Tornado!

Dear Family and Friends,

Thank you so much for the wonderful emails! I really love reading them all, and am slowly getting more time to respond! Include every funny story and little detail, I love them all!

This week has, of course, been fantastic. Quite a few miracles, and a few funny hilarious stories too!

The ward is awesome. We have had probably half of our active members move in within the past year or so, so everyone is new and willing to serve! It's wonderful. A sweet grandma and grandpa moved in and had us over for lunch. They were from Illinois, Jessie's stake actually! And they reminded me so much of Mom and Dad, just talking about their grandchildren non stop :) He has been a branch president and bishop before, so they are just such solid members we are excited! And they live in the apt complex of a less active member, so we are trying to help them make some friends! Fact: I now like chicken salad, hers was delicious.

Another newer family are the Palmers. He served in this mission a few years ago, and went through his journals to give us names of people who should have been baptized, or may have fallen away since they aren't in the ward. We are working on it, but member referrals are the best. And member referrals from previous missionaries from this area are THE best. We already found an awesome family who is ready to come back to church, and the boyfriend of the woman is not a member, so we are hoping to teach him soon!

We had a less active guy refer himself online this week, and we have been working with him. Lots of anxiety, and depression. Life has just hit him hard. He was an actor and lived in New york. It didn't pan out, so he's back home here now. So words of caution- Matt Krantz, don't become an actor in New York! Or anyone else- Monica? haha, just kidding she's at Harvard. But Stephen is awesome, and ready for big change in his life.

We got to go to the temple!!! Ahh so exciting! It was a wonderful day, and just very peaceful. I am so grateful for temples, and that we have them accessible to us. Don't ever take it for granted if you live near one! The Spirit that abides in the temple is so powerful. I am grateful that we are able to enter the temple and have the opportunity to be so close to Heavenly Father in prayer and Spirit.

DAN- the pizza man. He works at pap johns. He went camping with his friend this weekend, so we didn't get to see him. But before he left, he asked a member for a priesthood blessing!? WHAT? So now we just need to help him understand, priesthood, restored, authority, baptism. Right? Of course, he's 23 so it won't be so easy. We can just see so clearly the love Heavenly Father has for him, and the potential he has in this life! We want him to be married in the temple, and have an eternal family! We are being as patient as possible.

I had to give a training at District Meeting, and it went alright. I really like to talk apparently? I started with the story of Enos, who prayed all day and all night, for multiple days! and how he showed Heavenly Father that he was prepared to make a change in his life he received the answer he was seeking for. And then, he prayed for his brethren, and how he could help them. It reminded me of something I learned about the story of Joseph Smith as well. When Joseph was trying to know which church to join, and he knelt down in prayer, he didn't simply ask which church was true. He asked Heavenly father, which of all the churches are true, that I might know which to join?' He showed Heavenly Father that he had faith to act upon whatever answer he was given. It makes me reevaluate how I pray. Something I had written in my scriptures was this: The purpose of prayer is not information, but transformation. Maybe, if we prayed with more faith and sincere intent, showing God that we would act on the answer we receive, no matter what that turns out to be, we would be receiving more direct answers, like Enos and Joseph Smith. I am definitely trying to be more specific in the questions I ask, and more sincere in the prayers I give. I have seen in my life specific prayers answered so very uniquely to me, and that's something we can all have. I love that truth!

We have begun teaching  really awesome, prepared family, the Roaches! They will be baptized within the next transfer I believe. They just understand everything we have taught. They are reading the Book of Mormon, and praying. And next week they will be at church! Their son, 23 Logan was kind of a bum, but once he started reading the BOM, he's realized that his life means so much more, and he has been blessed so much that he should be turning to help others! It's been a huge eye opener to him, and his parents! And us as missionaries. It's incredible to see people turn their lives around. Only the truth can do that!

This week, I am so grateful for solid members of the ward who have such wonderful spirits in their home. We had dinner with the Horlacher family, the lady who sent the picture home, and it was honestly just an hour of solid relief from the trials and challenges of missionary work. Mom and Dad, I am so grateful that our home is that too. Always sign up to have the missionaries over! Even if it feels awkward to you, it's not to them, so don't hesitate! It's a huge blessing, and I see it as a tender mercy from the Lord. And the food was really good. Gravy is pretty big here.

I experienced my first tornado/ storm this week! It was pretty exciting! I have never seen lightning like that before, in my life. It was pretty intense. The WHOLE sky was lit up! It didn't touch down in our area, but we were told to go in early. We were in our complex in a lesson already, so we couldn't but we felt safe. Just hard rain and wind. Pretty exciting! The weather has been really nice these past few days! But apparently we have snow coming soon. I think if its warm in California, its decently warm here. And if it rain there, it snow here. Probably a 20-30 degree difference either way.

I have officially worked out every day for a month! I am proud. Y'all should be too. Sister Cotton and I are on this health kick- don't gain weight. Just do whatever it takes! It's hard when potatoes are part of every meal, and we get homemade bread every week. But that's ok, through small and simple things right? :) We are so blessed, our apt complex has a small fitness center, so even when it's cold, we go run on the treadmill or elliptical- Jessie and Kylie :)- or the arm and leg machine.

