Happy Christmas, Harry!

Chocolate gravy!

Sister Hulme

Our tree!

Grandma's present!:)

Thanks Corinne!

Sister Hulme is getting transferred and saying goodbye!

Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a great Christmas celebration this past week, I know I did! It was full of firsts, and new traditions I am going to have to make a part of my own traditions! I'll explain, don't worry :)

On Tuesday we invited the Young Single Adult sisters to come to our Book of Mormon study, so that they could meet some of the YSA kids in our ward. (YSA is any one who is single between 18-30, they meet together and do games and stuff all the time, and the missionaries serve on a college campus.) It's actually Sister Halbeisen and her companion, so that was fun to get to be around them again! I love sister Halbeisen! So we made dinner and ate together, and they came to our study together. And, we were able to give them Christmas presents! Just fuzzy socks, but still, it's the thought right? So it was a fun night.

Oh I forgot, that was the day we stayed inside because the mission doctor told me to treat myself for scabies. WOO, that was fun. Except for not. Especially since we are pretty sure I don't have scabies. But that's just how it goes on the mission.... So, we washed everything, and I had to buy an expensive cream that they told me originally was 12 dollars but actually wasn't. So it was a crazy, lame day. The best part was probably that I bought a subway pizza, those are good! But yea, not doing missionary work makes for a really long, boring day! Apparently the scabies are supposed to go away after a week or two? I'm not really sure, I'm sorta piecing the whole story together between five different people who have either heard about scabies, had scabies, or have no idea what scabies is. So that's why its so fun!

So then on Christmas Eve, we had a good morning at the Huddlestons, the sweet family who takes such good care of us! They had us for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas dinner. SO nice! They treat us like we are their family. It's so sweet. So on Christmas Eve morning, I learned how to make chocolate gravy! And I had it for the first time....really interesting! Not bad, but I might just stick with good ol' chocolate bars, or chocolate pudding.... haha! But I was just proud that I made something and didn't burn it! Like i did at lunch later that day... we'll get to that :) So it was a good ol' southern breakfast. Full of biscuits and multiple gravies, and breakfast casserole, hash browns, and fruit! So good!

Then we had district meeting, which is when all the missionaries in the area get together. It was good, and festive! And then, we did a lunch with all the sisters, so there were sis of us! And Sister Hulme and I decided to make chicken and rice, and then we had them each bring something. it was delicious, but we should have just done a salad! 1- because we forgot that all of us would be eating so much food anywhere we went over the next two or three days, because people love us here by feeding us. usually sugary things. and then 2- I totally can't cook, so that was dumb! i was in charge of the instant rice, and what did I do? instead of letting it 'simmer' for 7 minutes, I let it BOIL for 7 minutes! It started smelling smoky, and we realized....oh boy. Nothing caught on fire, and it wasn't too black. But here's how Sister Hulme put it: "The rice isn't burned, it's just....smoky :)" Haha, some things will never change! It was instant rice! I amaze myself sometimes.

So then we got to go in a little early on Christmas Eve, and we actually ended up switching with another set of Sisters, so that was a little crazy. One of the sisters needed to be with Sister Hulme, so we switched that night, and then switched back the next morning! It was fun to be with the other Sister, cause I love her! Then the next morning, we drove and switched, and celebrated Christmas with our companions!

And Christmas was wonderful. It was fun to be together and to be with wonderful families. We caroled to a few people, and then headed to the Huddleston's to have dinner and Skype our families. It was awesome to see everyone, even though it was crazy! I missed being there, but the Huddleston's was probably as close as I could get, here in the south. They made like 30 pounds of potatoes, it was insane. And they had the funniest traditions! They did presents from grandma, just like we do! And then, they had a birthday cake with the nativity on it, which was so curious to me. But little did I know that it was because they light a candle and actually sing Happy Birthday to JESUS! I loved it, it was insane, and so funny. I never would have thought about that! But I so appreciated it. Boots, our recent convert, came to dinner too, since she doesn't have any family around. The ones she did have kinda disowned her when she joined the church cause she changed so much, so now we are her family.

