Sometimes I'm Grateful for Questions

Dear America,

Sorry about last week's email. I was kind of scattered. This week has been increasingly scattered, but I think I'm getting better at handling it.

What recipes do you use most often? Lately I've loved making no-bake cookies and putting them in the freezer. I also make tortillas with slight differences because it's a common east African food called japati and it goes with anything. Groundnut soup and vegetable stew are regular preparation day foods for me.

Do you have a budget for meals / expenses, or just try to be cheap? I don't even have to try to be cheap, it comes naturally (thanks, parents). I always end the week with a large amount of subsistence left over. So right now I'm looking for ways to burn money productively.

Do you use mom’s cookbook (answer tactfully). Yes.

Do you have any advice about living away from home? About living in an apartment with 3 other guys? Just do more than your fair share to help, like in cleaning. As soon as you use something, wash it and then don't be surprised when you have to wash more because someone didn't. I'm not sure I could really give you good advice for living away from home unless you've done it.

Do all the kids go to school? At what age? Are there any sports leagues for kids? Do people have pets? Most kids go to school at a very young age, maybe two or three. Even younger if the parents are busy. Unless the family is very poor. Most kids play football (soccer) with their friends, and most of the schools have a semi-official team, but organized competition doesn't really exist. You just gather on Saturday or Sunday and play with whoever shows up to the pitch. Some people have dogs or cats, but they feed them whatever the people are eating so I don't know if they count as true pets. And they don't wash the dogs. Or pet them.

What’s something you’ve laughed about recently? Tell us about your companion from South Africa. What do you foresee being a culture shock coming back home? One of the elders from Kenya in our apartment usually makes me chuckle. He's ready to go home and sometimes I need some of his sarcasm/experience. I don't know why, but it relieves my stress occasionally. Elder Wood from South Africa is cool. Most people call him obroni because he's pretty pale for an African. He's a good footballer and thoughtful. Sometimes he doesn't tell me what he's thinking, though, so I have to guess at it. But he's really tolerant and willing to work and grow. I've realized recently that I'm really going to have a hard time with the food when I get back, as much as I might try not to. But also with the culture. And not being special at all. Here it's pretty easy to be friends with people. Life doesn't work that way in the US.

I'm happy to hear that Drew is doing well on scripture study. His talk a few weeks ago was great. As pertaining to birthday presents, just put the money in the account. I'm anticipating a few expenses (like cavities) will be pending when I get back. l don't care about money right now, but I'm sure I'll be forced to when I'm home. It's kind of a depressing answer but I'm happy right now:)