Penrod, Isaac

Hello everyone I have finally decided to make a diligince and write an actual Email today. So first things first you're probably how Mckenna is as an area. Geographically it is large area full of farm land and other things like that. The ward here is good it has a nice even ratio of older members and younger members, sort of. There are lots of missionary minded members here as well. We have been gathering a bigger teaching pool lately actually. There's a two friends we are teaching at the moment and a lot of inactive we're visiting as well. There are some unbaptized children we might be teaching soon as well. An interesting fact about this area is the nearby cult called Ramtha. They believe in the big Lizard that dwells in Mount Reineir, so that's cool. We have one of their CD's in our car. Some struggles we've had here is well as I have said this area is mostly farm land and that also means gates and fences as well as the very common "Keep Out" sign. ...

Hi Elder Penrod, How was your week? How has everything been going? How have your lessons been? Did you learn anything new at church this week? We had a pretty busy week this last week. The kids are done with school. I think Curtis only went twice last week even though the schedule officially was that they attend all week. He even had teachers tell him covertly to not show up to class on some of the days, haha. Bethany was the only one that went to school on Friday. Cameron had an unofficial 9th grade sluff day and Curtis said that not even the teachers were planning on being there on that day, lol. Dad was able to accomplish a lot this past week. He has been able to get the trampoline base set up and most of his corrugated sheet metal attached (he will be burying the trampoline so it will need some sides to keep the dirt from getting under it). He also attached quite a bit of the siding. Learned how to make pocket holes for screws and made trim for the windows. It is coming along reall...

Hi Elder Penrod, How was your week? How are you and your companion doing? Are you surviving the service?  We had Stake Conference this last Sunday. It was really good. Both Dad and I sang in the choir and the kids sat in the balcony. They saw your mission pics. I guess they didn't get the new ones I sent them because they used the same ones as last time. President Arrington hit the topic of ministering really hard. He talked about the covenants we made at baptism and how we made a covenant to mourn with those that mourn and comfort those that stand in need of comfort. We have been more lackadaisical as a stake in how we minister to each other. I think that we took the advice that ministering doesn't mean a home visit, a hello counts. But, at conference, Pres. Amington stated that a home visit is the least we can do. We should be doing more to connect and reach out to our families we are assigned as well as those in our close proximity that may not be members. I have always had ...

Sorry I didn't write these last two weeks. It has been a busy two P-Days full of travel and too many areas with no interenet connection. The Service keeps coming. I thought poulsbo had a lot, but I was wrong. I have had a service almost every day these three weeks I've been in Mckenna. Elder Todd D. Christofferson came and talked to our mission. I think he had a talk planned, but the whole meeting kind of became a big QnA, I think the spirit had other plans. Alot of what we learned from that conference is that we should always rely on the spirit in our works. I kind of liked that. Elder Phillips gave a great testimony on how we should make sure that our testimonies are built on a firm foundation; that is Jesus Christ. Helaman 5:12. We did some service this older Gentleman named Ken. We asked him after the service if he wanted to leam more about the Book of Mormon he had. He hesitated, but said "sure". Tums out he's also good friends with some members in our ward. ...

Hi Elder Penrod, How is life treating you? How is your companion? How is the field? I hope that you are doing well. Last week was a bit crazy but not too much. We went with Scot to take out his endowments on Wednesday, It was so cool to be there for his first time. Grandma and Grandpa were grinning ear to ear. And when everyone was hugging and greeting each other in the celestial room, it was so very much like a piece of heaven. The spirit was so strong and the family unity that exists in the temple is so wonderful. I am trying to remember what I have already told you on Sunday so I apologize if I am repeating. Some other things that happened this last week: Beth and I went to a sushi making class. Now when you come home, we will be able to roll you some sushi to celebrate. Cameron is struggling with turning in his assignments. I don't know what it is with my kids and thinking they are too smart for school. Hopefully we helped him see the urgency and need to pass his classes so he ...

Dear mom. I appreciate you and your good parenting. You have been a good example for me on my mission. Oftentimes, I look back on the things that you have taught me, like worrying less about what others are doing and worrying more about what I can do for them, patience is a virtue, and I should look both ways before crossing the road or I WILL DIE. Thank you raising me the way you did, love you -Your Offspring

Hi Elder Penrod, How are you? How is the mission going? Are you enjoying your new area? What are you learning lately? I had an opportunity to go to a baptism for one of the kids that are in our ward. It is nice to be in the primary and have the special talent of waving my arm around, then you get invited to things like that i. It was especially cute because she wanted to speak at her own baptism so she spoke about how she decided to be baptized. It was a neat experience. We also have a very exciting night tomorrow. Scot has decided to go through the temple and take out his endowments. We are all so excited and happy for him as he receives this gift and the blessings that come from it. We will let you know how it goes. At work we have the opportunities to hear from different members from around the world. The one that we heard from recently is the coach from Highland High School. His coaching experiences are the inspiration for the movie "Forever Strong" about the Highland Hig...

Hi Elder Penrod, How has your week been? Have you enjoyed getting to know your new area? How is your companion?  We have been doing the usual. Your siblings are all very excited for the summer. If is crazy to think another school year has gone by. Curtis is going to be a senior, Cameron joining him as a high school sophomore and Beth will be our only child still in Junior High. Here are the birthdays for your reference: Bethany March 12th Cameron March 6th Curtis May 24th Dad April 21st Mom January 5th Some highlights from the last couple weeks: Beth has been hanging out with Madelyn more and going to the park with her on the weekends.  Cameron has been Dad's right hand man and helped cut down a tree and cement our mailbox into place (it was taken o by the snow plow, haha). Curtis is going on a date this Saturday. Rustin wants to go see a movie so he encouraged Curtis to find a date so he asked Mickey to be his date. Dad has been super busy both at work and at home have been e...