July 28, 2014
Good morning everyone!

     Hope it's been a good week. This past week was transfers for us. I'm still in Overland Park 2nd ward with Sister Champagne! This will be my 3rd transfer here and I had 4 in Clinton. Everyone says I'm only going to have 3 areas haha. I don't mind at all. The longer you stay, the more you get to know the members and are able to gain their trust! I'm meeting life long friends here which is so awesome. Want to know a couple of cool facts? Tonsss of missionaries went home this last transfer. It was all the sisters that left right after the age changed, so, I expect a dramatic rise in marriages this winter. I am still the Sister Training Leader in my area which has been going really well. I am over 3 sets of sisters in 2 zones. One of the sisters is training after 12 weeks just like me except her companion really wants to go home :( I've been working with both of them for a few days now and she visited President Vest yesterday and so now she is going to stay at least til the end of the transfer. It makes me so sad to see sisters struggle. 

     Although it's not our Priesthood obligation to serve, it is an experience that is irreplaceable. I know that with the Lord's help and guidance, she'll be able to know that there are things that she needs to learn for her own spiritual growth, but also blessings for her future family! This time to serve is sacred and I'm so grateful for it. Especially with the experiences that I've had the last week. 

       Last Sunday we visited a part member family, the Crapos. We felt prompted to visit them that night and we were able to meet the wife's mom, who is a member from Idaho, who was in town for just a couple of weeks. They went to the husband's christian church that morning and we talked about the Gospel and we shared a scripture in the Book of Mormon and how it related to them. Near the end, Jessica, the wife, told us that she loves I Stand All Amazed. So we sang that to close. The grandma told us as we were about to leave that she was feeling really down because she was missing the her lds church today and that it was heaven's sent that we stopped by and she said that she was grateful that we had followed a prompting. 

      Another experience happened on Wednesday. We decided that we should try one of the unknowns on our ward roster named Starlene Johnson. I had never met her or caught her at home ever since I've been here. So reluctantly, not expecting her to be home again.. We knocked on the door and a few moments later, two ladies answer the door. I was really surprised, but they were almost scared silly! They kept saying, "Oh my gosh. This is a miracle." They invited us into the empty apartment and they went on to tell us that they had only stopped by for a couple of hours to check on a leak in the apartment and that Starlene had moved out months ago. And while they were here they were talking about the Gospel and how they wanted to start going back to church. And then we knocked on the door. They talked about the trials that they have faced within the last few years and about the 8 deaths in their family and how they knew they needed God. We testified of the Plan of Salvation and God's love for them. We have an appointment to meet with them this week so they can start coming back to church!

      I know that the Lord was aware of Jessica's mom, and Star & Alyce Johnson. And definitely aware of me. Whenever I feel discouraged, He always sends angels to remind me that He knows and that He is there. I invite you guys to remember that when things aren't going according to plan, to be consonance of the Spirit so that it can comfort you and direct you. I know that this is Christ's work and that I get to have a part in it's hastening. I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior. I love my little brother Shaun who will be turning in his mission papers this week. I am so proud of him for the choice that he has made. I'm so excited to hear where he goes. Watch out, the Penman's are out!!! Talk to you next week!

Love, 

Sister Penman

Sister Sommer is transferred to..... KC 1st to serve with Sister Beard!!! What the heck those punks are going to tear it up! 

The zone leaders think they're so funny....

July 21, 2014

Dear Fam and Friends,

     Well here we are again. Another week has passed and I'm doing great! This week feels like a blur. I normally have my planner close by to remember what we did during the week, but of course I forgot it at the apartment.. so hopefully I can remember some good stuff. 

     Tomorrow we have transfer calls! That is when we find out who is leaving and who will be coming into the zone. The zone is really going to be mixed up because a lot of the missionaries will be training which is exciting for them. It's the best feeling to see missionaries grow and become fully consecrated to the work. We only have so long to serve the Lord with all our heart, might, mind, and strength after all. Might as well be 'All In'! I don't think I'll be transferred. But of course I'll go where He wants me to go! I'll let you know next week. 

