I finally caught up on all Porters emails. I just posted many... the newest being the first post to read, so you will have to go back through the post to catch up on reading them. I promise to do better and keeping everyone up to date on Porters letters.

All caught up - July 7th :)

Hey Mom and Dad,

This has been a great week. So I mentioned to the kids about the Sister that we also made cry. She explained to us how here little baby Nephew is in the hospital again. But by reading the 17th Chapter of 3 Nephi, she was reminded how much Heavenly Father and Christ Loves us. And their special relationship with the little children. It was a powerful lesson. Highlight of my week. This Gospel truly is wonderful. I find such great joy and happiness. 

Mom that is  really cool picture. Meagan did good. I am happy you guys had a great 4th of July. And thanks for including me. At least you didn't make a cardboard cut out for the 4th, it probably would have my luck and burn itself. :) 

 

I will be able to notify you about transfers next week (or through a picture). I wish to go to Bots soon as well. But I too know that the Lord is in charge. I probably have such a great testimony of that because of my wonderful parents. :) 

My headaches have been good. Surprisingly I made it through Sunday as I did a 22 hour fast (i started kinda late on Saturday) and with a little bit of a cold. No major headaches. I was able to make it through a take an ibuprofen in time to stop a rather small headache. Stress and water are probably big reasons for me as well. It is sometimes stressful to be missionaries. 

So we are teaching a boy named Soso and his mom, Nonsklelo. She is the one who almost cried. We are still teaching Bro Mafeking (it is kinda hard to work around his busy schedule) and a couple of others. These are the closest to baptism. Last week we did rebaptize someone who somehow lost her records or any proof of baptism. Yesterday I confirmed her. So that was cool. She had been pretty active for many years, spent some time inactive, and then was reactivated and then was stronger than ever. She is a big help with missionary work. 

Bishop and Brother Mongezi are doing very well. Holding on. Being strong. Mongezi might end up moving to East London though...change of scenery. So that will be hard but we will have to get those missionaries down there to help him. 

Thanks mom for being so great. Thanks for your Prayers and thoughts. I love you! Have a great week too. 

Dad- Thanks for that wonderful email. Perfect thoughts for this week. I can't wait to get home and talk about missions. I will be able to understand so much more. 

Down here (especially during the winter) the power has some crazy things happen. In the Township where I work it is not rare to have power go out in the most inconvenient times. But we make do. I am happy to hear that everything went well and that people were willing to come and help. That would be hard to do on a holiday. 

Which It sounds like you guys had a great weekend. 

I am so excited for Bryant. There is somewhere that he is needed and somewhere that he needs. I feel that South Africa is that for me right now. but Hopefully Botswana will come into the Picture soon. :) I will wait on the Lord though. 

My efforts are in strengthening people. Member and their confidence in sharing the gospel, recent converts preparing for a lifelong journey, investigators preparing to take some steps of faith, and less actives who are struggling. 

One thing that we have been sharing is the fact that we are Children of God. That there is something wonderful in that phrase. He didn't create us to do nothing. But we have greatness within us. There is a light and we need to share it. Also we have been using the Book of Mormon even more. Helping people gain a testimony of it. Nonskelelo is a great example of that. 

I love this gospel.

I am looking forward to transfers. I can't wait to continue to move forward. It will be sad to say good-bye to the wonderful people I have met. But the time has come. (?). There is more to come. I haven't gotten my news yet, but Elder Cathemer got a call from President Merrill this morning telling him that he is stepping up to be a District Leader. That will be great for him. I am so excited to see his growth. He is a great companion. I have learned from him and I look forward to learning from others. 

We taught a wonderful thought dealing with Isaiah 40:28-31 and tied it into the Strippling Warriors. And it touched me more than anything. We need to wait on the Lord. I am grateful to serve Him. I love you Dad! Thanks!

I hope you guys have a great week. Thank you for your emails and prayers. I love you very very much. The Time is going very fast. Soon moments like this will be but a memory. But I will make these moments count. Thank you for all that you have taught me. I miss you all, but as we are all doing the same work, we are still very close. Keep it up! 

I love you!

Love, your son, Elder Pennington      

June 30th - Almost caught up

Hey Mom and Dad,

I don't know where the time is going but it seems to go faster every week. This week was great. We had a rebaptism of a member who lost her records. Next week I will confirm her. She was a good member for the last 20+ years, so it was a special moment. Crazy on the side of the missionaries putting everything together but she thought it was kinda cool to be baptized again. Also We are teaching a mother and her son. Both love church and God and listen to every word we and the Spirit teach. We love teaching them. We had a powerful lesson on the Book of Mormon with them this last week. There is a light and a fire building within that family. 

Also President Wood goes home tomorrow. And President Merrill will be my mission President. This will be pretty cool. I look forward to getting to know him. 

And I had a wonderful package from my wonderful family. Thank you so much :)

Mom, Next transfer will be next week. So in two emails you will know my transfer news. I am most likely moving areas. Which makes me super nervous. But Excited at the same time! I will serve where ever planted and right now the only news I have is that I am planted here in SACTM so here I will stay. Until I am needed else where.

I can't wait to hear where Bry is called. Too Much! Serious! :) 

I love you mom!! :) have a great week! Are your headaches doing better. I have ahad a couple this week, but they were okay, went away pretty easy. Thanks for the prays and love (and package). Love you!

Dad, I love that topic. It goes well with a thought I had about Ammon and his People. They were named the people of Ammon becuase of the relationship he had with them. He and his brothers were considered angel sent to free them. How cool is that esp. for missionaries. pres. Derrick mentioned that my name will be remembered. What a humbling thought! Now I just have to remain worthy of their trust. In PMG it tells us that. I love this work! 

Sounds like you had a good 5th sunday. I joined Gospel Principles but couldn't join the last hour because of the baptism. But I heard it was good. 

Meals are good. We eat out only on fridays for lunch. We cook breakfast, lunch and dinner most days but at least a couple of days each week someone has the missionaries over. So that is nice. Most of the time it is chicken and rice and some veggies. So not too bad. We get by. 

I have been going through many of the Laws and Ordinances with our recent converts. And through the Plan of Salvation. I love teaching. We have a good number. it can range between 7 lessons a week (with lots of cancellations) and 20ish lessons. We keep as busy as we can. 

I love that mission strategy.I feel it will work well. :) 

 

I love you Dad! I hope you have a great week. Give everyone a big hug for me! Have fun!

Love Elder Pennington

:)

June 23rd

Dear Mom and Dad,

Sorry that this will not be as long as other emails, but I will try and get the important things out of the way. 

Thank you mom for keeping a little in my account. That is all I need. we get about 700 twice a month, but sometimes that disappears quicker than other times. So having a little in Home Account is very nice. But I am trying to become better at budgeting. Hopefully I will become a little wiser when it come to shopping. I should have watched you a little more. One thing I have learned is not to go shopping when you are hungry. So I should be doing better, but during this next week I might use a little from home, but I will keep it as minimal as possible.

And as far as opening our mouths...it somewhat gets easier, but it does over time make even more sense and is something that love does overcome fear. Seeing people as children of God. Children of a Loving Heavenly Father who wants them to know of the Gospel as well. That thought helps me speak up. Nevertheless I still get nervous that I will say the wrong thing or something that might turn them away. but this gospel is perfect, not me. So as long as the Spirit is there what needs to be said will be said. And then it is up to their agency. 

I will think of some stories for next week when this has been seen in my mission work. I too love the work and it excites me. Just have fun and enjoy the moment. 

I am very grateful to have had you as my mother. I look forward to the day when I can get home and return to you guys. There is a question that missionaries get asked- "Are you the missionary that your mom thinks you are?" And I work every day to be that missionary. Thanks for you example and love.

Dad, that sounds like a powerful sacrament meeting. I felt the spirit of it. I wish I had missionaries come and help me in my prep. Hopefully the priests got something out of it. 

And It is slowly becoming real to me. Two years! But As I approach my birthday and thus 6 months, I am reminded again and again that this is an important wonderful work. I am so excited to soon have Bry in the field with us. I have been full of smiles for him. I can't wait to hear where in the vineyard he will go. 

Quick answer- So right now the Thomas' just have a big area to cover as a senior couple, but hopefully they will get a senior couple soon. Because we need it! They are such a great help. One day I hope to serve a senior mission with my wife. But anywho there is hope of a senior couple coming in about august. So fingers crossed.    

