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