Counted and Taxed

...well finger-printed actually. I just want to report, that Aaron and I are now officially legal aliens in this crazy and beautiful country of Kenya. They made sure to take the prints of all ten digits (making me feel like something of a criminal) and to let us know that we will be receiving our offical ID cards in two months--approximately one month before they again expire. I'm not really sure how they reason. But anyway...this all came one day before we were part of the deci-annual (I think I can say that) census. Yesterday there was a nation-wide holiday whereby [one of my favorite Kenyan phrases, btw] all citizens (and legal aliens alike) were required to be at home so that a clerk from the census bureau could stop by and literally count us. Interesting. So, while waiting, I did all sorts of things about which I have been lamenting not being able to get to. The said clerk arrived, asked us a few painless questions, and we were recorded in the books of Kenyan history forever. Then we were off to the beach--with just an hour or two before the sun went down. We ended the day with a much-needed mop chop and all is now very, very well.
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I've been thinking a lot lately about the quality of life that one can lead. It's amazing how much people can inspire me, just in passing. In the last couple of days, I've come across two individuals in particular that have brought back a flood of memories of promises I once made to myself. Promises that involve living and loving deeply the life I have been given. That's not to say that I currently wallow in a pit of self-despair...actually, I've just recently contemplated how blessed I am. No, what I mean is that I think there is an element--a talent if you will--of existence that parallels standing at the summit of a mountain and breathing deeply the sharp, clean air, marveling at creation as far as the eye can see, as the sun majestically rises on another day. It's that deep-lunged living that I sometimes feel I lack. It's gratitude and love for all and in all moments of mortality. If I could extract the feelings of my heart and post them for all to see, I think you might understand what I mean.

Maybe the wisdom of Elder Richard G. Scott says it better:

Do you take time to discover each day how beautiful your life can be? How long has it been since you watched the sun set? The departing rays kissing the clouds, trees, hills, and lowlands good night, sometimes tranquilly, sometimes with exuberant bursts of color and form. What of the wonder of a cloudless night when the Lord unveils the marvels of His heavens—the twinkling stars, the moonlight rays—to ignite our imagination with His greatness and glory? How captivating to watch a seed planted in fertile soil germinate, gather strength, and send forth a tiny, seemingly insignificant sprout. Patiently it begins to grow and develop its own character led by the genetic code the Lord has provided to guide its development. With care it surely will become what it is destined to be: a lily, crowned with grace and beauty; a fragrant spearmint plant; a peach; an avocado; or a beautiful blossom with unique delicacy, hue, and fragrance. When last did you observe a tiny rosebud form? Each day it develops new and impressive character, more promise of beauty until it becomes a majestic rose. You are one of the noblest of God’s creations. His intent is that your life be gloriously beautiful regardless of your circumstances. As you are grateful and obedient, you can become all that God intends you to be.

I'm grateful for "messengers" such as my two friends and Elder Scott that are sent to cross our paths, to touch our souls and encourage us to live more completely.