June 16, 2014

Dear Everyone,

     I have to tell you. I think missionary time is way different than reality time. I LOVED the emails I just got this past week. It's so fun to hear how everyone is doing. Graduation, marriage, family, vacation! I could tear up only because I LOVE YOU SO DANG MUCH! Don't worry, I'll just stay here and keep getting a sweet sister missionary shoe tan. Hope everyone is enjoying their summer vacation. I sure am ;) This week has been pretty crazy. This will be my 2nd transfer in the Overland Park 2nd ward and I'm so glad I stayed! The members are still getting to know me, but a couple of them voiced on Sunday that they were glad I was still here, which definitely made me feel welcome. Sister Beard was transferred to the Kansas City 1st ward and her companion is Hermana Pita! I heard there has been alot of success up there so I'm really excited for her to get to work! My new companion is Sister Champagne! She is a total sweetheart. She is very different than me, for instance, I love to play sports all P-day and she likes to write letters, however, it doesn't keep us from being tight haha. We get along really great. The funny thing is, normally you don't know your companion, but Sister Champagne was in my last zone. She served in Warrensburg for a transfer while I was there! We also both went to Utah State and Studied Speech Pathology and we had a class together my freshman year! All we remember is saying hi to each other, but Sister C said she was really shy haha. So it's really fun to be with someone you already know. I know great things are coming!

     Unfortunately, Dan wasn't able to come to church this last week which was a huge bummer, and he was out with friends when we had an appointment, but he hasn't said that he still doesn't want to be baptized... so thats good haha. We should be seeing him this Wednesday. We have been visiting this less active family, the Mitchell's, for a while now. They live in our building so it's really convenient! they are recent converts, but they have been having a hard time coming to church. Shaia has told during one lesson that she feels sad when she is there sometimes because she doesn't have a perfect family. She is divorced and has 3 girls (Salliyah, Tania, Zandra). But we testified about how nobody's family is perfect, we are all striving for that goal, but Heavenly Father knows that we need to continue to follow His commandments by coming to church so that we can receive all the blessings that he wants to give us! D&C 130:21 Yesterday Shaia, Tania, and Zandra came to church!! And after Tania sang for the Dad's in Sacrament she ran to us and sat right next to me. We visited them that night and Salliyah (16) stayed up til 4am watching Vampire Diaries... I feel like I'm teaching myself. But I asked her about the chapter in the Book of Mormon I invited her to read and after she told me she hadn't read it yet, I told her that it was about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and as we discussed it a little she said that she doesn't remember it! So we finally have an appointment to sit down with their family and to teach the Gospel. I'm so excited!

      Some other random things this week. Last P-day we had a BBQ for Memorial Day and we played sports at the park. It rained on us all day, We played kick ball, soccer, volleyball, and flag football in the rain. It was awesome. I have received my first chigger bite... it itches alot, but I definitely miss my soccer battle marks so this will do. And the Bishop called all of the 4 missionaries in our ward to introduce themselves and bear their testimony during sacrament. Brother Lenz said it was priceless to see my face. I guess I still get nervous haha. I said the Bishopric was rotten on the pulpit.... hopefully they still like me haha I was just kidding though. I am always so grateful to share my testimony. I'm excited for the week we have ahead of us. Thank you all for your love and example. 

      I know this is the Church of Jesus Christ restored on this earth. I know that because I have read the Book of Mormon and I have prayed about it. The peace the Gospel brings to my heart out-reached anything the world can teach.  I know this is the Savior's divine work. To bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. I'm so grateful to be able to strive for that every day. Have a great week ya'll! Love you!

Love,

Sister Penman