"I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light." Helen Keller
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Sunday, August 19, 2012
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
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
Sunday, August 12, 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
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!
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!
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