March 24, 2014

Dear Family and Amigos,

     I hope things have been going well with my friends and fam on the west coast and around the world! It's going to be a great week! This past week has been pretty good. I thought I was patient before my mission, but I'm really learning that Christ-like attribute now! We had some really solid appointments with our investigators this week, but most of them fell through, but that definitely doesn't stop me from remembering the blessings of this week.

     One day we were preparing to visit some investigators and Jessica Scott popped into my head. We hadn't planned on meeting with her that day, not for a couple of days actually, but I knew that we needed to visit her. We went over there and she had barely come home from a hair appointment and for some reason she seemed a little frazzled. After chatting a little, she went on to tell us that she was so happy that we came over. Her hairdresser I guess is Jehovah's Witness and would not stop Bible bashing while she getting her hair done today. The only thing Jessica said to her was, "I know the Book of Mormon is true. Please don't cut off all my hair." haha. She then went on to say,"Satan just won't leave me alone!" We encouraged her that if she kept staying on the straight and narrow, that the temptations will not be as threatening. I know that even if we are doing our best to keep the commandments and follow in our Savior's footsteps, we will still be tempted! That is part of the deal we had when we decided to come to Earth. It's a good thing, however, because I know if we keep striving to make good choices that we are going to be more converted to the Lord. Kick Satan to the curb everybody!

      Kye is doing so awesome! We taught her a few more commandments this week and she is doing great in living the Word of Wisdom. She's been telling everyone in Sunday School that she is planning her baptism right now and that she'll keep everyone updated haha. We went to the VC and the Liberty Jail with her last Saturday! It was a great experience. We went to the Book of Mormon kiosk and watched a video on one of my favorite BOM stories about the 2,000 stripling warriors. She went on to say, "It's crazy that I feel the Spirit give me chills even though I haven't got this far in the BOM yet." The sisters at the Liberty Jail did a great job. One of them had only been here for 3 days... I can't believe it's been 5 months. We also went to a really awesome Mongolian BBQ for lunch. The Spirit and a girls trip to the City? That's what mama likes!

     We taught Chuck this week with Brother Anspaugh about Baptism and Confirmation and the Priesthood. (I'm learning so much about the Priesthood as I study and teach it. I'm so grateful for it!) At the beginning of the lesson, when we were following up with his progress. I asked him if he has prayed about these things and he said he had, and then I asked if he recieved an answer and he said he'd tell us after the lesson... I was a little nervous. But, after we taught the lesson and bore our testimonies, I asked him again, and he said that although he has been baptized in the past, he knows it needs to be by one holding the authority from God. He's getting baptized this Saturday the 29th! Brother Camden (the one that referred us to Chuck) went up to us at church yesterday and asked us how we did it.. I don't know! He was just so prepared! All we are are are instruments in the Lord's hand. I'm so grateful to be His servant for this short time in my life.

     Another miracle this week was seeing Amy again! Back in January, we taught her the Plan of Salvation and she said she wanted to learn more, but she was getting a knee replacement and she told us to come back in a couple of months. This week we decided to go back. We only had time to share a scripture with her and catch up, but she said we can come over whenever she is home. And after we said a closing prayer and I prayed for her knee to heal well, she said that she knows the surgery had went so well because we had prayed for it the last time. She gave Hermana Laycock and I scarves that she had made as well. She is such a sweet lady, we are so excited to see her progress. I know she will know the truthfullness of it!

     Here are a few random updates from this past week.. We taught Anne and Hailey with her family on Saturday about missionary work and how we can share the light of Christ with others. It went reall well. When it was time to go, they gave us some awesome no bake cookies to take home (I'm telling you, they're trying to get me chubby!) And then Judy went on to tell me that she want me to marry her brother who is in the Phillipines right now on a mission... Oh jeeze ha. On a more spiritual note, this past week I was called to be a 'Sister Training Leader'. I go on exchanges with the sisters in my zone and I help them with any thing they need. I also go to the Leadership conferences/councils in Independence with the district leaders and zone leaders. I'm excited to help serve my sisters. 

