CATCH UP!!

APRIL 25, 2013

Haha I loved your bilingual attempt, Madre.

Also I have been feeling alot better than I was. There are some lingering symptoms. But I have received two Priesthood blessings, one of which said that I will be healed from all of this :)

So I hold on to that heavenly promise.
AND I am being transferred to Dove Creek Colorado tomorrow! I am on "special assignment" and will be Sister Macaldo :) She is from the Philippines! Basically, she is a temple square sister who has come
to our mission to experience tracting and teaching lessons..all that good stuff. And President has asked me to basically show her a good time this last transfer in our mission.
My time is almost up. I spent to much time reading e-mails and not enough time responding. I am sorry to the people I didnt respond to!!

Oh!! also we have been told that we shouldnt have blogs...again for safety purposes. We will have to come up with another way of getting this info out and about so please be brain storming.

I love you!!!




MAY 6, 2013
Thanks for the kind words, mom. When we talked last night you apologized and said that your words would be redundant. However...Yes, they were the same words you spoke last night but regardless they bring me so much comfort. Thank you.

Again, I feel so heavy that words are hard to get out. But I know with a sureness that Chaz is ok...Bishop Olsen called me today and told me about a friend that he lost when he was a younger man. During this hard time Bishop Olsen's Bishop told him that "some people become as good as their ever going to become in this life and so the Lord snatches them up and takes them to their next phase of existence" That wasn't the direct quote but it was close. Bishop said that those words stuck with him and now they will stick with me. I know that I have felt Chaz near me these past few days and believe with all my heart that there really and truly is life after physical death.

Thank you again for you love. mom.

Lori e-mailed me.


I can't lie though...this whole experience with grief and loss has made me feel a little guilty. It makes me think back to when you were suffering the death of Mike...I could have been more patient with your suffering and I wasn’t. Now I know how it feels to have people not understand the pain you felt. Please forgive me for that.





MAY 13, 2013

Hey mama,

Since we talked last night I spent a little more time writting people back who's email had been sitting in my box for quite sometime. Hope that's ok? Also it was SO SO SO good talking to you last night! You sound great. How are the adventures of figuring out your new camera going?

Also..I have a thought. I think my garment waist band may be hindering my digestion...is that possible. The elastic band goes right acrossed my tummy parts.

But ummmm...you asked if I need anything. Music is always a go to. that and those little nylon sockies and granola bars :)
I love you mama. And don't want you to worry about me, ok? replace the worries with prayer :)




MAY 20, 2013

Haha Yea! How do people in Aztec know about missionaries in Dove Creek. haha that's funny.
Also no more news about Chazer. But he was Cremated and my dad received his ashes in the mail the other day. They will spread the ashes in Sedona, Arizona. It was one of Chaz's favorite places. There is a lot of positive vibes in that place.
And about the garments, a bigger size might be good. Maybe just 3 pairs and we'll see how that goes.

That is SOOOOOO great that Mckale is sending those papers in. wow....I'm so proud of her. Please let her know that many trials will come to her in these next few months and that she need only pray to her Father for the strength to overcome. Patti and Ron will be empty nesters!!

How is Mitchell? Jacob? and Jack??? Also I will check the mail everyday this week and get that insurance letter sent off to you asap. Poor maxi. She lasted a lot longer than we thought she would. What's the game plan now that she is done-zo?

Our 3 new investigators are good. 1 is being difficult haha we can't seem to get a second appointment with them but we will see the other two tomorrow.

Also we get to do service tomorrow at a mini track meet called field day!!! I'm so excited :):):):) Also we spoke in Sacrament meeting yesterday! Love doing that. I spoke about faith hope and charity and how having the 3 will improve life and prepare us for the 2nd coming of the Savior.

Lastly, thank you for sending that package.



My tummy has really been wicked these past few weeks but I know it will get better.

Everyday I feel Chaz near and feel the Lord's tender mercies all around.

OH! and there are zero wards in Dove Creek. We have one little Branch. But the goal is to

establish a branch here in Dove Creek. We go to church in Utah right now and it's about

a 3 minute drive.