     Something that I've learned this week is the importance of being grateful. It's easy to make life seem like a drag because of our trials, situations and circumstances we are in, but if we are always looking for the blessings in our lives, although sometimes they seem like few, we can always be happy! Man, you guys, life is good! Although recently it feels like we have been stuck in the mud in finding new investigators and helping them progress (the Louis family dropped us yesterday) there are always blessings and miracles around the corner if we allow ourselves to notice them. 

     On Saturday we went to visit a less active family with a 13 year old boy named Romaine who we've been working with. He wasn't at home (he was at a young men's activity HOLLA) But his dad answered the door. We had only met him once, but when we were talking to him about Romaine, we were talking about the blessings of the Gospel in our families. We shared a scripture in 3 Nephi and bore our testimonies of the truthfulness of our message, we invited him to take the lessons and he said he would really like to do that! We have an appointment with him and Romaine on Thursday! 

     Sorry this email is shorter than others, but I just want you guys to know of how grateful I am to be apart of this church. There are truths that are revealed in this dispensation that people don't know about. Peace that is found only upon the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Spiritual power that is given in keeping our covenants. During a leadership council I went to a couple months ago, President Keyes talked about it. There is no other church that has priesthood keys, temples, and more. So I ask you, where else are you going to go? The church is true. Keep the commandments and your covenants and let the Lord bless you. Love you all! Have a great week!

Love,

Sister Penman

July 14, 2014

Dear Everyone,

     Hope everyone is having a fabulous P-day. I tend to think sometimes that everyone has mondays off, but I forget that it's not normal haha. At least it's summer though! Any one have nice tans? I'm working on my missionary shoe and neck tan lines. They're coming along nicely, but not quite as fast as they were a couple of weeks ago because we got our car FULL time within the few weeks. Halelujah! It gets pretty warm out here. Luckily, I do ok because I'm used to the heat, but my poor companion Sister Champagne is from Provo and Logan. She thinks that she is getting a heat stroke sometimes haha. But, it's been good because despite the heat, people have been outside! Which is perfect for us! For instance, last Monday night.

     We had just finished P-day and we had some people that we had listed to visit from planning the night before, but after visiting one of them, I had the impression that we should visit one of our investigators, Natalia (15). We have been really trying to get her whole family involved and we just haven't been able to catch them at home. However, on Monday we drove to their house and Natalia's mom and the rest of her siblings were all playing outside! We taught them about the Book of Mormon and how the message we share blesses families. I could really see her interest and she said that we can come back and teach her and her kids. Yes!! We had an appointment set up for this last Friday and we got a perfect member present, the Mitchell's, who are recent converts and have kids all the same ages, but Latisha, the mom, ended up having to go to her son's college football camp. But we visited them again and they said after family comes and then leaves, that they will all be able to meet. And then our neighbor Laura and her friend Melani still want us to teach them, but right after Laura takes her trainers' exam, to be a personal fitness trainer. 

     Miracles are happening and people are so ready to progress, but this whole summer thing is getting in the way ha. Everyone just needs to stay home and let us teach them! But, that's ok. In the mean time we are really trying to find more people because I know the Lord is softening peoples' hearts, but something that I've learned this week is that as much as He is preparing His children, we have to be worthy of them. And we have to ask. Prayer is so important in missionary work. As we are diligently praying for miracles and being specific, I know we will receive specific answers. I'm so grateful to share the message of the Restoration and how we can have eternal families. They're is no better cause, no better place, and no better purpose. This is the work of the Lord. Have a great week! 

Love,

Sister Penman

We went to the Temple on Thursday! Did you know my Mom is getting married? 

