Dear Family and Friends,

Another great week in the Mid-west! Would you call Missouri mid-west? I don't know, but it really was awesome. It wasn't the average week, however. On Wednesday we had a combined zone training and we had to give trainings on the talks that were given at leadership conference. I gave 3 trainings. I wish I could tell you that it was easy and that I was so comfortable up at the front, but let me tell you. Training other missionaries is way harder than teaching people the Gospel! I was so nervous. But I was grateful for the Spirit that afternoon that comforted me in my time of stress. I know all of our callings are inspired. I trust the Lord with all my heart, might, mind, and strength. Something that I continue to learn every week is the power of trusting God. As we are continually doing our best to be worthy and follow the promptings of the Spirit, Heavenly Father will always build us up and help us to become the person He knows we can be. I know that is true.

We were able to meet a few less actives that we haven't been able to contact in a while, like Sister Vanderslice and Sister Frankin. They are both very sweet older ladies. We are doing our best to find out what they need so they will have a desire to come back to church. They both smoke and I think that that is part of the reason they refrain from coming to church. That is so hard for me to see. The church is made up of imperfect people. Once we start to think we are not worthy to come to church, we need it more than ever! I was so grateful to hear the General Conference addresses this weekend that emphasized the importance of Charity and serving others. Specifically President Monson's talk. "Why are our families the target of our harsh words?" Please forgive me family, I love you! If we continue to remember the things that our Prophet taught on Sunday, I know we will see those that have not been participating in our wards actively, growing their faith in our Savior and feeling His love from the members. They will come back!

 

Something crazy that happened last week? We went to teach one of our investigators, Jessica Gowin and her friends Jordan and Steven one afternoon and when we came in the door, there was 2 more people! Shade (Jessica's boyfriend) and Ashley (Jordan's 'friend'). And then Jordan picked up another one of his friends. So it was basically like a classroom, it was crazy. And they were all expecting us! haha We were able to watch the Joseph Smith movie which definitely brought the Spirit and then Sister Laycock and I bore testimony of the Restoration and then a lot of them had questions. Long story short, it was great! Shade and Ashley also wanted a Book of Mormon. And we are planning on teaching them as well! Sister Call.. I know you're reading this.. want to know something crazy? The friend Jordan brought over during the movie was a guy named Alex and he went on to tell us that he already had a Book of Mormon and that we already had his number... I was so confused. I looked through my planner and he's like, "No, it's in your phone!" He said his name was Alex Hunter.. WHAT!? Alex was a guy that had texted us back in January after we had talked to his friend about the Gospel while street contacting. He asked a lot of Gospel questions and showed Genuine interest, but we were not able to ever meet with him. Do you believe in coincidences? i don't. 

We were also able to teach Chuck this week with Bishop and Sister Stock which went great. We taught about tithing and fast offerings and at the beginning of the lesson, he's like 'Oh, i already know about tithing, it's 10% of what you make.' He went on to explain it more and said that he has done his research over the years.. haha he's awesome. We are doing our best to strengthen his testimony so that the temptations of Satan will not be too much. He hasn't been drinking Coffee and when we followed up with him last appointment, he said he didn't want to talk about it.. haha It's amazing to see the lifestyle changes people will make for the blessings of the restored Gospel! It's so real!

 

Megan K is about to burst, she should have her baby in less than a week! Kye is doing great. She is so cute. She already has been buying modest summer clothes and she watched General Conference with us on Saturday. She's the best. We haven't been able to meet with Amanda and Jasmine recently :( Anne Scott was out of town, however, Sister Battaglia is doing great. But we need to help her progress more because she is so ready! So we are going to visit her more than once a week even though she lives farther away. We are so excited for her!

 

Conference was SO GOOD!! I'm so grateful for the prophets, seers, and revelators we have on this earth today. I was uplifted and chastened as well! Which is always good :) I loved Gary E Stevenson's talk. We came to this earth to perform! I'm humbled to be out here and doing my best to perform for the Lord every day. I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior and the encouragement and love I feel from them. Life is so great. Have a great week everyone! I know I will!

Love,

Sister Penman

     My zone and my sweet 'sister missionaries' :) Sarah and Bella!