Hand Update

It has been almost a month since I (Sister Rands) had hand surgery. I am happy to report that it is healing well and is getting stronger every day.  Before surgery it was all I could do to write my signature. I was pretty useless in the kitchen and Elder Rands was wonderful to help me cut, chop, wash dishes, open jars, etc.   Today I took several pages of notes at Stake Conference. I played the piano this week for the first time in months. The doctor said I didn't have to do any physical therapy, that it would get better just from normal use.  He did say it would be several months before I gained full strength in that hand again. I am amazed at how much I can do with it already.  Sometimes it aches at the end of the day from using it, but it is so muuch better than it was. 

We went to Labotse last week to eat dinner with three other Senior Couples.  The hosting couple took us to a cemetery because they are very different here than in the United States.  The covers over the graves are a testiment to how hot the sun gets here -- they even try to shade the dead from its intense rays!!  They also took us to see a folk art wall around a home in Labotse that was unique.  We enjoy getting together with the other senior couples and are amazed at how much they accomplish in helping the work of the gospel move forward, each in their own unique way with their specific assignments.  Two couples are now serving their third missions and one is on their fourth.  They are all good examples to us.