December 10th - December 23rd

We are actually posting this on the 24th - Christmas Eve. 

The highlight of this two weeks was the baptism of Desiree on the 15th.  Nan spoke and I was asked by Desiree to perform the baptism.  There were about 20 at the baptism Saturday morning and I performed the confirmation on Sunday at the branch. The branch also gave her the quadruple combination of the Old and New Testament, the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearle of Great Price.  We took Desiree and several from the branch to lunch following the baptism.  Just a really nice day. It even snowed a little to remind us of home. 

We gave our finals at institute on the 12th and 13th.  We do not teach classes again until January 23rd.  This will give us both a chance to do some studying and organization for next semester.  We have written notes to a number of young adults that did not attend institute last semester that we hope will reconsider this upcoming term.  We have several YW who have submitted their mission papers and will be receiving calls to serve missions within the next couple of months.  Several other YM and YW are leaving for school.  Most going to BYU Idaho.  Hopefully this group leaving can be offset by those coming home from school or missions. 

We both feel good about touching the lives of those we have been able to influence, either teaching them in institute, visiting with them at the institute between classes, or during the many branch activities we go to.  We are with the young people almost every night except for Tuesday.  We have attended several choir, dance, concert band and orchestra presentations at Shasta College, which some of the young people we know participated in.  We have enjoyed those presentations.  However, Kent would rather listen to people singing in English.

Friday the 14th was a dance sponsored by the LDS Student Association, which gives us representation on campus.  This last Friday the branch had its annual Christmas party.  Nan got out on the dance floor with one of the YM and tried to learn to Jitter-Bug.  Carlos was very patient but Nan ran out of steam before she had the foot-work down.  It still amazes us that when these young people say they are going to have a dance, they actually do dance. 

On the 15th we spoke in the 5th Ward and yesterday, the 23rd, we spoke in our branch.  We gave basically the same talks on charity and gifts of the spirit and then tied them into the true meaning or true spirit of Christmas.

Thanks to all for your gifts, cards and thoughtful wishes.   We have such wonderful memories of this time of year. 

May each of you find happiness during this time of year.  Hold your children close, give your spouse a hug and tell them how much they mean to you.  Pray for peace and stay close to our Father in Heaven.

Love to all,

Week 20 and 21 - Nov. 26 to Dec.9

A relatively uneventful two weeks.  We did get around to inspect all the Elder's apartments again.  We sure enjoy that.  Had to buy one set of Elders a new microwave which we will be reimbursed for.  Within the next couple of months we are to receive 60 new missionaries in the Roseville Mission.  The President may need help in locating new apartments for them. We will see.

For our Wednesday evening class on the 28th we taught "Symbolism and Symbols in the Scriptures."   It's amazing how often the prophets used body parts, animals, clothing, nature, colors, food, minerals, etc. to represent things.  It was a fun class the kids really got into.

For our "Break the Fast" meal on Fast Sunday, the coordinator always chooses a theme.  The theme this month was "East Coast."  I made Waldorf Salad.  You can't more "East Coast" than that!  The salad turned out great but we brought most of it home.  I wasn't surprised though.  We have found the kids don't eat much fruits and vegetables.  Oh well, their loss.  We enjoyed it. 

We watched the First Presidency Christmas Devotional by live stream on the computer last Sunday and enjoyed every minute of it.  We are still finding it hard to not be able to just turn on the T.V. and watch all the "church stuff." 

Don't know if we mentioned it or not previously but all the missionaries have been given a challenge by President and Sister Weston to mark four things in our Books of Mormon as we read: 1) each reference to Jesus Christ (including any of His names or pronouns referring to Him); 2) His words (spoken by Him or by prophets when they say, "Thus saith the Lord"); 3) His attributes; and 4) the doctrines and principles of the gospel contained in the Book of Mormon.  Each of the four categories is to be designated by a different color.  We figured we had to read 3 chapters each day in order to be finished by the deadline given - March 2013.  We're a little behind, but catching up.  We'll be able to give much more time to the "challenge" during the Christmas break from teaching. 

The young woman we have been teaching with the Elders backed off her baptism on the 1st but has committed to the 15th - this Saturday, at 11AM.   She again asked Kent to baptize her which will be an honor.  Nan will be speaking. The branch has a nice, new quad set of scripture the branch president is going present to her at her baptism.  She feels very comfortable with moving forward now.  This has been one of the highlights of our mission so far.

Both of us are doing our final review then giving final exam's this week. We will not teach again until mid January.  This gives us a little break to catch our breath.  We are, however, speaking in the Redding 5th Ward on the 16th and in our Branch on the 23rd. 

We are giving all the students a Snickers candy bar with the following attached, "Don't snicker, at least you got something for Christmas."  We are giving all the Elders in the Zone a tube of cookie dough with the saying, "You can always use a little extra dough this time of year." 

We bought a six pack of bottled root beer and are putting a big red nose, google eyes, antlers out of pipe cleaners and a ribbon that looks like a scarf on each bottle.  The card will say, "Merry Christmas from Rudolph the red nose 'root beer.'  We saw this on a web site.  We are giving this to our Assistant at the Institute. 

Well this will be a fairly normal week except for Desiree's baptism Saturday and a choir concert that evening which we plan to go to to support a member of the Institute.
Oh ya, there is a dance Friday night (with live D.J.) the institute is sponsoring which we will chaperon.

Smiles to all from Redding

Weeks 17, 18 & 19 - November 5th to November 25th

Well another three weeks. Man they were busy ones.

Because Shasta College didn't have classes on Monday the 12th in observance of Veteran's Day, we didn't have classes either.  A long weekend was appreciated. 

On the 13th we attended the morning session of Zone Conference which was held right here at the Redding Stake Center.  All the missionaries were given a challenge by President and Sister Weston to start reading the Book of Mormon from the very beginning and marking, with different colors, 1) any reference to Jesus; 2) any words of Jesus; 3) any attributes of Jesus; and 4) any doctrine and/or principles of the gospel.  The challenge is to be done by next Zone Conference in March.  We have found the reading to be time-consuming because we are always stopping to discuss the doctrines and principles we find.  I'm not sure we'll be finished by March.   Our Office Assistant offered to stay at the Institute building while we were at Conference.  We told her we would be back by 1 p.m. so we didn't stay for the afternoon session. 

We have been meeting with the young woman Deseree and participating in the lessons taught to her.   Her baptism is planned for this next Saturday, December 1st, at 10 AM.  Nan will be giving a talk and she has asked that Kent baptize her.  Other members of the Branch will take part as well.  She has not missed an activity during this two weeks, been to Family Home Evening each Monday, the branch Thanksgiving dinner on the 14th, and has not missed any Sunday meetings.  We have taken part in most of her lessons and are amazed at how well she grasps the things she is taught and what she reads.  She has developed some really good friendships during the past few weeks. 

Speaking of the annual Thanksgiving dinner held with the Branch members on Wednesday evening the 14th - there were 40 there.  President and Sister Maire opened their beautiful, big home for the evening. 

It seems that activity with the Young Single Adults is growing. We just had four more YSA's request to move their memberships from their home ward to the Single's Branch.  We have two fellows that come on Sundays now because they want to attend the Temple Prep class. 

On Friday, the 16th, we attended the Shasta College Symphonic Band fall concert.  One of our YSA's and the son of our office assistant is in the band.  Kent wasn't sure he was going to enjoy the evening but we both felt it important to support the YSAs in their extra-curricular activites.  As it turned out, we both really enjoyed the performance.  A lot of lively music and quite talented band members ranging in age from 12 to 89. 

Last Saturday, the 17th, we drove 3 hours to Sacramento for a session at the Sacramento Temple.  The session was packed.  The workers kept bringing in more and more chairs.  We're pretty sure the Fire Marshall would have had a heart attack if he had seen the overflow capacity of the room.  A young man who has been attending the branch went through the temple for the first time.  He is leaving for a mission to South Korea in a few weeks. 