Funny stories: This week I heard my first "I've already been saved". We were trying to contact an in active member, and turns out she's moved. But the lady who came to the door and talked with us asked what church we were from, etc, etc, and then Sister Cotton says," would you like to hear a message about Jesus Christ? " And she says "No, I've already been saved." I almost started laughing. But I didn't. Apparently, that's pretty common here in the Bible belt. It was still funny :) But at the same time, a little sad.

SO I mentioned the adult daycare place called wings right? Well there is one lady there suffering from dementia, so there are days that she thinks she is a mom, and other days she thinks she is a little girl, etc etc. Well, we were teaching about how we were created in the image of God, and how we look like him, and we know that he looks like us! We said, we all have eyes, and ears, and a nose, mouth, and teeth. And when I said teeth- she pops out her dentures! Just full on pops them out, and gives me a great big grin! It was probably the cutest, most disgusting, most surprising moment of my mission. I just laughed and laughed for a solid 5 minutes. It was awesome. I learned, we don't mention teeth to her, or else...

So a sweet sweet member drove us to the temple so we didn't have to use our miles for the month- we have 1000- and she gave us a ride back too. This is the member who's husband is a dentist. Oh, and Corinne I thought of you when they fed us a week or two ago, she made Talapia! It was pretty good. Lot's of people like fish out here....weird. Anyway, she picked us up, and on our way home we got so so so lost. From the temple, somehow we ended up at the airport in Nashville, drove by Oprey mills mall, and then eventually made it to Hendersonville. It was quite a ride. I was in back with her adorable little 4 year old, Easton. We played high five for about an hour. Awesome family :)

Corinne- no letter? I need to know about BYU, the party, the piano teacher, and mom and dad :)
 Erin- awesome letter! Love it!

Dave- you too, gold stars for the Rackhams

Annie and Russ- no stars. not even silver or blue.

Jeremy and Sierra- also no stars.

Christi- thanks! Send me pictures please!!!!!! Good to hear from Jim :) By the way Jim, a Stephen talked to us about shaving down his beard, and I laughed cause it reminded me of you. Also, where did your parents serve as mission presidents?

Dad- I am so sorry to hear about the lady quitting, but I am so glad that your prayers were answered! That is a pretty awesome story. I'll pray this week for the assistant you need, and when it happens, let Kathleen and Danielle know it was both of us, and Heavenly Father. Then invite them to church? Haha, just kidding. Or am I? ALSO- Sister Cotton's best friend is looking for an assisting job! She is in Utah right now, at U of U, but she really needs a job. She asked sister Cotton to ask me to ask you if you have anyone in Utah that you refer her too? I have no idea if we know anyone in Utah, but definitely talk with her. She might be willing to come to California? Who knows, it could work out great! I don't know all the details, but any help you could give her would be really great. Sister Cotton loves her to death, says she is a great girl. She has assisted in all types of offices and says she can do basically anything that is required in a dental office. Let me know if anything comes of it!

Taylor Southwick

email:tasouthwick@msn.com
#:757-903-9030

Mom- thanks for the emails, even the short letter :) Love it! Sorry to hear you were sick :/ But glad you are better. Keep helping the missionaries in any way you can, and read that book! Also, I am glad you are a Dr.who fan, because I've really been able to connect with some people out here because of my limited knowledge. "Which doctor do you like best?" :) Also, I am doing totally great, my bag rocks- tell Christi- and my shoes are perfect. I have the right amount of warm and cold, and my jackets are just right. We were definitely inspired in our decision of clothing.  :) And I am so glad you sent pictures home! Oh, and I am definitely always safe! We have a full time car, so nothing can really happen to us. We've only been in the ghetto once, and it was not even in our area, we were just asked to teach a sister who needed to be taught by sisters. So don't worry! I love getting letters! From anyone and everyone :) ***Could you maybe send me my new testament notes? I was trying to remember some thing I couldn't get straight. They are on my hardrive. Not email, tangible please? Oh and Corinne! MUSIC PLEASE. we don't have cds and at the time, ipods aren't allowed. we need it for our car, we don't have any! Everything we bought was allowed. Please send it!

Last random fact- Mom, the Bishop's wife looks just like you! It's scary. Her hair is really what gets me. She plays piano, and I always just think its you for a split second. It's weird.

Transfers are in two weeks, and Sister Cotton thinks she might be going. I sure hope not! Praying hard for it. We love the area, and the ward, and the people. I love missionary work! Nothing more trying, or rewarding! missing you all a lot, but still so very excited to be here!

Remember I love you all, and I know Heavenly Father does too!

Sister Penrod

p.s. Ehemm Ashlee Cato....?

Boo to President's Day

Wow there is no time for me to write because of Presidents day, the library wasn't open, so we have a way short time stretch to write today. Also, my keyboard stinks so no edits and lots of typos!! Urgh.

The week has been great! Unfortunately, I forgot my sticky note with all my notes of what happened so I might not remember a ton. I'm sorry! Believe me it's frustrating when your companion has an ipad that she can email anywhere with and you don't! But in two weeks I will, so that's pretty awesome. Patience is something I've been studying a lot this week.

No mom, not because I've been impatient.... but because it was something on my list that I know is necessary for me to learn. This is what I've come up with.

