November 25, 2014

Dear Family and Friends,

 

 

     I think I'm going to start a riot. The mission won't let me listen to Christmas music until Thanksgiving. However, obedience and faith are the key to miracles so I can be patient... Happy Thanksgiving to all! I hope everyone gets to spend some time with family in between work and travel. It's one of my favorite times of the year for good reason. We get to reflect on our year and recognize the blessings the Lord has given us. Thanksgiving this year will mark my first full day in the mission field. I am so grateful for the past year I have spent in Missouri and Kansas. It seems surreal at times that I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel to a completely new place, talk to people with all backgrounds, serve with some of the most amazing examples, but most of all, I am grateful for the chance I get every day to share my testimony. I will never let a day go by without sharing a witness of the things I know and treasure. And now, I have been strengthened by the Spirit in ways I didn't know were possible.

     This week was full of events. Two of our investigators dropped and we had to drop 2 more because they weren't progressing, ready to change, or we haven't been able to get in contact for weeks and weeks. It was pretty rough, but one morning we were especially disheartened because all of our appointments fell through and we were in need of some upliftment. We got in our car (another thing I'm grateful for this time of year) drove to our WML's house, borrowed a couple of rakes, bought a few recyclable brown bag, and went to a member's home that recently had surgery, and cleaned up their whole front yard thick of leaves. Although it rained on and off, we didn't stop til we were done. On Sunday, I taught the lesson in Gospel Principles class and I shared that experience. I didn't do it for recognition or pride, but because Sister Kaimarama and I knew that by serving those around us, we would be able to be rejuvenated by the Spirit and gain Heavenly Father's trust to put people in our path to serve and to teach. I am so grateful for the chance we have to serve and love each other. If you have a desire to serve, but don't want to intrude and/or the person you asked, 'Is there anything I can do to help?', said no. I have one thing to say. Just do it! Don't ask. Just do it. They will remember it far longer than it took you to complete it. I promise you will feel a greater abundance of the Spirit, and you will be happier! Its a feeling you don't want to miss. 

     We took Precious to the Independence visitors center yesterday!!! It was really great. Jenifer, one of the ladies we taught we when first came here come to church and had a great experience. My friend and lady I taught in Clinton (Megan Kragenbrink :)) is getting baptized this Saturday and I think I'll be able to go to it! I'm so excited to see everyone. My other investigator from Clinton, Susan, got baptized 3 weeks ago. Let me tell you, there are miracles around every corner. Thank you so much for your love and support. Stay warm. Feel free to write me at 7013 N Chas Dr. Apt. C, Pleasant Valley, MO 64068. I love letters! But I guess, who doesn't? Talk to you next week :)

 

Love always,

Sister Penman

 

Danny, a recent convert, working on going to the temple!!