So it was a good Christmas overall! After Christmas we were just eagerly awaiting to hear about transfer calls, which came on Saturday. We found out that Sister Hulme is leaving, and going to Colombia Tennessee, which is in the Franklin area. And I am going to be companions with Sister Carpenter, who I know nothing about! I am excited, and nervous, and I have no idea what to anticipate. I just am praying that everything goes well, and that I don't forget everything I probably will forget! Sister Hulme won't admit it, but she's nervous to leave everything up to me here! But she's also just so sad to leave. she's been here 6 months, which is a long time! 

So next week, I'll start a whole new adventure here in Livingston, TN! I hope everyone had a merry Christmas, and was able to celebrate our savior's birth with their family and loved ones! It was a different Christmas for me, but I know that this is where I want to be. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to be serving God and sharing the gospel with so many people here in Tennessee!

Happy Christmas!

Love,

Sister Penrod

Merry Christmas!

Hey Everyone!

I don't have a ton of time today, so I will be keeping it short! (right....) This was a good, busy week. We did two exchanges, but I stayed in Livingston both days. It's always fun to have a new companion for the day, and learn from how everyone teaches. It was so fun, and I hope I get to be with the sisters I exchanged with more often! One of them was Sister Clyde's companion before, so it was fun to talk to her!

We had a cool miracle on one exchange. We have tried to teach this awesome lady named Michelle. She is friends with a member and she is always at their house! So when we went over, we would try to teach but the kids would be so loud and disruptive, it just never happened. But this week, we went over, and the kids were sick! Which was so sad, of course. But also, so awesome for us because we finally got to teach Michelle, distraction free! Hallelujah! And it was an awesome lesson. We explained a lot of her questions, and helped her understand a lot more about our message, and the Book of Mormon. It was so cool, and she really liked the Restoration, so that was awesome. We can't wait to teach her more, but it's always hard with the holidays!

We had some crazy sad things happen in our branch this week. There is the sweetest woman I have ever met who is battling cancer, and is so positive about it. But, her leg, which had the tumor, was really not doing well. So this week, they decided to amputate it. It was a sad thing to hear, but so far it has been the best thing for her! She was walking that night, just jumping around. She is the sweetest person, and has such a strong testimony. She lets the missionaries use her beauty salon for our district meeting, since we don't have a building here! It's so funny, and we love her! Also, apparently in small towns, when something goes around, it really, goes all around. So yesterday, every single house we went to informed us that they all had a three day flu, and every kid had
gotten it! Yea for us! Please pray that neither of us get it. I don't know if it's even possible that we don't since Sister Hulme says she picks up everything.... yikes! The other thing that happened was that one of the sweet families in our branch had a few of their foster kids taken away. There was a lot of illegal things that happened, since the parental rights were about to be dissolved and they were going to adopt them. But, it's just the beginning of course. It's always so sad to hear and see tragic things like that. It really makes me grateful for everything I do have. And more than anything, my mission has taught me that I never know the whole situation, and it is always better to sympathize than to judge. I have learned to love people so quickly. It just broke our hearts to hear the kids were gone. I love Heavenly Father and love that we can know there is a plan for us, if we can just stay faithful. No matter what comes our way, it's going to work out the way it should. And the pain we feel has been felt and overcome by Jesus Christ. That's the whole point of the Atonement. I am so grateful for that.

I actually gave a talk all about that this week. I'll paste it at the bottom of my email. It wasn't anything special, but it worked, and I meant it! I'd love to hear some feedback!

So this week, probably one of the funniest things that happened was at our Book of Mormon study group: we had about 20 people there, and it was great! I was leading the discussion, and everything went well until the very end. I asked if there was a volunteer to say the prayer, and one of our investigators who is 10 and super spunky yelled out "Let's say the Lord's Prayer!" which would be totally fine, we just don't usually recite prayers ya know? So someone volunteers, and after they say amen, the investigator goes right into the Lord's Prayer, "Our Father, who are in Heaven...." and what happens? EVERY SINGLE PERSON in the room says it right along with him. And I just look around at the Elders and the Sister I am on exchanges with, with my mouth wide open. I was shocked! And I could barely stop laughing. But it gets better. After they finish, the member sitting right across from me yells, "Sister Penrod, you don't know the Lord's Prayer?!" And EVERYONE looks at me! I said, no I sorta know it, i was just surprised everyone else knew it! I felt like a liar!  I know what the Lord's prayer IS, and I have heard it a few times before, but Ive never said it! But wait, it gets better. So thankfully, everyone starts their own conversations and we disband and I get out of that one. So then, one of the Elders comes up to me a minute later. His name is Elder Nalder, and he is actually a convert! He joined the church two years ago, and he was raised Catholic. So he asks me, "Sister Penrod, do you actually know the Lord's Prayer?" And again, I was so so so embarrassed! I just sorta said, yes/no/ why would I know it? And laughed it off.