Again sorry This is so short. I love you all very much. I love your emails. They highlight my week. 

I love you Mom and Dad...thanks for everything!!

Love, your son, Elder Pennington

PS My studies have been all over the place from Chapter 1 in PMG, Alma 17+, and Jesus the Christ. Oh what a wonderful book that is. I have been so into it.

Again Love you Lots!

June 16th

Hey Mom and Dad,

This has been a good week. Mostly despite my love for being a biking missionary, this last week (after some craziness) My companion and I have the car in our area. Which will help us stay warm as we are working in the QT cold. I am so grateful for this blessing. This tender mercy. Because as the cold crept in, it was slowly becoming easier to stay in. but now we are working harder than ever. 

Mom, Thank you for your letter. I am very grateful to have such a wonderful mother :) I enjoyed every moment that we had together. Thanks for everything you have taught me. I don't feel that far away from you guys either. I feel I can relate a lot with the Stripling Warriors. 

My week was great. again we have the car. But we received a great zone conference, great instruction from our president. I had my last interview with him this last week, said good bye to him and his wife. Both of whom I will miss. But I look forward to meeting and getting to know our new mission President. Pres. Merrill who comes from AZ as well. Should be great!!

The cold is now bearable. My coat is doing a great job! 

I know it is hard to think that Africa could get cold... I still have troubles believing. I believe that all of South Africa does get rather cold. In Cape Town it gets a rainy season. Rainy and cold. But Nevertheless I believe QT is the coldest. 

My headaches have been good. I have kept them under control. I have been drinking Vitamin C every morning...which has been helping. Especially with the cold coming in. Thank you for your prayers. 

East London was fun. Thanks for having my card ready for that week. 

I hope your head will feel better. I will keep praying for you as well. I told the kids but I taught young women Yesterday. I taught about Priesthood Keys. Kinda a cool experience. I thought of you as I was teaching. This made me want to use the curriculum as a sunday school teacher when get home. It is a great Curriculum. I love this Gospel!

I love you Mom!

Dad- Happy Fathers day!! I'm so glad when daddy come home... Oh the songs that fill my head. Thank you for everything. I am grateful to have you as my example. As my father. I love you. I love the moment when people tell me I look like you. Thank you for being my dad. 

That sounds like a crazy story. I heard Bry had a beard as well. That kids is growing up fast. I am happy that mason and Bry were able to go as support. 

That sounds like a great missionary opportunity. I pray it will go well for you guys. The work is a great work here. We are going to be focusing on finding father lead families. Something that the ward want to help us with. So I hope that that all goes well. I love serving here. There is so much to do. 

I am happy that that went well with the Priests. I can't wait to hear where some of those boys will be going on their missions. I feel a part of a big army. A powerful force. But I know that we would be nothing with out our Savior. 

Thanks for everything dad. I love you very much!

Mom and Dad, This has been a good week. I am looking forward to even better weeks coming. Thanks for your letters. I hope you have a great week!!!

Love you all very very so very much!

-Love Elder Pennington

June 9th

Hey Mom and Dad,

This has been a good week. I am grateful to have another transfer with Elder Cathemer. It should be a great transfer. And Mom a Transfer is a 6 week period. I have been here in QT for about 3 Transfers so far. A fourth one would take me to about 5.5 months (only because I came in on week 2 of my first transfer) but technically it will be a 6 month area, just like dad. This provides convenience for moving people around, reports, stats and so on. 

Girls camp sounds like it was fun. I can't believe how fast Meagan is growing up. She is such a strong young woman. I am so happy and proud of her. And thanks for the Picture of Bry and Aly. They look so cute together. :) 

I hope you and the girls have a great week while the Boys are gone. I will keep praying for you. 

That was a great Sunday School Lesson. I can't believe you are already on that lesson again. Crazy how fast time flies. And yes I know Brother Jardine. He was like my Trek Uncle. Our families were pretty close. I bet he is a great SS President. 

My headaches have been better. I got Vit C this last week and have been taking it. It has helped a little bit. Staying Hydrated. All is going great. Thanks for the recipes. Potatoes will be great. This last week I made some muffins and everyone liked them. Now I feel like the Muffin Man. They were all gone within minutes. But it all proves how easy some mixes are. :) 

I love you soo much as well. I feel your love everyday here in Africa. 

Dad I love that mission plan! So simple, so profound. 

I bet Brother Nuttall is a great WML. I would love to have served with him as our WML. Our current one is good. We meet every week on tuesday. He keeps us up to date with the ward and all, but correlation with him does not go to far beyond that. But There is major room of improvement for me. I hear that in some wards here there is not even a WML so I am grateful. 

I can't wait to hear the stories from Camp. And I really can't wait to hear where JJ and Mason will go on their mission. I think of how much I needed to go to this mission and know that the Lord truly does call His servants where He needs them most. Keep me in the loop. And let them know I have been think about them. They are in my Prayers. 

I love Prayer. It has been such a big part of my life and now it is even bigger. I will keep count. This week might not be the most accurate because we will be in East London for Zone Conference and Interviews... but I will keep count. 

That sounds like a great fireside. The thing I love about the Holy Ghost is how important He is in teaching as missionaries. We don't leave the boarding two by two...but if we are doing things right we leave in groups of three. We would get nowhere with the Holy Ghost. 

I loved the picture of The Logo Me that Heidi made. That is so cool. 

I love you too dad. I love the cartoons and funnies that you send me. Thank you so much. 

Just so you all know, this week we will spend a couple of days in East London. For this I will probably use my card to get some food. Thank you for allowing me to have that extra cash reserve. It is a great blessing.

Now for our area. Elder Cathemer and I (have I mentioned that since we both have rather long hard names... it is almost as if we were Elders Cat and Penny) are working with our Recent Converts and Less Actives alot. But more than that we got a couple of new investigators. For one of them, it is a man, we have a little bit of a language barrier. but I know that the Holy Ghost will be key in helping with this. 

But right now the cold has been affecting us so we have been trying different game plans to go about our day in order to make the most of every precious moment. If you have any great tips dad on how to Conquer the cold...I would love to hear them. 

Thanks for your many emails and prayers. I love you all very very much. 

I hope you all have a great week. Love you Lots

Love Elder Pennington

June 2nd

Hey Mom and Dad,

This has been a great week. Mom you have some smart kids. But we have some very smart brilliant parents. :) Thanks for passing on the smart genes. 

I am happy to be in Queenstown as well. It will be a 6 month area, just like dad. :) But the sad part is you will be getting updates from the Thomas' too, but only when I go to east london. They will replace the senior couple there. So they will no longer be in Queenstown. Luckily East London is only 2 hours away. So they will probably visit often (because they love us so much).

All of these summer camps sound like they will be fun. So Bryant and Mason are going as leaders. That is cool. (Mason Carpenter right?) Your summer should be great. 

I am still working in Mlungisi. So I really had nothing change for me. 6 more weeks here. :) should be fun. And there has been no news on my visa. :( 

Thanks for the prayers. This last week has been better. I think stress had a big part in them as well. I can buy ibuprofen and I am looking for Vitamin C. It should be here somewhere. We are just always rushing when we go shopping. So I will find some! I carry around so Ibuprofen in my bag. I take it soon. Every now and then I have been needing two. But everything is good now. They do sell some protein bars ( a little more expensive, but I might be able to get some). 

Thanks for everything. For your prayer, love, and emails. 

Dad, Thank you for the funnies. They are great!  We will be having our zone conference next week. So it should be just like that. It should be a great one, President Wood leaves at the end of the transfer. Going home. So we will get Pres and Sister Merrill (from AZ) soon. There is a chance of my having 3 different mission presidents. Which is kinda cool considering all the blessings I have had have said something about my relationship with my Mission President. 

That is such a great missionary plan. There is a strong movement that will hopefully soon be here. The east London Stake will split next year. They want to split it into three stakes, one of which would be a Queenstown stake. It would be exciting if we could get everyone involved in the work. Apparently there was even a prophesy from the stake patriarch that a temple would be built in East London within his lifetime. That would be wonderful! Only a two hour drive for the members here. The work moves forward. 

The Ward is changing back there. I had the thought the other day that I will return home and not remember or know anyone's name. Hopefully I will still recognize some of the members. 

