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Monday, November 23, 2015

November 23rd 2015

Hey you guys!!!!!

This has been quite the week. Full of appointments. Both with investigators and the chevy dealership. Too much going on in my life. But with transfers i have survived. Still here in George. Still with Elder Katwala. Still district leader. My district is the same. Hard to believe that time is far spent. Elder Mei turns a year this week. I have been a district leader for more than a year now. And i am still trying to get it right. But i have been able to get a glimpse at the growth. We took our car to get serviced. And then friday i got to deal with Knysna's car as well. Small thing that i have had to take charge of and run with them. Boy has my mission been gnawing at my comfort zone. :) which is a good thing i guess. 
It has been a great week. We have a baptism planned now. Siyabonga has been progressing very well. He is working hard to understand and is doing great. We also helped a member move this past week. He introduced us to the new tenants. And we talked for about an hour and a half with them. Answering questions and explaining simple truths. The older man is pretty set but willing to read the Book of Mormon. The younger man has been thinking about giving up on Christianity with all of the confusion around. All these many churches. Also he has a small family. With a young girl who is beginning to ask questions. He wants to be able to answer then for her...the right way. No fake answers. It was a great conversation. But small moments like that have brought good out of the week. With no trip to PE this week we are able to start this transfer right and hit the ground running. Should be good.

Dad, Yes i miss on another thanksgiving. That is okay. I can still be thankful over here. Hard to believe that it is November already. And yeah, i feel a little relieved, it sounds like our American holidays are making us fat :) but then again, here people have braai day that can also lead to a little extra meat on the bones. :) Things are nice over here though. It is nice watching the different cultures at work. Christmas is big with family, food, and beer. Santa does visit over here, just maybe not as big as back home. Last year i was in a township and Christmas trees were rare. Now i have some town in my area and so things might be a bit different. We will just have to wait and see. 
And yes, the Lord does look out for all of us. He is helping out. In the very details. 
Youth conference sounds great, and sounds like a great talk from President Riggs. A perfect illustration, never to be forgotten. 
Not trunky here. Still working hard. Siya, the young man i talked about earlier is scheduled for baptism on the 3 of January. Which if it is like we think that will be my last Sunday. And we will see who else we can find. Just gotta keep swimming. 
Yup it is hot here. Until it rains then it is pretty cold and it doesn't feel too much different than an Az winter. 
Now i have just got to make each day count. Love you dad!!

Mom, the best thing about this week was probably the conversation we had with the two men at the move. That was cool. The young man brought up the question why do bad things happen to good people. It then led to a perfect moment to give them the Book of Mormon. I just know he will be able to find answers through that wonderful book and through the spirit. It was nice. 
It was just a busy and hectic but great week. These are precious moments. I loved the phrase "the sisters turn everything into a miracle." So true. Missionaries have an ability to find the small precious tender mercies. Manna from Heaven. Missions are full of miracles. 
Preparing for thanksgiving. Nice. Thanks for the money. No problems with no package i would probably never get it anyways. I will probably withdraw a bit here and there and get some things from street vendors. It is hard though being a white guy all dressed up, they try to get more out of you. So i will have to do some negotiations :) wish me luck. 
I think i am also going to get a Christmas tree this week. 
I love the snow funny. So true. 
Mom, i love you!!!

Bry, just a note to tell you i love you and enjoy the turkey.

Megan, sounds like quite the week. Fun youth conference. We never got anything like that. We did have one where we went tracting with the missionaries. That was interesting. But hey, good luck with dance, you will do well when you give your best effort. Love you!!!

Heidi, you are growing up too fast, i think i will only get home in time to interview your first boy friend. Sounds like you are an active part in school. Cool beans bud. Hope your break is great. Love you!!!

Jera, thanks for thinking about sending pictures. It is the thought that counts. 
Yeah, it will all seems like one crazy dream. Hard to believe i am down to my lasts. Even the last bit of energy. If anything, that plane ride home will be pretty exhausting. Between travel and the conflicting emotions inside, it will leave me with out much energy. :) But thanks. Enjoy the week. Love you!!!!

Well my familia. I love you all and hope you have a great thanksgiving. Enjoy some pie for me. Love you much.

Love, Elder Pennington

Monday, November 16, 2015

November 16th 2015

Hey you guys!!!!!!