Basically any scripture in the Book of Mormon that has to do with patience includes four things. 1- take comfort, the lord will guide thee 2- be patient in thy suffering 3- the Lord will strengthen thee, and 4- he will show you much success/ he will let you be an instrument in his hands. Really, look it up in Alma and Moroni- i think those are the references. I would double check but no time! I really loved the study though, because patience is something that applies to every aspect of our lives. It's a hard thing to have become second nature, but even trying to use it is a growing experience.

Corinne- oh my gosh. CONGRATULATIONS! I AM SO NOT SURPRISED, and I am so so excited and proud of you. So what does this mean? And you'll hear from BYU in two week if not this week right?! I can't wait to know what they offer you :) YEA! but also, I am so excited about your new piano teacher! Send me clips of new songs! when I have an ipad I can actually listen to them!!!! I am so stoked for your exciting life. Also oh my gosh, I love the dresses! Use the sparkly one for prom, trust me, don't waste it on Mormon prom!!! I want to see pictures on!

Jeremy- I've been faithfully promoting the dress spot out here, a few people are engaged and the moms need dresses, so make sure its still going strong! And no word on if you got thee job or not yet!

Annie and Russ- you both looked beautiful! Russ- I have met a ton of people from Meridian! What are your parents names and what ward are they in? Do you know any Horlachers? They are an awesome member family out here, love them!

Erin and Dave- Erin I'm sorry you still haven't gotten your pain figured out, no fun. I'll be praying for you! and Dave, I hope work is going well. Any news on Nashville?  :) I get my ipad in two weeks! woo hoo! A lot of missionaries don't know what they have in their hands, it's so frustrating!!!!

Christi and Jim- thank you for writing me Christi! I love your letters! The activity sounded fun, and I am so jealous about violin lessons! Please end me pictures of the kids, I really miss them too! And they won't be emailing me anytime soon.

Mom and Dad- I'm glad your valentines day went well. I love reading both your emails, the perspectives are hilarious. and I am glad that Dad you got to see Grandma and Grandpa! tell Grandma how much I loved her letter, it was really so very nice to get on Valentines day! And, Sister Cotton loved it too- she mentioned her and that they already loved her. Sister Cotton doesn't have a ton of family support, definitely not grandparents, so every time she's mentioned in these letters I tell her and she loves it. Even the facebook stalking mom. She loved that I had warned her you would, and that you did. It was a pretty good job too! 

We taught primary on Sunday- that was such an experience! I loved it, because we got to sing songs, and work with the kids. They really love us in the ward! We have dinners every night, like every single night, so we get to meet a lot of the member and a lot of families. It is some of the best moments when they remember who we are, or when they point and say- those are the missionaries! it's too cute. And they make us stuff, all the time. I have 2 bracelets that are made of the little rubber bands for little girls hair, because it's all the rage here. so sweet! We taught about us looking like Heavenly Father, and it went pretty well! But funny was that they had told us it was a big primary. I think they would be blown away with our primary. at least, when I grew up, my primary was probably twice as big as this one. It was still very fun :)

MONICA UKAH- Corinne get on her case please, where is she? Anyway, this applies to everyone but especially Monica Ukah. Sister Cotton needed a new skirt- too much good food here, it's a sign of my eminent doom- so we went to goodwill. The goodwill's here are, HUGE. like almost Costco sized, it's crazy. Monica would be in heaven. In my area alone, there are 4 Goodwills. It's crazy. Anyway, I found a Talbot blazer that was practically unworn- $4!!!! It's awesome, I'll send pictures home next week :) I love it, and I think I'll be set for the rest of my mission if all my areas have a good will. It's sweet. And, since no one likes the overly long skirts anyway, they are all donated and in goodwill! 

Valentine's Day was wonderful! We felt so loved as missionaries. We have approximately 6 boxes of chocolate in our apt, as well as a whole bowl of chocolate and candy. It's dangerous, but I love it. Sister Cotton didn't know what Sees chocolates were! So I had to explain, simply by opening the bag and eating one. It was eye opening for her :) But we are trying to be better about eating healthier! It's a process definitely. 

Dan: man, we had a powerful lesson with him this past week. We have encouraged him to stop smoking everything he has been smoking, not just the cigarettes, and I think he finally has started the process. We were at a member s home, and we were discussing some doctrine, and I wasn't really saying much, since I am not the most studied scholar in deep doctrine. Sister Cotton has been teaching Dan for four months, so she has been getting a little frustrated with his questions, since she knows that he knows everything is true. At one point, she bumped me to jump in the lesson, and I, hesitantly did. I shared with him Ecc 12:12-14. It was something I had studied in the morning, and it made me think of Dan a lot. I explained to him why I think it says that much studying is weariness of the flesh, and how there's a point where we won't ever know it all. I sort of just went into bearing my testimony and explaining to Dan how we knew how much the Gospel would change his life, more so than it already has. It was a really really neat spirit in the room, and I could tell we all felt it. I asked Dan to commit, for the 5 or 6th time, and he said he just needed some time. We hope that means he is trying to stop his other bad habits. We think it does mean that, since he has started going to bed early and getting up early, rather than partying. And, today, we go to the Bishop's storehouse, and he randomly showed up! Like, we had mentioned it before, never told him when or where and what- and today he just shows up with his friend! It was a huge surprise, but the coolest thing about it was that in the morning, I had said to Sister Cotton, oh man we forgot to invite Dan. AND HE CAME ANYWAY?! It was amazing. We will teach him this week in a members home again, and hopefully we can set a date for him. It's going to happen, we just don't know when yet. Oh and he paid tithing on Sunday. ok Dan.

