January 27, 2014

Dear Family and Friends,

     Another week has past. And this week it'll be February! Can you believe it? I know this year is going to go by so fast. Sister Call has been saying we have 2 weeks until transfers like it's a long time.. and I'm over here like.. I only have until next May until I come home!!!! However, she is going back to California here in about 10 days or so so I don't blame her haha. It's been so great to have her as a companion. She taught me so much. Especially patience and dilligence. I've always been a 'go with the flow' kind of girl, but she's taught me to be hard working and dedicated. So now I can be easy going, but also motivated! It's amazing how much you can learn from a companion. It's going to be weird to have someone new, but I'm excited to get to know her! I find out whether or not I'm training on Friday so wish me luck! I'm only a little scared to death!

     This week has been great. Our numbers weren't too hot, but that's not what it's all about. We did alot of service for our friends and investigators Kathy and Paul who are moving to Corpus Christie in a couple of days. They finally allowed us to come over and teach them a lesson this past Monday. It was such a great experience. Paul has been Athiest for a good portion of his life, but by the end of the lesson, and by the end of the week, he was saying "Do do you think the missionaries in Texas would mind coming over to our house and having dinner even though we're not members?" UM NO I DON'T THINK THEY WOULD MIND. Both of their hearts had been softened by the Spirit. Especially when we were able to go to the Visitors' Center and Liberty Jail with them yesterday. They're both reading the Book of Mormon! Sister Call and I just love them so much! I pray those missionaries in Texas know how lucky they are. 

     We also have been teaching this awesome girl named Kye. She's goes to college in Warrensburg, but works with one of the members here in Clinton. Her name is Sister Quinnlley.(she makes the best food ever. I don't know how she does it) She's a great member missionary. We taught Key the Restoration last week and the Plan of Salvation this week. She's been reading the Book of Mormon and is already in 1 Nephi 14 or something. She's a rockstar. We invited her to come to church, but Sister Quin said that she was going out drinking Saturday night so we'll have to work on that... 

       I had exchanges with Sister Challis this past Wednesday. We visited Sister Vanderslice and taught her the first lesson. She is the sweetiest lady. She told us right from the start that she wants to go to the temple, but since she was an active member when she was little, we don't think she really understands what that means ha so we'll going to help her to come back to activity and get her prepared. She may or may not live in a really old gross trailer with cockroaches climbing up the walls... but we love her anyway. Sister Challis said that I was a great teacher so that boosted up the confidence a little. I needed that. I just get so nervous sometimes cause I don't know the Gospel as well as others, but I know the Spirit helps to know what to say even though we're imperfect. I'm really grateful for that. 

      Thirteen year old Anne is as solid as ever. She's such a cutie. I love that family. Her step mom Judy is the best. She told me that she could do my hair whenever I need it. Halelujah! Anne is planning on being baptized in the spring. Can't wait.

       In district meeting a couple of weeks ago we went over church tours... That was a very inspired meeting. This Saturday we went on a church tour with our investigator Megan M, and it went so well. Sister Call invited her to be baptized as she comes to know that these things are true, and she said yes! We're aiming for about a month. And then she came to church yesterday!!! Kathy and Paul and Anne were there also. We've been so blessed. As well, in church on Sunday, Sister Call and I sang in Sacrament. We sang a rendition of If the Savior Stood Beside Me. It was so much fun, but my knees almost buckled cause I was so nervous haha. I felt like the whole ward came up to us to say we did a great job! A couple of high school seniors said we 'killed it!!' and another cute high school girl said it was so goood and it felt like she was watching a Barbie movie.... umm I guess I'll take it haha. 

       Anyway, It was a great week. I'm so grateful to be out here in Missouri serving the Lord. There isn't a greater calling. I'm learning things here that will change my life. I love my Heavenly Father. I know He knows us personally and wants us to live the Gospel so we can live with him again! I'm so grateful for my Savior and his everlasting Atonement. I love all of you. Never forget to put Him in front of the world. I know that as we do, our trials will be easier to pass through and He can enable us to change and become better. I hope you all have a great week! Love ya!