This has been a pretty good week. We had a lot of fun. Had plenty of appointments at the beginning, but had to roll with things as they would slowly drop on us. But we did get to do service. As well as enjoyed the new people we met. Got some referrals and enjoyed contacting them. Have some great potentials in our teaching pools. With that we are also hunting down some less actives. We also had a family of 6 (less active) come to church after a while. We have been teaching them for a while. The wife is great and desires to come, but work keeps her away. The husband is a little less keen, but lately he has been joining in on the lessons and seems to be catching on. With him coming to church we are hoping his desire to do what is right is growing. But unfortunately we get to work around some habits that he has picked up over time. I am grateful for the commandments to keep us in line. Satan is a tricky little one. deceives and distracts. It has been cool to see some great changes in people. We also took another little trip to Knysna. Spent some time there for an interview. 
But that is about it for us. We will be having a regional broadcast as well. It will be treated like stake conference which will be interesting because we will be alone as a unit, so at most we will have 70ish people at this "stake conference" :) but i am looking forward to it. It is nice to hear from our leaders. We are now in week six. Time has flown. This week transfer news will come, but none of us are expecting any changes. But if any happen i will let you know next week.
But yeah, here we go...

Dad, thanks for inviting and doing missionary work. So the home is going good. Can't wait to see pictures. Change has been a big part of growth so hopefully this change will inspire come great growth. 
Counseling would be fun. I have considered counseling. When i read my blessing i think of counseling. I am still considering that or English teacher. All i know is i want to help people and try and read along the way. Which brings me to something else. I read a very interesting book this week. Found it in our boarding. It is called Spirit of Fire by John Pontius. It was good, luckily a quick read. It was very interesting. It is fictional but follows a family. They go through their struggles and everything but their way of facing them was a great example of faith. They trusted in the Lord. Relied on the spirit and everything like that. One of the sons served in South Africa and had some crazy experiences. It was a very interesting book. I will look for the sequel later. But i bring it up because of what you said about doing what the Lord wants. This family had a fire, they were farmers and had to trust when it came to that, even to keeping the Sabbath holy. It was a great read. The father in the book reminded me of you. Your faith and willingness to do what the Lord would have you do and say. Thanks for being such a great example. 
So we are doing family history selfies now? :) that is cool. I wonder what will be next. We will probably start having family history birthday parties or something. :) I can't wait to be able to get back into that swing of things. 
Thanks for the great pictures. I love the costumes. 
I love you dad!!!

Mom, yeah it is getting warm here. But it will get a little cold at night. And it will rain as well. Luckily the peak of summer will hit in February, so that will be nice. So i have the fan ready for heat and a big blanket ready for the cold. I do get cold easy. 
I have not heard anything yet either. Maybe this means i will be out here even longer. :) But maybe it will come soon. Most people do get travel plans by this time. Andios (i don't know) looks like we will just have to roll with it. But my guess with a date will be the week of the 7th. The 7th is the transfer day and so will will probably leave the next day. But we will find out soon enough. 
I love the talk from Elder Holland as well. I love the scripture, "Lord, I believe. Help thou my unbelief." It does start with that seed. And then nourish and focused on it will grow. With t tree no one focuses one the big tree that it can become, but rather they enjoy watching the tree grow over time. They focus on what it is in that moment and nourish it and care for it. So it is with us.
Happy to hear 
Meagan it dating. But you might want to worry about skating, they might just hold hands to keep balance :) just kidding :) happy to hear the growth coming from the girls. They are doing so much. Growing up too fast.
Thanks for the money. It came in handy this week. We got some romans pizza because it was my companions birthday. So thank you. 
I love the pictures. Those deer look kind of crazy. But i love the best friends quote. Best friends truly are the best. 
I love you Mom!!!!!

Bryant, Well brother. Looks like you are doing well over there. Keep working hard. I love you!

Meagan, you dating machine. I am happy you are enjoying life. Keep practicing and dancing (you can never really call that homework can you?). Happy you are enjoying football. Are you going to end up dating a football player, just make sure he is good and just like Bry. That is the only type of footballer i think we could allow you to date, unless you mean footballer like over here, which means soccer, those people i don't even know about. So caution :) . I think that is enough dating counsel for today. 
Keep working hard in school. When it comes to splits with the Sisters, just be yourself and be willing to listen to the spirit as to anything you might say. Be ready to bear your testimony. Talk with the sister and enjoy the time there. Observe and watch the way she works, take some mental notes. And have some fun!!
You will do great.
For my side everything is good. Just enjoying life.
Love you Meagan!!!

Heidi, girl, you are growing up fast. Now you are petting deer and feeding them peach leaves. I didn't know that deer eat peach leaves. That is cool stuff. Thanks for the great stories. I am sorry your tongue was black. That isn't good. Hope it gets better. Happy you are preping hard for the holidays. I am here enjoying my water. I heard a Christmas song in the store the other day, so they are preping too. But i am still looking for my Christmas tree here. Oh don't forget to send the pictures.
You are one smart cookie aren't you? Keep it up Bud. Love you!!!!