We had a wonderful visit with Brad, Kalynne and their family.  They arrived Wednesday evening and left late Saturday morning.  We went to the fish hatchery in Coleman, Turtle Bay Exploration Park, walked across the Sundial Bridge, played ping-pong and pool at the Institute and the grandchildren painted beautiful decorations to hang on our 4 foot Christmas tree and constructed a cute Ginger Bread House.  We thank them for traveling 13 hours each way to visit us.  The weather was stormy Saturday through Wednesday prior to their arrival but gorgeous while they were here.

We are finding out that with 18-31 year old singles, there is a lot of drama.  Young women and young men come into our office and talk for hours just visiting and looking for guidance and council.  Kent often walks into our office and fines a YW in his chair visiting with Nan.  He grabs what he needs and gets lost.  Kent does most of his couciling and talking across the ping-pong or pool table.  We have little time to work on lessons during the day now.  That is fine, we are making a difference in a lot of lives.  But to make up for lost lesson-prep time during the day we are working several hours a week at home.   

We come home exhausted - ping-pong can be tiring.  I (Kent) will get home and sit down - immediately falling asleep before dinner.  After dinner we are often off to teach an evening lesson or to some other activity.  We laugh when we think of President Weston's words: "We don't expect our senior missionaries to keep up the same pace as our young missionaries.  You two make sure to get sufficient down-time and take a nap every day."  We don't know the meaning of "down-time" but Nan finds that about every 10 days she just can't keep going and she does take an hour nap before dinner. 

Saturday (after the Brad Barlow family departed) we drove to Mt. Shasta (about an hour drive) and took the Elders to lunch as we began our next round of inspecting the Elder's apartments.  We have been told we will soon get 60 additional missionaries in the Roseville Mission.  About half will be sisters.  It will be nice to have the Sisters here to help with female investigator lessons.  With more missionaries in our Zone, that means we will have a few more apartments to inspect each month.  We enjoy doing that, however, because it gives us a chance to interact with the missionaries. 

We love hearing from our family and friends.  We have received some great emails with details about the Ward and what's going on in our extended family.  Keep the letters, cards and emails coming.  We look forward to them. 

Oh - and one last thing.  Kalynne very patiently showed Nan how to publish pictures in our Blog.  Tyson is off the hook in trying to do it for us from Utah. 

We both are happy and healthy.  Love to you all.

Kent and Nan

Visitors for Thanksgiving 2012

Trevor, Emma, Mason, Madi, Camille 23 November 2012

Brad, Kalynne, Camille, Trevor, Emma, Madi and Mason came to Redding for Thanksgiving.  Kalynne and children arrived by car Wednesday afternoon, the 21st.  Brad didn't fly into Redding Regional Airport until 11 that night.  A long day on the road and in the air for the Brad Barlow Family.  Thursday Brad and Kalynne paid for us all to go to dinner at Home Towne Buffet.  It was great.  Everyone ate exactly what they wanted.  After Thanksgiving lunch we went out to the Institute building to play pool, ping-pong and Foosball.  Before everyone arrived we bought a pumpkin pie (already baked) and a Razzelberry pie (had to bake that one) and a turkey breast roast (had to bake that too) so we could have pie and sandwiches later in the day.  Friday we went to the Coleman National Fish Hatchery.  We had a quick lesson from one of the employees on salmon eggs and how they become huge salmon in the ocean.  Also on Friday, Brad and Kalynne treated us all to admission to the Turtle Bay Exploration Park (about 10 minutes from our apartment).  We enjoyed the "Creature Feature" where we mixed and mingled with a large porcupine (contrary to popular belief, they do not throw their quills as a defensive maneuver), a young red fox, a Kookaburra bird and an Australian Cockatoo.  We also toured the Turtle Bay Museum.  But the children had the most fun feeding beautiful small parrots from little pots of nectar they held in their hands.  The birds flocked to the pots.  Mason was the only one who didn't care for this activity.  The birds landed on heads, shoulders, arms and hands.  We did a lot of visiting and catching up on the Post Falls Barlows and Saturday morning they were on their way back home.  Thanks Brad, Kalynne and children for a great Thanksgiving!

Halloween 2012

Branch Halloween Party and Dance - October 26, 2012

 The whole motley crew!

The Dread Pirate Sister Barlow, "Arrrrrrrrrr!"

Elder Barlow just "clowning" around!

Weeks 15-16: October 22 - November 4

Well we got our first rain since we got to Redding on the 22nd.  Received letters from Madi, Aubree and Camile.  Thank you.  They always pick us up.  Power went out at the Institute building about one hour prior to my 1 o'clock class.  I had about 15 in the class.  We held it in a fireside setting on the couches in the foyer as you came in. Kind of a nice change. The YM who was asked to say the opening prayer was praying that the class would go OK and at that instant the power came back on.  Since we were already all together, I just taught there in the foyer without the power point I was going to use. 

The Elders covering our apartments had set up an appointment to teach a nonmember sister at our apartment on Tuesday the 23rd, but she was a no show. Something they face quite a bit.  We are becoming more and more involved with the Elders in addition to our assignment at the institute.  The Zone leaders show up at times to raid the kitchen for lunch and we are always happy to pay for the hot pockets etc. that they eat.  They are now having regular meetings with the District Leaders at the Institute building and the Zone leaders often show up and use a room to do their planning. It is hard when transfers happen and we loose a few of the Elders, especially the Zone Leaders who come to the YSA Branch and some of the Activities because there are almost always non members or new members at these activities.  One Zone Leader, Elder Poll, transferred last Tuesday and came by to say goodbye and take a picture with us.  He goes home in 4 months.

Sister Lowther, the paid Assistant at the Institute, is usually there a couple of hours in the mornings but missed most of last week with a bad back.  Nan and I rotate with her on fixing lunch for the Friday Forum and this was our week. We had beef stew, biscuits, salad, and rice crispy treats.  They lapped those up quickly. It all turned out just great.  Last night we had two couples come up from south of Redding and the six of us went out to eat then they came over to our apartment to have a dessert and visit. One couple is in Red Bluff, about 1/2 hour south, and the other in Corning, 1 hour south. Nan made a pumpkin desert that was wonderful.  Today is 'break the fast' after our block and we purchased a ton of fresh fruit to make a fresh fruit salad.  How do you continually fix all this food and not put on a few pounds?

On Halloween there was a Halloween Party, of course.  The Branch activities committee did just a great job on decorating, games, FOOD, and music for the dance.  There were 30 in attendance.  Nan dressed up as a pirate and I painted my face like a clown. Will have to post some pictures.  And YES I did ask Nan to dance with me for one dance.  Slow of course, but she got out there a couple of times and danced with a couple of the guys.  She can still swing it.

Had a pumpkin carving contest for FHE on Monday. We were the judges. There were some pretty cool pumpkins when they were finished.

Friday of this week one of the gals showed up at the institute with a bag of material and had to make a dress for a dance recital that evening.  No sewing machine available. The dress was needed by 5:30.  So she, Nan and one other girl sewed on the dress much of the day.  Nan and I left about 5 and she had just a few final stitches to take.  Friday evening we did go to the recital to watch her.  The dress looked great.  A miracle.

Tonight is the CES Fireside and yes we have to take treats.  Probably rice crispy treats and hot chocolate.

Well that's all for now.  Looking forward to most of our family being here for Thanksgiving. 

Week 14: 15-21 October 2012

Monday the 15th found us teaching, preparing new lessons and attending FHE - all our usual routine.  After the lesson and scripture reading at FHE, the YSAs went on a Halloween Scavenger Hunt.  Bro. Barlow and I didn't "scavenge."  We just went back to the apartment and put our feet up.  It's hard keeping up with the YSAs. 

Tuesday, the 16th, was our last "Missionary Apartment Inspection" day for the month.  We had a great visit with the Elders.  It's been fun to have some interaction with all of them. 

Our Institute lesson on Wednesday was on the life of King David.  From the Bible Dictionary (under David, King) it was sad to learn that because of his complicity in the death of Uriah David lost his chance for exaltation.  Even with kings, God is no respecter of persons.  Our Heavenly Father is the perfect parent.  He makes the rules, tells us the consequences if we disobey and then follows through.   

