P-Day Paintballing

July 27th 2015

Hey You Guys!!

Well I have gotten through transfer week alive :) I am looking forward to these upcoming weeks. This week has been pretty good. Nothing too crazy went on. On Tuesday I was fed pretty good. The office couples (the Petersons and the Halversens) made chili and cake and stuff. It was very good. Then we had pizza with President and Sister Merrill, the APs, and the New Elder. Then we went to Brother Anyways and they even made a little snack. A lot of good food. 

The last couple of days Elder Malatji and I have been going around making introductions and also doing some clean up of our teaching pool. Seeing who is interested and wants to continue or not. But this has led to many opportunities to find. Met some cool people this week. One of which was Robert from Zim. He was a chess teacher at one of the schools around here. Holidays came and he was out of a job. Lost his house and soon after he lost the car he was sleeping in. We started talking with him and he asked for something practical that he could do. We introduced the Book of Mormon and testified of how if he daily seeks guidance from Heaven, God will help lead and guide him. A powerful lesson, had on the street. This Gospel does change lives. If I didn't know that I probably wouldn't be here right now. But This is the time to prepare to meet God. And the Gospel helps us along that path of righteousness. I do love this work!

But yeah it has been a pretty simple week. 

Dad, Thanks for the Mission Statement. That is something I should probably take a good look at and create now. To think about what is truly important and what matters most to me. What I am willing to fight for! Governing Values. Thanks for your wise words of support and encouragement. I love you Dad! 

Wait so Dad you are now part of the High Council. Is this added upon everything else? Or have you been released from your other callings. Also are you also working in the temple? But Thanks for your good example. I love you!

Mom, It has been a good week. I can't believe I am 20 either. I am no longer a teen. That is a weird thought. Crazy how time moves forward... luckily it is only one day at a time :) Thanks for your thoughts on covenants and the like. To recognize our eternal worth. What we mean to God. Something that helps us become the person that God desires us to become. He does love us so much. 

I am sorry everything seems a little short. My mind is running all over the place right now. You know me. But everything is pretty good right now. I am doing great. Thanks for being such a great Mom. I love you!

Bryant, I hope you have a very Happy Birthday. You are now 19. That is pretty crazy! I love you Brother! Keep working hard at giving them Heaven! Love ya Brother!

Meagan, Sounds like you have a pretty cra schedule. You can do it. I know you can! You will do well. Well hope that you enjoy the last couple of days of summer. Did you make the most of it as Phenias and Ferb? Summer has not yet come upon us yet here in South Africa but school is back in session around here and that has provided a different vibe around here. You are the best. Love you Meagan!

Heidi, Thanks for the birthday song. You will be having fun in 6th grade. I had Mr. Davis in 6th grade. It was kind of fun. If you work hard you will get through it. You are the best! Love you Skater Girl :)

Jera, Hope you have a great week! Love you!!

 Again sorry it is kind of shorter. It feels like one of those days :) But thanks for everything, I love you all so very much. 

Love, Elder Pennington the Elder

July 20th 2015

Hey You Guys!

Thanks everyone for the Birthday wishes. hard to believe that that time of year has come again. that is two birthdays on mission. And now I am 20 years old (come tomorrow). 

This has been quite the week. Trying to finish the transfer strong and prepare for the upcoming one. It was a good week. We just came back from Paint balling. It was a blast! Zone p-day activities are pretty fun!

We also taught some great lessons. Met a Sister Violet who asked some great questions. She went about the right way to pray to what happens after death to which church is true. Some great questions. It was a wonderful lesson. We also had some great lessons with Patrick and Gertrude. But the greatest joy came from seeing them come to church on Sunday. They loved it! That really topped the transfer off. They are doing well on their journey towards baptism. Slow and steady. 

Transfer news has come and I will still be in this area. It is my second 6 month area, what an achievement. :) I will be here with Elder Malatjie from Joburg. It will be a good transfer.

But overall it was a pretty simple week. 

Dad, thanks for the picture. We give some pretty funny gift to Jera. Who are such an interesting family :) We had a pretty interesting thing happen on Sunday. Some acts of disobedience have been going on in the mission. President brought some of the local companionships together and we had a talk. Some had been doing some things and President wanted to get to the Bottom of things. For me just as a district leader I learned alot about the correlation between love and correction. But especially about boldness. It was a powerful discussion. President Merrill sure knows how to handle situations well. 

