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