We joined the YSAs for Sports Night on Thursday.  They played wiffle ball in the Stake Center gym.  Kent was the pitcher for both sides.  It was fun to watch two Chinese boys who haven't been in the States very long try to figure out the rules.  There were lots of hand motions that's for sure. 

The Institute was closed Friday because of yearly carpet cleaning.  That worked out well for us since there was a Youth Leadership Conference in "The Bay Area" that two of our LDS Student Association officers wanted to attend.  Although they both drive both of their vehicles were in repair so we were elected to drive them down.  We left Redding at noon.  The Conference was in the coastal town of Pacifica, south of San Francisco.  No matter what route we checked out there was no way to avoid the freeways around San Fran.   The amount of traffic was amazing!  We're thinking half the population of the U.S. must live and/or work in San Francisco.  Before our traffic experience we were thinking, once we dropped off the kids, we would drive back to S.F. and do a little sightseeing.  NO THANK YOU!  We have become true "Santaquinians."  Yes, it's the small town life for us.  We didn't go over the Golden Gate - we took the Bay Bridge.  It was interesting to see San Quintin.  Nan was surprised to see the prison took up the whole island.   We stayed at the Pacifica Beach Hotel.  The internet description was definitely a long stretch of the truth.  But at least the room had Wi-Fi and cable.  (Brook said next time we travel, let her make the hotel arrangements.  She says she knows the ins-and outs of CA hotel reservations.  Since we spent considerable time trying to find what we thought would be a nice place and fails miserably, we're more than willing to let Brook handle hotels from now on.)  The weather on Friday was very foggy with a heavy mist.  Almost like a light rain.  It never cleared up until we were on our way home.  Driving on winding Highway 1 south of SF was a white-knuckle experience. We went to the local "best seafood place in town" and had a nice meal.  We walked on the beach Saturday morning even though it was still very foggy and misting.  We LOVED it.  Being at the ocean really rejuvenated us. 

Saturday's drive home around S.F. wasn't any less taxing than the drive the day before but we made it.  It took an hour and a half just to get through the Bay Area.  We left at 1:30 and were back in Redding by 6 p.m.  The kids said the Conference was good and they were given some good advice on how to lead. 

Sunday was truly a day of rest.  After the stressful drives on Friday and Saturday it was nice to only have to drive a few miles to church.  Kent had Bishopric Meeting at 10:15 so while he was doing that I was able to do a little fine-tuning to my lesson for Monday.  After church, we just had a nice, quiet day. 

Thank you for all the notes and letters.  Finding something in the mailbox is always exciting.  Your emails are truly appreciated.  Our routine is much the same day after day and getting a letter or note adds some zest to our lives. 

Guess that's it for Week 14.  Remember: Search diligently, pray always and be believing. 

Weeks 12 and 13: 30 September - 14 October

Wow, it has been a while since we posted anything.  Wasn't Conference great?  We live-streamed it into our apartment, except the Priesthood Session, which I went to.  Nan went to a RS dinner while I was at the Priesthood Session then we all met there for ice cream after the session.  I have watched Elder Holland's talk several times and on Monday last week I showed it to my D & C class because we were discussing being disciples.  Another of our favorites was Elder Larry Echo Hawk.  Nan had just taught in her Church History class about taking the message to the Lamanites during the early days of the church. 

Mom, Grandma Great, made us some scrubbies to give to the Elders in our Zone.  President Weston has asked us to visit their apartments at least once a month and see how things are going and to make sure the apartments are relatively clean.  We met with the Zone on the 9th and gave them a run down on what we would be looking for.  We gave each companionship two scrubbies and told them to use one to keep the dishes clean and the other one was for their commode.  We made sure they were different colors and told them NOT to mix them up and to wash them frequently. Our inspection has been interesting: two of the apartments had clogged furnace filters, one a clogged sink, a couple of the apartments have carpet that is dirty and old beyond hope.  There was one kitchen that had tile missing in the floor, which made it hard to keep clean.  Two sets of Elders live in an apartment complex that has several people on parole in neighboring apartment's.  We also lent them a ratchet set to tighten the bolts on their bed to keep it together.  Another apartment has a ping-pong table and Foosball in their garage given them by their neighbors.  Quite a variety of apartments.  We have our final October inspection next Tuesday. 

None of the Elders complained. They met us when we arrived at 8 AM with smiles on their faces and in a white shirts and ties.  Spirits are high and we really enjoyed visiting with them.  Nan had them all laughing.  I gave a prayer as we left each apartment.  We both enjoyed the 15 to 30 minute visits and used the time with them to not really inspect the apartments as much as to make sure companionships were OK and to get to know the elders better.  We will, however, report to the mission home our summary of the apartments. 

This next week-end, the 19th and 20th, we are taking two of the LDSSA (Latter-day Saints Student Association) Council leaders to a leadership training in San Francisco.  This conference is for the youth leaders and so we are just going to be the transportation down and back.  We will use the time to just relax for a day.  The conference starts at 5:30 on Friday afternoon and we pick them up at 1 PM on Saturday.  About a 4 hour trip to the conference which is just south of SF in Pacifica. We pick them up at Half Moon Bay. 

On Wednesday, the 3rd, the temperature at 9:10 p.m. was 97 degrees!  The weather is starting to act more like Fall but it still gets into the 80s each day.  When we walk in the mornings, however, it is cool - sometimes we even wear a light jacket for the first little while until we get warmed up. 

Nan and I are super excited that Brad, Tyson, Pam and families are coming to Redding for Thanksgiving.  We have received numerous suggestions about what to do in the area when our families arrive. 

We are thinking the reduction in age requirements made at Conference will have an impact on our little Branch.  Several guys and maybe two gals are now getting their paperwork ready to submit.  We see the Lord's hand in these last days as He has made it possible to send many more missionaries out into the field. 

Mom (Doris) sends a letter every week.  Tyson sent pictures via email of Max and Ellie at the Pumpkin Patch and in their Halloween costumes (a preview for G-Pa and G-Ma).  It's always nice to receive mail - email or otherwise. 

We're missing you all.  We send our love

Week 10: September 16th- 23rd.

Wednesday we had a young woman come into the institute building just sobbing.  We found out she is a member but had not been to church for years.  She was on medication for depression and bi-polar syndrome, has a five year old daughter, never married, and lives with her boy friend, who is her financial support.  This is not a terribly uncommon story here.  We talked to her for an hour or so.  I had a young returned missionary come in and assist me in giving her a blessing.  Following the blessing one of the young women who often practices the piano here, began doing that - practicing.  She was playing 'Nearer My God to Thee'.  This troubled YW went in ans sat next to the piano to just listen.  In a few minutes they were singing and shortly after, a couple others were singing with them.  It brought tears to my eyes to hear them singing and laughing.  We were able to get her name, address, and phone number and permission to have the missionaries contact her and possibly her boy friend.  Shortly after she left, the Zone Leaders, who are assigned to the YSA Branch, came by to teach the new member discussions to a recently baptised YM.  We spoke to them and gave them the information for this YW.

Nan and I have had another great week.  Our institute classes are going really well.  The Wednesday evening class has grown from the six we had the first week to 12 at our last class.  This is the most challenging class we teach because we selected "Scripture Study: Power of the Word" as the subject and the lessons have turned out to be very boring.  We have done some things to make them more interesting and decided to actually make them a one hour to 90 minute scripture study session. Instead of teaching them what they should be doing, we are doing it in class.  Last week went great.  We had students involved and teaching each other.  We also brain-stormed on what they wanted to learn about and from now on we will study different gospel principles and doctrine in class. We also will begin next Wednesday giving out 'GOOD JOB' cards.  They can earn a card for 1) getting there on time, 2) bringing someone new with them 3) reading their scriptures 6 days during the week, 4) attending 3 weeks in a row and 5)having studied the subject we will discuss. (Nan and I will have done a lot of research on the subject and will have resource material there for them to use each week during class.) When they earn 10 cards they get a reward.  We're offering a homemade pie or a fresh baked cinnamon roll from the local Harvest Bread Co.  Nan did a similar reward program when she taught institute in Santaquin many years ago and the YSAs seemed to enjoy the program.  We're hoping the GOOD JOB program will encourage attendance and recruitment. 