     All in all, it's been a great week. Hermana Laycock and I have so much fun working together. I'm so grateful to be a missionary. And I'm so proud of my friends back at home for preparing for missions. I love this Gospel with all my heart, and I'm honored to be able to be a representitive of my Savior and to share my testimony with others. One of my mottos for this transfer is something that Elder Martino from the Seventy said in a Zone Conference last month. "If it is to be, it is up to me". I hope you all have a great week! Love you so much!

Love,

Sister Penman

     

I love the Missouri Country! and Kye!

March 17, 2014

Dear Friends and Fam,

     Happy P-day ya'll! Hope everyone is having a great Monday. Monday's are 10X better on a mission than in the real world. Today we don't have a whole lot of plans. Since our zone is so spread out, we aren't able to get together as often as we would like so today Sister Laycock and I are having a girl's day.She's getting her hair cut and colored so that's fun!! I'll probably relax in my sweatshirt and basketball shorts I stole from my older brother Devin, and write a bunch of letters. If I haven't written recently, please forgive me! I love you! This week has been so beyond words. Last night, Elder Simonsen called to account for our week and he said that we are doing amazing. He said he hasn't seen a companionship with 6 on baptismal date his whole mission thus far! Sister Laycock and I have been truly blessed with those that are prepared and wanting to have peace in their lives. He went on to say that Sister missionaries are so good because you can bring people cookies and invite them to make commitments and it doesn't sound pushy! Haha Clinton is seeing miracles. Please pray for us to be able to plan accordingly and help our investigators individulely to progress and become converted to the Gospel. Our friends on date are Chuck T, Susan Battaglia, Megan M, Kye, and Amanda & Jasmine. Please pray for them by name! 

     We were able to teach Chuck this week about The Plan of Salvation with Bro. Anspaugh. Have I mentioned what an amazing team-up he is? It went great. Chuck is really starting to see things come together. I don't know if I told you this, but one SundayChuck was driving around town trying to find a church to go to. He was truly seeking to know where the Lord would want him to go. So one Sunday he showed up at our church just in time for Sacrament. We had never seen him before. He got his information and invited him to learn more and he said yes. So as we were planning on calling him the following day, he had called us first to set up an appointment!! What the heck! So he knows that he was guided to this church. Right now, he is trying to gain a testimony in the Priesthood and why he would need to be baptized again, but he said he will be baptized, if he knows that it's true. Next appointment is crucial. However, we're not nervous because we know he will get his confirmation. It's a promise if he is truly seeking. And 'the Lord always keeps his promises'- Sister Call.

     As well, we taught Megan K more about the Savior's ministry and the need and importance of his Atonement. At this point, she knows that she wants the happiness and peace that the women in the church have, but she has so many doubts and little faith in anything else. And she practically refuses to do anything without her husband and her husband is totally not down. So we are really trying build her foundation (Helaman 5:12) and seek for revelation for what she needs. I think she really need the right member present...  crap. THAT'S WHAT SHE NEEDS. Thanks for your help you guys!! 

     We also had the opportunity to teach Megan M a bunch this week. However, Sister Laycock and I were having a really tough time figuring out what member would be the 'right' team-up. And then last week Jessica Scott said that she wanted to go with us to teach people and the first name that popped in our head was Megan M. So last Thursday she came with us as we taught about Temples and Family History (we don't beat around the bush). And Megan had met Jessica at the park the day prior and their kids played together! MIRACLE! Jessica bore her testimony at all the right times. And now, we are all planning on going to Visitors' Center this Wednesday WITH her husband Chris. I can't believe it. He gave us his schedule and everything. We will be consistently praying for everything to follow threw, but I have a whole lot of faith. Who would have thought that we just had to wait for Jessica to be baptized to be the right member present? The Lord is so smart. 