Have fun with all of the summer camps. Sounds like you will have a great time. Tell Megs that she is a sweet-heart as well :) And have fun with the skit.

My new area is my old area. I have a 6 month area. So Bishop is the same, people are the same, Companion is the same, and the faithful bikes are the same. All that is really changing is the weather. :) I love it!

So this last week we were involved with the transfers, but we still got to see some people. Bro Mongezi had the funeral for his wife. Boy is that man staying strong. I sense that this tragedy will bring him closer to Christ and the Ward. He is a good man. That was a big part of our week. We are spending our last moments with the Thomas' in QT, but they will only be two hours away. so we will be able to see them often (especially with zone conference and interviews coming up). They will be missed. 

I had Brother Johnson my Junior year for seminary. And that is a great scripture. I have been think about the word cross especially in contrast with Elder Bednars talk about the Load. I got a Liahona this week so I will be starting my studies of this last General Conference as soon as I finish with October. 

So much is going on. And What I have noticed is that my mission is going by fast. So enough I will be home and in the middle of all of the craziness. Makes me nervous. 

Dad do you remember your feelings about having your greenie area become a 6 month area. I love this area but I want to experience something new at the same time. New people, new opportunities, new area. But I am grateful to have this next six weeks, because hopefully by the end I will be able to go to Botswana. I don't know I just wanted to ask. 

Thanks for everything you guys.  

Also that reminds me. We were just about certain that I would leave. (for many different reasons) So I went around with another missionary, who was going to go home, to say some good byes. The people were all surprised and sad about the news of my probably leaving. So when I went around again to say my hellos to all those I said goodbye to, they were all very happy. I even come to find out that some even prayed that I wouldn't leave. That kinda shows the experience I have had so far. This has been a great area. And I am happy to still be here. 

Really I am just happy to be serving a mission for the Lord. 

Thanks for everything Mom and Dad. I hope you all have a great week. Full of missionary opportunities. 

Love you lots!!

Love, 

Elder Pennington  

Catching up... May 26th

Hey Mom and Dad,

So just for the record, this week I have had a lot of headaches. Last night I had a bad one and i just went to bed a little early. But most days I would wake up with a little one. I have been drinking water as often as I could but apparently I can do better. Thanks for everything your prayers. 

That is very cool about the Patriarch. And it would have been a cool family event. One day I hope to hear more about their experience. Feel free to read mine during that FHE. That is such a great thing. I read mine this last thursday and I found somethings that will lead into wonderful prayers and studies. I am grateful for that blessing. 

Bishop is doing well. He joined us when we confirmed our latest recent converts. Wonderful blessings. I almost got teary eyed while giving them. Spirit filled. And Brother Mongezi is doing well. He is staying strong. It would be so hard, being young and everything thing being rather fine and all of a sudden being alone. I can only imagine. But he is hanging in there. 

Thanks for your prayers.

This sounds like it has been a great week for you all. Graduation's coming fast. Exciting times. Around here we have been working hard and preparing for transfers. Tranfer fever is kinda strong ith me. I am nervous. I have said a couple of good byes because I will probably leave, but I don't know yet. We will have to see. I will let you know next week. 

Thanks dad for all of that to read. I will just print it off and let it be a part of my studies. 

The weather has been nice. No snow yet but it does get pretty cold at nights. But we keep working. 

I can't think of anything more wonderful than this gospel. This week I taught priesthood. And I almost almost put some people to sleep. But it went well nevertheless. I loved it. I planed it around Pres. Uchtdorfs talk from the Priesthood session. Sleeping during the restoration. Kinda Ironic that some of the Elders were going to fall asleep :) 

Anywho. I had to be fast today. I Look forward to next week. To hear how everything goes and to tell you my transfer news. 

I love you both very much. Hope you have a great week. 

Love Elder Pennington

Pictures

Still Catching Up - May19th

Hey Mom and Dad,

Thank you for your email mom, I had a crazy headache this week. We were at a members house for FHE. We got there a little early and I was out of it. Tired and not really involved, but I have a great companion who gave a great lesson. Then when he asked if I had any imput, all of a sudden the ibuprofen kicked in and I was good. But I have really got to drink more water. And now I have even more people who keep me up with my water drinking. Again thanks for your email and prayers. 

Also a couple more names for you to pray for. Pray for Bishop Bangani and his family as they just had the funeral for their son. Also pray for Brother Mongezi, he is a young Less active that we have been working with. We stopped by his house and found out that his wife had passed away on Saturday. So he is going through a hard time right now. 

I have had a great week though. Mom I love you very much. 

Dad, Thanks for writing for mom too. 

It's it hard to have so many cupcakes right there and not eat them all. I really do miss mom's food. She is such a wonderful chef :) 

Those are wonderful commitments for the temple. In about 20 months I will be able to have similar commitments. Thinking about Heidi, when I get back hopefully I will be able to take some time to go with her to do baptisms for the dead. She will turn 12 the October after I get home if I am correct in my Maths. (apparently math is plural here.) I really look forward to that time as well. I am among the few that has seen the new videos. So when I talk to some of these missionaries that have not gone to the temple for the last two years, I get to tell them that they are very lucky and will have a wonderful new experience. I so miss the temple. 

We have some recent converts who are working on getting the Priesthood. Taking the Perspective Elder classes and everything. I am so happy for all of them. What a marvelous thing. 

This last week we spent some time with the 2nd Counselor and his family. They are young and have a little 9 month year old girl. I think of them and you were probably in similar situations with me. Also I have been here a third of this cute little baby's life. Great faithful little family. 

Bryant will be a great missionary. I am so very excited to find out where the Lord needs him. He will do wonders wherever he is called. (or reassigned if he needs to experience what I have :) 

It is crazy that he is graduating. I am so happy for him. 

His room is seeping out? Sounds like some kind of horror movie. Revenge of the ROOM. or something like that. That is funny. 

Tell mom I love her. 

The Thomas' should be back soon. If not already back. His dad had passed away before they got there. So they had to stay for the funeral and for the final family affairs. 

I love you dad. All of this death that has been around has made me even more grateful to have these precious moments to talk with you and express my love. It has also strengthened my testimony of the Plan of Happiness. I love you all!

This last week we had two baptisms. I got to perform them. Which was really cool. Made me think of those times I got to help the youth in the temple. Especially to begin that experience baptizing Meagan. It was a great memory. 

This morning I studied Elder Perry's talk about the Articles of Faith in Octobers Conference. Great talk. I love how the simple Articles of Faith do greatly outline doctrine. Also there is a talk about the Blueprint of Christ's Church by Tad R Callister. Wonderful Talk. Using the New Testament he outlines key parts of Christ's church. What makes it Christ's Church. I loved it!

Also I will be going through The Baptismal Covenant if you have any suggestions. With the deaths that have been happening I have thought of our baptismal covenant. And I want to to be even more a part of my life. 

I also read Mosiah 13, which added a little bit of insight into my study of our covenants. Pretty good study. What are you studying? 

It was great talking to you Mom and Dad. I am grateful for the chance to serve a mission. I am grateful for you guys and the kids. I love you all very much. 

have a great week everyone. 

Love, Elder Pennington 

Catching up - May12th Letter

Dear Mom and Dad,

I loved very much to have talked with you guys. I miss you all a lot. but I know that I am here for a reason. 

So Daryll and Lyenette, (the people who let us missionaries use their computers to Skype home for Mother's day). They are very great people. He is a member. Kind of less-active. He was disfellowshipped but is now working on coming back. She is a nonmember, but has been working with the missionaries and is just waiting for him to baptize her. They are a great couple. Lovely people. After Skype they feed us...GOOD! It was great. I will look for contact info for sure. Thanks for being able to skype!

Thanks Mom. I hope I still look great with my new Haircut. I don't know why I couldn't wait for the Thomas' but I felt it was too long. now I appreciate it long :) Moments like that I wish you were with me. Thank you for the many years of haircuts. I love you soo much. I hope you had a great mother day. 

Dad- Here I am following up. I made a friend with Bro Nuttalls referral. He lives in Joburg though. So a little out of my area :) But he says we should meet sometime, in cape town most likely. He sounds like a great guy. When I explained that I was a missionary, he kindly mentioned he was Jewish. But I feel that one day this man will accept the gospel. Nice guy. I will keep in contact with him. 