Love,

Sister Penman

January 20, 2014

Dear Family and Friends,

     This week went by crazy fast. Missionary time is so weird. But as always, it was a great week! A little slower and not quite as successful, but great nonetheless... I don't know what I'm saying haha. There are always miracles!! This week we were able to go to the Visitors' Center in Independence with a car full of girls! Judy Scott with her girls, Anne (who is our investigator), Mandy, Haleigh, and little Calana, and Alaina. We took them around the history of Missouri, the Book of Mormon kiosks, God's Plan for the Family, and the Christus. The Spirit was so strong as we took those girls around the VC. We, as missionaries, are so blessed to be able to share these truths to others, but as well as just uplifting them and encouraging them to be steadfast and immovable. I encouraged those teenage girls to remember the feelings they felt and to keep the Temple close to their heart and to keep the temple as their goal. I did that when I was a little girl and I know that it helped me grow closer to my Father in Heaven and made is easier to keep the commandments because I have always known where I want to go and who I want to be. And then we went to a Chinese buffet and it was glorious. 

    We also had a lesson with this awesome lady named Amy this week. We met her while tracting. She grew up Jewish, but hadn't practiced in a long time. Because of things we talked about on her door step last week, we taught her the Plan of Salvation instead of Lesson 1. The Spirit was so strong as Sister Call and I taught her the best that we could. We saw things clicking in her mind, and her mind becoming enlightened. At the end of the lesson, I invited her to be baptized and she didn't say no, neither did she say yes. She said she had to have knee surgery this month and she asked us if we could come back in a couple of months. It was completely sincere. 

     We also met up with Laura again. Finally! We taught her Lesson one and two in December, and her schedule got crazy, but we set up an appointment with her and her daughter Shonda this week so we are so excited! They have so much potential. 

      We taught Amanda and Jasmine again this week and finished the Plan of Salvation... Have I ever mentioned how grateful I am for the Spirit? haha I wouldn't be able to accomplish anything without it. At the end of the lesson I was prompted to ask them to be baptized and you should have seen their faces hahah. Jasmine was completely focused and just so at peace, as she continued to nod her head without doubt. And Amanda's mouth was just wide open like 'What in the world is this girl asking me!!' and then she went on to say "you want to like drown us?!?!". Hahah We further explained the blessings and experience of baptism and set up another appointment next week. They have so much potential and I know that they will soak it up and know the truthfulness of it. I'm sooo excited!

      Other things have happened this week, but a lot of our other investigators were sick and canceled their appointments. I'm really getting sick of all this sickness crap!!!! haha jk I'm patient :) If I had learned anything this week, one of the things would be the importance of inviting people to be baptized. Especially this week, I have just put in my head to not be afraid of inviting people because if they feel the Spirit, they are going to want to act. And it's our job as missionaries to not be afraid.... I am no longer afraid. As I am bold and loving, I know they will accept that invitation if they are ready and if not, we as missionaries will help them get there! I love this Gospel. I'm so grateful to be out here in Zion serving the Lord. I know that as we strive to be the best servants, whether a missionary or a member, our Father in Heaven will pour blessings upon us. I'm grateful for all of you and the examples you are to me. Keep up the hard work wherever you are, as I will do the same here in Clinton! Have a great week!

Love, 

Sister Penman

P.S. Sister Call and I visited Blairstown this week. Population about 40. Everything looked burnt down and creepy. 

P.S.S. President Keyes wrote Sister Call back on her weekly letter and told her "You're right sister Penman would make a great trainer. Get her ready." Pray for me. 

The Elders baptized Mia this week, she's a sweetie. And the other one is of beautiful Missouri.

January 13, 2014

Hi Everyone!

    Well, another week has passed. It's been full of miracles and surprises, and scheduled appointments that fell through.. haha nevertheless, it's been great! One of the laurels in our ward came on a team-up with us on Sunday and she proselyted with us in Windsor for a solid 2 hours. She was so quiet on the drive back to Clinton. She told us how tired she was! And then I realized how blessed we are as full time missionaries. I wasn't even tired. And we do this 14 hours a day. I know that my Savior is helping me to have the strength and the dilligence to bring our Father's children back to the fold. As well, this past week I was able to pass off two of my lessons!! Now I'm on lesson 4. I'm going to pass them all off by February, at the end of the transfer because I might have to train. There are 15 new sisters coming to the mission next transfer!!! And to be able to drive and to be a senior companion, I need to pass off my lessons. So I'm trying to get that done as quickly as possible! I know my Savior has really been helping me with anything I lack.

     Sorry that was random, but really this week was wonderful! Eric, who is married to a member, set a baptism date last week!! The Spirit was so strong during that lesson as we talked about the Plan of Salvation. He wants to be sealed to his wife. However, he has cancer and it's really hard for him to keep appointments so please pray for him and for us as we try to figure out how we can best help him!