I love you! Talk to you next week






JUNE 6, 2013
Poem I sent to Jade after Chaz past away.....



"Native American Prayer"

I give you this one thought to keep -

I am with you still - I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow,

I am the sunlight on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush,

I am the sweet uplifting rush,

of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft starts that shine at night.

Do not think of me as gone -

I am with you still in each new dawn.

Author: Native American Prayer


From: Jade Swayne <jade.swayne@myldsmail.net>

Subject: Re: Hi Junebug!!

To: "Penny Paxman" <paxmanp@yahoo.com>

Date: Monday, June 3, 2013, 12:58 PM

First question....Did you write that poem that you sent me? It really hit me. Made me cry and everything. And not any of that sniffle sniffle pat your eyes dry kind of crying. It was more like tears pouring down your face combo-ed with snot kind of crying. Thank you. And those pictures. Thank you thank you!

Also you asked me about that camera cord I don't know what kind I need. But I do know that I have a Sony Cyber-shot camera....maybe that helps??....We aren't going to Wal-mart on P-day's anymore..it takes up most of our day and seeing as we have been working so hard out here in the DC it's hard to skip out on that day of rest. You start looking like the walking dead hahaha.

BUT! good news :) I go a call from President Batt on Saturday and he has asked me to be a trainer again :) So there will be 3 sisters in Dove Creek until the 12th. That's when my perfect companion, Sister Macaldo goes home. Then it will be myself and the new sister hitting the streets. I feel a little nervous but very excited :) We will drive into Farmington at 5 and spend the night with the sister that are over Kylie's ward. Then on Tuesday morning we will go to the mission office for the trainers meeting.

Oh before I forget!! How old is Simone going to be tomorrow??!!

Also I think I should be good with the garments I have. My tummy isn't as bloated as it was those past weeks. Oh and could you do some Gale bladder research for me. What do these things do? A lot of people wonder if that's what is causing all of the haul-a-bu-louuuu in my bowels. It would be worth a gander to see if that's the case, right?



Can you print this out and give it to Mitch :) http://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/04/everybody-knows-bleck?lang=eng

and



http://www.lds.org/new-era/2011/05/general-conference-is-for-you/love-and-service?lang=eng



http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng





https://www.lds.org/youth/video/a-work-in-progress?lang=eng

the last two are videos.

Also thank them for the letters they sent. they were so sweet.

And now I've got to go! Even e-mail time goes by much too fast! I love you!!

Love this work!
Don't give up on God. His blessings are eternal :)
Love you like a plate full of angel hair and ham steak!


This one is for you mama. Your struggles can be your greatest strengths after you overcome
http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng

Monday, April 16, 2013

Hey Mom!

Sorry I wasn't able to write last week. Our missionary rule is that we must sit by our companions while using the computer. I wasn't able to get one next to my companion so I didn't get a chance to write.

Also!!! I hope you know that I only forgot it was your Birthday after I got off the computer!!!! I was so.."AHHH-ed" Because I had been talking about it all week! Before using the computer! and after using the computer!!! But not during....I was pretty upset with myself. Please know that I forgot only while I was on the computer talking to you. I promise.

And as for the doctors. They found out that my stomach lining is inflamed :( I have been put a medication that has already started working :) I feel a lot better physically but mentally I am still having some troubles. Whatever has been happening has caused me to struggle memory wise and I randomly get a really hot forehead and feel super confused. It's weird...But I do feel better than I did last week.

In other news. I have two companions now! Yep! Sister Anderson from Oakdale, California has joined the Kirtland sisters and boy...has it been interesting. 3 girls all together is pretty scary. Sister Anderson is one week away from going home. Her and Sister Heimbigner are soul mates it seems haha they really get each other. While I on the other hand have become the odd one out. Which I'm OK with...just one more week until transfers. I can survive.

I'm really sorry that my e-mails have been so lacking these fast few months. I just don't know what to write. I've never been very good at this life documentation thing. But I continue to try and know that I will get the hang of it. It's something that I want to start praying about.

