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.