So apparently it's a big thing here. And everywhere. And now, I know the Lord's Prayer. It was so funny though, to think about how everyone in the room was a convert to the church, and they had all grown up doing something totally different than we all do. I had tried to explain to the investigator that we like to pray from our heart, because God wants to hear what each of us are thinking! But I don't know if it sunk in. We'll see next week, and hopefully all the members don't jump ship on me again! Hahaha!

Sis Hulme has been sick again this week, exchanges really exhaust us and then she gets sicker easier. But this week, we don't have any to go on, so it should be great! It's actually going to be insanely busy, but I am so excited! I love Christmas, and I can't wait to read the Christmas story on Christmas Eve, even though I won't be with my family.

Thank you so much to everyone who has been sending cards and letters and packages. I feel so loved, and definitely not forgotten! I will be praying that you all have a good Christmas!

Love,

Sister Penrod

PS This is the town square, with the tree and the words 'in god we trust' all around the building! and the other picture is of the socks we bought :) we got a pair for all the sisters in our zone, and will be sending them to them for Christmas!

[Here is the talk she gave last Sunday in her branch]

Talk on why we do missionary work/ 'come and see' by Elder Bednar


Livingston branch 12/20/14

The other speakers will explain  a little more about the 'how to' of
missionary work, so I'm gonna focus on the 'what' and 'why'. And it's
perfect since its christmas time!

So what makes a missionary, a missionary?
Elder Bednar says : a missionary is a follower of Christ who testifies of him.

That's it! Well then everyone here has done that at some point!
Whether it was during testimony meeting on fast Sunday, or when you
were interviewed to be baptized! You have at some point in your life,
testified of Christ!

We all testify of Christ in small simple ways, that we may or may not
be aware of. When we follow his example, our actions, thoughts, and
words testify of him.

Why does it matter if we testify of Christ?
One, it's a way we show gratitude to God for Christ and his sacrifice for us.
Two, it's something we have been asked by God to do, so that we can
help others understand the importance and reality of Jesus Christ.

Ok, so of we know that god has given no commandment that we can't
handle, how come testifying of Christ and being a missionary is hard
sometimes?

Well, just as with any other commandment, there will always be an opposition.
That's why when we share the restored gospel with our friends and
family, often times they may feel like we are:
Pushing, selling, trying to persuade or convince that 'we are right'
and therefore 'they are wrong'

But the truth of it is that we are only trying to invite them to 'test
out our message'.

To Anyone who is interested in learning about the church, We want you
to bring every single thing you know to be true, and put our message
to the test, and see if it increases your understanding of Jesus
Christ and your faith in him.

Now, what exactly is this message we ask people to test?

It's this: We believe that the ' same church founded by the Savior
anciently has been re established on the earth by him in the latter
days. The doctrine, principles, priesthood authority, ordinances, and
covenants of His gospel are found today in His Church.'

I know that's real. I know this is Jesus Christ's church. And I'll
tell you how I came to know!

It's all because of something called the atonement. It's what is often
referred to as Jesus Christ's sacrifice, and how he claims the title
as our Redeemer and Savior. It's also why we make such a big deal over
Christmas, and celebrate his birth!

But I want to explain it because it's so much more than those words.
I've learned, as I've experienced different things, that the atonement
of Jesus Christ is what changes us to become more like him, and when
we act and become like him, we testify of him. So really, the
atonement is how we do missionary work!

There's a scripture that explains so much of what the atonement is.

10 And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the
land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen
vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the
Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God.

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and
temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled
which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his
people.

12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of
death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their
infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to
the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his
people according to their infirmities.