I love having new and different companions. They teach me so much. Each is special and different. Elder Cathemer has been great. Everyone calls me Penny. They make me feel like I belong. Even though every now and then I still feel like a fish out of water. 

Also Bro Nancels brother, who was in Botswana... trained an Elder who lives in the boarding accross from ours. Elder Labrum.... Connection to home and my original mission assignment :) 

I loved very much talking to you all. Thank you for your prayers and words of wisdom. 

I love you all very much. Sharp (slang for cool)

 

I love you!!!

Elder Pennington

PS the count down to Christmas is on. Also In that package... if you could include some kind of calender that would be great. Something that will bring a little bit of home into my boarding. 

Again Love you.

Elder Penny

Haircut

 

"So I decided to try and give myself a haircut"

 

 

So I then asked for help :)

 

 

New Companion

Porters second companion, Elder Cathemer. We just got to meet him yesterday during our Skype call with Porter. Seems like a great guy. He is from here, near Florence and Coolidge.

Poor Mans

This is what we have always called Poor Mans (ground beef in a white sauce over bread). It was one of Porters favorites meals and home and this is his second attempt to make it on his mission. Not bad.

Last Week

Hey Mom and Dad,

So first my subject line. Apparently here we see everything as multiples. They will come up and say "Mornings." Also as we are riding down the street, kids will say "Good Morning! How are you?" in their best english. Most of them speak very little English, but when they see a white person they will talk with us in the little English they know.

Also a book title I might consider when I write about my mission will be "Mlungus in Mlungisi." I can't wait to write  that book. I will pronounce that for you on Mothers day.

Also I look forward Mother's day. But we might run into a little bit of a problem. Thanks for getting a skype account for me.I will use it if I can. But I might not be able to. We were going to do it at the Thomas' but they will be out of town. Elder Thomas' dad is dying so they are going back home for a little bit. So I might end up just calling home. There are a couple of possibilities for Skype. So keep that open. But know that a phone might happen as well. I really do hope that This will all work out and I will be able to see everyones smiling faces. but maybe I am just to go old school and call. I really can't wait though. First phone call home:)

And that is really cool, this community capture the flag. Awesome way to grow, know the neighborhood, and serve. I love it. I will have to try it some day. 

Dad, thanks for giving my situation some thought. I have been realizing that. She is one of our constant investigators. Always on top of setting up a next appointment. Always coming to church. Always asking about preparing for baptism. I know that the gospel will change her life. Thank you for your answer. The principles of conversion are wonderful. I have seen them in action. And they do change lives. 

I love you dad. I am grateful to have had this opportunity to talk about this kind of stuff. Thank you for your input. I love hearing your thoughts and advice. I love you very much. I can't wait to talk to you next week. Have a great week.

Mom- My week has been good. It was kinda hot this week.But then it gets really cold at night. No snow... yet. And yes, that is why I am looking forward to next week. You are the Best Mom ever. I love you so much. I can't wait to talk with you. 

I can't wait for the day when I can go to the temple every week. I truly miss going to the temple.Esp with you and dad. Soon:) That is one thing that I enjoy helping people here prepare for. that one day they will be able to go to the temple.

I love that "happy Christian" Topic. I want to do a study of it.Let me know if there is any material that you would suggest I study. I think I will begin with Elder Bednar's talk this last conference. How our covenants provide that load, the load that helps us, not harm us. Then we can move forward. it truly is who we are.

I wish I could see the kids performances,but I am there in spirit:) Let them know that I love them and their many wonderful talents. 

Thank you for the dinner ideas. I have not made poor mans in a little bit but I have some ideas of how I can do better. Also I have my hot chocolate and Rooibos tea (a tea that we are able to drink, they had it at the MTC and at the mission home) They both provide the warmth I need. 

Mom thank you for being so wonderful. I love hearing from all of you. I can't wait for next week. We do have a wonderful family.And that is a great missionary force that I get to be a part of.It makes me happy. And I am excited for Bry and Meagan and their patriarchal blessings. You can let them go through mine just as you and dad allowed me to go through yours. I am so very happy for them.

I hope you have a great week. 

Mom and dad, I look forward to next week. I really can't wait.Again I hope it all goes well.Have a great week. I love you all so much!

Love Elder Pennington

Snow?

Hey Mom and Dad,

So this last week has been a crazy one. But it has been pretty fun. The weather has been getting down to 13 degrees C. I have a little bit of a hard time getting out of my nice warm bed. It is even harder to be in a biking area at this time. But we move forward. I will probably need to get some gloves and a scarf soon, but for right now I am doing okay. Crazy Cold! The funniest part is we have two Arizonians in one of the coldest parts of the mission, fulfilling their duties on bikes. :) But we still work hard. 

Right now we have an investigator named Brother Mafeking. Amazing. Elder Ramat and I tracted into him on a week in which he took off of work because of health problems. He was very receptive to The Restoration. This last week he had some more problems and had to go to the Hospital. When he got out Elder Cathemer and I were able to go and visit him. We got to teach him the Plan of Salvation. Wonderful, Powerful! I couldn't think of a better time to teach him about this Plan of Happiness. I am so happy for him. Hopefully one of these Sundays he will be able to come to church. He just has a crazy work schedule. So we keep praying for him. 

Also I had a question for dad. We have this investigator named Sphokazi. She is 18 and we have almost gone through about all of the lessons, just finishing up with some commandments. She has a baptismal date for May 18. But as Elder Ramat and I were teaching her, we suspected that she had a crush on E Ramat. Suspicions were confirmed when she told Elder Cathemer and I. Now we are coming up on her baptismal date and we are wondering if she is doing it for the right reasons. She keeps coming to church and participating in classes. I am just wondering if you have any ideas about what should happen. She is so excited for Baptism, but we don't want to do it if she is just going to fall away shortly after. Any thoughts? I would love to hear if you have any ideas or had any similar experiences. Thanks dad. 

Okay mom, so Thanks for the FHE idea. I love it! It will try it everyone will go with the whole compass pointing north thing... even if it works or not. Also the choice consequences FHE worked out great. That will be our thing for the next little bit. 

I love the youth program as well, they are preparing for a great work. The day of this life is the time for men to prepare. I am happy that the youth are actively participating. That is awesome. 

The FHEs are going great. We still have 2-3 each week. It is a great way to get to know the members and to maybe bring some investigators or less actives that need some ward support. 

I love my new companion. This week has been a great week. we get along well. He is great. He does cook when he needs to. I have been doing pretty good at rice and mince. I can eat okay each night. This morning I had no cereal (we need to go shopping) so I made some rice and put in some sugar to make it sweet. And it was pretty good. Not too bad. Thank you for what you did teach me and for the recipes in which you have given. They are wonderful and simple. You are great!  

I look forward to talking with you guys too. We will have to plan a good time in which I can talk with everyone. 

My headaches have been okay. I get them every now and them...but I have been better with my water intake. So they have been getting better. 

And yes it is cold. there is a chance that it will snow. Yeah for the biking missionary!! We will just have to wait and see. 

I love you so much too. I loved those days in which i had to spend with you. I miss them and think about them often. They were great. I am very grateful for what you and dad have taught me. I continue to be able to put your teachings to practice. Every day. Thank you for everything. Love you LOTs!!!!

Okay Dad, That sounds like a crazy week. I can only imagine how overwhelming everything gets. I have had a pretty crazy week as well. With the weather being cold everything feels like it goes by so slow. But yet time flies. We are on week three of this transfer. Kinda insane. We so have to make the most of everyday. The only hard part is we are on bikes, but we keep pressing forward. I just really hope it doesn't snow. 

Love is an important thing. We have talked with many people this week. We had about 18 lessons and made 20 something visits, we try for about 10 quality gospel conversations each day. But that is something we are striving for, right we get about 3-5. But we are doing a little better. Thing is a lot of people that give us some time are drunks. Crazy. This last week we had 2 investigators and 1 less active come to church. But we can reach up to about 4 inv. It is just hard with the area being so far away from the church. But that also provides a great way to weed out our progressing and dedicated investigators from those who just want the white guys to come and visit. 

Elder Cathemer is doing great. He is from the Florence area. Kinda nice to have someone come from so close to home. 

I loved those service projects as well. I look forward to continuing to serve with you guys one day. 

