February 16th E-mail

Well Hello! how have you guys been?!?! I am absolutely loving life! This last week was probably one of the most memorable weeks of my mission. The entire Bassett family was baptized! Bruce and Laura were baptized by a member of the ward (Bro. Palmer Sr.) and the Nick was baptized by Bro. Palmer Jr. and then Elizabeth asked me if I would baptize her! So there were 7 people that got wet that day! It was awesome! She is the only person that i have personally baptized.. I kind of has a goal not to baptize anyone personally on my mission just because I think its better for the person getting baptized to make that connection with someone who will be there after we leave as missionaries but the ward is fellow shipping them so well its awesome to see. I don't feel like they will be left behind by any means. But it was nice to be a part of the baptism and also be able to confirm Elizabeth as well. After their confirmations in sacrament Bruce got the Priesthood and was ordained to the office of a priest and then he turned around and ordained his son! Nick! To the office of a deacon! This family is just taking off in the gospel! It is so fun to watch. They weren't nervous at all or at least they didn't show it because both days at their baptism and at their confirmation they were smiling the entire time! The Lord has truly blessed us! And He continues to bless us! I have seen a complete change in this whole family and I know with all my heart that it came from our loving Heavenly Father and because of our Savior Jesus Christ! The turning point that i saw with this family was when they opened the BoM and began reading it... Until then they were very dormant in their progression.. But afterwards they just took off and they continue to do so! It has been amazing and I'm very grateful that i am able to be a part of this process with the Bassett family. We definitely have to have them come visit us when they are down that way in June... (early June). I want you guys to meet them. They are awesome! I am glad to hear that dad's eye is doing better. And that they are making progress with it! Hopefully it will be all cleared up by the time i get home! at least by that time... So the blessings continue to roll on. The bishop talked to us Sunday and he has had a kid that is 15 named Will who has been living with his family for a while and Will told him that he wanted to learn about the church and so Sunday night we went and taught Will. He seems sincere and willing to learn and pray.. So hopefully he will gain a testimony and we can get him baptized here shortly! That would be pretty dang cool.. So pray for Will. And i will keep you updated on that as well. But hey I love you guys very much! I hope all is well with you! Thanks for all of your prayers and support! Take care of yourselves! Love ya!

Elder Penman