Sitting here in the lobby of Bethel Redding waiting for my first session to begin for “A Practical Guide to Walking in Healing Power” by Chris Gore.  I’m copying the title off of the book I just received when I checked in.  A lot of people here.  Met my first new friend, Jessica.  Bethel is on a hill which is a Okay if you are driving.  I saw a young woman hiking up the hill (a long hill if you are walking), stopped and asked her if she was on her way to Bethel.  Her face lit up and she looked so relieved.  She had been walking over an hour and probable had another 30 minutes to the destination on foot.  She hopped in and we were deposited on top of the hill about 5 minutes later.  She was so thankful.  I think I will have a friend for at least the week.  I am only too happy to pick her up and drop her off.  What a kid!

This is another one of my wonderful beautiful days.  I did absolutely nothing EXCEPT…listen to my cousin Joyce during the morning, fix lunch for Daneece , then eat lunch with her.  Talked with Daneece all afternoon while Joyce took a nap after wearing herself out talking. (A little tongue in cheek here.  No pun intended), and then readied myself to leave about 3:45 to head over to Bethel to sign in.  We were told not to come before 3:00 p.m.  I missed Lana and Tim but will save them a seat so we can sit together.  This was a day of recovery for me.  I never realize I need recovery until after the recovery period is over.  I then feel one of two ways, very refreshed or very tired for being so sedentary.  I feel refreshed!

Perhaps if I waited until after the evening was over I would have more to report on my blog, however, I hope to get to bed early tonight as my mornings will begin early for the rest of the week.  Joyce and Daneece are making me feel so welcome and comfortable.  Joyce helped me with my computer yesterday getting the hard drive cleaned up and defragmented.  Hopefully it will run faster now.  It took almost all day for it to process all that had to be done.  There are two things I love about being here at Daneece’s house.  No, actually three.  I so enjoy the dozens of hummingbirds that flutter around the five hummingbird feeders.  They are amazing to watch.  The feeders are right at my eye level.  I can actually move as close as 18 inches from where they feed.  I move slowly, step by step.  At first they fly away but then come back. There are four red flower holes at each feeder.  Sometimes there are 8 birds trying to feed at once at each feeder.  When the birds bob their heads up and down to drink, the feathers around their neck and head shimmer in iridescent colors that changes with their movements.  Unless you see it I don’t think it possible to imagine how astoundingly magnificent the colors and sheens are in the sunlight.

The second thing that I love here is Nikki.  Nikki does not look like a dog but rather like some kind of varmint.  Maybe in the dark her face would look like a rat.  She is bred to catch rats so maybe that is her camouflage.  Actually, she is quite endearing and like I said last night she loves me!  How can I not love a little critter like her back when she loves me so.  She enjoys licking me so that sealed it.

The weather (you know I am searching for things to write about if I am bringing up WEATHER) has been absolutely wonderful for Redding.  Usually it is very hot this time of year.  It has been in the pleasant low 80’s which I greatly appreciate.  Beautiful mountains surround Redding and the blue sky is such a  beautiful backdrop for the huge white puffy clouds that just seem to paint a picture in the heavens.  So, so pleasant to be here!

I have so much more I could write but perhaps I should go and resume my place in line.  The doors open in 27 minutes.  I have some snacks to eat and hopefully that will tide me over until I get home.  I have nuts, an orange, and some cherry tomatoes.

I ask for prayer this week that God will open my heart to all He has for me.  I ask to be used by Him and to be able to bless others for His kingdom.  I miss all my friends back at home but I am not in a hurry for my trip to end.  I recommend to anyone that has the opportunity to go on a solo trip to pack up and go.  I am learning so much.  Just ask me WHAT NOT TO TAKE!

Love to all of you!

Kathleen