These verses explain that the atonement is not only the fact that
Christ died for us, but also that he felt every single pain and
struggle we have ever felt and ever will feel. And even after all
that, he still broke the band of death, and rose again.
All this, so that we could know there is a way to overcome whatever we
face in life.

So that means, that everything that is unfair about our life is made
alright through Jesus Christ, because he has already forged a path to
overcome it.

So that means, that whether we face life threatening diseases, cruel
judgment from those around us, loss of a loved one, financial burdens,
loss of a job, loneliness, depression, or really anything that might
make us question WHY, our savior has felt it all, and has overcome it
all.
And when we come to know that, we know we too will make it through
whatever is happening and not going right.

'The Atonement of Jesus Christ provides the cleanser necessary to be
made pure and clean, the soothing salve to heal spiritual wounds and
remove guilt, and the protection that enables us to be faithful in
times both good and bad.'

I know that Jesus Christ has felt all these things, because I have
felt the promised peace and healing that come when we ask and turn to
him for healing. My spiritual wounds have been healed.

And that's why I'm a missionary. And that's why everyone here is a
missionary, as they testify of Christ through there day to day actions
and words.
We don't have to feel burdened down, and guilt ridden, and remorseful,
and sad. Those feelings can be lifted from us through Jesus Christ.
And we want the whole world to know that because his church has been
restored, with all the things he set up, we can really know him.

It goes along with this principle: I love ice cream. I can eat so
much, it's ridiculous. At my house, we have at least three or four
gallons in the freezer at all times. It started because all three of
my sisters and I had braces, and we always wanted something cold on
our teeth to make the pain go away! Because of that, even after I got
my braces off,  if I ever had a bad day, I would go home and get me a
big bowl of ice cream because that made me feel just a little better.

So now, whenever I am with someone who is having a hard time, I always
want to go get some ice cream! Not because they like it, or want it,
but because I know it helped me, and I want it to help them. It's my
natural reaction and response to make them feel better.

It's the same with the gospel. Whenever we meet people in our lives
who are struggling with the twists and turns life throws at them, we
want to share about the gospel with them because we know it has made
us feel better. And it's made us happier, all because of Jesus Christ.

I'm grateful for the Christmas season when we get to remember what an
incredible gift God has given us in Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for
my Savior. And I'm grateful that God doesn't expect us to just believe
the words of one person. I am so grateful for prayer and the Holy
Ghost, or the Spirit.

I know that whenever we feel the peace and happiness the spirit
brings, God is pleased with us, and is letting us know what is true. I
hope you could feel that I know the things I shared are true. I hope
we can all try harder to be closer to God and his son, especially
during this season. And I know, that as we pray and ask for his help,
we will be guided.


I bear my testimony...

A Christmas Parade!!

This was one of the members, Lauren.  our favorite little person!!!!

Just take a minute and zoom in to that.  take in all the details:)

Sweet Sister Aiken taking us out to eat and to the parade.

Sister Hulme being doctored.

Hey youins!

I reckin you've been fixin to hear from me, and I gots a lot to write! Right smart!

This is my life. I am so confused sometimes! But I am starting to pick it up, bit by bit. I had to ask a member to teach me some. By the time I come home you might not recognize or understand me! It was a busy week, with lots of fun, but I'll try not to bore you to death with it all!

So there was a double miracle on Tuesday: I had Mexican food for the first time in a long time!!! And, the members who took us out to eat happened to mention that he had a violin he bought and had never played... and Sister Hulme and I about choked on our food!!! We have been looking for a second violin since I got here, so we could play some duets!! It was so cool, because it all worked out super well. He even was willing to buy strings for us to put on it so we could use it this week. It was such a tender mercy. And the Mexican food was SO good :) So that started my week off right!