I went tracting for the first time this week! And man my first street was crazy. 2nd door- slammed in my face. 3- not interested 4- used to be Mormon 'in another life' etc etc it was fun. But we went to two streets, and the second street, we found two people who were really open to it! We set a return appt. with one, named Mistie. Another we invited to the fireside we had on Sunday, and he actually came! He practically approached us that day and said, I'm looking for a bible study, I need to know more. So we said, ok ! We will see where it goes :)

The weather has been really nice lately and I love it! Sun,  please stay.

Funny story: we are helping a less active lady in our ward, and we were making some meals she could freeze. She has 6 dogs,and loves them like children. I hadn't been in her kitchen before, but as I step through the door, what do I see? Dozens, upon dozens, upon dozens of Pillsbury Doughboy collectibles. I can't describe how much there was. Oven mitts, aprons, utensils, Tupperware, paper towel rolls, cups, plates, apple slicers, dish soap, etc. all Pillsbury Dough Boy. I wish I could politely take a picture. I was laughing the entire time. 

I've really been missing music and my viola lately. I need to find someone who has one! We don't have musical numbers in our ward, and that's frustrating. But its alright. I'm praying everyday to get the missionary opportunity. 

Oh cool thing! On Sunday we had a fireside for people who were interested in learning more about the church, and it went really well. Kinda planned last minute, but still very awesome. Well, the stake president's daughter was in the seminary class we went to that one day, and she liked us I guess. so she brought a friend, and introduced us, and it was all really cool. Her Mom came up to us later and told us that her daughter was just so excited about us being so awesome at seminary, and that she wasn't scared to invite her friend because she knew we would be cool about it- or something like that. It was just neat because I honestly hadn't really thought about being a role model for some girls, but this generation is about to make the decision on mission, so we kind of are! It was really sweet to hear from a youth. 

I know I have so so much to tell, but I just don't have time. I love getting hand written letters, because then I actually get the time to read them! I wish I could respond to everyone, but I can't! Shout out to Sister Sale for the beautiful card she sent too! I really loved it, it's on my wall!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day/ Veterans day, and I can't wait to get to write you a better letter next week. Love you all and miss you tons! Keep being good missionaries! And read Moroni 7.

Love,

Sister Penrod

Should brakes make that grinding sound?

Dear Family,

Ah another week has gone by, so fast! I can't believe how time flies out here. I love everything still, no worries! I do miss you all too, especially when you all got to be together! Even Corinne, who usually is a little stinker and doesn't come out to Utah! Annie, I loved the outfit you had on, it looked like it was a really fun dance! I wish I could've been able to see it too! But, I know you did awesome, since everyone talked about it :) And it was nice to see pictures, thanks mom! Sierra, I like the blond again, looks good! And Jim, nice scruff.

Before I get into everything, I have a few thank yous to give! First of all, KARMA AND THE CHRISTENSEN FAMILY- thank you so so so very much for the wonderful Valentine's Day package! I love it! And it was so nice of you to be thinking of me! The note was wonderful, and I liked the drawing too! I'm guessing it was from Brianna? It really made me feel loved, so thank you so much! Unfortunately, my companion made me eat most of it by myself.... :) I really did try to share with her, I promise! Oh, and I hope everyone is doing well!

And second, the Olson's rock! Thanks so much for the nice note and a little help :) I love getting mail, and that really made my day! I would send you a thank you note, but I don't know if I'll ever get the time to write, so this will just have to suffice! Hope everyone is doing well!

Well, this week we were just busy! We haven't done any tracting yet because we have had plenty of appointments, and plenty of people we are trying to visit. We sometimes just drop by people so that we can try and catch them, but we don't always get them. Like I said, we have a ton of less actives, so we are working on meeting them, and connecting them with people in the ward. A lot of people have fallen on hard times out here, but at the same time, we have a lot of families who are newer to the area and are ready and willing to help. So we are trying to make it happen!

Dan, the investigator? Well, like I think I mentioned last week, he decided to quit smoking on his own last week, but he's been solid for a whole week now! Which is really exciting. He is such a funny guy! He knows his bible well, really well. We had 3 lessons this week in a members home with him. On Wednesday, we talked about the priesthood, and he was given a blessing, to help him with the smoking thing. It was really incredible, because the next day, we had a lesson at another member's house, and he asked a few questions about the Restoration. We pointed out a few places in the Bible where it really talked about how Christ's church would be established through a prophet again, mainly Acts 3:21, and somewhere in Corinthians, and he thought about for minute. Then, he basically says "Well, I think I know this is true. But I'm not totally sure." It was awesome, and the Spirit was so very strong. He told us too that when he was first meeting with us, it was because he was really concerned for us, and how he was distraught that we had been misled. Apparently, we get that a lot out here. Baptists really are worried about Mormons! Anyway, Dan is awesome, and we can't wait to see where he goes from here. Sister Cotton is hoping he'll be able to serve a mission.... we'll see!

