Cross Your Fingers Everyone!

Ok...I think I've finally got this whole Internet thing figured out. I've posted some pictures on Picasa Web. I haven't done a trial run, so I don't know how things will come through on your end...but!...I think it's a start. Give it a shot and then give me some feedback and let me know if it works. Just type http://picasaweb.google.com/aharbertson/ or click here to check it out.

This past week was good. Nothing too incredibly interesting to note, but I'll give you the run-down anyway.

Sunday
We went to Church at a different branch. Again, it was an awesome experience. The Branch President is literally one of the stalwarts of the Church in Kenya. He has been serving as Branch President for over 10 years. His name is Kenneth. He is a great man and has a darling family. I'll have to post a picture soon.
As a missionary, he was very instrumental in bringing a lot of members into the Church. One of the people that he taught and baptized was just called to the Quorom of the Seventy in the last General Conference. You can see his picture in the Conference Report of the Ensign.

Also, another intern arrived--Richard Brown. He's hilarious and it's been great having him around. He was only here for a week and actually goes home tomorrow. I would tell you what the purpose of his trip was, but it might be a little bit confusing. So, I'll spare you the details

Monday
A national holiday in Kenya = No work. Yay!! We rented a Matatu and headed down to the southern part of the country. We visited a site where Arab slave traders would hold slaves before taking them to the island of Zanzibar to sell them. It's crazy what people think they can do to each other! We also took a little boat to a small island that was supposed to be really cool. I'm not sure if we missed the cool part or what, but we were all kind of irritated by the fact that we felt like we had been duped. But we still got some good pictures.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Not much to note other than we've certainly been put to work. I don't know if I've mentioned, but Aaron is working as an interim CFO of the bank and I am working as an interim HR Director. The CEO of the bank has some great things planned for the organization, but doesn't have the management support that he needs. We've both been given assignments to overhaul some of the programs and processes they have in place. It's kind of a big assignment, but it's easy to see how much the organization needs it! It's great that we can both use our education and previous work experience to benefit these people.

Saturday
We went into work for just a little bit--partially because we have so much to do, and partially because nearly everyone else that works in the office was going to be there, and we felt a little obligated! I certainly didn't expect it to be this intense! After a couple of hours, we left and headed for the beach. Unfortunately, we didn't get there before the huge storm clouds came rolling in off of the ocean. But it was nice to walk around for a bit before the torrential downpour started. When they say "rainy season" they really mean "monsoon season." I don't know that I've seen so much rain at once! We then decided to check out some local markets around our apartment and grab some dinner before Fast Sunday. I thought that I wouldn't have to worry about gaining weight on this adventure...I mean, we're in a third-world country, right? Well, my assumptions were a little off. Everything is fried or super starchy. Feels just like the mission again! Hopefully the results won't be the same! :)

Well. We hope everyone is doing well. We are having a great time, but are starting to miss people. If you get a second, post a note or shoot us an email--we'd love to hear from you!

Until next time...Kwaherini!!