One thing that has really been tough with these tummy problems is that it has made me more selfish than usual...this is a big problem! One of my favorite traits as a missionary is the fact that I thought so little of myself and so much about the people. But since I have been feeling so yucky I have been very self centered. I just hope and pray to be able to get my mind set on the right things again :(

And Mckenzie Vance....wow. She has gone through the temple. My heart is about to burst just thinking about the sweet spirit that she felt that day. Meeting the new endowed Kenzie will be such a privilege. And Kelly wants to go?!!!!? woooohoo!!! She should! that would be the best!! We need to get some of our boys on this missionary band wagon!

In the package you are sending can I please get some more hair stuff and grandma's mountain dew apple turnover recipe? 

But alrighty, mama. Again..I'm sorry I missed your birthday, that I haven't sent info for grandpa's 80th and that my e-mails have been so lazy. I'm just going through a tough time. But I will get back on top of things.

I hope you can forgive me. And remember..tough times are only opportunities for us to grow closer to our Savior. SO in that way I am very grateful for these trials 

Monday, April 1, 2013

From: Jade Swayne <jade.swayne@myldsmail.net>
Subject: Re: So....
To: "Penny Paxman" <paxmanp@yahoo.com>
Date: Monday, April 1, 2013, 12:14 PM

Hey-o!

My first missionary Easter was good, thanks! We went to this thing called the "Sunrise Service". It's a big time Kirtland tradition. And after attending for the first time I can see why everybody loves being a part of it; it was wonderful! There was a big ole choir performance and a speaker from 1st ward. It was a whole stake thing so there were a bunch of people there. Then we had two sacrament meetings to attend. Lots of musical numbers. Then we were invited to dinner at a nice couple's home in 3rd ward. We had turkey, rolls, salad, potatoes and some cheese cakey thing with home grown raspberries and peaches plopped on top. It ALL looked so yummy but I just stuck with salad, turkey and plain fruit with out the cake just to be safe ;)

And about Wednesday. It has actually become the highlight of my week because I will be drugged...haha It will be nice to be able to shut my brain off during that time. I am also very excited to see if they can find out what's going on in there. And, no, I haven't mentioned being tired but I did mention that I feel weak; basically the same thing, right?

Wooohoo! Kenzie buying G's!!! That's the best! I love the thought of her having that Priesthood power in her life. I, myself, have become like grandma. I believe it was her that would comment on how strange it felt not to wear them at any given time. I feel the same now! It just doesn't feel right anytime I don't have them on, even if it is for a few minutes.

The time that I am training is 11 weeks rather than 6. And yes, that time is almost up. We have about 2 or 3 weeks left together. Can you believe it?!!! Regardless of feeling yucky, the time is still just flying by. I will hit 7 months here pretty soon.

GENERAL CONFERENCE? YES! I am very excited to hear what the prophets and apostles have to say. What do you think the theme of this round will be? I'm thinking "Christ like Attributes" :) Don't forget to write a few questions down and take them to conference! I can promise you from past experience that if you will watch with an open and teachable heart you will receive the answers to those questions. I promise! I will be watching at the Stake center. We will invite investigators and less-actives to attend :)

Oh! Also, will you please have Kylie go through the past e-mails that I've sent and edit them on the blog. Edit out any content that could identify a person that we are teaching. Our Mission President has asked us to keep that kind of information out of our emails. They could pose a legal threat to the security of our investigators. So the sooner you could do that the better. Thank you!

Ok, Nathan Welker has officially received a "top-ten coolest mission calls I've ever heard" award. That is so great!! There is a young man in 3rd ward that received a call to Jamaica! And another in 2nd ward who is going to Sweden :D Awesome, huh? I'd say so.

And yes, I received Patti's e-mail. I'll see what I can come up with :):) I can't make any promises though. It's tough to find time to think about other things let alone write it down.