We met a wonderful lady named Melissa this week, and she is just so very prepared! She told us all about the problems she had in the past with drugs and alcohol, and how she's learned that through God, she can change her life. We are really hoping she reads this week and we can help her understand the Gospel! She's very very sweet, and southern :)

Another awesome experience this week was meeting Vikki and Tracy. They are in laws, and Vikki was a referral. So, apparently, she wanted to start a Bible study, because she wants to learn more, and she wants to share the message with people in her apt complex. Well, we call her and set up a time to meet, even though we aren't really sure how to help her start a Bible study... Anyway, so we meet and talk with her, and ask how she got to mormon.org to start a Bible Study, right? She says that she googled how to start a bible study, and we were the first ones to pop up. Can someone fact check this for me? Why would we be the first ones to pop up? Sister Cotton and I are pretty confused/ amazed still. So we taught her sister and her, and we have a return appt. set. We hope they read the Book of Mormon and have questions. They have a church, but didn't feel comfortable going to their pastor and asking for help with it. Interesting, but we feel it's a really neat opportunity given to us by the Lord!

Other funny things about this week?

Well, we had an appt with a guy named Matt, who called us and said that he had met with missionaries in another area, but he just moved here. So we are so excited, and have a member with us because of the rules. We actually asked this member like 5 minutes before the appt, and she was awesome- YW president- and said she would come. So we get to the home, and start talking with him. And then for the next two hours, he asked one or two questions about our religion, and mostly expressed how he studied the bible well enough to share his set opinions on deep doctrine. Sister Tippets was amazing and interjected and explained things and set him straight when he expressed falsities about what we believed. It was a really really long night though. Sister Cotton and I were just drained afterwards, and didn't really know what to say. He basically gave us a sermon for a few hours. It was a mild bible bashing I guess. But, he did play a really out of tune piano for us, so that was nice.

An Elder in our District got hurt a few weeks ago and found out he has to get knee surgery, a meniscus tear? Last p-day, we were all together, and he was really distraught about whether or not he would have to go home for the surgery, depending on his insurance. He contacted who he needed to, to find out if it was covered or not, but they said it would take a week or so. He was really frustrated, so I started talking to him about it, and explained that he could find out his benefits and eligibility without the doctors office. He just wouldn't have a pre authorization. So, he got permission to call and find out, and I walked him through the whole call, about in network and out of network, preferred/ non preferred doctors, the facility bill and the doctors bill, etc etc. He just looked at me after every question from the operator and i would say the next thing to ask, and what to write down. It was pretty funny, but after the call I felt confident that he would be able to stay because he had really good coverage, even out of state. Then, a few days later, we were all at zone meeting and he told us he does get to stay! So I was really grateful, as was he, that I could use my limited knowledge of dental insurance from this summer to help him feel some peace of mind. It was just another awesome affirmation from the Lord that I was absolutely prepared to be here right now! And thanks Dad/ Kathleen!

Everything here is musical. In this city alone, there are at least 5 or 6 music shops! They are everywhere! And we were in a boutique this week, talking to a potential investigator, and I saw the cooooooolest viola. It's too awesome for words, so I'm going to take a picture and send it next week. Because it's really awesome.

Dave, make a primary game app for the iPad, we need it desperately. I love iPad,s and cant wait to have one! We can use videos and songs and everything we would ever need. But really, if someone, Jeremy and mom maybe, could get on top of digitizing Primary sharing/singing time visual aids, that would be awesome. This week we could have definitely used them to help kids learn songs to sing! And, we go to an adult daycare place, for adults who have special needs or are just unable to take of themselves during the day, and we teach them primary lessons. If we could have visual aids, it would be a lot easier! It's called Wings, and we really love it, it's really a neat experience every time we go. One of our ward members attends there.

We taught the YW this week at church, about our bodies being temples. I thought it went well, considering we only have 5 young women in our entire ward. It's so sad, I wish we could help build it up! But, Sister Cotton felt that it wasn't a good lesson, because of the lack of participation. She just didn't experience the same type of YW I did I guess. No offense to any leaders I ever had, I loved YW, I just remember those days of not participating. Haha....

Oh, random fact: everyone has multiple cats or dogs out here. It's weird. But I can't even think of one house without a cat or dog. Good thing I like them right?

Our car is possibly in disrepair. Our brakes started making a weird noise a few days ago, we will get it checked today. We asked a member, "What does it sound like if your brakes are broken?" he said"it makes a grinding sound." " yep. their broken." Haha, so we will see today! It's a nice car, a chevy Malibu- i think- and only 40000 miles. We love it.

So I didn't ever explain my area, but it's really beautiful! It's basically two peninsulas, with lakes and rivers all around. I can't wait for spring, I know it'll be beautiful. If you have money here, you like on the lake, have a boat, and a private dock. It's awesome!

Fun fact: Hendersonville is where- 1 Taylor Swift is from, and attended high school. 2 Is where Kelly Clarkson and Taylor Swift live, and their families. and 3 Is where Johnny Cash is from, and where he is buried. One pday we will go see his grave! Pretty random right? This little town in Tn, and all these famous people!

