My first few days in Utah

Hey everyone!

So upon the advice of some of those I love, I decided to start a blog. I promise nothing. I’m not sure I have anything profound to say, but that’s all right. I started my blog to keep those of you who are interested up to date with my life in Utah. So if you are interested, please read and comment and share thoughts. If not, I don’t take offense. So… where to begin?

Sunday, July 29. I woke up around 6:00am California time, finished some last second packing and hit the road. Of course, I only made it about two blocks before I remembered I had forgotten something. I got some gas and some caffeine (the most important thing) and drove to Pasadena. I stopped at Jo and Todd’s place, said “hi” and “bye” and then really hit the road.

About 11 hours later I ended up in Salt Lake City, Utah. 8:30pm mountain time. I was going to meet the youth pastor, Ryan, and his wife, Klarissa at Red Lobster and then they were going to take me to the home I’m staying at. When I go to Red Lobster, Erik and Deborah were waiting for me. I didn’t know I was going to see them so it was a total surprise! Then Ryan and Klarissa arrived, then Robyn, then Lenee, then Bonnie and Danny, and then we went to my new home where I met Tricia (who I am living with), Josh and Leigh (who go to K2 and volunteer with the youth), Tyler (who also goes to K2), and Millie (the Chesapeake Bay Retriever who also lives with me). A bit later on, Paul arrived. It was quite the welcome wagon and I was so happy and excited to see old friends and make new ones.

After hanging out at Tricia’s for awhile everyone left and Tricia and I got to talk a bit more. Tricia is a lawyer out here and her, Josh and Leigh helped to start the youth group at K2. She is so nice and hospitable, and I’m so grateful to be staying with her for a couple months. We got to know each other a bit, I got a grand tour of the house and then we went to sleep. I finally hit the mattress around 11:30pm.

Monday, July 30. I woke up, checked my email, took a shower and headed out to find Standing Together/K2. Everything in SLC is on a grid system so it’s pretty easy to find things, but it does take some getting used to, and I’m still working on it. I did find Standing Together without a problem and then Robyn, Paul and I went and got some lunch. After that, I visited Heidi and Roxy (my favorite Pomeranian in Utah), and then I ran errands. I know… what an exciting day. That night, I had dinner at The Gateway with Daniel and Heidi.

Tuesday, July 31. Today I got to experience my first K2 staff meeting. It was so much fun! I got to meet most of the staff and hear about what’s going on with the different ministries and everything. The staff meeting used to be this mythical event that I heard about, but never participated in. It was great to be around such wonderful people and feel like I’m a part of something so much bigger than me. Tonight, I went to Vertical (the junior high youth group) for the first time. The turnout wasn’t so great, but that was okay with me because I got to meet a few of the students, and will meet more next week. It was fun, but it was a reminder that my dodgeball skills need some brushing up on.

So… the layout: SLC is sooo HOT! I passed a thermometer the other day that read 104! Every time I get out of my car I start to melt. That’s all right. I’ll get used to it. And I can’t wait until September when the leaves start to change! Today I leave for the staff retreat which goes through Saturday. I’m really looking forward to that. It’s up in the mountains and all the staff and their families will be there. And… I get to camp! Saturday morning I’m heading up to Colorado to see some good friends of mine get married, and then Sunday I’m heading back here to Salt Lake. SOOOOOO much driving. I think when Sunday night hits I’ll be so ready to never drive again!

So thanks for reading my first blog. I know it was a lot of information, but there’s so much going on at the moment. I’ll post pictures soon of where I’m living and my drive out and stuff. By the way, seeing the beautiful Wasatch Front never gets old. I’ll keep everyone posted on my life. Thanks for prayers, support, random thoughts, and encouragement that you all have given me. I couldn’t have made this move without you guys having my back!!!

Peace,
Cat

P.S. My address is…

1042 Elgin Avenue
Salt Lake City, UT 84106


Oh yah... if you're wondering what you can pray for, here's something: Yesterday while unpacking I came face to face with the biggest spider I have ever seen in my life. I am not joking when I tell you that it's body was the size of a nickel, and with its legs, it was almost as long as a playing card. I screamed, ran for a shoe, and when I came back it was running behind a box. It was so big it needed a name so I named it Herman. After youth group, Josh and Leigh came over and we went hunting for it, but Herman was nowhere to be found. Needless to say, sleep did not come easy last night. So... please pray that Herman either turns up dead, or I never have to set eyes on his hairy, eight legged body ever again!!!!!!