I look forward to Skyping. I can be on at anytime. It looks like the afternoon (for me) would be best. for some reason I can't do the math in my head. What would be a good time in which everyone will be together? I would call on my Sunday. We get out of Church and done with our Sunday DA around 2:30 or 3. but we can be pretty flexible. Just let me know what time all of you would be there. I really can't wait until we can chat. 

Give Meagan a hug for me and sing her Happy Birthday for me. I love you dad. And I love your emails. They are wonderful. 

I am studying Preach my Gospel, I just finished going through they commandments. Also I am going through the Book of Mormon like Elder Bednar challenged. And I continue to grow in testimony of how much we are loved by our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Soon I will hopefully be able to study the General Conference Talks. 

 

Mom and Dad, know that I love you very very much. Thank you for everything!

Love Elder Pennington

Easter

Hey Mom and Dad,

So for starters. When I got up to speak in church, I said, "I don't know if any of you have ever had that moment when your heart is about to jump out of your chest, but if you hear Ba Bump Ba Bump, Bear with me :)" or something like that. Its hard to make them laugh here, but they loved it. This is a good ward. But I do miss the humor back home. Conference all of a sudden started playing in the background when the 1st counselor got up to start the meeting, but he didn't make any comment. He just sat there and waited for a moment. I would have said something like... maybe we should turn the time over to the professionals or something like that. Nobody but us elders really even laughed at it. But hey everyone has different senses of humor. :)

That is so cool about The Amazing Race. One day I will see the shores of Namibia. Right now Queenstown (QT) is landlocked, but I saw for a moment the coast when I was in East London and Capetown. The water is beautiful. but for now I get to look and mountains.

I loved our Easter Sacrament meeting as well. I love the spirit of this Holiday. It stands right beside Christmas.

Thanks for the Easter pics. I loved them. The Bunny did GOOD!

Okay so for Mothers day. Since I am still in QT I will be able to Skype home for about 40 minutes at the Thomas.' So I will need a Skype account. And we will still have to figure out time wise.

And finally my new Companion. Elder Cathemer. you will get a picture soon. but he comes from our home land of Arizona. From somewhere around Florence. Really cool guy. Reminds me of Bryant and Denton. I really think that this will be a great transfer.

 

I haven't lost weight (I actually made things this week. I made Poor mans and it didn't turn out too bad. Looked different but still tasted pretty good. I will eventually perfect it. )

Mom, I am so happy to hear of your Easter holiday. Mine was okay. Not the same. but it was a good day. My Companion and i would wish Happy Easter to everyone. Really fun.

Thanks for the FHE idea and the bubble pizza recipe. I will HAVE to try it. soon.

In sacrament they had messages on the Atonement and the YSA sang "He is Risen" was a pretty good meeting. I love Easter!

We haven't taught at the school for the last week or so, holidays you know.

Driving wise...slowly. I don't have to get a license, I just have to get mission approved. my first test run driving stick i didn't get pulled over but the Elder who reparked did. The cops we wondering why the car kept stalling. So they left us with a warning :) I really need to at least start by driving automatic at least until I get comfortable.   

All is going well over here. I love my new companion. Great Elder. We are going to do great here in QT. Just so you know it is getting kinda cold here (it might snow), I will probably get a sweatshirt to wear around the flat (so as not to get my proselyting gear ruined.

I will keep you up to date with my new adventures. Time sure does fly by though. I just need to "just keep Swimming" Keep moving forward. I love you all. I pray for you everyday. Thank you for your prayers.

Love Elder Pennington

Peanut M & M's

Hey Mom and Dad,

For starters, Happy Birthday Dad. I thought of you alot yesterday. I even had some Peanut M&Ms with you in mind. I just wanted to wish you happy Birthday and tell you that I love you very much. Make sure that Heidi gives you a Birthday Hug and Kiss for me. Okay? 

 

Also this week is transfer week. So craziness over on this side of the world. I won't know anything until the end of today (we will go to the thomas' for scones and transfer news). I will let you know everything next week. All I know is I will get a new companion. 

 

Anywho...

I am so happy you guys enjoyed the temple. I can't wait to come and enjoy it again myself. One day. And that is pretty cool about the ward activity. I hope it goes well. That would be a wonderful missionary opportunity. I hope that the missionaries make the most of it. I am happy that the new ward is still going strong. 

 

Also I hope that you enjoyed some cobbler for me. I was able to have some tasty enchiladas this week. And some M&Ms, but no cobbler :( That will be something that I will have to wait for. 

I am doing my best in the work. My training is just about over. I am adjusting. I gave a pretty good talk at church. I even made everyone laugh. Which is kinda hard :) But it went good. You asked what I think would help the priest be prepared. I would suggest that the Priest do go to mission prep. And that they do study Preach My Gospel. May they always pray and study their scriptures. If they have a testimony of the points in the lessons, they will be wonderful missionaries. I will keep thinking. But once they get to the field they will pick up and learn many of the things that they need. 

 

No news on Botswana except we have two new missionaries who were in Botswana but were kicked out. Good news is three other missionaries got an extension on their visa. So we are having hope. Thing is In Botswana there are only 10 missionaries. In Namibia there are only 2. I have more missionaries in my Zone then there are in the entire mission. I so pray that I will be able to go soon. The work is needed. 

 

So there are four of us boarding together and two zone leaders who are not far away. So 6 in my district and we meet every friday. Zone conferences are every 3 months. We do a multi zone conference and training. So those are really kinda cool We do multi because we have 14 in our zone. But it is a highlight each time I get to see more missionaries. Just to think that we are all a part of a great army. 

 

I love you too Dad. I hope you had a good birthday and got some good books for me to read when I get home. I love you!

 

Thanks Mom for your Email. I have had a great week. Loved it! Again I had some great enchiladas that reminded me of home. I am so happy that you guys are enjoying the temple. Keep it up. 

I love your comments about Joseph Smith and our own conversion. Those are wonderful. We need to pray and know for our selves. That is something we as missionaries stress. We could talk all day, with the spirit even, but they will not progress until they kneel down and pray for themselves. That is were lives are changes, when you are on your knees. Thank you for your thoughts on that. I loved the conference talks that talked abut Joseph Smith's experience. I also loved Pres. Utchdorfs "Don't Sleep Through the Restoration" We are all involved.

 

Thanks for the recipes. I am slowly gaining confidence. We do have ground beef, but we call it mince here. I made a meal last night with rice, ground beef and carrots. (I need to go shopping so I will have to try poor mans soon. Maybe once everything settles this week.) Thanks again for the recipes. 

 

I look forward to telling you all of my new companion, but I don't know yet. Anxiety. Nervousness. :) I will get though it. I just have to make the next six weeks AWESOME. Wish me luck. Also I am so happy you have Elder Buehner as well. I feel very connected. 

But what makes me feel the most connected it the fact that we are all going about the same work. Even if we are on different sides of the world. I love you Mom. Thank you for all that you and Dad have taught me. For your examples.

BTW tell Bro Nuttall, thanks for the referral I will try and talk with him once the dust settles with transfers. This is going to be a crazy week with this. But tell him thank you for me. 

 

I love you all very much. We are working hard down here. there is much potential (we could have 6 baptisms this next 6 weeks.) I look forward to continuing the work. 

You are all in my prayers as well. I love you very much. I hope you have a fantastic week. Thanks for everything. 

Love Elder Pennington

Conference

Hey Mom and Dad,

Conference was wonderful!!! It was really cool to have the chance to listen to the words of the Prophets. To sit at their feet and feast on the words of Christ. Mom, Elder Hollands talk was great. A great way to start conference. I prepare everyday for the strength to defend what I believe in. Growing up there has never been such a threat. Mission might bring some. I strive everyday to act like the Saviour. To carry my cross. I love Elder Andersens Talk as well. To be strong against the whirlwinds. And Elder Bednars. Wonderful, the need for Burdens. I thought about our covenants. I can't wait to finish conference next week. I have found every session one of power. 

 

The FHE's are great. They give a chance to meet with members (and to eat :) The Canti family (the C is a click) Most of those kids aren't even members but they come anyways. I am happy to plant those seeds. That is why I love giving fist bumps as often as I can to the kids I see. They are so much fun. 

 

The school is going great. They had break, so we took the chance to visit some of them individually. Found a couple of potentials. One of them we walked to conference with. The walk of a life time. It felt good. And I can see how the Gospel of Christ can change lives. We met with one lady this last week for the first time. Taught the first two principles of the Restoration (ask Bry about what those are). Then when we went back for our next appointment she had a cake and some Coke (not bad but not something I want to drink often). She said that her life is changing and she knows that we have been a part of that change. Moments like this make me grateful for this call.