Well that's mostly it from me to y'all! I have really loved getting personal study time in the morning though, because I love reading the scriptures! Everyday I discover something more incredible and new about the gospel. This week, it was Alma 7:11-12. It explains how Christ is our Savior, and how he atoned for us. But what stuck out to me was that he suffered not only for our sins, but for us in the flesh. He knows every pain we feel, emotionally and physically. It meant a lot to me because we visit quite a few people who are unable to do things they want and need to do, simply because they are in pain, sick, or needing some surgery. It's a surprising amount. I've met multiple people who have Lupus, Fibromyalgia, need knee surgery, meniscus surgery, etc. etc. It's more than a comfort to know that we will never be alone in our sufferings, because of Christ.

I am so grateful to be serving here in TN, and can't wait for what this next week will bring! Missing all of you, and sending love!

Sister Penrod

p.s. sorry no pictures today!

p.p.s IT SNOWED! but it melted before we even went outside :) That's how I like it.

Pics from Emma

1- my comp in the mtc, at the infamous map

2- i got this random huge bruise on my arm... weird.

3- the sisters in my district!

4- JESSIE AND KYLIE- the lord prepares his missionaries. If not, I wouldn't have ever known where to find the lint, and laughed so hard at this because it happened again!!!

5- the rest- my apartment!

Howdy y'alls!

Howdy y'alls!

It's y'alls because that's what you use for more than 20 people. Anyway thank you so so so much for all the emails!!! I can't respond to everyone, I really wish I could!!!!! But I love hearing from you all! Seriously, it was so nice! Jessie, Grandma Penrod, Angie, Denise, Corinne, Annie, Dave, Jeremy, mom and dad, Sierra, and probably a lot of other people I missed too! Like Kristen Blackham!! Anyway, of course I don't have enough time, but I am trying hard to get it all in!

The MTC was great, glad to make it through! I didn't even mention that we had two amazing speakers, Sheri Dew and Janice Kapp Perry, and so many other people who were very inspirational! I tried out and was chosen to play for a devotional on the last night we were there, which was awesome! I was really glad I had the chance to play! Even though it was the violin....

We woke up at 3:30 to make it to the airport, and our plane had a connection in Atlanta. We ended up waiting 2 hours in Atlanta, so that was lame, but ok. I sat next to a nonmember on the second ride, which was rare since it was a skipper plane and there were 22 of us traveling together. She gave me her info and wanted to Facebook friend me! Which was awesome! My first experience contacting!! Then we went to the mission home, stayed the night, were fed breakfast, and taken to transfer meeting! Our president and wife are really great, so nice and loving! Everyone has such a respect for them, it's awesome. At transfers, I got my first area and companion! Sister Cotton, serving in Hendersonville!

It was really exciting, simply because of the name {Henderson is Fawn's maiden name], and honestly, Sister Cotton is perfect!!!!! Really so right. Our companionship is incredible. I'm not just being missionary like, I really really love her to death. She's from Washington DC.  Anyway she is really just so great. And guess what.... She plays viola!!!!!! She stopped once she got to college, but she knows how!! And I had to give a prayer and she said that once I did, she felt very strongly that I was her trainee, so that's pretty neat too. We seriously are just of one mind. This first week has been a thousand times better than any expectation I even ever had thought up. She keeps saying I came pre-trained.... definitely not true, but still nice. She actually reminds me of Annie a lot of the time, which is strange, but also comforting. She is also younger than me! Weird right? But I don't mind. She attends William and Mary college. And she can fit a whole cupcake in her mouth! And she has a sweet tooth- not really comparable to mine- but we just get along so well. It's like we've lived together before. I love it. She is so very focused on the Spirit, and very much in tune.

One of the coolest things that happened this week- Sister Cotton was chosen as one out of eight in the mission to test out iPads!!!! So we get to do it together! I'll get one in 2 or 3 weeks, but for now, it's just been awesome! We pray everyday to find new ways and better ways to utilize the tool. It's awesome! But she had to go to Nashville to get the thing so I had to go on exchanges, but since our area is kinda far from other sisters, I ended up going with members!!! On my 3rd full day in the area! It was very scary, I cried the night before in anticipation, but it turned out all great! We met a few members and each one thanked us for the inspired words they needed to hear. it was AWESOME! I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY.

Weird facts: Here, KFC and Pizza hut are called buffets, so we ate at Pizza hut Buffet, and you pay 6 bucks for all you can eat pizza and dessert and all that. It's weird, but delicious. Don't worry, I had salad too.... :) Also, Russell, there is a family in our ward named the Horlachers, and they are from Meridian!!! They are sooo awesome, so awesome that they invited us over yesterday for dinner, even when it was the super bowl. So they rock! They may have been in your stake. I just didn't know details so we couldn't pinpoint anything. 