     I'll just tell you a couple more experiences that were really humbling this week. Saturday was one of the best days I've had on my mission so far. We contacted 5 of our referrals we've had since forever and had 4 lessons with members present and 4 other lessons. As Sister Laycock and I were teaching these people that we had never met before, one right after the other it felt like, I noticed how amazing the Spirit is. I don't know what the heck I'm doing sometimes, but I always do my best to listen to the Spirit to know how to help these people individulely. And I truly was given 'that portion that is meted unto every man'. I say that in the most humbling terms. After we had contacted a refferal in Chilhowee in the pouring rain (obviously I didn't have a jacket on or an umbrella), there was a man that was sitting on his porch alone. I almost ran back in the car (because I'm an idiot) but, Sister Laycock told me we need to go talk to him. And I said of course. We talked to him and taught him about the Book of Mormon and now we are planning on teaching him more next week. As we left, he yelled, "Thank you so much for stopping!" I'm so humbled by Sister Laycock's ability to recognize the Spirit that prompted her to tell me to stop being a wussy and to talk to this man. I am imperfect, but I know that together we can be stong instruments in the Lord's hand. I know companionships are inspired. I know Jesus Christ is the son of a living God. I know that this work is truly hastening and I'm so grateful to feel of their love and the love they have for the children we are teaching. I know this church is true. I love you guys and hope you have a great week. Keep your steadfastness in Christ!

Love,

Sister Penman

March 10, 2014

Good Morning Everyone!

     I hope you guys have had a great week. I'm stoked for P-day today, I have to admit. It's a high of 70 degrees and our entire zone is playing games and sports outside. I can't wait to get out my soccer ball! Last Monday, Sister Laycock and I went to the Amish Store in Windsor, MO. It was really cool! The man at the store had an intense rugged beard and kind of smelled a little, and his three little girls looked at me like I was a freak! It was probably because I wasn't wearing a pioneer dress like her too... She was cute. I got homemade apricot jam (which obviously reminded me of my grandma and grandpa) and some jasmine tea! (I'm pretty sure it's herbal, but if anyone thinks otherwise, let me know before I dig myself into a hole). This week has been truly great. JESSICA SCOTT IS BAPTIZED a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! The Service was perfect. Brother Wood (the ward mission leader and super cool dude), Elder Simonsen and Nielson helped us set everything up. A bunch of her family was able to come, and after the baptism Jessica went and hugged her dad and he was crying as she told him "That's the Holy Spirit, Dad!" The Elders are planning on teaching him because he said he wants to learn more! I am so grateful for the Spirit. 

     Chuck is doing awesome! We taught him about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and had Brother Anspaugh come with us on a team-up. It went really well. Unfortuantely he didn't make it to church this week, but he is really progressing well. However, after the appointment when I was shaking his hand he tried to give me a hug and I tried to tell him in the nicest/less awkward way that we can't hug men, but he was definitely embarrassed. I am grateful for that rule haha. 

     Megan M is progressing slowly, but surely. We are teaching her tonight so I'll give you a better update next week. We're still trying to get her and her boyfriend married. I'll tell you how it goes.. Apparently all of our investigators got together last week and decided to cancel on all of our solid appointments this past week... so that's cool.. not. No matter. This week will be much better!! We didn't meet with Anne Scott this week, but we saw them at church and Anne said we definitely NEED to come over this week. I love that little cutie teenager. 

     We taught Kye this week about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but also the Priesthood because she wanted to learn more about that. As I studied about the Priesthood, I gained an even greater testimony of the importance and responsiblity of it. I'm so great for the men that hold that Priesthood and use it as the Savior would. During the lesson she asked me when I was going to leave? And I told her probably only a couple more months in Clinton and then she went on to say that she wanted to make sure I was here when she is baptized... WHEN she is baptized... SWEET NIBLETS. I'm so excited for her. We're going to set her on date this Thursday! I love that girl.

     We also met with the Battaglia's and taught Susan about the Restoration and we invited her to be baptized on April 15th and she said yes! We are just trying to help her strengthen her faith. I'll keep you updated. I have 4 minutes left. Ah!! Anyway, I love this work and I'm so grateful to be a missionary. I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior. Thanks so much for all support you give me. Keep your steadfastness in Christ! Love you!

Love,

Sister Penman

March 3, 2014

Good morning Everyone!

