We are Never Bored!

This assignment to work in the mission office is perfect for us.  The Lord knew what he was doing when he called us to serve here.  We leave for the mission office about 7:30 each morning and we work until the work is done -- sometimes till 4 or 5 p.m.  There's always a lot of immigration work to do, new missionary recommendation papers to go through and emails from parents and infield missionaries and upcoming missionaries.  LeRon keeps very busy with financial matters.  In fact tomorrow we are flying to Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania to train the branch clerks in their financial duties.  We are never bored.  Often tired, but never bored.

We had a fun experience in a store the other day.  As we talked to the cashier fellow about eternal families, we told him that we've been married for 41 years.  He was shocked.  He said we didn't look old enough.  He made my day!  Then he asked seriously what we do to stay young.  So I told him about the Word of Wisdom, which is the Lord's law of health.  I told him how important it is to abstain from things that hurt our bodies and to eat nutritiously.  He was intrigued.  Was a nice experience!

On Saturday, which is our "preparation day" we went to a local farmer's market.  This lovely lady was making sugar cane juice.  I told her that I couldn't drink it because it's pure sugar and I'm diabetic.  She said that actually sugar cane juice has "low glycemic index" and it won't affect the blood sugar at all.  I didn't believe her so she told me to look it up on the internet, which I did.  This is what it said, (if you can believe what you read on the internet):
"Sugarcane has glucose but also has a lower glycaemic index than instant sugar, making it the perfect energy drink for diabetics. Not only does it give them essential amounts of sugar but also does so safely. So, if you are a diabetic and crave something sweet, sip on a glass of sugarcane juice for that instant fix."

These sugar canes have been peeled.

She fed a sugar cane into the machine, then added some lime and mint.

I had a sip of LeRon's juice and it was actually delicious.  But I'm still not sure I would want to drink a whole cup of it.

Close to where we live are trees loaded with weaver birds and their nests.  The guard we talked to said that the opening of the nests hang down so that snakes can't get into the nests.  Interesting!

Hard to understand how birds can make such complicated nests!

Here's one of the many weaver birds that nest in these trees.  Lovely yellow bird.

Interesting flower on this huge cactus plant.

Remembrance Day pictures.  We're wearing poppies we bought here in Kenya.  Kenya was a British possession and there are many people here with British roots.  Lots of British people were born and raised here, including Anna, the lady who cuts my hair.  Lots of British ex-pats here too.  These paper poppies are just like the ones we've seen in England.  They probably came from England.  Many things here are similar to England.  Some words, such as "zed" which is what we Canadians say also, and "holiday" rather than "vacation" like the Americans say.  

Here's one of our few selfies.  I'm wearing the poppy I brought from home and LeRon's wearing the one we bought here.  I know I brought two poppies from home but I can only find one.

We feel very at home here.  When we first were here, if I waited in the truck while LeRon ran into Galleria Mall, I would lock the doors and keep the windows rolled up even if it was hot.  Now I sit in the truck with the windows open, enjoying the fresh air.  I feel safe here as I watch the armed guards patrolling the parking lot and families walking together.  At least in the day time I feel safe doing that!  Today I noticed some lovely flowers by the parking lot.  So I got out my trusty point-and-shoot and snapped a few shots.

And isn't this shot interesting?  I zoomed way in and caught the sunlight shining on the flower with the dark rain clouds behind it.  Pretty good for my little camera.  And the wind was blowing too.

Then I saw this yellow bird.  Wish it would have perched in front of the branch.

LeRon popped back to see if I was okay.  I've been having problems with my sciatic nerve so I just sat in the truck while he went into the store.  Doesn't he look handsome?!