn't do that if I were you. Well, you're not me. I'm so sorry... So I noticed that you have to pay for a ride here. Yeah, that how it is in Mongolia. In America, it's free. Not in America. How much to get to the Gobi? No way. Too far. We go to Nadaam. Nadaam!! Okay, so where's Nadaam? Not where. What. Big Festival. You should come It has three contests... MANLY contests. Test strength. Might want to take picture. One, horse racing... And archery. Which I gonna win. Oh, archery? Grandfather here is an expert archer. He should come. Could use some competition. What if we make a little bet? What kind of bet? If Grandfather beats you in archery, you take us to the Gobi. Got better idea. You, ...against us, all three contests. You win two out of three, we take you to Gobi. Gobi! And it has to be American style, for free. What we get when we win? What do you want? Nice camera. Not sure about this Mya... We only have to beat each other, right? Not win the whole contest? Right. Two out of three. Deal. How hard can it be? This really is amazing! I love it. Where are we going? You promise we race horses. Got no horse. Oh, I figured they just came with the festival. Are you kidding? Hello boy, remember me? You looking good. Bataa? Hey Altan! Good to see you! Need someone to test him in race? Not planning on running him yet, but if it's you, of course. Well, we only trying to beat one person. Private race. Drop by my tents. Thank you! That's great. We find Altan. His horse very fast! Thanks God. Amen. Now we need plan how to win. You national marksman, that good start. And you're an expert horseman. So we could win two out of three! That leaves... What? How good are you at wrestling? Wait, you're joking, right? Yes, we joking. I take wrestling. You will have to race a horse. Wait... I should take wrestling. We only have to win two out of three, right? So if you both win, it won't matter if I lose. So how do I lose? Touch ground with anything but hands or feet. Okay Two problems. One, only men allowed. Tada. No problem. And two, did you notice their uniforms? I think judges might notice. He is good, but I can beat him. How do you know? So Mya, I got you a little gift, you can use. Oh thank you, Bataa. You're welcome. That's really sweet of you... It's beautiful. It's... It's your wrestling uniform. People remember Nadaam this year. Much talk. I'll give you something to talk about! Hey, want to take a picture of the winner with my camera? Not yours yet. One win down, one more to go. That was just a lucky shot! Luck have nothing to do with it. He's right, no luck. What you mean? They cheat. Why those little ... Don't bother. We can't prove, besides, we need figure out how to win next two contests. Dorj ride for them. Mya race horse now. Must do your best to stay ahead. But... Trust me. Altan's horse very fast. He want win. And we protect you. He won Zaan five times. I'm guessing that means he's good. He's good. Hello boys. Sukhee, you not ready to rumble? Sukhee not wrestle. Chaghatai wrestle. Chaghatai! It's only between our groups. He's in our group. He's my cousin. How bad can it be? Chaghatai mean “small” in Mongolian. Chaghatai Mya, you want to wrestle, right? Oh, no, no, he's all yours. I found Chogtoo I will take care. That was amazing, Mya! Great photo Chogtoo! Look like you're taking us to the Gobi, Chogtoo . Well... Here we are. Let us go. We looking for Tumen. Please, come in. You… Want tour of Gobi? Actually, Mya's mother knew Tumen. My husband knows many travellers. I see you like horses. My grandson Bataa here best Mongol
horse breeder in Khangai Nuruu area. I love horses. Even though I raise camels. These are beautiful carvings. Tumen has always been creative. Tumen is my... Tumen is… Tumen saved my mother from a sandstorm. He's very special to me. To me as well. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for your husband. You must see him. My granddaughter will take you to him. Grandfather! Visitors! I am Bataa. This is Orgil... And I am Mya. Forgive me. I thought I knew you for a moment. How can I help? Well, we... I ... I was wondering if you remember a woman that you met twenty-five years ago? You have her eyes. Peggy. Yes, Peggy. How is she doing? She... Passed away three years ago. I am sorry to hear that. She met my father on that trip. He gave her this. Your father did not give her this necklace. But... I'm sure she said... Not by your father. My mother told me that her
