Our first day (Tuesday) we got up, went to Starbucks, and started apartment hunting online! Keep in mind, we came out here without housing, jobs, or any knowledge of the city. We just trusted God would lead us to where we were supposed to be. I will be honest and confess that yesterday was a rough day for me. I tend to get stressed by change and uncertainty- I was not the most pleasant human being to be around, but despite my anxiety the Lord was kind and we found a 2 bedroom apartment only a mile or so from school with a FANTASTIC view of the scenery behind it. We were also able to move in the SAME DAY! We had no electricity last night since the apartment had been vacant before, so we blew up our air mattress and camped in the living room :).
The apartment we live in is actually 1 out of 4 units. All of the other tenants are either Bethel students or graduates. Our neighbor below us Nick, is from England and has been so welcoming. He had us over for tea when we were looking at the apartment and then we all grilled out for dinner once we decided to move in. We have felt so grateful for friendship and kindness Day 1 in Redding.
The neighborhood that we live in is also a kind of 'hub' if you will of Bethel students. Once September comes, about 100 students will be living in the apartments and buildings all around us.There is a real sense of community and outreach because the area has been a 'rough' in the past, but has been improving steadily through community outreach and the presence of many students.
Today we are going to look for some furniture in thrift stores. We also have the electricity being turned on today so I can use my beloved Vitamix tomorrow! Paul already had a job interview today and it would seem we are getting settled in quickly. Thanks for everyone's prayers, texts, calls, and messages. We definitely miss our Omaha peeps!
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