That has been the biggest struggle lately. Trying to deal with these health problems and put my whole heart into the work. Simply because I feel like my tummy issues have made my thoughts very selfish. Like, I think about my pains and what I'm going to do to get better rather than what I can do for our people. It is a REAL struggle because it hadn't been a problem for me to get out of my own head and get to work until these tummy problems got worse. Now I'm trying to push through it, but honestly I don't think that is what I should be doing...I should instead focus my energy on getting better so that I can be the best missionary possible. But resting in the mission field has proven to be much more difficult than I ever imagined. It's hard to lay down when your work is never done. In the end it's just my hard hardheadedness and pride that are getting in the way. I just need to chill out and rest or I will never be able to get back to the missionary level that I had been at before.

So, please, keep me in your prayers...I need them at this time. The adversary is trying to shake me up...I know it. But with your prayers and the Atonement always at work I know that this too shall pass.

Until next time, I love you!!

Thank you for the birthday list and the nice letter, Grandma and Grandpa :)

Annnnnd Thank you mom for the Easter box. Those Granola bars come in handy during the really busy days :)

Monday, March 25, 2013

Ay Little Big Mama :) I love you. You are the only mama that I want. Temporally and eternally. How is my best friend this week? Well I hope. I am fine :) This week has been a test of my patience, no doubt about it. But I know that all of these trials I'm going through are good for me. They are making me stronger, I can feel it. I am amazed however that I can feel this change because I feel that more than ever Heavenly Father is helping me to recognize my longer than long list of weaknesses. But while I feel worn down and beat up, I feel so many new strengths being created within me; it's amazing. It makes me think about that scripture that talks about the Lord giving us weaknesses so that we can be humble. I KNOW that this is true. HAHA, boy do I know that this is Gospel truth! He is humbling me big time! And it hurts so good. I feel like turning myself over to His care was the best choice I've ever made. That He is a much better builder than I am. He is ripping out my old carpet, knocking down my unneeded walls and basically changing me from a shack to a mansion; It's absolutely amazing. But my procedure is on the 3rd, the day after your Birfday :) Speaking of which, please tell Grandmama happy late birthday. Can I get a list of all the April birthdays in your next e-mail, please?  Also, thank Misty for the card that she sent me. A piece of advice that she gave really helped me out. Also I found my wallet!!!!!!!!!!!! I will tell you what happened next week, I only have 5 minutes left. I will get that Bank of America card from the church this afternoon as well as the America First card :)  Thanks for getting in touch with Sister Batt! I will be excited to show of the pictures of my colon :):):):: But alrighty, Gotta go! We're off to Wal-mart and then hopefully we will have time for a quick nap. In your prayers this week will you please ask Heavenly Father to help my companion...she is REALLY having a tough time. Will you also pray for me to not be so sleepy. To have more patience with my companion and the ability to enjoy my time with her...right now, that's kind of tough. But I believe in the power of prayer :) I love you more than cereal. And you know that's a lot. ;) Keep in touch and please tell Jack that I haven't forgotten him!! Love Sister Swayne

Monday, March 18, 2013

Hey there, mama!

Thank you for your prayers. I can feel them. I go to bed some nights and can't believe that I made it through another day. I am happier than I have ever been but I am also more tired than ever. But when I say that I can feel those prayers, I mean it! I just have this feeling in my heart that even though you and the rest of the family are not here with me physically you are still here in other ways. I don't miss all of you in the way that makes me sad or homesick, I miss you in the way that makes me want to work hard because I don't want one second of our time apart to be in vain. Does that make sense? I hope so.

It's so clear that the experiences that I have had prior to my mission have been preparation for this great 18 month adventure.

The cash that the mission office loaned me has been able to provide all that I've needed, so no worries there. They take such good care of us out here.

We had another baptism this past Saturday!!!! Do you remember Roxanne? Welp, she was the lucky lady :) It was so great, mom. She was so confident and sure that this was the right thing. She has struggled hard with addiction but through her willingness to overcome and follow up on the Gospel teachings we have shared with her she is now a full blown member of the true church of God and already has plans to go to the temple :) What a joy this work is! What a blessing it is to be here with these wonderful people! I love them in a way that I never thought I could...They are usually the last thing I think about at night and the first thing I think about in the morning. I have even been teaching the discussions, baring my testimony and praying in my sleep. haha it's crazy how deep this work is sinking into my heart. Missionary work truly is the BEST work. Nothing compares to these feelings...