    We were suppose to go to the Visitors' Center this week with Jessica, but she got really sick and didn't keep any of her appintments. But, we encouraged the Elders to stop by to encourage her husband so they went over last night. Jessica told them that she had been praying for some help with her anxiety and she asked them for a blessing and they were able to offer her comfort and peace. I'm so grateful for the Priesthood. I know that's what she needed. Keep praying for her to overcome her anxiety so that she can set a date for baptism because she wants it so bad!!!

     Megan K is so awesome. She and her husband came to church this Sunday and they even both participated in Sunday School! We're continuing to help build her faith so that she can know of the a certainty that this is what her Father has planned for her. We had a great lesson with her this week as well. I know she is changing slow and steady and it's so amazing to watch.

     We met Amanda while tracting. She was super open to the Book of Mormon and said that we could stop by again. So we came for our appointment yesterday and it went so well! She had so many questions and it was the coolest thing to be able to have answers to those deep questions. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is no joke! Her friend Jasmine came in half way through and also wanted to learn more!! After we set a return appointment and left... Sister Call told me, "Uh oh... I hope their not girlfriends...." I didn't think about that!!!!!! I'm so innnocent whats wrong with me!!!!! We're pretty positve they're lesbians so please pray that we will know how to explain the Law of Chastity and call them to repenetence when the time comes... Oh well!

      We made orange rolls with the Vernons and our investigator Brenda this Saturday!! It was glorious. I sware, cooking and cleaning made me more tired than missionary work! But it was an awesome time. We tried to share the Restoration with her while cooking, but she was too distracted so we'll have to sit down with her another time haha. 

      I am so grateful to be out here in Clinton. I love this Gospel. As I study to help others learn more, I'm becoming more and more converted every day. I'm so grateful to be out here in the boonies and share the message of the Restoration. Continue to endure to the end and share this message to your closest friends. Pray for the missionaries in your ward by name. I know that you will be blessed with missionary opportunities and answers to your prayers. I love you all, and I'm so grateful for your examples. Have a great week! 

Love,

Sister Penman

P.S. Sister Call and I got in a fender bender this week. So that's lame haha. Don't worry, it wasn't our fault.

January 6, 2014

Happy 2014 Ya'll!

     Man. Where do I even start? I feel like it's been 10 years since Christmas for some reason! We've been seeing so many miracles here in Clinton and our surrounding areas. Sister Call and I are working our tails off to continue the Lord's work. Last week was a rough week for our zone. Not one companionship found new investigators the week of Christmas which is normally a great week for finding! So that was sort of embarrassing. The zone leaders sent out a voicemail to our zone to let us know that has never happened since President Keyes has been mission president. However, instead of just sulking in our self pity, we knew we needed to work harder and pray harder for those that are ready for the Gospel. So as we went on this week, working hard as normal. It felt like we were hardly working! Throughout the week this week, we found 10 new investigators! And 18 altogether in our zone!

     One of them was a boy named Alex. Sister Call and I were tracting a little after contacting a referral and we start talking to this guy named Devon who was smoking outside. We briefly talked about the Gospel and gave him a BOM. But as we were talking to him, two of his friends came outside and were listening in on the conversation. We left soon after and went on with the rest of our day. Later that night, we got a random text that said, "So ya'll mormons'. And were a little taken aback because normally those texts don't end too well. However, we texted back and forth for awhile, discussing what we believed, and this person starts opening up to us and the next day we set up an appointment for us to teach him more. This was Devon's friend who was listening in the conversation earlier and Devon had given Alex our phone number. Hello miracle!! We're really excited to teach him. 

     Other investigators have been part member families and people we have met tracting. It's been a really blessed week. 

     Dan dropped us this week. I've never experienced that before. I wanted to be like, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING, THIS IS YOUR SALVATION AND YOUR ETERNAL JOY AT STAKE", but I held my tongue. He said we could come by his apt and we could talk about what he's been feeling and why he is done. We definitely think it's because he sincerely hasn't been reading the book of mormon. Because those that do and pray about it cannot deny the truthfulness of it. But, I'll tell you how it goes next week.

     We're teaching Megan K this week and we're really excited! Hopefully she still wants to be baptized at the end of this month. 

     We just love Jessica like crazy. We went to her daughter's birthday party this week and had a great time. This week we are planning on going to institute with her, going to the Independence Visitors' Center, and having a teaching appt. We are hoping she will want to be baptized by February 1st because Sister Call is leaving that week... but we'll see haha.

