Roibos

When you serve a mission in South Africa there is one thing you come to know pretty quick, Roibos Tea.  It can be found in just about every members home and you really can't go anywhere without being offered a cup.  Tea is offered in just about every home you go into anyway and we found that many people had Roibos available.  Roibos is church approved for those who are concerned with the topic of conversation here.  It was just over 20 years ago that I had my first cup of Roibos, it was pretty odd at first, a little different.  I quickly grew to quite enjoy the flavor.  It has been just under 18 years since I last had Roibos.  What, scratch that.  I believe Pete brought home a little Roibos so it may be more like 17 years or so since I last had Roibos. 

For Christmas this year Laura gave me a present that was a big package of Roibos.  Wow.  She has a friend at the U who is from South Africa and got her some.  I was quite surprised.  Yesterday I made myself a cup.  I put in the usual sugar and milk and my goodness me, it was like time traveling.  It is a taste that is connected to a 2 year period of my life and I seriously can picture myself sitting with friends in their homes enjoying a cup.  Sister Kitchen in Capetown really comes to mind.  I can see her living room, her family, I remember doing our best to try and draw their attention away from the TV and the soaps they used to watch.  It is quite amazing.  They always served the Roibos with biskets which were always good when they were soaked first. 

I am sitting here right now enjoying a cup, enjoying the smell, enjoying the taste.  I don't have any biscuits but if I did I would probably be enjoying them too.  Makes me want to go find some South African goodies.  There used to be UK Foods and More down in Vegas where we could pick up some stuff.  Some ProNutro or Wheatabix, some Biltong, the assortment of Cadburry chocolate bars and so many other delicious things.  Perhaps I need to locate a supplier because when I run out of this package of Roibos - by the way you roll that R.  Anyway, when I run out of this package of Roibos I would rather not wait 18 years to get it again. 

On the topic of things we don't forget let me just add one quick story.  Jack and I were working on his homework and he stopped me and said "I will never forget that I am a Child of God.  When Satan tries to get me I will just tell him NO!"  I love that.  We have been listening to Jack Christianson when we drive around and he talks on this subject.  Anyhow, I am grateful that this is what Jack picked up and that it is a strength to him and to our family.  Andy was listening in and wanted to do the same. It just makes you feel good as a Parent.