Thank you again, mom for the hard work that you put in at your job each day so that I can be here. Thank you family and friends for all the support and prayers, again, I can feel them. I am so sad that 6 months of my mission has been taken by the clock, but rest assure that I will be working hard this next year that I have to serve here in the NMFM mission.

I love you all. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for any of you.

Please take care grandma and grandpa. You will never know how you have blessed my life by being my second set of parents.

Until next time, Love Sister Swayne.

Monday, March 11, 2013

He-lu, Mom.

 

Well before I get to far into this, I'm going to answer those questions

 

1. Yes, we do get the Ensign. BUT it would be nice to have a double seeing as I have this person in one of our wards that I want to send no name mail to with nice articles in the mail. I would rather have my own copy rather than cutting up the copy that my companion and I share...that wouldn't be very nice.

 

2. Haha...well, I workout in the Foutz's garage. I either ride the bike or run in a circle about the size of your bedroom...actually, a sewing room sized circle. Then I lift weights and do pullups on the bar that's connected to the weight bench. It's pretty awesome! Dad said that he was sending me some workout equipment to spice things up a bit.

 

3. We have been loving that Native American CD that you sent. We have probably listened to it about 10 times now. So some new CD's would be nice. We really like the one you sent. It gets us in the Native Spirit ;)

 

4. We eat at members homes almost ever night. Last night we went to Whitney and Cheryl James's home. They are so AMAZING!!! We had Salmon, fresh pineapple, winter squash!, and Salad with Avocado in it...pure heaven. And YES I like Salmon.

 

5. And about the bread...I would eat it if it didn't kill my tummy :( She can send my loaf over to Gil English if she wants ;) haha Love that guy.

 

Ok, well, that was fun. Send some more of those questions anytime! I know I'm not the best at answering your questions when they're not in bullet format and I want to be able to keep you in the loop.

 

About the lappy top. I think it's just the fact that my laptop is an 09 Mac. and the old Macs don't respond to the new Mac chargers. So try finding an 09 charger at that Mac store if you go...I think that should solve the problem. Thank you for putting so much effort into getting that charged up for me. Much appreciated.

 

Bah!! Mom...this Gold's Gym thing...it's probably driving you nuts!!! I'm so sorry that I wasn't better at asking questions and figuring out what the contract really said...but again! thank you for helping me out.

 

And I'm over here just shaking my head thinking "What in the world?!" when you tell me about all these ladies hurting themselves on ice and roller skates and all these other contraptions! Tell them to PLEASE be careful, goodness!

 

Kenzie sent me a really nice email telling me about her temple date and such. I am so so super excited for that girl! She is going to be fantastic.

 

Hope I write enough...I never know what to include...so much happens in a week. I could write for 3 hours and still have more to write.

 

OH! also. we are no longer over 3rd ward...we will be over only 1st and 2nd now. I cried at our last 3rd ward council meeting. I love those people so much. And then they asked us to bare our testimony since it was our last sacrament meeting yesterday. Do you think that I could keep the tears back...? I'll let you answer that question yourself...haha. wow...Missionary work has turned me into a ball bag. I fall in love with these people so easily and just spend all day thinking about them...then when you have to leave them. it's just really tough.

 

But until next time, This is Sister Swayne, over-ing and out-ing :)

From Jade to LuWana

Monday, March 4, 2013

From: Jade Swayne <jade.swayne@myldsmail.net>

Subject: Re: Finally some sunshine!

To: "Penny Paxman" <paxmanp@yahoo.com>

Date: Monday, March 4, 2013, 11:55 AM

Yah'te'eh! 

Yes! before I forget. The answer is "yes!" I did get that package. and wow! My skin is looking beautiful thanks to you :) So thank you!

