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.