December 7th 2015

Hey you guys,

Well it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Our tree is up and it is about 30C outside, that is on the days it is not raining. That has been a little crazy of a week. Nothing too bad, the holidays are for sure upon us. It is not often that we have a wednesday with 6 lessons planned. In the end we had only two. Everyone is just dodging us or busy with something else. People are even saying good-byes for holidays. Which makes it hard for me because they won't be back by the time transfers come. So i have to do them now. But besides those funny people i have been able to focused pretty well. And despite the dropped appointments, we did have some pretty cool lesson. The highlight was probably with the Pangel family. They are solid members. And we have been working on the family mission plan with them and they have been sharing their missionary moments with us. This last week they were walking in town(which they do all the time because of no car, they even walk a couple kilometers to church, great family) and they saw a family. The youngest pointed and said, mom we have to convert them. And so they went and talked with the family and built a friendship. And now the ball is rolling for them. So cool. It was simply amazing to see the joy that the pangels had as they told us this story, they were all glowing. It was awesome. It is really cool this small things that we get to experience here in the Lord's service. Anywho, lets keep moving forward...

Dad, thanks for the pictures. I especially like the one of Heidi and Mom feeding ducks, Heidi is getting tall. 

But wow it looks like Penningtons are pretty big over there. Over here i have found a Porter st. Probably done in honor of my serving here :) but besides that there is a town named Pennington in KZN (KwaZulu Natal) which is one of the Providences here. Unfortunately out of my mission boundaries. But maybe one day. Because there is probably a connection somewhere. With Pennington being an English name. The town was probably settled by a Pennington from England. He might have been a war figure as well. But that is just my guess. 

But thats cool about Dustin, drones are getting popular. I hear they are trying to work something with drones and Amazon. Drone delivery. Technology these days. When i left for mission i would think of star wars when we talked about drones. Where is this world going? But cool happy to hear everything is good on that side. 

I love you dad!!!

Mum, i am happy i never had to get a tan for ballroom. Benefits of being the guinea pigs. But thats for all of the exciting Christmas updates. We have a good idea about what we will skype with but we will just have to confirm. But wow is it sneaking up on us. 

I am slowly getting my Christmas presents. Thanks for taking care of the card. 

And yes the correct flight plans came in. Cape town to london to dallas to home. That is quite the flight. Should be good. For the most part i think i will be with the other missionaries for most of the way. At least until london if not dallas. Because coming here the others took salt lake to dallas to london. So they will probably take that again. And in changing the flight plans for me, they probably just changed the final leg. So it will be nice to have someone else on the flight.

For sure mixed emotions. But this has become a second home. Luckily we do have to eternities to catch up with those on this side of the world.
Well the upcoming weeks are looking good and festive, so hope you have a great week. Love you Mom!!!!

Bry, love you Brother!!!!

Meagan, aren't you just a busy little bee. Thanks for the pictures. Just so you know that young Pangel girl, she is fourteen right now and reminds me of you. At least the you that was fourteen when i left. Crazy to think that that time has passed huh? Well i am happy dance is going well. Keep working hard it pays off. Well have fun, know i will be home soon. Maybe we can go on a double or something :) 

Love you Meagan!!!!

Heidi, wow you are a tall little one aren't you? Growing up too fast. Hope the essay went well. For me i like the penny and i think we should keep it. But sounds like a good music program. I love Carol of the Bells. Hope to hear it soon. Have a great week buddy. Enjoy. Love you!!!!!

Jera, thanks for the Pictures. Funny little Kora. Fast sunday. :) for my fast sunday run, it will be a good sprint. You are right, this is what i was trained for. What i have prepared for. It is show time. 

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

Well even with the heat Christmas is in the Air. Lights are coming on and everything. It is the time to be happy and remember Christ. I love you all so much. Hope you enjoy your week. See you soon. 

Love Elder Pennington