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.