May 19, 2014

Dear Everyone,

     Another week gone by. May is like a dream. It is going by way too quick. This week we were really able to enjoy May because we didn't have a car. For the first time on my mission, I had to WALK. Believe it... Yeah I know I'm so spoiled. It was really great to enjoy the beautiful weather and to talk to people. We were able to see a lot of miracles and I know it was because we relied on the Lord to lead us to know where we should go and who to visit. We found 5 new investigators this week and the 'standard of excellence' is 2 so that was really good because we haven't been able to find a lot of people recently. Overland Park is a wealthier area so many people are content on what they have and what they know which makes it hard to give them the fullness of the everlasting Gospel! But this week definitely showed that Heavenly Father prepares people if your willing to get down and find them! 

     Did I mention I'm in a trio now? I know, isn't it sweet?! I've had 6 companions so far. I'm now with Sister Beard and Sister Fuenzalida. I knew Sister Fuenzalida from the Clinton zone when I first got to the area so that was cool. Sister Fuenzalida's companion got her visa (after 14 months in the field) to Brazil so she left last week and now Sister F is with us! I had to admit I was a little nervous because she seemed a little intense, but it has been so great how much we get along! Although, she still can't believe I wore really short shorts before my mission.. She grew up in Salt Lake. No more of that though! haha The little things you learn on a mission are such a blessing! Our apartment is pretty small (I'll try to send a picture next week) so we had to move our beds to the living room. It feels a little like we're orphans from Annie, but it's really fun! 

     One of the miracles that I'd like to share happened on Wednesday last week. We didn't have any appointment scheduled for that day so we preceded to try to visit people we had planned the night before and tract inbetween. After about an hour of walking we went to visit a family that has recently moved into the ward and there was this younger woman with her cute toddler running around outside. Her name is Amanda. We starting talking to her after she told us the Bird's weren't home. One of the first things I said was that I loved her sweatshirt. She had on an "Alaska Grown" sweatshirt on. Shout out to my Penman cousins! She went on to tell us that when she was younger she went to a couple of Mormon dances with her friend. We got to know her a little and we were able to introduce the Book of Mormon and she said that she wanted to learn more about what we believe. We set up an appointment and we're seeing her Thursday and I can't wait! 

     I have a strong testimony in being an example even when no one is watching. I know that that guy that invited her to the church dance never thought it would do anything, but I know the little invitations we make to others will prepare them. If not at that time, then down the road. I'm so grateful to be a missionary. A seed planter and a harvester. I'm so grateful for the message we share. We were talking to Chris (Romanian guy we gave a Book of Mormon to) and his cousin Dennis. And they were having a hard time believing that the Book of Mormon is scripture. However, while we were talking, I shared the first vision and the experience of Joseph Smith. And although they were basically bashing on everything, they never said anything about the first vision. I know they felt the Spirit. My testimony wasn't wavered. I know that this church is true. Joseph said, "For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under comdemnation." I know he did in reality speak to God and his son Jesus Christ. I know the Book of Mormon is true because I've read the whole thing and prayed about it. I never received a witness as bold a lightning bolt to the face, but I know it is true. What wonderful knowledge we have. I love you guys. Thank you for everything. Have a great week!

Love,

Sister Penman

Sister Beard and I, and Julian's graduation cake. Yeah it's edible and it was so good.