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