 

I love you very much mom. I can't wait till I came back and go through the temple with you either. I look forward to that day. Dad, thank you. I too loved conference and look forward to further studies. it was wonderful. Priesthood was powerful!! 

 

That is so cool about the garden. the fruits of your labors. They do have gardens here. It is great to see the work that they put into them. The area we are in are mostly government built houses for the less fortunate. So to see that they work hard to support themselves is great.

 

You asked about games, they are so creative with their equipment. I see kids playing soccer in the street everyday. They have stones as goals and a ball created out of layers of bread bags. They are smart. And as far as games that I don't know of, the girls down here play netball. I have no idea what it is.

 

This next week Transfers come up. I don't know what will happen, but we are about certain that we will have new companions. I might stay in my area for about 4.5 months, but no one really stays in Queenstown much longer. I just have to wait and see. Soon Pres. Wood will go home and a new Mission president will come. So things will probably change. Nevertheless I have been learning the area. sure and steady. We have received a new map. So that will be a great tool. I have been to most every area, but there are still some to explore. I do feel more confident about my knowledge of the area. So I will be fine if Elder Ramat moves out and someone new comes in. 

 

Dad I have been reflecting on my many blessings lately. They are great. Yesterday I started a gratitude journal. My "Happiness is..." journal. there are so many reasons to be happy. I hope I will be able to always live after the manner of happiness. Thank you dad for your words of comfort and support. I gain strength and joy after every email.

 

I hope you all have a wonderful week. 

It truly was a great fantastic week.

Love, Elder Pennington

Just keep Swimming

Hey Mom and Dad,

 

Starting with dad. Thanks for finding out about Elder Buehner. Sounds like a pretty great Elder. So he has a Namibia visa? I heard that they bearley have missionaries there. Hopefully one day.

I miss doing moves as well. That is the wonderful thing about the gospel. It is Simply wonderful. When people are not willing to follow the path that has been set. It makes me sad. There is so much potential for them but they are not willing to take the steps of faith. Whether current beliefs, family, or habits, it just makes me sad.

 

I love all of the tender mercies that remind me of you guys. Heavenly Father truly does love us and is willing to comfort us when we need it most. 

Fathers and sons sounds like it was such a blast. Fathers are one thing that we need in this area. Fathers lead families. When I teach lesson one, How the gospel blesses families, I know that they will be blessed as they live the gospel. The next generation will be a strong one. I am so very grateful for you, my loving father. I have thought about you alot this week.  I am grateful for all that you have taught me.  Bacon is a good way to die. They have bacon here, but it is not the same. So I look forward to having a nice slice of bacon when I get home. And yes, if your need the guide to the European stock Market, it can be found in the Sock drawer. :) I never really learned how to pack simple. 

 

Thanks for Matt. 7:7-11, I have actually used it alot. I love that scripture. This morning I studied 2 Ne 1. Really cool. It solidifies the idea that if we keep the commandments we shall prosper. Wonderful.

And also I will have to practice and perfect my cooking so that I can treat you when I get back. Have I mentioned that I had open face sandwiches. And they tasted pretty good, if I do say so myself. All they lacked was Avocado, which I think I might be able to find if I look in the right places. 

Around here there is no Mcdonalds here in Queenstown (closes one is 2 hours away) but we have KFC, Steers, Nandos, and Spur. Every now and then we like to make visits to such places, when we have a little extra cash. Spur (A Native american themed place, Can you research for me the origin of Chiefs, a local football team, and spurs...to see if there is an american tie) has some pretty good sized burgers. Yummy!

 

Good luck at church, sounds like it will be a wonderful new chapter in the San Tan 2nd, history books. That is if you are still San Tan 2nd. Keep working hard. 

And we had 5th sunday Combined (oh yeah our talks were postponed because they wanted to have fast and testimony meeting this last week, so I will update you on that later) and we had the wonderful subject of Same-Sex marriage. I got to kind of explain to our investigators that came, why such a subject was talked about. It was actually pretty good.  

And Conference. On the 5th it will be from 6-8 pm LIVE. the 6th Priesthood is 11-1. Sat afternoon, 2-4, Sunday morn. 6-8 LIVE. Then on Dads birthday it will be after Church. I am so excited. I actually get to watch it with you all from halfway around the world. I am sad about the 7 layer dip :( I will have to figure out alternative snacks. 

 

Okay Mom, I am so happy you were able to go to the temple. I love that place, and I miss it so much. I am among the few who were able to see any of the new videos in the whole mission, I am quite happy about that, they have a wonderful experience coming their way when they get home. 

And it is really quite cool how when we lose our lives for others sakes, we save our own. I love that Idea!

 

My cooking is going okay. I have been doing it more. We have wonderful people who cook for us. Whenever we have a FHE with members they will cook. They are wonderful. We even have investigators and family members of investigators that care about us enough to make a little something. This is a wonderful people. 

Talk about missionary work, that whole rescuing thing is wonderful, I will pray for you in your endeavours. Good luck. This is the Lord's errand and we all have a wonderful responsibility in it. 3Ne 5:13, 26. He does bless His servants. 

So with the school, you can ask Meagan their vision for us. But no more showed up, they are on holiday for the next week. So yeah, but hopefully it will spead.

No news on Botswana yet.

Thanks for also looking in to the paperwork. I think it will work out fine. 

Thank you for all of your prayers, your funny stories, your emails, your words of comfort. I love you all very much. I keep that wallet picture holder right behind my name tag, to keep you there with me. I love you all, 

 

Love Elder Pennington

I hope you all have a wonderful week this week. Just keep swimming. 

Pictures

This was Porters first baptism

A neighborhood of homes, we are so blessed!

And some super cute kids!

Malungo



Hey Everyone, (that is how I begin my journal entries by the way) 

Well Hey Everyone, 

Everything is going pretty good over here. Nothing as big as ward boundary changes, but stuff has been happening. Dad I am still learning my area boundaries so we are in the same boat. But my mission president has said that with "time and effort" I will adjust.

Jacob 1:17 is a wonderful scripture. This morning for my studies I read 1 Ne 17, Ether 12, and Hebrews 11. I loved this study about faith. First of all I love the description of Ether. One day I want to be a missionary like him. I know that this is mine errand from the Lord. I will do it!

Thanks for your many words of love and support. They bring me added strength.

My week was great we had multi zone conference in East London Monday and Tuesday. Wonderful!! I was very much spiritually uplifted. As a Zone we practiced and we performed "This is the Christ" while there. Beautiful! I could have cried :) 

It is very crazy that the kids are growing up so fast. It has been only two months, but I feel like I am going to get a Graduation Invitation for Heidi soon :) life does fly by. So we have to make every day count. 

This week was a good week. We talked to a lot of people. Everyone wants to listen. The only thing is getting the ones that want to progress, be baptized, go to the temple and so forth. I taught the plan of salvation this week. Mostly the Atonement. And boy does my testimony grow everytime I can teach and learn more about that subject. The key to the whole plan of happiness. 

And it truly is amazing the sacrifice that some make and that some are not willing to make. Church is so important but so many fall away because they do not truly commit. It makes me sad. That is why we as missionaries work hard with the less actives. 

This last week though, I got to teach a little at a high school. Crazy! It was a class (SCO- student christian organization) Short, little, get to know you lesson. We plan on going back on Tuesday. Kinda a cool experience. The class wasn't too big but we got word, that word went around the campus that there was a Malungo (white guy) at the school. So here might be a little bit more of an audience next time.  And this next sunday is missionary sunday. I get to give a talk. YAY! I will let you all know how it goes.

General Conference, I am excited for it. TWO WEEKS :) So we watch it on a funny schedule being the other side of the world. One Saturday we will watch the morning session live. But from 6-8pm. Then Sunday we will have Priesthood, and the afternoon session in the morning. And then we will have the Sunday morning again live at 6-8. Then on dads birthday we will watch the final session. 

It is all through brodcast at the church, so no seven layer dip and sitting on our couch, but I will need to buy some other little snacks. 

I am so excited for this though!! Everything here makes me grateful for what I have at home. 

Everything happens for a reason. I am here for a reason, so I work hard and push forward. 