Humble and Soft hearted are always going to be able to move forward with the ability to change and grow. 

Hey, thanks for that great story as well. He does know us and where we are. He knows exactly what we need when we need it. And He does love us very much. 

Thanks for being such a great Dad! I love you!!

Mom, So tomorrow the new Elder comes into the mission and we as AAPs get to order and deliver pizza to the group. And we get the opportunity to stay and eat with them, so I will have a little special Birthday dinner. But for most of the day we will just be doing office work preparing for the transfer. 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It has been one of those weeks. Reflections on my life and all. The person I have become and have yet to begin. I love reading my Patriarchal blessing. I have also been thinking about the few things I remember from my setting apart. The time has gone but there is so much more time to do even better, to do even more. 

Well I will probably now go get some ice cream and just eat that in my blanket so that I can stay warm. :) 

It has been a great week. Thanks for the wonderful email. I love you MOM!

Bry, I love you too! Have a wonderful week. Keep Well!

Meagan, I am sorry you got stung by a bee. That is never fun. But hopefully everything else was nice. But it looks like you had a great week. I keep forgetting you are driving now. Then again sometimes I forget that I am old enough to go on mission :) Not really but keep practicing you will be a race car driver in no time. 

I love you Meagan. Have a great day!!

Heidi, you little party animal. You are something else. I love you! Sorry you had to be a lone child while Meagan was gone. at least it wasn't for a year waiting for Bryant to be born :) Keep smiling Sister! Happy early birthday for you as well. I love you Heidi!!

Jera, Again Happy Birthday! Looks like you had a fun time. Thanks for the awesome pictures. We had some fun Paint balling today. Once we all get back we have to try and do that. 

Hope you have a great week! Love you!

Well thanks for the great emails. I love you all very much. Have a wondersul week!!

Love, Elder Pennington

July 13th 2015

Hey You Guys,

This has been quite the week. We have been working hard and moving forward. Hard to believe that Week 5 is now done. The transfer is almost up. Change is upon us. Elder Vanfleet and I have been preparing for that change. 

I went on Exchange this week. One with a Zone Leader- Elder Dangerfield. It was nice. He had just come from Cleary (actually serving with Elder Mei) and so I had some catch up to do with him on my old area. It was a good solid day. We had some fun. -one of the missionaries in our area had been converted upon finding a Book of Mormon in a random place. Elder Dangerfield and I were talking about this and decided to plant a Book of Mormon. So We wrote a little note with our info and a brief testimony of the Book of Mormon. upon doing that we decided to just hand it to some one, smile, and keep on walking. So that is what we did. There was a man sitting on a nearby bench. I place the book in front of me and as I was handing it to him, he very anxiously and graciously accepted it. I just said "this is for you. Enjoy." That was really fun. Kind of the highlight of the day. 

That kind of sums up the week. Just a lot of little moments that seemed to keep pushing us forward. Patrick and his daughter are doing well. They keep on reading. Right now we are in lesson 5. It would mean we are close to baptism, but every time we talk about baptism and a date, Patrick is like "it's fine." I asked him if it was something he wanted. He then was like "I have already been baptized." So We went through the need for an answer. A divine answer. His daughter though seems to understand perfectly but out of respect for her father will not move faster than him. So we are getting there. But that is our life right now.

Dad, Thanks for the Power Hour. That is an awesome way to get members excited. We have been doing our Testing the Promises of the Lord in our mission but have not yet included the members in it yet. This would be a great way to included them. Thanks for sharing. 

Thanks also for the story of my birth. That was quite a time. I only remember it so well :) I can't believe that I will be turning 20 next week. Time has gone by too fast. It is hard to keep up with everything. 

The area is looking good. We have been trying to keep on finding. Our teaching pool is growing and just when that happens it seems like things just slip. We went to go see Patricia. It made me sad when she said that Milnerton was not for her. She said she was not happy. All for our Bible studies as they call it but as for going to church she has no more desire to do so. She felt with anything she said she was making enemies and such. It hurt to hear that she no longer wanted to go forward in that direction. She was doing so well but now it has been up in the air with her. :( but I guess that this is where agency and the like comes in. Hopefully one day she will accept and move forward again. It would be nice if that was while I was here. But according to His will. 