     Cutie 13 year old Anne Scott is back in town and we'll be teaching her this week as well. She wants to be baptized, but it probably won't happen til the spring so that her real mom in Arizona can be there. But, we continue to come over and teach her to continue to develop her faith, but to also be there for Randy, her dad who is a nonmember. Sister Call and I have high hopes for him. 

      We have others that we are teaching and following up with as well. We are so blessed! I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the new year and is trying to eat well and workout. I will pray for your success ;) I love you guys. I'm so grateful to be here on a mission and be an instrument to the Lord. I am always amazed to see things happen the way they do. There are no coincidences in missionary work. I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ and all they have done and continue to do for me everyday. I'm grateful for the knowledge of the Book of Mormon and the Plan of Salvation. This knowledge brings people so much peace and joy. I know this Gospel is real. I love it. I hope you have a great week and continue to love your neighbor and serve others because as you do, you are also in the service of our Heavenly Father! 

Love, 

Sister Penman

December 30, 2013

Dear Everyone,

     Well the holidays are almost over. I love this time of year to remember our Savior and the miracle of his birth. Presents are cool too. I was so blessed this week with letters from friends and family! And to talk to my family on the phone. I'm so grateful!! This week was really awesome. We were able to carol a whole lot and to share the Book of Mormon Christmas story and to help people remember why Christmas is such a special time of the year. It was a little different because of the holidays, but I know missionaries are encouraged to have a great Christmas Eve and Christmas and I definitely did! Now it's back to the rountine and so glad! I'm ready for a new year, resolutions, goals, and doing my best to become a great servant of the Lord!

     This week we were able to go to Windsor because one of the families in our ward was feeding us dinner out there. Let me describe to you what Windsor is. A small town with a pretty cute Main Street, in which most of the stores are closed down, a Sonic, old homes that are getting decreped, nice homes that are built there because it's cheaper to live there and commute to Kansas City, Poultry mini barns (smells sooo bad as you drive by, debating whether I want to eat chicken nuggets anymore) Amish buggies driving on the roads, some interesting people, and really nice people!! I love Windsor haha. That's how most of the towns are surrounding Clinton. However, while we went finding people on our ward list that were "Uknowns" and we found the Smith family! We were a little nervous because their house was out in the boonyies and we walked up to the front door and knocked on it and this at least 6'5 teenage boy answers the door and opens it all the way open for us to come in and about 3 other kids come running over to see who it was and the mom was fixing the fire in front of us. They were the sweetest family! The mom was baptized when she was 8, but she hardly remembers even primary. This is the crazy part. Mid conversation, one of their beagles starts yelping and they take the dog inside to see what the matter was and they looked inside his mouth and there was a huge stick lodged across the roof of his mouth!!! The teenage boy went and got plyers and they basically had an operation right there in the front room. She went on to thank us for holding the dog down. Man. The things that bring people together :) haha. We're really excited to go back!

     We unfortunaly didn't get to meet with alot of our investigators this week because they were sick, out of town, or were hanging out with family, but we called an texted them to make sure they were having a great week. Dan is sick. Megan K had family in town.

     Jessica is doing awesome! We gave her the checklist to baptism we made her and she loved it. We came back through the week to follow-up and she's been reading and really noticing a difference. She went on to thank us for our prayers because she's been feeling really safe and comforted. And she even said that she hasn't even smoked all day and she hasn't even wanted to. FYI Sister Call and I have been praying like crazy for all of those things! We let her know that and invited her to continue to pray to overcome her addiction and that we will do the same. Prayer is so real!!

     We also went to the Kansas City Temple on Saturday with Sister Vernon who is super awesome. Her and her husband both went to Utah State. We did a session and while Sister Call went to her old missionary friend's sealing, Sister Vernon and I went to the Liberty Jail! It was an amazing day. I'm so grateful for temples. I have such a testimony in them. Every time I get to go to the temple, I am reminded of how much our Heavenly Father loves us. The covenants I make are nothing compared to the blessings that He gives us and has promised to give us. I know this letter is a little jumbled, but I just want all of you to know that I'm so grateful to be out here and share the Gospel. I love my Savior. I love my Father in Heaven. The message we share is one of hope and peace. Every day is a day I get to show my Heavenly Father my gratitude for giving us a Savior and a Plan of Salvation. I invite you to make a New year's resolution not only to lose 15 pounds or to get toned legs ha, but to make a spiritual goal to become closer to Him. I know it will make a difference throughout the upcoming year and throughout the rest of your life. I love you all so much! Thank you for being such great examples to me! Have a great new years, and have an amazing week!

Love, 

Sister Penman