Jera, thanks for the pictures. Wow those ones are growing up fast. And Gavyn's home crazy how time flies. Happy the ambush went well. Fairs and petting zoos are fun. Feel bad for Kora. It is not fun to get snapped at especially by a duck. All we deal with are dogs. I have had to take many deep breaths and open the gate just to get to the door. Luckily most dogs are just bark, but that is pretty scary sometimes. The thing i most worry about though is the fleas. Now those things are annoying. Memories :) 
Thanks for your emails as well. They always have such funny stories and adventure. 
Love you!!!!

Well another email down. Thanks for everything, you are all so great. Hope you have awesome weeks. Keep giving it all you got. Can't wait to talk next week. I quote Heidi with i miss and love you all bunches and bunches. :) 

Love, Elder Pennington the Elder

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

November 9th 2015

Hey You Guys!!!

Hard to believe that another week has come and gone. I guess time flies when you spend time else where. This week we had Zone training and interviews in Port Elizabeth. That Place feels much like home now. The training was great. Interviews were wonderful. Got to see President Merrill and this is probably my last not departing interview. Not a very comforting thought. 
Also got a chance spend Saturday in Knysna. A very popular tourist place here. But we didn't go for vacation, rather exchanges. I was able to spend some more time with Elder Mei. It was great. But I am grateful I am not working in Knysna... they have too many crazy roads over there. Here is the picture. Mountain. There are houses along the mountain and not all of the roads are nice and easy switchbacks. But we made it through the day safely. Felt great to spend the time with Elder Mei.
Besides that, the week was slow and steady. And now we are ready for a great week here in George. Should be great!

Dad, Thanks for the great email. Sounds like a great conference. I love it when we get investigators to conferences. We had Zola and Nicky (investigators in cleary) come to one we had with Elder Stevenson. They loved it. He had talked about saying a prayer just to find a lost toy for his kids. Zola connected with that. For a child those things matter. And to God those things that matter to us matter to Him. And then those who come to General conference. Bonus! Unfortunately this last conference the only investigators that came were 11 and 12. But it was still great. The Lord works in Mysterious ways. 
I like those 4 primary questions. Having the answers there provides for strength when those secondary questions arise and threaten our peace to destroy. 
Has it been four years since trek?? Wow. Enjoy. 
I Love you Dad!

Mom, Thanks for the Arizona Greetings. Things are getting warm around here. But it has been nice. There is a bit of a breeze (benefits of being next to the ocean). But moving forward. 
Happy to hear you went out with the Missionaries. Sounds like you are getting a lot done with your personal mission. Thanks for the help. It looks like that will be a great rescuing party. I know it will work out well. If anything it will instill a love for one another within the active sisters opening their eyes to serve and lift those around them. 
Alot of painting going on. Thats cool. can't wait to see the pictures. 
Everything is going good over here. Just preparing for the holiday season as well. With out Thanksgiving, Christmas is next. ( I am on the search for a cheap tree again. Hopefully I can get lucky. Fingers crossed. 
Thanks for everything. I love You Mom!!

Bryant, That is exactly what everyone thinks. At least those who know about AZ. But you meet many who kind of get the picture after I say, just next to california. :) But yeah... I love you Elder!

Meagan, Are you preping for Trek? That will be fun for you. Looks like you are staying busy. Soon you will have a break. Keep working hard! When is your next date planned? Have fun okay! Read a good book. Love you Meagan!!

Heidi, Wow you are a great kid aren't you? You are working hard. Service, Stu Go, Perfect attendence, Studio C birthday partys. You must feel on top of the world. :) Well congrats and keep working hard. Take some time to sharpen your saw though. How is Studio C going? Still as funny as ever? Well little Sis, I love you!!

Jera, Did the Ambush work? :) Just wanted to mentioned that I love you too!

Well Thanks for the great emails and pictures. Hope you all have a wonderful week. Enjoy the journey of each day. make every moment count. and Look Both ways before crossing the street.
Cool, Hope you all liked the pictures. Can't wait to tell what some of them mean. Enjoy the week!
I love you all very much!

Love, Elder Pennington 

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Porter Sent Pictures!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

November 2nd 2015

Hey You Guys!!!