But that is how our area is, still struggle to have people come to church. We will have to just keep working on that. 

My Companion and I have been doing good. It has been great to serve with Elder Vanfleet for the three transfers. I have been able to learn and grow alot. He has been a great help to this area. 

Anyway, that is a cool old house. Fun things to do during the summer time. 

I hope you enjoy your week. Thanks for your wonderful Email. I love you Dad!

Mom, I hope to be able to get the egg. Being the winter time Owen (the guy who carves the eggs) has been running around doing other things. Hopefully I will be able to get something. But I guess we will figure everything out as it goes. Thanks for the picture though, that will help. 

Everything seems to be changing back home. The school, the ward, even Meagan will be almost done with school. So hard to believe that a year and a half has passed. But now more than ever will I need to keep my focus. There has been so much to do. 

Thanks mom for your email. 

I went to Sunday School this week for a moment to help talk about Covenants. There is a Sweet family in our ward Anyway and Millie Kambeva. She teaches the Youth Sunday School. And had us come in to share the missionary side of helping people come unto Christ by making Covenants. It was fun. Made me think of your class. Youth are too funny :) 

I love you Mom, I hope your headaches are okay. Thanks for all you do. Love you!

Bryant,  I love You Brother!

Meagan, That is quite the week. I am happy to hear of all that you are doing to make the most of summer. Shoes and friends. Sounds like the life. 

It is so weird not to be on that side of StuGo activities. Sounds like a fun one though. Who is your advisor? (Thats okay, I probably would not recognize the name :) But happy to hear that the movie was good. Every time we go to McDonald's to go to the Bathroom they have the little toys and I makes me curious about the movie. One day right? 

How do I receive the Holy Ghost. That is a great topic. First you need to follow the Gospel. Faith repentance, Baptism. Than you can receive the gift of the holy ghost by the laying on of hands. Then He can be a constant friend, companion only if we are worthy and willing to listen. That is key our worthiness allows us to hear the still small voice. Our willingness shows that we are trying hard to follow the Lord and thus continually seek His help in all that we do. Then will the Holy Ghost be able to guide us. You have a fun topic :) Love it! You are doing great. Enjoy camp. Can't believe you are a YCL. Crazy! Love you Sis!!

Heidi, Lots of relaxation, that is good. What movie did you see with your friend? What is your friends name? I need to know these details before you grow up too and become a YCL at girls camp. :P I love you Heidi and I hope you have a wonderful week. Keep relaxing. XD Love you Bud!

Jera, It is cold here. Not terrible, but I still often wear my jersey (sweater) and my coat. But probably like 60s maybe 70s. I don't know. But it sounds like you got through the week pretty good. Things are all good on my side of the world. Going well. 

Thats sweet. There will be too much to catch up on with my 6 months on mission while I am 20 :) But I will right most of them down in my journal. That way it will be a little easier. Well I hope you enjoyed your run. Love You Jera. Hope you Have a Happy Birthday this Sunday!

I love you all very much. Hope you have a great and wonderful and special and terrific and awesome and even greater week this next week. 

 

Love Elder Pennington the Elder

July 6th 2015

Hey You Guys!

Another week has gone away. Another 4th of July in Africa. We didn't do much. Tried to have some great appointments but they all canceled but one. Which was a pretty good one. So for most of our 4th we did some finding. We had also more cookie making and a braai planned with a member but they dropped us as well. But that happens. 

The rest of the week was good. Continued to teach Patrick everyday. We are slowly getting him ready for baptism but we will probably not be able to see him as much this next week. He is starting to work this week. And has some pretty crazy hours. But hopefully we will not be taken too far from him. They are a good little family. We are so super excited for them to come to church. 

We also helped a part member family move this week. They moved from a 1 room flat to a little apartment with 2 rooms and a lounge. But with their "extra" space they filled that up quick with a new couch, a giant tv, a new coffee table. So things are still a little squished but hey if that is what they want. 

Dad, It is always great hearing from those wiser and more experienced. I love the correlation between service and wisdom. Those are some great men. 

I miss our cemetery trips. I remember slightly our trip to Tucson. That was a lot of fun. Memories are wonderful. Those girls were great troopers though. 