Today we spoke in a small branch about an hour and a half west of Redding.  The drive was beautiful but we missed the turn off, which we realized about 10-15 minutes past it.  We turned around and found the right road but had 0 extra time at that point on these terribly winding roads.  Got there at 9:30 which is when the meeting was suppose to start and no one was there except the branch president and one of his counselors.  The meeting started about 9:47.  They have their own little building with a meeting room about the size of a small R.S. room that is used as the chapel and adult classroom, a fully equipped kitchen, library, Family History Center (that is not functional just yet), several small classrooms and a baptismal font.  We found out that many people in the area grow marijuana in their gardens and on their farms.  It is legal in California to grow it for medicinal purposes.  Interesting to say the least.  After the meetings they served a pot luck meal to the branch members there.  The branch president said that in the last year attendance has grown from a few to about 20. We had about 15 there today.  One brother came in during the combined RS and Priesthood with a T-shirt and cut off jeans.  Great guy - participated in the lesson, stayed for the dinner, helped clean up then left.  He was the son of one of the older sisters, who said she grew up as a local bar tender. 

We find we are having one experience after another where we see the hand of the Lord at work. We also see His hand taking care of our children while we are gone and blessing us as we teach and work with the young people in Redding.

Have a great week.  Kent and Nan (Elder and Sister Barlow)

Week 9: 10-16 September 2012

WOW!  Not a lot has happened this week. 

We both taught classes, prepared lessons, ate out a few times, and just did our general "missionary" stuff. 

Friday, however, was a lot different.  Our Branch has reservations at the Medord, OR temple to do endowments and baptisms.  Because it's a 2.5 hour drive from Redding to Medford, Kent and I decided to drive half-way on Friday.  We left Redding about 5 p.m. and drove to Mt. Shasta.  We had dinner at the Brown Bear - a famous mom-n-pop place here in CA.  We stayed at the Alpine Lodge.  Now, before you get all happy and feeling great about us staying at an Alpine lodge, let me tell you - it was a clean, small motel with great TV reception and lots of cable channels.  Simple but sufficient.  We were in heaven.  The "Continental Breakfast" offered was cute:  small bottles of Sunny-D, prepackaged 'Danish,' fresh fruit, fruit snacks, peanut butter crackers, Activia yogurt, and granola bars.  We had some of everything and were quite satisfied.

We attending the 11:30 a.m. endowment session which didn't start until 11:45.  We had been scheduled for the 1:30 session but since we got to the Temple at 11:27 we thought we would ask if it was too late to get in the 11:30 endowment.  The Temple President at the Recommend Desk told us "If you can be ready in 5 minutes you'll get in."  So we hustled off.  We probably didn't make it in 5 minutes, but we weren't the last ones to be admitted to the endowment room before the doors to the room were finally closed.  I was so surprised to see how small the Temple is.  I have never been to one of the smaller temples.  It was a very special trip. 

We arrived back in Redding in time to help set up for the Back-to-School BBQ the Branch and Institute were sponsoring.  Kent cooked huge hot dogs and Polish sausage.  Brook made potato salad.  I cut up watermelon.  And there was lots and lots and lots of sodas.  The kids played sand volleyball before and after dinner.  Kent and I helped clean up and headed home.  It had been a long day. 

Ahhhhh, the Sabbath Day.  A day of spiritual infusion and rest.  And, Happy Rosh Hashanah to us all. 
_____
Nan failed to mention the lunch we prepared for Friday Forum.  She made her famous spaghetti with sausage (2lbs) and hamburger (4lbs).  We did have a good turn out to this forum, about 20 showed and cleaned up the food pretty well.  The apple cobbler (brown betty) was also almost completely wiped out even though she quadrupled the recepite. We are cooking lots for different things. Food is always a draw.

Things are going well.  Busy but good.
Kent

Week 8: 3 - 9 September, 2012

Since Monday was Labor Day and schools were closed, we didn't have to teach any classes on the 3rd.  There are two other senior missionary couples in our general area.  While we were at the 1/2 Mission Conference on 22 August, Elder Tipton suggested we "seniors" get together once a month for dinner and visiting.  We three senior couples (Tiptons, Whitings, Barlows) planned to meet at the Tiptons home in Red Bluff (about 30 minutes from Redding) and then have dinner at a place of their choice.  We went to a little Tai restaurant and then back to the Tipton's for dessert. We all told about our children and grandchildren and told some funny stories.  It was a nice evening.  We decided to get together in October, meeting here at our apartment.  Kent and I have to choose the restaurant.  That means we have to go out to dinner a few times this month so we can sample the food.  Don't know what I'll serve for dessert.

We received said news on Tuesday, 4 September.  Kent's Uncle Mayben died that day.  He had been in declining health for the past few years so his passing is actually a blessing.  Aunt Merna and her children scheduled the funeral services for Thursday, the 6th.  Uncle Mayben was a strength to the whole family and he will be greatly missed. 

On Wednesday, the 5th, I taught the Institute Evening class.  The lesson was a general discussion about the Standard Works - when they were written, how they came to be, what good they are for us today.  Not a hard lesson to prepare but a very hard lesson to make interesting.  We had about 13 students attend.  We're hoping attendance will increase in the next few weeks. 

The kids played tag football for "Games Night" on Thursday so Kent and I stayed home in our comfy, cool apartment and did our own thing. 

Friday Forum was a success (as usual).  We have learned, if we feed them - they will come.  We served taco salad with pumpkin pie for dessert.  Yes, pumpkin pie - Brook loves pumpkin pie and she was in charge of buying the food.  The guest speaker had to cancel so Brook showed a video of children answering questions about God, church, the Bible, the Book of Mormon, etc.  It was really cute. 

The sunday evening CES Fireside featuring Elder Holland as the speaker was great.  Unfortunately, only 6 YSAs attended at the Stake Center.  Now that church firesides can be viewed on the internet, over telephones, ipads, etc., the young people just don't bother going to the Stake Centers to view the broadcasts.  We were hopeful most/some of the kids did use their electronic devices to view the meeting but when we asked around, no one we asked had bothered with it.  Such a shame.  I love Elder Holland.  He has such a powerful way of expressing his feelings.  When he has finished speaking one can have no doubt as to his feelings on the subject. 

We still walk every morning (except Sunday) and enjoy that time of day when the air is cool and the streets aren't busy.  We pass a gentleman every day.  One day he stopped us and asked, "Are you going to be doing this when you're 87?"  We both answered at the same time, "No."  I asked, "How 'bout you?  You going to be walking when you're 87?"  His answer:  "You bet.  I'm coming up on my 88th birthday."  We told him about Kent's mom still walking and doing exerices.  He said "Good for her!"  This guy doesn't look 87 (of course it is 6:30 a.m. so maybe my eyes are deceiving me) but he sure moves along at a great pace.   I don't think I'll ever be as trim as he, but I plan to still be walking when I'm 87. 

I'm still trying to find a way to make "Church History in the Fulness of Times" as interesting to the students as it is to me.  I love history so I'm always excited to share what information I have.  I just can't seem to infuse my excitement into the students.  Kent has suggested using some of the Church video clips.  I'm going to take his suggestion. 

That's it for Week No. 8.  The Church is still true and the Barlows are still happy. 

Week 7: 27 August - 2 September 2012

Monday, the 27th, was our first day of Institute classes.  I taught "Church History in the Fulness of Times" at 11 a.m. and Kent taught "Doctrine and Covenants" at 1 p.m.  We felt both our classes went well.  I teach Mon/Wed at 11 and Tues/Thur at 10 a.m.  Kent teaches Mon/Wed at 1 p.m. - no Tues/Thur class for him. 