I love you all!!! So Very Much!!

I hope you all have a wonderful week. 

Love Elder Pennington

Happy and Grateful

Hey You Guy!!!

This has been a wonderfully busy week! I am very happy and grateful to be sitting down and reading your emails. Thank you for your words of wisdom and support.

 

(I don't know if you have had a chance but my Patriarchal Blessing is on my desk somewhere, so much of that wonderful blessing is going on in my life right now...all of this growth and such.) 

I am loving my mission right now. The Baptism went great. I am so happy for Odwa. It was an exciting time for all of us. As soon as I find Wifi, I will send the pictures. Such an exciting day. The rest of Sunday was pretty slow compared to the morning. (This ward only has baptisms on the third sunday of each month, kinda funny, but that is how they work.)

Thank you mom of the Recipes. We have a microwave, toaster, stove, an oven and a fridge. So the funny thing about our appliances, our washing machine is made by SamSung and plays a song at the end of a cycle. No dishwasher or dryer. Everything air dries. Not too bad.

 

The work moves forward in my area. We are busy teaching. I still enjoy being a little silent but I will speak up when I need to. I pray for more courage. We have FHE almost every night. Everyone loves the missionaries and are willing to have a lesson with us. Again very busy...my area has little need of tracting, just fellowshippers. Still conquering fear, but now I am getting more able to look the day in the eye and say "Bring it on" and then live it to its fullest. 

 

Thanks for the update on the emergency account. All is good right now. The missionary funds I am given do okay. I live pretty good! Thanks for your prayers and words of encouragement. Keep praying for those missionary opportunities. 

 

Dad, I have been great. My faith grows everyday. I still get a little overwhelmed but I get through and serve as much as I can. This last week we as missionaries got to clear an entire yard of its weeds. And now everytime I see that yard I feel so good. This place has plenty of opportunities to serve. I love it. Charity grows within. 

 

I love hearing the funny stories from home. There are small little things like that, that happen here. I can't wait until I have ample amounts of time to tell you them. Oh yeah, so we are teaching a family that has a little boy that has eyes very similar to Bro Maughans. It is kinda crazy. 

I am healthy. I feel good. but I do need to drink more water. This last week I had three headaches. They are not the worst I have ever had. But I need to do something different. Thanks for asking! 

Thank you so much for your emails they mean alot. I don't have a lot of stories yet but I will get better. Thanks for you prayers and support. I love you all!

Have a great week. 

Love Elder Pennington

A Marvelous Work

Hey Mom and Dad,

 

This has been a very crazy week. With transfers and all. My companion had to go to Cape Town for trainers training. So I went with Elder Slabbert and Elder Lawson as a trio. This was a pretty cool experience for me. Kind of getting a different side of it all. A different way to do everything. I don't know how it was for you dad, but each companion you get is a little different and has their own special way in which they go about the work. To be able to work as a trio was kind of cool. I love working with Elder Ramat and learning from his experiences too. I look forward to the day in which I can look back on my mission and think about the wonderfully different personalities I worked with. 

Dad, you brought up another good point, testimony. Right now I feel like that is the best I am able to do. I can stumble through a lesson, stumble to cover all of the points that need to get covered. But to be able to end off strong, I love bearing my testimony. And I love saying a prayer. I can't always say the families name, YET. So I will say "our new friends" or "this wonderful family" or something similar, nevertheless I pray for them with all sincerity of heart. I love this people. They are a wonderful and kind people. Some are just not ready to listen to the Gospel yet, but the Lord continues to prepare them. We have some who are ready to be taught. This last week we have had people come up to us...wanting us to teach them. There is so much potential here. There is a marvelous work and a wonder to be done here. 

 

Our biggest problem is how far the area is from the church. Most everyone in the area does not have a car, so it takes sacrifice and commitment, which many people are not yet willing to make. And this makes me sad. But we have some who do make that sacrifice. For example the Amos family. They were less active for a while but last year they had a family member die, and after some help from a loving ward they made their way to activity. But every Sunday they have to hire transport to church. And they keep that commitment. Yesterday that transport fell through and they could not come. And it killed them inside. When we stopped by they mentioned how sad they were they could not go to church. Their commitment is strong! Since their reactivation they have had one baptism in the family and we are working on another, so within the family there is a recent convert, investigator, and less actives (not all of them have returned).

 

Thank you guys for your prayers and your words of support. I love looking forward to Pday to talk with you guys. There are moments when only the idea of an email home gets me through. I love you guys so much. So when I was with Elders Slabbert and Lawson, we meet with a couple of families that reminded me a little bit of home. This one couple has two sons that remind me of the Probst boys. Then this less active that they are working with has a little 5 year old girl. Very cute. Very funny. She is yet another one of those girls you can't help but smile around. While we were over there she insisted on painting our finger nails. I will have to get you that picture...some time. I was able to talk her down to one finger. She is a sweet little girl. She so reminds me of Heidi.  And I am happy that her father is returning, because she will one day be a strong member. Her father has a testimony of home teaching. Since trying to return he has been working on his home teaching. And he loves it. It is like missionary work, he told us. HT is something that encourages him to study his scriptures more and be more receptive to the spirit. Oh the importance of Home Teaching!

So this week has been pretty good. We have had some power outages but nothing too serious. It is only a little weird to have a lesson in the dark. 

 

I hope the kids all have a great spring break. Funny how that came up so fast. Time sure does fly. There will only be one more Spring Break until I come home :) I love this whole "you only have two days on a mission, make sure you make each one count" thing. It makes every moment so much more meaningful. I am so happy to hear that all is going great back home. I do miss Blackberry cobbler. Enjoy it for me! I told Heidi this, but every now and then I just have to get a root beer or bag of M&Ms. Because "Happiness is a bag of M&Ms on your mission far from home."

Thank you Mom for the things you have taught me. I am not that unprepared, I think my only problem is either I am not as confident as I would like or I am just too tired to make anything. I am grateful, very grateful for what you have taught me. The stores down here are a little like Fry's or something a little smaller. But we do have just about everything. So simple and inexpensive recipes are just wonderful. Thank you. 

 

I hope you all have a great week. This week I get to be a part of a baptism, I am so happy for her. She has been a great investigator. And hopefully within the next 5 weeks we will have a couple more with a baptismal date. Sunday we had a great sacrament meeting on missionary work. The work of Salvation is for sure going to catch fire around here. The field indeed is white.

Day by day it is hard, but I am slowly having more confidence. I love the chance to be here in South Africa. I can't wait to get to go up to Botswana, but the Lord has need of me here. I watched the Work of Salvation DVD this week and during the "I will go where you want me to go" video...I got a little teary eyed. Boy has this been a very emotional week for me. 

I hope you all have a great week. I look forward to next week.

 

Love Elder Pennington   

Sweet is the Work

Hey You Guys!!

Guess what? Its transfer week. And Guess What Else? I am staying here in the Queenstown area of the South Africa Cape Town Mission. I am happy to be here but I hope that sometime soon I will be able to go up to my original mission. I love this mission and the Elders here but I don't feel like it is meant to be home. I have a little bit of a feeling like I need to be somewhere else. But that is probably just me thinking, because the Lord has kept me here. So I will put my shoulder to the wheel. Which is kinda good because we have some baptisms coming up. One investigator for sure has a date and there are a couple who are willing to follow the example of Jesus Christ by being baptized. It really will be a good transfer.

I am so happy about your experience with the temple dedication and the cultural celebration. I loved hearing everyone's stories. And to see everyone's testimonies grow. I am sad I missed it, but I am happy to be here.

I am still here in the Queenstown ward. The Bishop really is a great man. I enjoy talking to him. His son just got back from a mission to JoBurg, I really enjoy spending time with their family. In fact we are going to have an FHE over at their house on Wednesday (with the new elders who will be coming into the ward). The Ward Members are very accepting. I love shaking everyones hand each Sunday before church.

I love it here. Pres. and Sister Woods are great. They come from Alaska and will be released in June. They have been a great part of this mission. And they live in the Mission Home which is in CapeTown Which is about 17 hours away if you drive. Our Boarders are not as big as my original mission but are still quite big. You have to take a plane to get about anywhere. And if a plane doesn't work then you have to drive for a couple of hours. Namibia used to be in our boundaries but is now no longer like that. 