Well this has been a good week. Had some very interesting lessons. As well as some normal ones. Been moving forward more with the family mission plan. Slow but steady. It has been one of those faith promoting kind of things. We had a great Lesson With Henrico and Luhandro about the Book of Mormon. My love for that special book just keeps on growing. I always can't help but smile when people ask why they haven't heard of the book before. "Well That is why we are here in your home to testify that this is the word of God. Read, ponder and pray about it."
We also had the chance to watch the Priesthood Session of Conference. Very nice. I love all of the talk about faith. Now is the time to grow in our faith. We need to grow in our faith or the moving time will weaken it. Our little flame will go out if we don't take care of it. This Gospel is simple but so profound. I have been reading the words of Nephi. For one he says "My Heart Delighteth in..." He found so much delight in the things of God. But then everything he say is so very plain. Straight forward and to the point. The Scriptures are just so nice. My soul also delights in the Word of God.
We have also met with a couple of couples that had just went on about some of the hardships they are going through. hardships that began with not keeping God's commandments. Distrust and heartbreak fell between them. All we couple do was testify about the healing power of Christ's atonement and the growth and life that comes as we obey and follow Him. Mission shows one a lot of things.

Anyways...
Dad, Sounds like you have been doing some great pondering. Keeping commitments and covenants do give us a great perspective on life and everything else. 
Pennington Family Ties is back into business. I only now remember that trip to the temple. Not knowing what was going on. I think I was 13 or 14. Pretty young now that I think of it. We got to start having interviews with President Riggs. Things changed only a little bit, but it brought a great life change into all of us. A greater focus on everything. Family time was as always something very special. We have the best family ever!
Yeah, no halloween here. i was going to try hard and find a Spiderman Shirt and order a nametag that says "Elder Parker" but I never got around to it. And no one around here would care. :) 
Things are good on this side. Entering summer. we are not neutral anymore. It is either hot or rainy and cold. For some reason it can't choose. I don't know how many blankets to have nearby. 1 sheet for when it is hot or 3 when it is cold. :) Too much!
But yeah, thanks Dad. I love the funnies as always. I love you Too!!

Mom, No package it good. You are right. It probably wouldn't get to me until after anyways :) We will work with that. Yeah this week was good. Nothing too crazy. But this next week we will be traveling to PE for Zone Training and Interviews. It will be good to see everyone again. Specially President and Sister Merrill. It is so different not being so close to them. But it should be a great trip. I am looking forward to going down there. But the trip will take a couple of days out of our area. So will are going to try and make it an exceptional week. 
Those sound like some great lessons at church. Reverence is important. There is the scripture "Trifle not with Sacred things" Talking about the Book of Mormon. Interesting to treat the Book of Mormon with the greatest reverence is to read it and make it a part of your life. :) 
Hope you enjoy your week. I love you Mom!

Bryant, it is amazing how fast one can acclimatize and get use to something. i might have gone a little soft. But never the less I only wear my short-sleeve shirt once in a while. I wear the long-sleeve every day. :) And I love telling people I am from Arizona because I get two reactions. 1 Oh good you are not from the factory. 2 Oh you are too white to come from AZ. So no matter how hot or not hot it is I am just not meant to stay in the sun for long. :) I love you Bryant! You keep well and have fun!

Meagan, I am happy you went on a date with Parker Wright. He is a great kid. happy you had fun. Not too bad of a week. Better over there. Here all of the youth are stressing over exams. So happy to hear you are in a semi stress free world right now. And you are such a great friend to help plan something for Courtney. Keep being a great friend to all. You will enjoy splits. It is a great time to learn more and get to know what is going on around you in the missionary work. Love You Meagan!!!

Heidi, It looks like you went for Halloween dressed as a pretty pretty Princess. (Or a Fairy :) You look good!. yes, we loved making Donuts for Halloween and other fun celebrations. You should also try the activity when we ate food like the people in Jerusalem. That one was a lot of fun as well. I thought the food was nice. Especially now I have tasted some more foreign foods, that one is pretty close to home. :) Family traditions are great aren't they Heidi! I love you Sis! Have a great Week!!

Jera, Yeah, Duke takes the cake. I like the whole flip flop and shoe thing going on. That would be fun. George is going good. We have been getting better and better. Just a little rains slows the town down. Sad that some of our area has dirt roads, but luckily not our whole area, so we can still get some work done. 
We are coming along with our new investigators. Tonight we will have a little FHE kind of thing with some of their member neighbors. It will be fun.yup, things keep on moving around here. Gotta love it!
Hope you enjoy your week With your missionary ambushes and all :) Love you Jera!

Well My Wonderful Family. It has been great to talk to you all. I love you all so much. Hope you all have a super wonderful week. Make it something Special! 

Love, Elder Pennington the Elder