Corinne! I went to seminary this week! And guess what!!! We slept in. Our alarm may have not gone off, but it was weird. We straight up arose at 6:25, left at 6:27, and made it before the opening hymn! We were trying to help Sister Johnson, the teacher, answer some deep doctrinal questions about Jesus and Heavenly Father being Gods. It went so great! And helped me meet and connect with the youth in our ward. It rocked! I love seminary, so much more than I ever ever did before. But I do continue to respect you for waking up every morning....even if dad has to help out sometimes :)

OH! I haven't talked about the awesome culture in the south! IT is so so so friendly! I absolutely love it! The first day, we went to pick up a pizza, and Sister Cotton just brings up Jesus Christ, and this guy starts talking to us, and she gives him a Book of Mormon!!! You can seriously talk about any religious thing with anyone! I love it!!! The good ol joke here was that it's just like Utah! Because there's a church on every corner!!!! However, it's not all the Mormon church. It's every church in the world. Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Protestant, seriously every religion. We even just heard about a new Atheist Church in Nashville! 

We had met the night before with the Johnson family, and their son Jake. It was so neat, I felt so very guided by the spirit to answer the questions that he had for us, and he is struggling to decide about his mission in the next year. However, on Sunday, his mom came up to us and told us that he had shared the gospel with 2 other friends, and she felt like it was largely because of the spirit we had brought to their home earlier in the week. It was very very neat. 

Dan: investigator, red headed, smoker, 23. He's awesome! So nice!!! And he's so good at studying, bible and bom! We have been working with Jane, ill explain in a bit, with Dan too. Dan smokes, but we weren't sure if he had quit when we met him or not. Fast Sunday, we all three, sis. miss and Jane, decided to fast to help Dan smoke, and we were going to challenge him about it this week. Well, Dan always comes to church, and what did he tell us yesterday? I asked him about how his fasting was going, and he explained that he practices fasting more like lent, giving up something for a week, and he decided to quit smoking. Fasting is so real and powerful!!! Just like the rain for you Californians!!! BTW, there are a ton of CA-ins out here, it's awesome. They like me more because of it :)

Jane: just baptized two weeks ago, i got to see her confirmed yesterday- it was a weird situation because of that but too long to explain. Anyway, so she had a son named Adam who took his own life 3 years ago. The sisters were teaching Dan and Jane separately, and then one day they both come to church and guess what? DAN was ADAM'S best friend!!! So Jane and Dan start crying and they just couldn't believe they were reconnected after all this time. Through the gospel! It's so so awesome! We are trying so hard to help Dan quit, so that he won't be clouded about the truth of the gospel. he knows it's true, but he's confused because of the smoking and alcohol.... it'll come in good time we know it. 

Dinners at members homes: awesome! We had shepherds pie one night AND carrot cake, and I thought about dad. It was nice. Worst thing I've eaten so far is nothing, it's all good southern cooking! No fried chicken or potatoes yet though. The ward is so awesome. They feed us practically every night. Sisters have been in this area for less than a year. Sister cotton trained here last transfer too though. 

Our ward is awesome like I said. A TON of less actives, but also a myriad of super strong families who really are solid in the gospel. Sister Cotton and I took a few minutes to pray together about where we thought the Lord wanted the work to go in this area, and we both had the distinct impression that it was through the members. I even strongly felt to not focus on baptisms at all. I really know that if we build this ward, we or maybe the next missionaries, will have such a solid foundation to find and baptize and retain members. We are really excited to work on this, since there are so many less actives who we are working hard to reactivate. It's just all so wonderful! 

We discovered this week that Sister Cotton and I have voices that definitely blend together well. We can't quite do harmonies, but we are working on it. I shared with Sister Cotton that one of the coolest things Sister JK Parry shared was about how "nothing brought the spirit more strongly and quickly on her mission than singing songs in less active members homes, because it brought to their memories what they were missing" so we are singing almost everywhere we go. And I know Sister Parry was absolutely right, without a doubt! The spirit has been so so very strong, I just am amazed and so very grateful.

Random events: In our apartment complex, we met 2 people this week! One night we were going to our apt, and Sis Cotton said hi to someone, then we started talking- turns out she was baptized in 85, less active since 90; not even on our lists! We are trying to reach her and work with her, but we haven't been able to yet. Still awesome! 

This is the best random event. Our apartment smells very strongly like smoke, since the person below us smokes- lame. But the third day or so that I was here, I said to Sister Cotton "All we have to do is convert our neighbor below us, then the smoke will go away, and all will be right!" She just laughed ya know.... WE MET HIM TWO NIGHTS AGO. And what does he say to us? Well we are talking, he tells us a story about his motorcycle ride that day and how he almost died, we mention god, he says he figures he must have a purpose if God let him live this long- BOOM, WE COULDVE GIVEN THE PLAN OF SALVATION RIGHT THEN AND THERE.  But we withheld, gave him an invitation to a fireside we will be holding in a week, with a map of directions to church, which HE asked about, when and where, etc. etc. The Lord has not only good ears, but also a sense of humor. I love it. So much.

Little things like that have just been happening all week. Like we made a list of less active families we are shooting for to work with, and half of them showed up at church the next day. WHAT?! That's a miracle. So is Dan quitting smoking without us even saying anything to him about recently. I just am so grateful for the amazing blessings I've been given since out here. Loving members of the ward, who are so willing that they will go on splits with the brand new sister! And an amazing companion who totally gets me and I get her, and she doesn't eat super healthy hallelujah!!! And she loves goldfish, etc etc I can't even list all the blessings.