We did another exchange with some sisters on Wednesday, which was crazy because we had a meeting in Clarksville the next morning. Clarksville is three hours away from us, and the only reason it was there was because we had a General Authority come and speak to us. Around Christmas, they do the meetings all combined, so half of our mission was there! It meant I got to see Sister Cotton, Sister West, Hermana Dansie, Sister Halbeisen, Sister Clyde, Sister Williams and Brown, and all my other friends too! It was a great meeting, and so fun to be together! But the logistics of getting all of us there was insane. No one thought it through when the idea was first announced, so sister Hulme and i did some arranging. It was pretty funny. Eventually, it came to this: there would be two big vans driving from our stake to their stake. So we all met up at 5:30 a.m. to make there for the 9 a.m. meeting. So not fun! but then on top of that, there had to be one car with four sisters that would drive there, since there wasn't enough room in both vans for everyone. so that ended up being us. and since we had to drive, they approved sleepovers for that one car, so sister hulme and i were going to go the night before and stay at the sisters apartments in that area. but we were on exchanges! so I ended up going in the van with Sister Gustavason, and SIster Hulme and Clyde ended up going the night before. It was just insane and crazy logistics. Too funny.... But it meant that I ended up driving the car back home that day, which I loved! It was like a mini road trip. The best part was that we got Panera Bread for dinner. I kinda forgot how much I loved it, especially since I hadn't realized that Livingston really doesn't have many options as far as food goes! So it was a fun but crazy, long day. We had left our trailer at 5 a.m. and got home at 9:30 p.m.!

So because of all the craziness, Sister Hulme got sick. She was just worn out and hadn't been eating the way she should have, so she wasn't doing to well the next few days. it was kinda a cool story though: We went to teach one of our investigators who lives with a member, and the members mom who happens to be a nurse. It was our last appointment for the night, and I knew Sister Hulme was really not feeling well. She was warm and probably had a fever. We were gonna just keep it short and then go home. So we go in, and as soon as we sit down, the members mom, named Jennie, asks, "Sister Hulme, are you feeling well? You like red. Do you have a fever? Have you been eating right?" It was crazy!!! My jaw literally dropped. I was so surprised! I could tell she wasn't feeling good, but she didn't look flushed or anything, it was crazy. Jennie then proceeded to doctor her. She took her blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, etc. She eventually decided that Sister Hulme was low on potassium and we needed to go buy bananas. While all that was happening, I was trying to teach a little lesson to
the other two, since I knew sister Hulme wouldn't want all three of us listening in on what was going on with her! It was so hard though, because I wanted to pay attention to it all so I could know what was going on. It was pretty hilarious to see. And kinda sad.

So then we went and put Sister Hulme to bed. We tried to take it easy the next few days, but we already had so much stuff planned, it was hard to do! She's doing better now though, so that's good.

What's the best thing about small towns? PARADES!!! They actually did a Christmas Parade here! Isn't that awesome??! Where else do you get to do a Christmas Parade, not a holiday parade even? It was SO fun. Totally reminded me of the parades in Oakdale growing up. They through candy out, and had tons of old antique cars. There were lots of horses pulling buggies, and roping and fun stuff like that! I'll send you the picture of my all time favorite float. It cracks me up, and so explains Livingston!

But it was awesome to get to go to, because everyone was out and about! So we walked up and down and handed out He is the Gift pass along cards, inviting people to watch the video. The very best member Sister Aiken took us there and passed them out with us! She is a great member missionary!

Then on Sunday, we finished off our week with our Christmas Potluck. Haha, it was so fun. We read the Christmas story and had a short music program! There are some good gi-tar players here! I'm already learning a lot more than I could do before! Mandolin too! Hopefully I get good o the banjo too. I'm serious. The potluck was great, a typical southern meal. It included: green beans and bacon, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, rolls, ham, squash casserole, but surprisingly no cole slaw! it turned out great, and everyone had a good time! I'll try to send home some videos somehow.

We ended the night by trying out our idea of caroling and tracting! So we knock on people's doors and sing them a Christmas carol. It is so well received I am sorta amazed. It's kinda scary to me. How would that go in California? I dare someone to give it a try. Knock on some random person's door and sing. Oh, and you can only have one other person with you. Crazy right? But we actually had a lot of people really enjoy it, and we got share our message with them too! I love doing it with SIster Hulme too, because her voice is incredible.

So that was the week in a nutshell. Busy busy busy, tiring, lots of driving, and a lot of teaching to. I am so grateful that there is always someone to talk to here. Even at the parade, we met three or four people who are looking for a church to try out. Gotta love the good ol south! I am so grateful to serve here, and to get to know such wonderful people!

Hope it's been a good week! And if it hasn't been, it's always fixin to be better!

Love,

Sister Penrod