On Tuesday I had an appointment to have my hair cut.  I know that doesn't sound important enough to put in our Blog, but I was so pleased with the cut.  Ever since we arrived in Redding I have been worrying about finding someone to cut my hair that I could trust as much as I have trusted Rami Nelson these past 17 years.  I wanted a stylist who would cut my hair the way I wanted it cut.  The Institute Admin. Assistant (Brook) recommended a stylist who turned out to be just what I was looking for.  A good plus to the whole things is - my pleasure with my cut gave Brook a sense of satisfaction. 

On Wednesday evening Kent taught the first "Scripture Study: The Power of the Word" class.  Several of the members of the Branch came to support us even though they are not taking the class for college credit.  There were 12 in attendance. Another class well taught.  I'll teach next week. 

Friday Forum was a huge success.  On Friday at noon Brook, Kent and I served a home-cooked luncheon to anyone who wanted to come.  As is the custom, Brook arranged for a speaker.  Recently returned missionary, Mike Espanosa, showed pictures and told about his mission to Columbia.  It was really interesting.  He did a great job.  One of the things I found funny was the picture of "cow stomach soup" he showed.  It looked just as awful as the "cow stomach soup" picture Tyson sent us while on his mission in Argentina.  I asked Mike if cow stomach soup was a South American food.  He didn't know.  He said since a member gave them the soup to take with them, they didn't actually eat it because it looked and smelled so badly.  Tyson told us the same story.  As long as the soup was given to be eaten later, they didn't feel badly about throwing it away.  It really does look awful! 

This week was when I realized how much I truly miss family and friends.  We have been so busy getting accalmated - finding stores we like, getting our apartment set up, preparing lessons to be taught - we haven't had time to realize we're out here all by ourselves without the family and friend social network that supported us in Santaquin.   It's nice, however, to have a companion I'm so comfortable with.  It helps that the 2nd Ward R.S. is keeping me up-to-date with Ward happenings.  We're still getting mail from grandchildren and Kent's mom sends a great letter every week. 

For today's "Break the Fast" meal after our block of meetings we fixed good old fashioned pot roast.  It turned out great.  Brook (the AA at the Institute) recommened a meat market.  R & R Meats is about a 10 minute drive from the apartment.  WOW!  What a place.  When we entered we were instructed to take a number.  We waited for our turn about 5 minutes.  We used that time to look through all the meats behind the glass cases (just like an old fashioned meat counter).  Another WOW!  They had everything, even fresh fish.  And the wonderful thing is - the prices were very reasonable.  We bought the pot roast and some chicken.  We've decided to go back to the meat market every other week.  It was a real treat of a store. 

We, of course, were not the only ones to bring food for the Break-the-Fast.  There were salads, lasagna, pork ribs and several desserts.  It's a fun tradition the Branch has been doing for a while.  Everyone in the Branch signs up to bring something to eat or to help set up and take down.  Then we all eat together just like a huge family. 

I used some of my Amazon.com gift card credit and purchased Scrabble for my Kindle.  My basic skills show I know what the game is and how to play.  I'm not very good but it's been fun playing against the computer.  The computer always wins but that's all right too.  I'm getting better.  I need to buy a dictionary (that's one thing Kent and I discussed bringing with us but decided not to).  The computer plays words I don't think I've ever heard spoken or seen written.  This will be a great learning activity and something to keep my mind going strong. 

That's it.  Another week of being a part of God's Army and we're loving it. 

Week 6: 20 Aug - 26 Aug 2012

Monday, the 20th, and Tuesday, the 21st, found us starting our Institute work schedule.  We're back to being "9-5ers."  Well, actually, only "9-4ers" but that doesn't sound as cool. 

The highlight of the week was going to the "One-Half Mission Conference" in Gridley, CA.  Gridley is about 1.5 hours from Redding.  The drive was mostly beautiful as we drove through huge almond, walnut and chestnut orchards.  Elder (of the First Quorum of the Seventy) and Sister Cardon were the guest speakers for the Conference.  The Conference started at 9:30 with counsel from John Weston, our Mission President and the Cardons.  The sisters of the Anderson Stake provided lunch at noon and the Conference was concluded at 4 p.m.  It was wonderful to be surrounded by all the young missionaries.  It was fun to see their happy reactions to reuniting with former companions.  And the singing - oh how I would love to be able to listen to those young men and women sing all day. 

Not much happened the rest of the week.  We worked on preparing lessons to be taught and mixed and mingled with the young people as they came to the Institute building to just "hang out."  We have learned this mission is as much about running a Center for Young Adults as it is about teaching Institute.  We will probably have as much or more influence outside the classroom as in the classroom. Several of the young people bring non-member friends with them to spend a few hours just relaxing and playing games.  It's good to hear laughter and light banter between them.  Makes me feel almost young again. 

Saturday was a fun day.  We went to the city of French Gulch to celebrate with the locals their "Old West Days."  The entire town is only about 2 SLC blocks long.  But little doesn't mean the residents don't know how to celebrate.  There were booths selling everything from food to antiques.  Ladies displayed their wares by hanging them on the fences outside their homes.  The parade featured the French Gulch pipe band, the Tractor Club (yes, there is actually a Tractor Club with vintage tractors perfectly restored and running smoothly), Mountain Men and Women, American Indian ancestors, 1 fire engine, horses (with accompanying pooper-scoopers), an authentic stagecoach that gave rides up and down Main Street after the parade, a political hopeful, and a home-grown French Gulch gal who is a member of our Branch and a State Champion in discus, hammer and shot put.  She has won a full-ride scholarship to Weber State and will start there in January.  Jazmin, a new convert, is the reason we traveled to French Gulch for the town celebration.  The "color commentators" are local Redding "celebrities" who own a radio station here.  They told of the earlier days of French Gulch when there were 5 saloons, 2 churches, a school, a company store, post office/jail combo, and 3 houses of ill repute all within the 2 block area.  We enjoyed sno-cones, foot-long hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, several musical, dance and acrobatic acts, browsing through the antiques in the French Gulch Hotel Bed and Breakfast, and lots of craft booths.  We're still amazed that this little former gold-mining town has an operating hotel.  We can't figure out why anyone would stay in a hotel in French Gulch.  When we went into the hotel lobby it wasn't immediately apparent it was an operating hotel.  There were several tables covered with things to buy - some antique some not.  However, there was a gentleman who appeared to be the proprietor so Kent asked about the hotel rates.  We were even more amazed when he said, "$100 per weekday night and $120 on weekends."  With those rates we're absolutely stunned the hotel stays open.  It was an exceptionally fun morning.  Jazmin was so surprised to see us.  The smile on her face made the trip perfect. 

So that's it for Week 6.  We're keepin' the faith and carrying on. 

A Favorite Quote

"I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light."  Helen Keller

Week 5: 13-19 August, 2012

Here it is Sunday August 19th.  Beginning tomorrow we will be at the Institute from 9AM until 4PM five days a week.  We have spent a considerable amount of time contacting and introducing ourselves to the YSA's in the area.  At first we drove around trying to meet them, then we called and texted them trying to set up appointments.  This did not seem to be making much difference until today.  There were several Young Adults at Sacrament that had never been to the Branch in the month we have been in Redding.  Some of them were those we had talked with, left messages on their phone or left flyers on their doors. One young woman had to travel about 1.5 hours to get here.  Nan had spoken to her several times on the phone and we had set up a couple of appointments to get together but those appointments had fallen through.

We are finding that the wards in the two stakes we are covering are way spread out.  Some of the wards are two hours from the Institute.  Our focus will be on those attending Shasta College.  Several of the most active, and most dependable are leaving for college elsewhere.  We again will have to build that base.

Today I (Kent) was set apart as the Branch Clerk so I will attend Branch Presidency Meeting.  Both Nan and I will attend Branch Council.  The Branch and the Institute are working closely together trying to build that foundation of YSA's.  Many of the young people are having a hard time finding work, which makes it hard to have the money for school, transportation, and for just everyday living expenses.