  

     I hope you guys had a great week! I sure did. It was a little different than last week, however. We went to the Battaglia's, our friends/investigators house, for dinner this past Wednesday (Halelujah! Because of the weather this winter we haven't been able to make it over there in a month!) and we had dinner and a lesson on the Plan of Salvation. It was so great. Sam is a member, but his wife Susan is not. Brother Battaglia is always saying 'don't worry we're gonna get her baptized!' But he hasn't come to church in a while. We invited them to come to church this Sunday, but he said that they will.. soon... Not the answer I want to hear dangit!! jk but seriously. We're doing our best to help them to take a leap of faith. I think we need to get them the right member present. We'll be working on that this week. That night, however, we had soup with them and the next morning poor Sister Laycock thought she was going to die. I guess beef bouleon cubes have wheat in them? She was not in good shape considering she was in the fetal position for hours that day. I felt hopeless! Luckily the Elders came up from Warsaw and gave her a blessing.. People are going to start thinking I'm trying to kill my companera. 

      The rest of the week was pretty good though! We taught Megan M a couple times this week which was great. She's been reading the Book of Mormon in between our visits! She's progressing so well. At the beginning of last week we were planning on teaching her Chastity. And let me tell you. We were nervous. Not to teach it, but what her reaction would be. She has been with her boyfriend Chris for about 6 years and has a cute boy named Bradley. But, as we discussed the commandment, you could see Megan truly listening and then she mentioned an experience she had while at the jewelry store with Chris's family that past week and that his family got her a 'mother's ring' and at one point she turned to the engagement rings and she got chills...I'LL TAKE IT! We invited her to discuss it with Chris and so now we just have to follow up because if she says he wants to, we're just going to give them a calender and have them pick a date next month! Be bold right? ha We'll see how it goes. 

      Megan K this week was brutal. She was progressing so well last week, reading in between visits, and really seeing her faith growing. But this past week, as we talked about Keeping the Sabbath Day holy, it all crumbled. We really felt good about teaching that because she has been having a hard time coming to church, so we thought we'd discuss why it's important. The lesson seemed to start well, but after while, we asked her 'Why do you feel it is important to come to church?' and then it all went down hill. She went on to say that she didn't feel like it was important and then eventually as Sister Laycock and I were doing our best to follow the Spirit, asking inspired questions, and after 30 minutes, we got down to the root. She ended up saying that she doesn't even know if God and Jesus Christ are real. umm WHAT. I was so frustrated. What the heck have we been doing the past 3 months if she doesn't even have faith? But, after I punched a pillow or something, I got over it, and now we know how to help her progress. To help her truly see that God is our loving Heavenly Father and that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I'll keep you updated.

     Although some of our week was a little different, we did have a miracle! We taught Chuck this week at the library (he's gone to church 3 times without even having a lesson). We taught the Restoration and he said he's been reading the Book of Mormon since the 70's! We invited him to be baptized and he set a date for March 29th. Yeah. Heavenly Father just likes to throw His prepared children at us. 

      We taught Anne Scott this week with her family and Randy (her dad's who is not a member) really participated and asked alot of questions. More than I have ever heard since we've been teaching Anne. It was awesome. Also Anne's 9 year old little sister Hailey wants to get baptized too so that's SWEET. They just need to talk to their real mom in Arizona about it. They have a hard time talking to her so we'll be praying they have the courage. I love the Scott's so much.

      One more thing, JESSICA SCOTT IS GETTING BAPTIZED ON MARCH 8TH, this Saturday. Yes it's happening. We have been visiting and teaching her every day this past week and she has been coming to church consistently. What a miracle. I love her! 

      Church was cancelled because of the ice yesterday. I'm starting to get jealous of my friends in Guam and Chile.... Jk! I love it out here ice and all! I am so grateful to be a missionary at this time when the work is truly hastening and to have friends serving around the world with me. There isn't a better feeling. Missionary work is not easy. If it was, it wouldn't be called work. But I know, that as I put my faith in the Lord and work my hardest that my Heavenly Father will be proud of me. And I just want to make Him proud. I love you guys!! Have a great week! 

Con Amor,

Sister Penman

Sister Laycock made me a 3 course meal!!! I love her.. She is going to kill me... haha