 

The temple is a two hour drive then a 5-7 hour flight away. So it takes a lot of saving and commitment. One brother here has plans to go the the temple in August. So I think that for most of the members it is on their own and when they have saved enough.

We have many people who are willing to let us in and teach them. But most of the time it is out of courtesy. One of the craziest situations we are finding come from those devoted to their church, but still want us to come and talk with them. They like to hear the things we say but they are not willing to leave their old ways.  Commitments are a big thing down here, when they keep them it is powerful. For example Odwa, our one with the Baptismal Date. The missionaries (before I was here) gave here the Plan of Salvation Pamphlet. She read it all and when they returned, she practically taught them. She has a strong growing testimony. I am so happy for the 16th. Ultimately commitments are a hit and miss here. But I pray for everyone we teach, because there is so much potential in each one.

Another trouble is distance from the Chapel. Most don't come to church because they live too far and they don't have a car. There are a few that hire people to take them. But for a majority many don't come. So lots of less actives. One thing I think of is if enough people in my area return to activity and invite their friends and their friends are baptized... then they will have facilities of their own within the area. They just have to be willing to do something about it. I know that if they put forth their faith and trust, the Lord will provide a way. 1 Nephi 3:7 says that.
I am grateful for your emails. I love being in an area where I can take a little bit of time to give you semi good reports. Oh yeah...We hiked a mountain called HangKlip here in Queenstown. Hopefully I can get you some pictures soon. I think I have a chance at some WiFi sometime soon. It was fun. Kinda reminds me a little bit of a very grassy Flatiron. Good Hike. I just about had to deal with a tick, but due to my prayers it just disappeared. After I noticed it we were very close to the cars, and to the end, so I just waited until the end. And When we got there...it was gone. Pray works! Besides that adrenaline rush it was a great hike. 

My week was pretty good. I give a thank you to Stuart for the Atonement FHE he mentioned a while ago. This week I got to do it. We got some sweets (candy) and offered it to everyone who came to the FHE. And then if they said yes I would do 10 push-ups. If they said no i would still do 10 Push-ups. Then we as a group of about 8 Elders shared our testimonies and thoughts around this and Alma 7:11-12 and D&C 19:15-19. My testimony grew a lot as I was able to experience this. The pain lasted for about 2-3 days. I could barely move my arms. But I was able to build a stronger testimony of the Savior. Because did I mention that we had 12 people there?

Oh yeah Bry...Learn how to cook. Learn how to shop. and Be confident with both. Keep it simple and rather quick but know how to do it. It will bless your mission life. And Mom. Thanks again for you example in both. Last night I tried to make hamburgers. A little burnt but not too bad. I have been hesitant at trying such things but I think I will be okay. I for sure love having Dinner Appointments :)

I am slowly feeling a difference but I still have my little challenges that fill my prayers. But one thing I know is that as I "forget myself and get to work" it will turn out okay. I need to remember that I am not on my mission. I have the honor of serving this mission for the Lord.

The language is only starting to click ... that was very clever mom :) I have problems with my clicks but everyone knows that I have a hard time, so most put up with my American accent and lack of Xhosa.

I love you guys so very much. You have been on my mind a lot lately with the wonderful events happening for you. But one thing that keeps me going is the fact that hopefully one day similar things will happen in this area. And there is a definition of a missionary as "one who leaves his family for two years, so that others can be with theirs for Eternity." Oh how wonderful is the work!

I love you all. I hope you have a great week.

Love very much
Elder Pennington

Pictures from South Africa

Xhsa

 

Hey Mom and Dad,

It is kinda hard to believe that come Feb 21 I will have said good-bye a month ago. Only 23 left to go. And I am excited to live each to the fullest. What I am finding is that the harder I work the faster it goes. Kinda interesting isn't it. I feel very bad for those who sit around and don't want to do the work.

Any who lets try and answer your many wonderful questions. My week has been good. We have many potential investigators. I have made two baptism invitations (one a soft one) and I felt good. My companion said that our numbers for this week have been the best he has had in this area. Cool right. I am starting to get the hang of Lesson 1. So there is a ward here but we barely fill the chapel. So there are many less active members.

I have not been able to meet with the Bishop yet, but I hope to get some time to do so soon. Both parties have such busy schedules. Soon... I look forward to seeing how we can best help him in our area. The thing is he has a matter of six missionaries in his ward. So in due time. And this Cosa language I come to find out is Xhsa (but sounds like Cosa, with a click instead of an X) It is a written language, and they have a Book of Mormon, somewhere. I am barely getting the hang of the greetings, but I pray everyday that I will be able to soon communicate to the people in the language that is easiest. Right now I am okay because I know that the Holy Ghost will still testify of truth for the investigator even if they do not yet fully understand.

No news yet on my visa, but transfers are coming up in two weeks. I think that if I were to leave it would be then. So again, hopefully soon. But I am willing to stay in Queenstown as long as needed.

That is so cool about Courtney. And it is amazing how the Lord answers our prayers. I pray every day and night that we are growing closer together through missionary work.

I can't wait to hear how the cultural celebration goes, Tell everyone how jealous I am.

As far pictures go, I am trying my best on the computer but it is very slow. I can't promise much. There is WiFi around here and so hopefully every now and then I can send through such means. But ultimately I can't wait to have a big slideshow popcorn party type thing when I get home. I will figure something out soon.

P-days are rather nice. Not a lot of time, shopping, laundry, braai (pronounced bry), and sometimes hiking (like next week), and the nature preserve (like last week).

I am still feeling a little shy and out of place but I am getting comfortable and a little bit more bold.

I love my area, in just a moment we are going to a braai with some investigators. They are the sweetest. You have a grandma, a mom, and a son (19ish). They are Devout Catholics, so they don't really want to be baptized. Nevertheless they want us to keep teaching them and reading the Book of Mormon with them. I am soon going to invite them to have family scripture time and prayer time, where they learn it by themselves as well as us coming over. Because I know that the Book of Mormon will be the key to their desire to be baptized. And if they pray about it they will be strengthened.

I thank you all for your prayers. I love you all very, very much. I look forward to Mondays just to tear up over your words of love and support. I miss you all, and I pray that you do feel close to me as you do missionary work, for I feel close to you as I help bring families closer to Christ. Have a wonderful week!

Love you with all my heart! See you in just about 23 months, which will go by in a blink of an eye, so make them count.

Love Elder Pennington

An Adventure Everyday

Hi Mom and Dad,

I am sorry it has been over a week, I did not get a chance to email last Monday. But I think I am okay for a while. There is a little internet cafe and we have a chance to use the computers there. So it all works out. I do not yet know an address yet so emails are okay right now.

I am so grateful for your emails. I just love to hear about what is going on at home. 

Oh yeah... Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday Dear Mom.....Happy Birthday to you!! Happy Birthday Mom I love you so much. Have Bryant, Meagan and Heidi all give you a BIG hug for me. 

I bet you are wondering about my mission. Am I right???

Well as you have been told I have a new companion named Elder Ramat. We live in Queenstown, SA. And we have the township of Mlungisi. And what an adventure that is. I have the shacks and tin houses and small brick houses. They are a good people. So loving and kind. Last Saturday we walked because my bike is in the shop. (Oh yeah I have a biking/walking mission except on Fridays when we have the car). This was a great way to see the area and meet the people. We had some conversations with drunks, my comp tried to get one to dance. Kinda funny, I thought of you dad. 

I am slowly becoming as bold as a lion. But right now I am kinda shy. Because as the kids could probably tell you, they speak Cosa at random and I can't understand them (I just feel like they are talk about me, the only white guy in the neighborhood) But I will get used to it soon. 

Now about my boarding. We have a two story flat kind of boarding. (I will take pictures of it, so that you can see it some day. I live with my Comp, and Englishman named Elder Lawson. And a white South African named Elder Slabbert. And it has been an adventure everyday with these three. Hopefully I will get some great stories for you guys. 

Church was great the last two weeks but I got a headach both weeks. I very much need to drink more water. Very much! but I am feeling good now. I just hope everyone will forgive me for being so out of it on Sunday :). 

I am so happy to hear that all is well with you guys. I am loving my mission. I love being here in Africa. I miss you, but I am realizing that this is part of growing up. I am grateful for all that you have taught me. And for your examples. I love you! I am grateful for your prayers and for your emails. I hope you have a great birthday mom. I also hope you have a great week. 

Love you soooo much, 

Love Elder Pennington