Also I have been waiting to read this e-mail all week! I have been imagining all the places Kenzie would go and honestly, I was betting on the Philippines. But now that I think about the Kenzie in Missouri I see that her call is absolutely PERFECT for her! The visitors center sisters are some of the most beautiful, friendly, and personable missionaries, in my opinion. But I might be biased ;) haha. But between her and Ivy sending me mission info I am beyond happy over here. It really warms my heart to see my girls coming out to serve. They will never regret it. Now we just need to get some of the boys on the missionary wagon, right?!

***Story time*** Basically, our numbers have been really low here in Kirtland and regardless of my optimism it is still hard to struggle... We have been working really hard but the numbers just aren't reflecting our efforts.. I had an interview with President Batt this past Saturday and told him about our area and the struggles that it is currently having. We are trying really hard to re-establish missionary-member-relations. Because it seems that past missionaries have really damaged the trust between the two groups. So Sister Heimbigner and I have taken it upon ourselves to fix these relationships, find new investigators, reactivate Less-Actives and baptize as many as we can. I know that we have our work cut out for us here...but finding that balance between teaching current investigators, re-activating others and finding new investigators is a tough balance to find. Especially after not having this balance for a long time. So we are in somewhat of a transitional stage. But it was so nice to talk to President Batt to see his trust in us and to know that he believes in us. He knows us well enough to know that we aren't just slacking off and that's why numbers are low. He is so understanding and has amazing perspective. I truly believe that I was sent to this mission partially because of him. He is very into obedience and so am I...it's the most important thing to me. And we really connect on that level...it's great. He's great.

I know that I haven't been the best about keeping you updated on the area. So I wonder, what do you want to know? Are there specific questions that you have for me about the people, the area, the work, my companion anything?

Let me know ;)

Love all of you

P.S Please, tell Cookie and Clay to keep their heads up. They will get to Brazil. The Lord probably has to prepare a few people before He is ready for them to get there. What kind of missionary work will they be doing out there? Did you tell them that I thought I was going to Brazil? Also, what mission are they going to??

Mon, 4 Mar 2013

Date: Mon, 4 Mar 2013 11:37:50 -0700

Subject: Re: Hello there SISTER

From: jade.swayne@myldsmail.net

To: pattivance@hotmail.com

I HAVE BEEN WAITING ALL WEEK TO READ THIS!!!!!!!!! Ahhhhh! I'm so so so so excited for Kenzie!! I almost stuck my head on the computer desk because I was so overwhelmed and happy but then I realized that I'm at a public library and putting my head on the desk would be detrimental to my health. All those germ-ies. NO ME GUSTA! (ask Kenzie what that means ;) But I know Kenzie is busy but will you ask her to write me when she gets a second? I need the missionary to be perspective on this call of hers :) I'm just so excited for her!!!! I would say that "I'm tickled pink" like everybody in Kirtland says haha but I feel like I'm not old enough to say that yet. But please let her know that I'm thinking about her and that I have sooo much confidence in her missionary abilities. especially that mission! She will be amazing! And she's going to love Missouri and the people. Also she will get to go "outbound" meaning she will get to serve in any mission of her choice in the states for two transfers, since she is a visitors center sister :) Maybe she can come to New Mexico ;) or even Philly to see Ivy Ann :) 

On Sun, Mar 3, 2013 at 10:20 PM, Patti Vance <pattivance@hotmail.com> wrote:

Hi Sister Swayne

Just a note to tell you I love you and think about you all the time. I have your beautiful picture on my fridge and I say hello to it all the time.  Yes, Mckenzie got her mission call...Guess where!!??

Nope, not there she has been called to the Independence Visitor Center in Missouri. Wow I was a little shocked because I wanted her to go foreign...but the Lords has a better idea for her. She reports to the MTC May 8th.. 65 days and counting. She gets out of school on the 24th and her farewell is the 28th...so time will FLY!! Sooo excited for her..

How is things for you. Always thinking about you and wondering what you have been doing. On Saturday Grandma, Grandpa. Penny and I went to a fun class. It was called Happiness 101. This speaker was a motivator speaker and we all learned a whole lot. He was funny and man he hit it on the head on some of the things he talked about. Learned that the choices we make is what makes us happy or not :) SO MAKE GOOD CHOICES!!