Mom, I got the package! THANK YOU for the cookies :) also Mom and Dad, I don't think I'll be needing a bike soon- knock on wood and say some prayers please. We have a full time car, and Sis Cotton has been out 6 months and hasn't needed her bike yet. YEA! she says that Brother Rodak is trying to keep and put all the sister in cars. So I hope that's true! Also, it is so nice to have my bedding, and the Corinne blanket. I was hoping you would send that one.

Oh I haven't even mentioned the millions of ways I've seen the Lord has prepared me for this mission! But one little one that I absolutely believe is true--just ask my roommates-- is bananas. I HATE bananas, right? Well, the only thing I can stand at all with them, is banana bread-since mom made it a lot when we were younger, and I just grew up with it. Well, sometimes we wake up early and make treats for people we owe thanks too. And guess what we like to make? BANANA BREAD. We made two loaves this week. It's a miracle. Haha, ok maybe not a miracle, but honestly really really cool that I can stand banana bread!!!!

Super sweet stake presidency wife! The third or fourth night here, she came and met me and dropped off really nice blankets for me and my companion, it was so nice! She called them comforters, like the Spirit ya know? Pretty sweet of her.

The pictures are kind of random because I can't spend the time to look at all the ones I chose to send. They are all from the MTC, the last ones are of my apartment, mostly just for you Mom :)

The apartment is really nice! I love it, minus the smoke smell, but either I smell more and more like smoke, or I am getting used to it :) Anyway, it's very nice- it has this huge painting of the second coming, random, and a washer dryer! Woohoo!!!

Cool story! We were having dinner with members, one named Lynda, and she was talking about how she didn't have the courage to bear her testimony, and she's been a member for more than a year. I challenged her to bear her testimony this Sunday, and she did! And it was wonderfully awesome. Testimony meeting rocked because it was very missionary and temple based. It was great!

We get to go to the temple on the 19th, and I am so excited! But I hear it's very small- I have seen it and it looks very small. I think it's definitely smaller than the Newport Temple, but I know the overall grounds are just smaller, so I might be skewed....

Cool story! The mission has very strict rules about music and books etc etc, but Sister Cotton was talking to me one day and asked me if I had read the book, The Power of the Everyday Missionary? And before she even asked, I told her it was the last book I read before my mission- THANKS ANGIE AND KYLIE!- and she was so excited! Because that's the only other book that is approved in our mission!!! So MOM, in my Valentine's day package (I get one right), please send me the book? After you read it of course!!!

Also, all mail has to be sent to the mission home, and then it takes like one extra day to get to me. Lame, but the truth. So, send it to the mission home address! 

Sorry about the grammatical errors again! No time, as always. And always feel free to edit! I give first names, because of confidentiality, I don't think it should be a problem, but I just think first names are better than the last. And please do cut out whatever you feel you need to. 

I just have to let you know how extremely happy I am here. Just so excited about everything! We feel the work hastening so so clearly! It's incredible the ways we can be blessed through missionary work! I encourage you all to open your mouths, because it will seriously be an incredible experience. Don't be scared! If you are, go read The Power of the Everyday Missionary, by Clayton Christensen!

I love you all so much, and miss you every single day! I love being able to write you each week! My p-day [preparation day] is officially Monday, so now you know! Also, that picture from Craig came from a member here who mentioned Ryceejo, and I said I knew her! So she was really sweet and texted Ryceejo that picture, then I think she sent it to Craig. 

Shout outs:

Angie- I am so extremely happy for you and your family. In my week here, I have felt so strongly the blessings of an eternal family, and I am so very glad that you get the opportunity of sealing them all to you. I am just so very excited! Thanks for the email!

Kristen- Please tell Katie that I am so happy for her! So excited! And I can't wait to hear more about all these stories! Thanks for that awesome email!

Kylie- I CAN'T WAIT FOR YOU TO FINALLY GO IN!!! I HAVE BEEN THINKING ABOUT IT ALL WEEK, AND I KNOW YOU ARE GOING TO BE GREAT!

Jamie- JAMIE AND COREY I LOVE YOU FOR THE CUPCAKES! It was too nice of you. I forget if I already thanked you, but I seriously loved you! Also, I'm still waiting for....you know, the news :)

Corinne- again, respect. seminary. and I miss you, but I think about you every night because of the blanket mom sent me :) Keep writing me, good luck in finals, and let me know about the Book of Mormon thing. Also, I stopped crying a long time ago, so what's up with you! Haha just kidding. But I did only cry once this week, the night before I found out I was going on splits with members.

Grandma and Grandpa- Thank you so very much for the letter, and the card!!!! It was so very kind of you! And thank you so much for the best family history ever!

Jeremy-I will definitely be praying for you and your job! I can't wait to hear about it! That would be awesome to get it. Also, I am glad about Craig too, because I don't know if our family would be as close to him and mom wouldn't have received a picture of me this week! And all the other great things Craig brings to our family.

I got so many emails this week, thank you!!!!!

I miss you all and love you all, 

Sister Penrod

p.s. the weather- I just keep hearing that it's not supposed to be this cold in TN, but I'm pretty sure that it will get warmer. 31 today!!!!