March 23, 2015

Dear Mi Familia y Amigos (that was for Elder Penman) 

 

     This past week has been a whirlwind of feelings! For some reason, Sister Lamb and I have been feeling a little 'off' the past couple of weeks. We've been seeing many miracles and tender mercies from the Lord, but we have been feeling like something was going to happen. First off- we are moving out of the wonderful beautiful home of the Kissinger's within the next week or two. They have housed missionaries for over a year now and it's time to be moved to another place. Second- the New Mark ward is getting split into! The Zone Leaders told us the news the day after exchanges with the St Joseph sisters. I couldn't believe it! It all makes sense why it felt like we've been on a teter-totter for so long! I tend to say, "Are you lying??" a little too much apparently because the zone leaders were like, 'No Sister Penman!! We're not lying to you!" I'll be working on that one... :) The New Mark ward will be splitting because the Smithville Lake Branch will be forming! There are some big changes occurring! I'm so excited! It's just a testimony that the work is still moving forward and is still hastening!

     Next week is transfers. But you know something weird? I have never felt so much peace about transfers my whole mission. It is true, that this will be my last transfer as a full-time missionary. I don't know what is going to happen. I could be opening the Smithville Branch with Sister Lamb, get a new companion, Stay in New Mark, or move to another area. I don't know what will happen, but whatever it is, it is the Lord's will. I have been praying and praying about how I can more fully give my will the Lord, and I think he's really been teaching me recently.

     Abbey (our WML's son's girlfriend) came to church again this Sunday and last week we had dinner with the Litster's and they invited her over. We had no idea! But, it was the perfect  opportunity to teach her a little bit. For our message we taught the Litster's and Abbey the importance of knowing how the Holy Ghost speaks to us. We then asked Abbey if she had ever read the Book of Mormon before. She said no, but that she would love a copy! She is now investigating the church! We have an appointment with Abbey tonight at the Litster's home. We will be teaching her the Restoration! Linda dropped us unfortunately, but I feel ok about it because I know that she was able to feel the Spirit. She might not be ready now, but in time, it will come.

     I have a testimony of the guidance of the Holy Ghost. When we are baptized by the Priesthood authority, we are given a member of the Godhead to be with us always. He will teach us God's will, testify of truth, comfort us, and even warn us of danger. I have been able to see his influence more in my life as I have sincerely sought his guidance. When I picture the straight and narrow path, many of us focus on the destination. I picture The Holy Ghost as a candlestick that we get to hold in our hands always. It will give us enough light and knowledge to take the next step on the path. We may not see the path down the road, see how far away it is, or know how big the next hill is, but as long as we are following the light of our candlestick. We cannot be lost.

 

I love you and thank Heavenly Father every day for the friends and family that I am blessed to know. Talk to you next week!

 

Love,

Sister Penman

 

P.s. If anyone wants to know, I will be ending my mission the 22nd of May and returning home the following Tuesday. My mom and sister will be picking me up :) Since I will be moving in the next couple of weeks, please send anything to the mission address 517 W Walnut St Independence, MO 64050 Love you!

 

Helping Sister Filger organize her jewelry sale