July 7, 2014
Dear Fam and Friends,

     Hope everyone had a great Independence Day! Filled with war triumph movies, fireworks, national anthems, patriotism, and BBQ! (They do it best here in Kansas City though, I have to admit) It sounds like it from what I hear. The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays because I am so grateful for our forefathers that fought for our freedom. We are so blessed to live in a country that made it possible for the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was only here that it would be possible to spread to every kindred, tongue, and nation. What a blessing! I had a really good 4th! We actually went on exchanges so I was with Sister Sommer for most of it. She's awesome! We get along so well we were joking that we were going to call President Vest for an emergency transfer... not gonna happen haha. We had Zone Training in the morning in which I did a couple of trainings and then we had a district lunch. We went to Cheddar's and then we got cinnamon and sugar pretzels from Pretzelmaker.. We decided to really celebrate America by eating good food :) Then we were able to visit a couple of people! I was nervous that no one would be home because of the holiday, but we got in to a lot of door which was a huge blessing. We had dinner at the John's house along with a few other misfit families that didn't have a place to go. Our whole dinner calender was full except the 4th of July... wierd haha. But we found one, which was awesome! I sang a little 'I'm proud to be an American' while waving a little American flag when we walked back to our car. And then we had a great lesson with one of my favorite people, Iva Pruett! It was her birthday so we knocked on her door and she answered. She wasn't doing anything to celebrate! So we sang to her and then talked with her for a while. Sister Sommer and I both felt prompted to talk about the temple and about how she was sealed to her husband (he passed away quite a few years ago). She has had a hard time coming to church within the last few years and we have been trying to figure out why. And then while we were talking, she finally opened up to us so now we know how to help her! I'm grateful for the Spirit that helps us teach and to know what to say. We told her that she will be able to live with him again, but we need to do our best while we are here on earth so we can be worthy of those blessings. What a miracle! Then we drove home and heard a couple of fireworks, but had to go to bed before we saw any. Oh well, next year! 

      The rest of the week was pretty good. We have found quite a few people recently, but it's been difficult for many of them to progress. But that doesn't stop us from working hard. Obedience is key. I'm so grateful for the blessing I have to share the Gospel to those in Kansas. As much as we are here to find those that are prepared, I know we are also here to uplift the ward and help those that need a hand to come back to church. We need to find those lost sheep. I love being a servant of the Lord and I cherish my short time that I have to be full-time and 'all in'. I love you guys! Have a great week!

Love, 

Sister Penman

expires on the day I come home.. awk., the sisters on the 4th of July (I tried to dress as patriotic as I could!) Our neighbor,Tania is the cute black one! She's the best! She always wants to go on team-ups with us! haha

June 30, 2014

Good morning everyone!

     I have to admit, I don't have alot of time left because I got distracted on lds.org looking at all the Mission Presidents and looking at mine! haha I'm excited for my friends that are getting new presidents too! President and Sister Keyes went home on Saturday from their 3 year mission and probably love being with their families again! I haven't met President and Sister Vest yet, but will being seeing them on Wednesday at Mission Leadership Council. I'm so excited!

     My little brother Shaun went on a bus trip with a bunch of other kids from my stake to visit all the church history sites. And what did you know, they came to my mission! I didn't get to see them, but it was so good to hear that my friends in the mish got to take them around! I love you guys! I hope you have an amazing rest of your trip! 

     It was a really good week! As I think about what we have done, it seems like a blur, but a couple of great things happened. We decided to visit a family on the ward roster named McClenton after some pondering. On the ward list it said the the boyfriend 'opened and then closed the door' when he answered haha. But we felt prompted to go anyway. Who's scared of a little rejection any way? We knock on the door and this little boy about 13 years old comes to the door. His name is Romaine. He said he hadn't been to church in a about a year, but he wants to go back. We shared the story of the Stripling Warriors and how that applies to him and we testified of the love God had for him. Then on Saturday we get a text from Romaine that said he really wanted to go to church, but he didn't have a ride. So OBVIOUSLY we told him we would love to find him a ride! He came to church and that night he texted us saying thank you for finding him a ride and that he was going to the activities on Wednesday too. We talked a little more and then we invited him to start reading the Book of Mormon every day. And then he said he was already on 1Nephi 4.... He's so awesome. 

