Weekly Update - May 02, 2007

Hello Everyone,

So, this is the first "real" Weekly Update for quite some time. But I still don't have as much time as is necessary to write an update that would bring you up to speed on everything. But I'll certainly try. So, here we go.

We had a Baptism last Sunday after church. It was for a David Ackermann. He will be confirmed this coming Sunday and then, after church, there will be ANOTHER Baptism. This time, for a Daniel Sage. And then, there's ANOTHER Baptism on the 19th of May for a one Mitch Nelson. So, it almost goes without saying that the Lord is literally POURING out His blessings upon us here in North Kansas City. We have been out and about doing the whole missionary thing and all is going well. It was going pretty slow there for a while, but as we continued to work, the Lord provided many blessings.

I am currently serving with an Elder Peterson and I just got word, last night, that we will be serving together again this transfer (the next six weeks). And I'm fine with that. I like him.

Elder Thurman is staying in the district as well. I've had the privilege of serving around him for the past three months. I came out with him from the MTC and this is really the first time that I've been around him my whole mission. So, that's exciting.

I've been learning and growing so much. Even still, in these past three months I've found plenty of opportunity to grow in many ways. I've been learning a lot about the gospel too. Something I've seen a lot recently is this: We need to qualify ourselves for the blessings that God WANTS to give us. If we don't qualify for His blessings, He's limited to what he can do for us. With all of God's mighty power, He does ask certain things of us. And when we obey, He blesses us immensely! I know that's true because I've seen it my own life and the life of many others around me.

I have less than six months left on my mission and it's almost disgusting how fast it's all going by. I have plenty of missionary life left in me, so I know I can finish strong and I plan to.

As you know, I'm currently serving in North Kansas City. There is a man here named: Larry Clarke. He is so funny! He's not a member, but his sweet wife is. He always has a "project" for us. He's CONSTANTLY doing something. We like spending time with him and I hope that all the time we spend with him will someday make a difference. He knows the Church is true, but I'm not entirely sure why he's so hesitant to be baptized. I know a few things and I have a few ideas, but I don't know for sure.

Larry Clarke has a HUGE house! (9000 sq ft including his finished basement!!!) He has a few people that live with him now. One of which is named "Kimmy." Why am I telling you this? Because Kimmy prepared something for us this week. She made us deep-fried Twinkies!!! Yup. Deep-Fried. I can hear you saying: "That sounds like the worst thing that you could POSSIBLY put in your body!" Well, I have this to say to all of you who are thinking that: ..."You're probably right." But it was surprisingly good. So, now I can add eating deep-fried twinkies to my list of things I've done before I die. (Or, at least, it's a good one to start such a list with.)

The weather here is starting to warm up.

I love you all! I know this was kind of short, but I tried to cram it full of the "highlights" and information that I thought you all would want. (Like the part about the twinkie. I know that was WAY important to a lot of you! * wink * )

Know that I love you and pray for you.

Your Son, Brother and Friend:
~Elder Garn Mosiah Penrod