That is interesting the connection between the past and now. Our "fathers" have a great connection in our life. Hearts of the Father to the Children and visa versa. We talked about the temple in District Meeting this week. It was nice. I do miss that wonderful place and can't wait to go soon. (I find it hard to believe that I am already in need of another temple recommend interview this upcoming month. Time just flies.) 

Another memory come from that story from President Monson. I remember the FHE that we had on it. I think I have that paper in my quote book. I will have to take a look at what was important to me that night. 

Life has been good on this side. Our local leaders are great. Bishop sat on the Stage this week. He is moving good, but his coloring is off. Slowly recovering. But the bishopric is now complete as our Ward Mission Leader is now the first counselor. We also have been able to work closely with the 2nd Counselor since he is in our area and we can take him to appointments. Took him to Patrick and we are all really excited for Patricks progression. 

So we are slowly building relations. the rest of the presidents are quite far from us so we just talk with them at church. Slow but improvement is coming.

But I know how it feels with the tiredness. That happens at time with planning. So yeah.

Dad I love you. Hope you have a great week. 

Mom,  I love writing you too. Sounds like plenty of fun 4th celebrations from your side. So hot though. I have been wearing my sweater (or jersey as they call it here). I will have to try the peach cobbler. This week I might try something new. I haven't gone too crazy with cooking lately but I might cook chicken in a bag this week. They have handy little chicken in a bag mix and chicken was on sale so I am going to eat good :) But I always eat good because we have had many members who have been feeding us. So I have been greatly blessed. 

I love that post. Funny stats right. Apparently Hippos are pretty dangerous. 

Thanks for the family history facts and figures. I are excited to insert in my Family book. You are the best. 

I hope you have a wonderful week. I love You MOM!

Bryant, Love You too!

Meagan, Not much from my side either. On the 4th I did take a nap. It was little but nice. And take peace that most of us just burn, except for Dad and Heidi. We just have to live with out whiteness and our burning abilities. 

Our week was good. Some good lessons. I am happy you had a great week. I love you Meagan!

Heidi. I love the Picture that dad sent. You look good on the bike. I am Sad about Elders Packer and Perry. They were good men. But I feel they are happy helping the work on the other side. They understood the importance of things here. 

So you went swimming. Did you teach yourself to swim yet? B-) Love you Heidi. You And Megs should keep enjoying your lazy days. :)

Jera. Thanks for the pictures. They are great. Looks like fun in Oregon. We did enjoy the week. We have a member family that is preparing for their adopted girls baptism within the next year or so. Her biological mom was doing drugs and there have been some learning side affects with this young girl Zoe. But she is fun and we have enjoyed practicing our "simple" teaching with her. This last week we asked her to say a prayer. "I only know food prayers" she replies. "Thats okay you can replace bless this food with bless my mind or something like that." We assure her. "I am going to say brain" she says. So she began. "Thank you for this food. Please bless my brain that it will work. Amen." :) It made us laugh. They are so many funny little things that we get when we are teaching people. 

Over all our week was A nice and simple one. Everything is going good on this side. Just enjoying every moment. I love you Jera!

Well Everyone. Thanks for the wonderful emails and pictures. I love them all. Hope you all have a wonderful week. I love you!!

Love, Elder Pennington

June 29th 2015

Hey You Guys,

This has been a good week. We had a Zone training on Tuesday. It was very nice. We talked about the importance of the Book of Mormon in missionary work. Using it in Finding and Teaching. When talking about finding we discussed what Elder Donaldson talked about. Talking simple and like people. So we have been trying to use that more. "Here is a Wonderful Book. The Word of God. A book that has brought great Joy to my life and will bring great joy to your life as well." Just something simple like that. It was a great training. 

We also on Sunday received a visit from Elder Hall from the Area. Our ward has been visited many times by the Stake President because right now Brother Leonard the 2nd Counselor is the only member of the bishopric. So he has been talking alot with the Stake President. But that has brought many Sacrament meetings of special and wonderful talks. It was great to have Elder Hall there. He gave a great talk on the Law of Compensation. Very interesting topic about how the Lord will always provide and give more. He even brought up Mosiah 16:6. Talked about the Atonement being so certain that it was as if it had already happened. It was nice. 

With that our week was good. We had some fun. Meet with Patrick (the man that we had met last week) every day but Monday and Sunday. Already on the commandments. Great man. They are reading the Book of Mormon very well. 