      We have been helping our other investigators progress and they are doing really well! Our neighbor Laura and her friend Melani are going to meet with us hopefully this Thursday! I'm so grateful for my time to serve and to see at an up close view at how the hastening of the work is affecting the youth. I thought we were strong when I was younger. I can testify that the youth in these Latter-days are inspirational and steadfast. They stand as witnesses even when the opposite is popular. I'm so blessed to be around them and to be uplifted by their spirits. This work is true. Happy birthday Devin and Grandma! Happy Independence Day! If you know me, it's one of my favorite holidays :) Love you! Have a great week!

Love, 

Sister Penman

Have I mentioned how beautiful it is here? cheesy pic

June 23, 2014

Dear Everyone,

     Hope you've had a good week! As a missionary, time is always different. Some minutes take hours, hours feel like minutes, months feel like days, and your mission, well it feels like a second. I have had a great week. Sister Champagne and I work really well together. We are very different, but it doesn't matter because we are sisters with the same purpose! She's a sweetie. The last little while has been difficult to find people and to help the ward progress, but we have seen so many miracles this past week. 

     On Tuesday, there was a Relief Society activity we went to. I lvoe going to those because you can invite your investigators so the women can fellowship them, there are normally a decent amount of women that are less-active, and there's always food... you know me. The topic was about the Savior and the Presidency did a great job. At the end of the activity, Sister Lenz asked if I would give the closing prayer. I did, and afterwards this little girl came up to me. Her name is Hermosa and she is 14. She asked me about my prayer and asked me how I know that God answers my prayers or how I get answers. I talked to her about how her Heavenly Father loves her and how with faith, we can receive answers through the Holy Ghost. We talked for a few minutes and found out that she wasn't a member, but was living with a recent convert named Arthena! I can tell she's had a difficult time growing up, but she is sweet. We ended up setting up an appointment and we taught her about the Restoration on Thursday! I think she is still trying to understand why all this important. But I think, first, she needs to know of her divine worth. She came to church on Sunday and we have another appointment on Thursday! I'm excited!

     We also have been working with a sweet lady named Iva Pruett. She is the coolest. She's a widow of about 14 years, but she's only in her 60's I think! She lives right across the street from a guy named Brandon, who is kind of creep... the previous sister taught him a lesson one time and now he calls our phone multiple times a day.. but it's all good haha Sister Pruett thinks that he might kill her some day.. hahah But she hasn't come to church in a really long time. We've really been building a strong relationship so we asked her to come to church with us this Sunday and she said she isn't ready yet. We are still working with her, but I know she will get there!

      One last miracle that happened this past week. Sister Champagne and I drove home one night because it was getting close to curfew, but we were trying to figure out what we should do for the last few minutes of our time proselyting. So we get out of the car and there are two cute young girls about 23 that were walking by. One says, "Hey! My friend is your new neighbor!" We talked to them for a little bit getting to know them and where they were from. They are awesome! Melani asked what we did for work, and we told them that we were full-time missionaries! We talked a little about what we do and then helped Laura move up her stuff to her new apartment, which is literally right next door! We talked inside her apartment with Melani and Laura and we introduced the Book of Mormon. I bore my testimony of how it has blessed my life and how it contains the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We discussed a little more and then after we had Laura read the Introduction, she said, "Can I borrow this?"... um no but you can surely HAVE IT!! We gave both of them Book of Mormon's and we are planning on teaching them this week! Miracles happen you guys! 

     Seriously it's been such a blessing to see the Lord's hand in Overland Park this past week. Every day I am excited to serve because the knowledge we get to share with people. It has changed me. I know this is Christ restored church and if we do our best to share our testimonies of the truth that we have to our friends, our testimonies will be strengthened and we will literally feel His love for us and for the people we share it with. I encourage you to find a way to share your testimony to someone this week. It's the best feeling. I love you. Have a great week! 

Love, 

Sister Penman

P.S. We finally got a ward mission leader! Someone 'fruit attacked' and put water bottles on our car.. we don't know who it is.. haha and then we had a picnic hosted by one of the members!