Nan and my being on the same page is a key and at times that takes some discussion. We are learning our 40 minute walk together each morning (beginning at 6) is a great time to share ideas, talk about ways we can improve our lessons, and bring more young people out to Institute.  We then eat breakfast and spend time reading the Book of Mormon together.  Next we take some time and study on our own.  Then we get ready and head to the Institute.  That personal study time will be pretty short beginning tomorrow.  Until now we have had no set time to be out at the Institute.

We are both healthy and happy. The greatest blessing from this mission is how much I have grown to appreciate Nan.  We have become more united as we work together to help these new young friends develop a more Christ-centered life.  She draws people to her like a magnet.  They love her, and we love them. ---Kent

Now it's time for Nan's entry. 

Monday, the 13th on our way home from FHE at 9 p.m. the outside temperature was 109!  When we walked on Tuesday at 6 a.m. it had cooled off to a nice 98.  I think I'm losing weight.  Not from walking but from the fat just melting off. 

Tuesday evening Kent attended a Branch Presidency Meeting at Pres. Maire's home.  Since I would not be permitted to attend the meeting, I didn't go.  Kent left instructions for me to stay in the apartment, lock the doors and not to answer the door (even if it was the Elders).  It turned out to be just another uneventful evening for me and Kent arrived home safely at 9:30. 

We worked together to prepare our Wednesday evening lesson and then taught together.  What we learned from this experience:  It's a whole lot harder for two people to work together to prepare and present a lesson that it was to prepare and present it by oneself.  We really had to implement "team work and cooperation." 

Today a young woman we had contacted in the past few weeks came to Sacrament an brought a non-member friend.  This young gal was the "long distance" member Kent mentioned in his entry.  Also, Jon and Chris Merkle, Lauren Longwell and Chanae Anderson (all whom we had never met before) arrived before our meetings started at 11.  What a spiritual boost their attendance gave us.  We felt our missionary efforts of last week paid off today. 

I logged on to watch the birthday celebration for Pres. Monson.  Good Saturday entertainment. 

We have spoken with Tricia, Stacey and Pam all of whom are getting children ready to go back to school.  On the 13th we received a wonderful letter from Kalynne (also doing the getting ready for school thing); on the 14th we got letters from Emma and Brad; on the 15th we received a letter from Mom Barlow and a long email from Tyson updating us on his family and on the 16th we received a beautiful original drawing by Mason.  Our mailbox was exploding with joy this week.  We sure do have great children and grandchildren.  Tyson mentioned in his email that Karlee was heading back to school tomorrow so she and the other speech people would be ready for students starting on the 27th. 

Tomorrow, Monday the 20th, we start our Institute Odyssey.  We will be at the Institute building from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. every day.  Since Shasta College classes begin tomorrow, we feel it important to be available at the Institute for students to hang out between classes and hopefully register for Institute classes.  We start our actual teaching on the 27th.  Monday - Thursday Kent will teach Doctrine and Covenants, I'll teach History of the Church and together we will teach Scripture Study: The Power of the Word on Wednesday evenings.  Fridays are reserved for "Friday Forum" when we will serve lunch at noon to whomever comes and a guest speaker will make a 15 minute presentation.  I'm trying to convince Kent to make Friday a half-day with us leaving the Institute after we clean up from lunch.  I'm thinking a 9-5, 4-day work week will be taxing my "retired" body just a bit much. 

So, that's it for this week.  Just wanted to remind everyone that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth and if we live by it's principles we will be happy and secure in this dangerous world. 

Smiles to all, Nan

Week 4: 6-12 Aug 2012

This week we've been getting name lists from Bishops and contacting the YSAs by phone.  Surprisingly, this has been fairly successful.  We also spent lots of time preparing lessons for the first few weeks of classes. 

Something that made this week so special was we received a note and picture from Madi and letters from Camille and Trevor.  Madi's note was particularly touching when she wrote "I hope you don't stay forever."  Two years does seem like an awfully long time even to me.  Camille's and Trevor's letters were filled with news of their busy lives and the wonderful summer they had.  Trevor even sent a family picture taken with Mickey Mouse at Disneyland.  I put the picture in my Family Brag Book. 

6 August - Monday night was FHE.  We've been asked to attend that so we always do.  After the lesson we played Mormon Trivia.  I knew almost all the "easy" questions but hardly any of the "hard" ones.  In the end, my team lost the 3-game tournament. 

7 August - The highlight of the week was having lunch with Leroy and Ann Wagner.  Yes - the Wagners from Santaquin 2nd Ward.  They were visiting family in Walnut Creek (down south) and then driving north to visit more family.  They told us before we left Utah they would like to take us to lunch when they were close to Redding.  Ann called Tuesday and said they were heading north Wednesday morning and asked if 2 p.m. Wednesday would work for going to lunch.  It was so fun visiting with them.  They took us to Applebee's.  The food was great but the visit was greater.  They filled us in on what's happening in the Ward.  The afternoon went by much too quickly.  They had reservations at the La Quinta (about 5 blocks from our apartment) and were planning to get going early Thursday.  It's wonderful to have good friends. 

8 August - I taught my first Wednesday Evening Institute class that evening on "The Gospel and the Productive Life: Serving Others."  I used my move to Utah and the help I received from my attorney in D.C., the family of "my missionary" and the family of my friend Debbie.  They all were perfect examples of Christlike service.  Only 4 young people attended but I feel the class went well.

9 August - Thursday one of the less active young men called at 6:30 a.m. and said he wanted to talk to us.  KJ asked if we could meet him at the Institute building at 10 a.m.  We were there but he never showed.  Kent called him at about 11:15 to see if he was coming.  He told Kent some family problem has arisen and he wouldn't be coming.  So much for Thursday morning.  A few days later we were informed by the Branch President that KJ is lovingly referred to in the Branch as "the amazing man of mystery."  Seems to be an appropriate nick-name. 

Friday was more lesson prep and getting information from the Bishops organized. 

Saturday morning we went to the Farmer's Market at the Redding City Center.  The Market will run until December.  It was a lot like a boutique but it was outside.  Vendors rented spaces for their booths.  Most of the vendors sold produce from their farms but there were also cookies, pies, candy, wine, aprons, baby doll clothes, and preserves.  We bought white peaches, green beans and tomatoes.  We'll probably go again in a few weeks.  We decided to eat lunch at the Mexican restaurant just down the street from us, Casa Ramos.  The parking lot is always packed so we thought we should give it a try.  The food was good and we liked the ambiance.  The price was right too.  The lunch special (which we both had) was $7.99.  There was more food than we could eat, so we brought left-overs home. 

The California State Young Single Adult Conference was this weekend in Sacramento.  All the YSAs were encouraged to attend.  The Conference started Friday evening and ended Sunday after an address from a G.A.  There were no meetings at our Branch today because of the Conference. 

So, today (Sunday the 12th) we decided to go to Sacrament Meetings for the 4th Ward (9 a.m.), 3rd Ward (11 a.m.) and 2nd Ward (1 p.m.) because they all meet at the Stake Center.  We wanted to meet the members and let them know we'll be starting Institute classes on the 27th.  Several said they had children who were planning to enroll.  We made several good contacts with the YSAs and were welcomed heartily by the members in each Ward.

The Gardners (the Sr. Missionary couple we replaced) left a Cannon printer for our personal use but they forgot to leave the disc with the installation program.  Actually, they thought we would be able to install the printer on our computer using an internet program but that didn't work.  So, we contacted them and Bro. Gardner said he would send the disc.  It arrived Saturday and we now have a printer here at the apartment.  Life is good!  When we leave in two years, we'll leave the printer and the installation disc for the next couple.

We went to the "World Market" (a lot like Pier One Imports but not so overstocked) on Friday and found a nice little table to put in the entryway.  I wanted the table so Kent could drop his keys right when he came in the apartment.  Of course, "dropping the keys" would require a basket.  We looked all over the World Market but didn't find anything that really struck my fancy.  We decided to try Michael's (just down the street) some other time.  I think not finding a basket was providential because on Friday evening when I was sitting in the living room reading I needed some place to set the TV remote, my Kindle, etc.  The little entryway table turned out to be just perfect for that.  It's the right height and nestles right between the arms of the sofa and love seat.  Guess I'll do without an entryway table for Kent's keys. 