Dad, Summer was always so much fun. I remember the summer we unplugged and only played games. That was quite the memory. Small little changes in my life are what I seem to remember most. I reflected this week on the moments I made covenants. I tried to remember how I felt those days. At baptism so many years ago and in the temple just about 2 years ago. I don't have a perfect memory. I remember receiving gifts at baptism and the building I was in. But with that not too much else, except that I was feeling good. Like a warm embrace. 

Then with the temple. Walking through with you there. Seeing everyone who came in white. The peace and joy that comes. These are special moments. I am grateful for the covenants that I have made. I am grateful for your help in getting to those points. This last week we have been working with Patrick and his Daughter Gertrude. Both are great at reading the Book of Mormon. but as we talk about Baptism it seems they aren't as 100% clear. We have explained everything but it seems that they are just going to show up on Sunday and be baptized only not to return again. They understand that it is an important thing to do... they just don't understand the Change that is going to come. And that is why I have been pondering the change in my life. Sometimes I don't feel that changed. But I guess that is why the sacrament is there every week. Why we pray every day. And so on. To slowly change us and mold us into our Eternal Potential. A lot to think about. 

Thanks for your study updates. It is always kind of cool seeing the patterns in life. My mind loves picking up patterns. Thanks for being the best! I love you Dad!

Mom, Thanks for the wonderful email. I love the family history stuff. It has been great to read. I have been caught up with time. I love the whole Sabbath day thoughts. My thoughts this last week was whole it is a Sign between us and God. What kind of sign are we giving Him. What does He mean to me? The Sabbath day is a chance to show Him what He means to us. I love that topic. 

We get those lessons every now and then. They just don't go very smoothly. But we then adjust and battle. 

I did get my birthday package. It was wonderful. I love you Mom!

Sorry for being so short. I am being kicked out of the office right now. So I will right more tomorrow. Benefits of the office. Again sorry that you won't get everything today. I do love you all!

Love, Elder Pennington  

 

Hey Again.

I found a way to finish emails when I am supposed to. So let's get everything done here. Sorry for any challenges. Love you all.

Mom, I loved the package. Because it is for my birthday I just took the conference ensign so that I could study it. And put the rest in my closet. Thanks for thinking of me. I do love the simple thoughts. For my birthday I am thinking about maybe buying like a t-shirt or something small like that. But the thing I am most excited for is I will try and buy an ostrich egg. There is a guy here that will carve into these eggs. Missionaries have gotten temples and stuff carves. pretty cool. I was thinking about that. He does it for like 350 rand. Not bad for a nice souvenir. I am thinking about maybe doing the gilbert temple. I am excited though. Just my thought of what to do. But that is about it for now. I am just thinking about maybe getting some South Africa things. I mean how many times do I get to come here? 

Thanks Mom for everything. I love You!!!

Meagan, Your hair looks great. It really sounds like you are enjoying summer. You are so much better than Bry and I. Our friends would have to force us away from the house if we were even going to do anything outside. But You have thought of how to bring your friends over. I always knew you were more clever than us :) I am happy you are doing well. Keep making all of your summer days nice and eventful. I love you Meagan! Have a wonderful week!

Heidi, you clever little one. I can't believe you are learning the piano. On your own. Way to go. Those are two of my favorite songs. I love them and can't wait to hear you play them. Keep making the most of summer. You are off to a great start. I love you Heidi!!

Bryant, Keep Working Hard Elder!!! Love YOU!

Jera, I love the pictures. Patrick is doing great. He gives such great summaries. But we are now just pushing them toward baptism. But I know the converting power of the Book of Mormon.... Miracles will happen. I am working on my Sabbath day holy as well. That is one of our hardest days. Not many people want to listen. For some odd reason. Most think that their church is enough for one day or something. Add to that we are only forsure feed once a week after church. And they go all out for that meal. So often times we have to thanksgiving sleepiness problem. So we have to continually push ourselves through the day. That is if I don't fall asleep on the way. :) I love you Jera. No major birthday requests. I will keep thinking. Love you!

Well I love you all so very much!! Hope you have a wonderful week. Merry Christmas. (Oh wait Christmas is in Summer over here :) Love you!

Love, Elder Pennington