Can't believe it is already monday.
Time is going too fast. I can barely find time to record in my journal.
But i am trying. :) things are good on this side. People are leaving
for holiday. I said my first good-byes this week. It is hard to say good
bye. I am not really looking forward to the next couple of weeks. I
remember just two years ago. I looked back at the
Phoenix airport and i could see mom and dad through the window. Now it will be
another group of loved ones. But hey there is hope in the plan of
salvation.
Every moment has been good this week. It felt good. We
met some great people. Had some powerful lessons. Did some deep cleaning
of our flat. It was good. Church was good too. Nothing too crazy cool
that i won't mention later. So lets see if i can remember to mention
those special moments.
But this next week should be great. We will
be in PE for a couple of days. Zone Conference is here. We will get some
great training and some yummy food. Looking forward to it. Not looking
forward to the drive, but we will get through it.
Let's get started now,
Dad,
i feel that alot too Dad. I feel sometimes that i am preparing people
for others to baptize. It has been many a moment that i have been asked
"Elder Pennington, you remember so and so. Yeah, they are so great.
Yeah, they are baptized." "Oh Elder Pennington, everyone talks about
you." These moments make me smile nonetheless. I am happy to be an
instrument in the Lord's hands. However He wants to do it, i will
follow. It is not my mission, it is His. So as long as th work gets
done. I will do my part and make the most of every moment.
I
have heard of "the Plan." Helping return missionaries get back into
things. From what i understand when i looked into it before. It will
begin before people leave. They set goals and make plans. Then review
every now and then on mission with help from president. And then at the
end they can hit the ground running. Sounds like a great plan. No one
has talked to me about it though. I will wait and see.
And
yes, families are hard around here too. It is every missionaries dream
and goal for a family. As much as families are a part of the culture and traditions around here, most families are broken or incomplete. You
have many mother led families where the father has never been a part of
the picture. Or you have many unmarried individuals. It is so
interesting. But in fact on my side too, we had a great lesson with a
family yesterday. Father led and everything. It was wonderful. Powerful.
They seem interested. We just got to keep with them. I am excited.
I love that thought on continuous revelation.
And have fun with your classes and studies. Looks like we will all be studying at the same time. That will be good.
I
love the excitement that come with missionary moments. This last week
we went to the shop for something and got talking to a young man named
Jaco. We got talking and it led to testifying of the help that we can
gain through Jesus Christ. He asked why we would choose to go on mission
and things like that. The interest was there. It was a sweet
conversation. Got a return appoint and everything. He wasn't home when
we went to meet him, but we followed up with him and something came up.
Things happen. It was just exciting in praying for him and for the
chance to talk and give him the life changing message of the restored
gospel. I love this gospel. It still gives me those excited goosebumps.
Thanks for making it a part of our lives. It has been great to see
people change. So cool.
Dad, i love you!!!!
Mom,
i am sorry for all of the stress that come through finals and final
projects. I remember those and are grateful for your help with those
late nights and weekends.
Things are moving and changing
around. Things are changing rearranging. People coming and going. Thats a
part of life. Now we get to look back at these memories with joy. These
precious times are wonderful moments. "Moments are the molecules that
make up eternity."
Thanks for the help with the money. Still
got a couple of things that i might get. But i will probably save a bit
for the time in Cape Town and for the travels. I haven't heard any
things about it either, but i will have save some for it.
As
for time and place. Still need to confirm on the place. They weren't at
church so we are going to confirm this week. But as for time i think
about 4 or 5 as normal would work out. Even if there is one machine my
companion and i will work things out because of the time zones are
different, we will work out something.
And hey i carry around
your pictures and i sometimes brag about my family. Not too often, but i
like to do it whenever i can. :)
I love you Mom!!!
Bry, love you too Elder Bro!!!
Meagan,
i remember our Christmas movie night dance thing. I was running around
everywhere. But at least made an ornament out of it. :) good luck with
all of the finals and such. Finish strong. You are down to 1 1/2 years
of school. That is crazy!! Enjoy every moment. Make them count. Keep
working hard and keep on swimming. Love you Meagan!!
Heidi,
i always love hearing from you. Hope that your project went well. You
are looking good. Keep working hard and when you graduate next year, you
will be ready to take one the big world. Oh wait, you still have a
couple years before graduation. Make the time count. Enjoy every moment.
Love you Heidi!!!
Jera, i am happy to hear you
are feeling better. As happy to hear you had some time to spend with
Gavyn. Looks like you got him to come down hey.
Between these
two great talks. Tough one. For the people that i know and according to
what they need. I would probably use Elder Andersons talk. So many
think faith comes or stays passively. But there is choice and action
that is needed to help faith grow. And faith is meant to grow.
As
for the Christmas season here. Not too crazy. In fact stores are
shutting down. Which for some of these big businesses it is a weird
business move. But hey, at least everyone is getting some time with
family.
Thanks for the pictures. Heidi is looking great. And Kora is zoned in on that phone. :) great pictures.
I love you!!!
Well.
I hope that you all doing great. Have a wonderful week. May the Spirit
continue to guide you all. I love you and miss you. I look forward to
seeing you next week. We will get ready for it.
Love you!!!!
Love, Elder Pennington
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