We're still walking every day except Sunday.  We're eating well, sleeping well and still enjoying the best two years.

Week 3

Sunday 29 Jul - This was the first time we were asked to speak in Sacrament Meeting.  The tradition in the YSA Branch is to invite the missionaries to speak.  Since we are the newest missionaries, we were asked.  I related my conversion story and the Lord's miracles that still occur in our lives.  Kent spoke on being one of Christ's friends - getting to know Him better - being better disciples.  At 6:30 p.m. we went out to the home of Elder Zack Cobabe for his Farewell Open House.  This is the first young missionary who has left from the Branch since we arrived.  Also today we were asked by Amy Wolford to speak at her baptism next Saturday evening.  We were pleased to be asked. 

Monday 30 Jul - Housekeeping chores this morning - out to the Institute right after lunch.  We worked on some of the first lessons we will teach for the fall semester and the first Wednesday Evening Class Kent will teach on Aug 1st.  That evening we attended the Branch FHE at the Institute.

Tues, Wed & Thur were spent traveling (far and wide) to try to introduce ourselves to some of the YSAs who are a little less active.  The evenings were devoted to more lesson prep

Wed evening (Aug 1st) was our first Evening Institute class.  Kent taught it on Honoring Covenants.  Only 6 students came but we're told not to be discouraged because there is always low attendance during the summer. 

Saturday was busy with grocery shopping (again), paying bills, light housekeeping, sending emails and general everyday living things.  We finally went out to The Sundial Bridge.  It's a modern foot bridge over the Sacramento River connecting the north and south areas of Turtle Bay Exploration Park.  A real tourist attraction.  It actually indicates the correct time only on the summer solstice (20 and 21 June).  That evening we attended the baptism of Amy Wolford.  She asked Kent and me to speak at her baptism.  It was a good experience.  We gave short but meaningful talks and the young missionaries showed a few Mormon Messages while Amy was changing her clothes.  It was a nice evening. 

Today, Sunday 5 Aug - I decided to change the way I update the blog.  From now on I'm updating from Mon-Sun so I'm including today's activities with this post. 

We finally met President Weston this morning.  He came up from Sacramento for meetings with the Stake Presidents and asked to meet with us also.  I strongly felt the spirit as I finally got to see him face-to-face and shake his hand.  He encouraged us to be the kind of teachers we have always been.  He said the Lord knew what He was doing when He called us to Redding and these students need what we have to offer.  We just need to be ourselves.  The feeling that the students take with them is far more important than the words we will say.  That made me feel much better because I had been worrying about being a college-level teacher when I don't have any formal teacher training.  It's comforting to know I can just be myself. 

We are trying to concentrate our time and energies from Mon-Fri on Institute.  That means I have to change my way of doing things around the house.  Usually when I think of something that needs to be done - bill paying, cleaning a toilet, writing a thank you note, balancing the check book - I just do it right then.  Now I'm adding these things to my "To Do on Saturday" list.  That way I'm able to keep focused on our missionary work during the "work week."  We'll see how that goes. 

Still enjoying the best two years! 

Week 2 in Redding

Saturday, 21 July --
Our Internet service was to be connected sometime between 1 and 3 p.m.  At 3:10 we received a call telling us the installer wouldn't be here until 4.  At 4:15 Kent called the service to report we hadn't seen an installer yet.  He arrived about 4:30.  That's when the "Internet installation adventure" began.  There are two connection ports in the apartment - 1 in the front room and 1 in the master bedroom.  Neither of these places is conducive to having a computer desk.  So, we decided to connect with Wi-Fi.  The installer didn't know how to do that so he simply did the basic connection stuff to the port in the living room and when he left we still didn't have an Internet connection.  At that point, we headed to Best Buy (which conveniently is only about 2 blocks from our apartment) and purchased a NETGEAR 600 Wireless N Dual Band Router.  Kent did really well to get my laptop connected but our main desk computer was another matter.  We needed an expert to get that connected.  Kent called Joel.  After very patiently walking Kent through the very complicated process we were finally connected.  I'm sure glad we have a computer whiz in the family.  Thanks again Joel. 

Sunday, 22 July was our first attendance at Sacrament Meeting in the YSA Branch.  The hardest thing so far for me is - meetings never get started on time.  Sacrament started at about 11:15 and was over at noon.  Then there was visiting.  Sunday School started about 12:20 and was over at 1.  More visiting.  The third hour started about 1:15 and the entire block was over at 1:55. 
We went to the Redding Stake Center (about a 10 minute drive) to view the Pioneer Day Broadcast from Temple Square.  Besides Kent and me, there were two sets of missionaries, a young unmarried couple from the Branch and a mother with four children.  That's it!  Just the 13 of us.  Guess Pioneer Day doesn't really mean much to people here in CA. 

On Monday, the 23rd, we went out to the Institute building to meet Brook, the Support Specialist (secretary) for the Redding Institute of Religion.  Brook is right on top of things - she'll keep us in line.  She is also the Secretary for the all the area seminaries. 

On the way home from the Institute, we stopped at the grocery store.  I can't believe how much I took for granted what we had on our pantry shelves and in the food storage! 

Monday evening was FHE.  Back out to the Institute building.  It was a visiting and "Get to Know the Barlows" evening along with the weekly scripture reading.  An enjoyable evening. 

Tuesday and Wednesday we traveled all over the Redding and Anderson Stakes area locating less active young people.  We left flyers with our names, activity information and Sunday meeting schedules.  Some of these young people live a long way from the Institute building.  It takes a lot of commitment to be involved in the Church here. 

Wednesday evening (the 25th) we were treated to dinner at The Olive Garden by the Area Director of Institutes and Seminaries (Bro. Phillips).  We just wanted to meet us and give a little guidance and heads-up on the program here.  At 7 p.m. we headed out to the Institute building to attend Seminary In-Service.  Bro. Phillips thought it would be helpful for us to attend that. 

Thursday was another day of trying to find less active members.  That evening I went to R.S. Enrichment (at the Institute building) and learned to tie-dye.  I did a white shirt I plan to wear with one of the skirts I brought with me.  It was fun to interact with the young adults.  There were only 6 of us gals in attendance but we had fun. 

Friday found us "on the road again" trying to find more less active members.  We left the apartment around 10 a.m. and didn't get back home until 5 p.m. 

Saturday was an activity to go to Burney Falls.  The Falls are about 1.5 hours from Redding.  It was sure worth the trip.  The Falls were beautiful.  The Activities Committee provided lunch and Kent and I donated a watermelon.  We were home by 6 p.m. - once again stopping at the grocery store.  I feel confident I will eventually get a supply of staples and won't have to go shopping every day. 

Well, another week has passed and we're still happy, healthy and enjoying the best two years. 

Week 1 in Redding

Today (Tuesday, July 24th - Happy Pioneer Day!) is a landmark day for us.  We finally have internet access in our apartment.  Our dear, computer-literate son-in-law, Joel, walked Kent through the lengthy process of adapting our computer to a Wi-Fi connection.  So, hats off to Joel and thank you SO much. 

We left Santaquin around 9 a.m. Thursday the 19th.  Tyson, Karlee, Max and Ellie came by the house to wish us good luck and bon voyage.  Max had made it a habit when he came to our house to play games on our computer or Kent's ipad.  As we were explaining to Max Thursday morning that we would be gone for a long time he got a little distressful look on his face.  Kent admits it made him tear up a little thinking how sad Max was.  Our hearts were lifted a little and the sadness turned to laughter as Max asked Grandpa, "Are you taking your ipad?"  So much for thinking we were going to be greatly missed. 

Our trip to CA was totally uneventful.  Car ran well and we didn't get lost.  That GPS is a great invention! 