one true love gave her this necklace! She tried to tell me about him before she died. Not your father. She must be alone. We pray. Your daughter, she need father… I cannot help. Cannot or will not? I see you love her. Take this. Better you have it. We can trust God. When things get hard, God’s love works inside. I'm going after her. Getting dark. You tried to warn me. But I had to come. I just wish... My father and I... We not close. We fight. I did many wrong things. I hated father. I hated self. At least you had a father. Grandfather say that, he's right. He show me God's love. Heavenly Father loves me. Send His Son to die for me. Then I understood. He loves you too, Mya. I wish I had a Grandfather like that. You have.God bring you Grandfather in Mongolia. I guess you're right. And now, all I have to do is say I'm sorry, ask God to forgive me, and I'll be his child. I guess I've had a 'grandfather' all along. Her name is Paige. Paige? Yeah, she's my best friend from back home. She's been telling me for a long time to trust Jesus. Your friend smart. Maybe time to listen. I think you're right. Oh no... Not the response I was expecting. No - sandstorm coming! Very dangerous. We won't get back in time. Bataa! Mya! Bataa! Mya! Bataa! Mya! You scare me. Grandfather! Aren't you a sight for sore eyes. Your eyes, hurting? No, no, it's...Oh, never mind. Grandfather, Mya now sister in Christ. You Christian? That's wonderful! Best news ever! Where did you get the camels? Daddy!!! Grandfather! Miss Mya! You find father? No... But I found my Heavenly Father.. Really?!! That is so awesome! Jesus answer prayers. How's Grandma? Oh... She's been really busy. Like a wedding palace. We going to be talk of the town! She got that right. Mother, I told you it should be simple. Maybe even outside. Which is why I glad you went off on your little adventure. You know what, I think I'm actually going to go for a walk. It's.., long time in the van, you know. You bad boy, deserting us at the memorial. But, thank you. I'm sorry about your ger. Your mother... No need. I know how she is. Did you find what you were looking for? We find Tumen, but he deny he father. You know what I mean. Did you find whatever it is that's holding you back? I... don't... know. Please. Figure it out... It's time. For what? Time to tell me what's bothering you. It's the girl. That much, I figured out. You remember I told you about Peggy- Mya's mother. Well, the day after sandstorm hit, we rode back to the camp. Her professor very angry, jealous man. He thought she and I... But we didn't! We loved each other, wanted to marry first. But that night the professor went to Peggy's tent and... She was very ashamed, upset. Left Mongolia next day. I never seen her again. She must never know about it. She deserves better She needs a real father. Prepare for awesomeness! Awesomeness? Well, that's a tall order, don't you think? I love it. I'm sorry. I just have to go. Grandpa, Miss Mya is going! We must stop her. Mya, please, please stop. Come. I'm sorry Grandfather.
I have to get back for my friend's wedding. You running to wedding, or away from it? I'm just running. Old Mongolian proverb say; "If you are afraid, don't do it. If you do it, don't be afraid." I think you afraid. I can't. I'm sorry. Please don't go Miss Mya I'm sorry Gerel. I have to. Mya. Where's Mya? She leaving. Mya! Mya stop! I... I was surprised you left. I had to. You... forgot this. Is my father here? No. I saved for you. He gave me, thought I should have his. So you came after me to give me this? I don't want you to leave. You want me to stay and watch you marry someone else? God want you to stay here. Don't try and make me feel guilty. I'm the one who is guilty. Please. Please Miss, go with him. I must leave. You look... Beautiful. Thank you. Wow. Never seen window in a ger. It's not practical. You know, I can't live here with
my medical office in Ulaanbaatar, right? But somehow... I have a feeling you didn't build this for me, did you? Are you marrying me for love, or to honor your parents? I just … You sure about this? No. I don't know what I'm doing here. Please don't go, Miss Mya. I'm...I'm not leaving, just going to get some fresh air, okay? Mya, I praying. Please all stand for bride. We come together to celebrate the love of two people
who will join in holy marriage... Wait Pastor... I'm sorry, I must speak. Mother, father... And to our families... I sincerely apologize to you. But... I cannot marry. You see... I am in love with someone else. I should have stopped this long ago, but I... Yes you should have. But I don't think that should stop you from this marriage. Pastor, you may continue now. Okay. Now I ask, who gives this woman to be married to this man?... No? Her mother and I giving her! Dad? My daughter, I am so sorry for what happened earlier. I didn't know... I better ask now, any more surprises before I marry this couple.