Thursday around noon, we stopped in Wendover and had lunch at Arby's.  We got a few stares and also one approach.  A lady (we assumed she was LDS) stopped and chatted and said, "It must be very difficult serving here in Wendover."  We were quick to tell her we were just passing through on our way to CA were we would serve our mission.  She seemed relieved to know we wouldn't have to serve in a "sin city." 

We stayed Thursday night at the Nugget Casino and Hotel in Sparks, NV.  That was my first big experience with being out in a crowd and wearing my missionary name tag.  We had to walk through the casinos (there were several in one HUGE hotel) to get anywhere and, of course, our name tags attracted attention.  As people stared, we just smiled and kept walking.  There was a Biker Convention at the hotel that weekend so we saw lots of leather and tatoos. 

We had dinner at the Steakhouse Restaurant right there in the hotel.  Hotel owners in Sparks don't try to lure patrons with the promise of low price food that's for sure.  When our waitress saw our name tags I could see the disappointment on her face.  She probably knew our dinner bill would not include liquor which meant her tip would be substantially lower than normal.  We both had prime rib and enjoyed every bite.  We ordered dessert (which raised the bill a little) and left what we hope was an appreciated tip. 

We left the hotel early Friday morning.  A special little thing happened at the California border.  All vehicles were required to stop and report if they were transporting any vegetables, plants, fruits and/or animals.  We didn't have any of those so we were passed through without incident.  As she passed us through, the Border Patrol Officer said "Have a great day and be safe."  After a short pause, she added, "And God speed."  There are those name tags working again. 

We arrived at our apartment complex around noon.  The manager (Thomas) was ready and waiting for us.  As we drove up with our Utah license plate, he came over to the car and said "Welcome Barlows!" 

The apartment is very, very nice.  2 bedrooms - 2 baths, AC, dishwasher, wood-burning fireplace and nice patio.  There is a swimming pool and hot tub that we have been informed by our mission president we should use regularly to get good exercise.  I was in heaven when I saw all the brand new kitchen equipment the Housing Director, Brother Jackson (with the help of Sister Jackson), had bought for us.  It was like being a newly-wed.  Because this is the first time under the new directives for Senior Missionaries that the mission had to equip an apartment, there was new flatware, dishes, glasses, can opener, toaster, pots & pans, cooking utensils, storage containers, and kitchen towels.  A very unexpected surprise was the king-size bed in the master bedroom.  WOW!  (FYI for those coming to visit:  the spare bedroom it furnished with a very nice queen-size bed.)  The missionary couple before us had purchased a microwave and iron so they were already unwrapped but in like-new condition.  The Church is certainly taking good care of us. 

By 2 o'clock, we were in Target buying food.  Also stopped in Wal-Mart and Home Depot.  We went to CostCo and were able to exchange the queen-size sheets Tricia and Gordy gave us for Christmas (I had been saving them for our mission) for king-size ones.  The gal at CostCo was so understanding.  Hats off to Jackie our local CostCo employee.  Haven't been to Kohls yet but that's on our "To Do" list.  One city in America is quite like another - same stores just different landscaping.

We were approached in Wal-Mart by the mom of a YSA who lives here in Redding.  The family recently moved to West Jordan, UT and he stayed behind.  She gave us his phone number and Ward name and asked us to contact him without saying she had sent us. 

In the Win-Co store (much like Macy's in UT) we were approached by Vern Wilson, an early-morning Seminary teacher in the Stake.  He talked to us about his students and wayward son for about a half hour.  These missionary tags are doing their thing! 

Sunday we went to church at the YSA Branch that we have been asked to attend.  It was soooooooo quiet!  There were about 20 YSAs.  We're told attendance will pick up when school gets back in session.  We chuckled thinking back on the Sacrament bread.  The pieces were huge - really, about 1/8th of a piece of bread.  They only had to use two pieces of bread for the entire congregation. 

We met a wonderful convert, Jasmine.  She was baptized October 2011 and is already a spiritual giant.  She is the 1st Counselor in the R.S. Presidency.  Jasmine is 5'11" and set several records during high school and at Shasta College in Javlin, hammer and shot-put.  She has been accepted at Weber State and will start there in January 2013.  She and I connected immediately - I have found my Redding Soul Mate. 

The Elder's Quorum President is 7'2."  He reminds us of Don.  He's just this huge, lovable guy.  He played ball for Shasta College then went to Mexico for a year to play professionally.  He's a good leader. 

We don't start teaching until next Wednesday (an evening class) so we have used this week to get acquainted with our surroundings and do a lot exploring.  Our apartment is in a great location.  All the stores we would normally use are within a 6 block area.  Gasoline is between 30-40 cents higher but we were expecting that. 

We walk each morning from 6-6:30 before the day heats up.  Nights get a little cooler here but not as cool as Santaquin nights. 

That's it for Week 2 of our mission.  We're happy, healthy and looking forward to "The Best Two Years." 

Love to all - Mom / Nancy / Nan / Cousin / Friend

Friday, July 13, 2012

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world,
and preach the gospel to every creature.

Our first week at the MTC is over and we both survived, although we came home each night very tired.  We decided to not stay overnights at the MTC since we live so close.  I'm glad we did it that way because it gave us some private time to unwind from the day's teaching/learning activities.  Also, we continue to get things ready to leave for Redding on Thursday. 

Monday was "check in," "Welcome by the President of the MTC," "Overview of Training," and then "Organization of Districts."  Just your basic getting there and getting organized. 

From Tuesday on, we started each day with all the Sr. Missionary Couples meeting for large group instruction and watched videos of Devotionals and Firesides given by General Authorities on such topics as "How to Begin Teaching," "The Role of the Spirit in Conversion and Extending Invitations," "Teach People Not Lessons," "Helping Others Receive Revelation Through the Book of Mormon," and "Working With Stake and Local Leaders." 

After the large group meetings, we broke into "Districts" (there were 5 couples in our District) and went to our very small classroom (#241) where a young returned missionary would instruct us for the next several hours, continuing the theme of the morning group instruction meeting.  We did lots of "role playing" as we each took turns being the missionary or an investigator.  Although our specific assignment is to teach Institute classes to young single adults and we won't be actively proselyting, we realize the lessons learned this week will help us in our work as well. 

The main thing we learned this week - this mission is a joint effort.  During our classroom instruction we were taught techniques on how to begin teaching, using the Spirit to guide us, and asking investigators to make a commitment to read a little of the Book of Mormon.  Then we had to prepare lesson plans using those techniques.  It was comfortable working together and we found we really could count on each other for support, guidance and unconditional love. 

There are volunteers - members and non-members - from the local communities who come to the MTC to role play the parts of non-members and less active members.  I was most stressed when we had to practice our skills with these volunteers.  We stood outside a door, knocked and the "home onwer" would let us in.  From that point on we were to rely on the Spirit to guide us.  We were suppose to get to know the person(s) "living" at this "residence" and eventually ask if he/she (they) would like us to come back another time as a follow-up appointment.  Our lessons, including the "getting to know you" period, were 45 minutes. 

We ate lunch each day in the cafeteria with all the other young Elders and Sisters and Sr. Missionary Couples.  What an amazing event that was.  Four different entrees were offered each day; over 3,000 missionaries fed; and everyone was done and back to class by 1 p.m.  And the food wasn't awful.  Wednesday was "Ice Cream Day" and we could have all the home-made BYU ice cream we wanted.  I controlled myself and only had 1 bowl.  It was wonderful. 

That's it for this week.  We start specific CES (Church Education System) training Monday and will be done with that on Wednesday.  We hope to pull out of the driveway in Santaquin Thursday morning sometime around 9 a.m. 

We report to the Provo MTC on Monday, July 9, 2012.  We will have one week of missionary training.  Starting Monday, July 16th, we will have three days of CES Training.  Then - on Thursday, July 20th we head for Redding.  Brother Jackson, Housing Director for the Roseville CA Mission, has been in telephone contact.  He has rented us a two bedroom/two bathroom, ground floor apartment at the Shasta Creek Apartments.  Our address will be 851 Mission de Oro Dr., Apt #35, Redding, CA 96003.