Well, LOVE YOU sooooooo MUCH MS Jade...Thanks for the shout out last time and remember Jesus wants you for a "SUNBEAM" to SHINE for HIM each DAY!!

Love Patti with an I

PS LOVED LOVED your letter you sent to Grandma about your hands...priceless

February 25, 2013

From: Jade Swayne <jade.swayne@myldsmail.net>
Subject: Re: BRRRR......
To: "Penny Paxman" <paxmanp@yahoo.com>
Date: Monday, February 25, 2013, 12:07 PM

Hey there, snow bunny :)

Sounds cold over there! It has been pretty frigid over here too. The sun is shinning, but the wind is a killer. It's not windy everyday though and on those days it is absolutely perfect :) But on a funny side note, I have good tracting skirts and bad tracting skirts. Basically a good tracting skirt is defined by whether or not it will behave on those windy days. Because sometimes you slap on one of those flowy skirts and you're in a bad spot once that wind picks up! Haha, can you just imagine me trying to wrangle up my long maxi skirt in the wind?! Not going to lie, it's a funny sight!

Buuuuut about that laptop cord. Maybe you can use Jeff or Marie's the next time they come into town. Because mac chargers are NOT cheap. So hold of for a bit...it should be fine for another month.

OH OH! And guess what?! We had a baptism on Saturday :) His name is Brother Jones and what a gem this man and his family are. He has been taught on and off for the past 13 years. For the longest time he was just bashing on the doctrine with the missionaries, I guess. And then he moved into the "ok, this might be true phase". Then the "I'm going to kick you missionaries out if you say something I don't like phase", and just a bunch of different phases.  Until finally, about 2 weeks after being in the area Sister Real decided that we would give him another try. And thanks to the Holy Ghost working His magic I was prompted to extend a baptismal date to Brother Jones. And low and behold, the Spirit was so thick in that room, that he said yes. And now a month, almost two months later, he is now a full fellowshiped member in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints :):):) He always calls me his "soul sista" haha and I love his humor. He makes me laugh sooo hard!

Ah!! This computer timer goes way too fast. And I'm already out of time! But I want you to know that I am so grateful, Mom, for the sacrifices you make so that I can be out here. This truly is a life changing experience. An experience that will bless you, me and the entire family :) 

I think of all of you back home whenever I think that I can't do something. I remember all of the encouragement that has been flown my way through out the years and I am blessed to have the strength to do things that I never thought I could. Nearly all of my companions have commented on my confidence and they wonder where it comes from and I know without a shadow of a doubt that it comes from you and our wonderful Heavenly Father. He is real and we can do anything if he is in our lives :):)

PHOTOS

1- The picture is of Jade and her NEW companion
 
2- The picture came with this letter from the Mission President
 
3- This a letter that Jade's old companion SIS REAL..sent to penny

Monday, February 11, 2013

From: Jade Swayne <jade.swayne@myldsmail.net>
Subject: Re: Howdy
To: "Penny Paxman" <paxmanp@yahoo.com>
Date: Monday, February 11, 2013, 1:56 PM

Hey Nihzoni! (that means beautiful in Navajo)

How is life mama? First I want to tell you that I don't think your snooping at all by looking in my bank account. You were actually answering a prompting from the Spirit because I was hoping that you would monitor it for me. I don't use that card very often but it would be nice to know what the status is. So please, any mail that comes from Bank of America feel free to read it. I don't mind. I actually want you to monitor it if you don't mind. Also will you charge my laptop for me. The battery needs a full charge every 6 months :)

Also I'm sorry that I didn't give you details about Sister Real. I don't know where my mind was. But she comes from Idaho and loves pink. She has been out for about 10 months now and goes home in late August. She was trained by Sister Miller and Sister Stewart. She has 2 brothers. One older and one younger. Her younger brother is the reason why she decided to serve, she wants to be a good example to him.

And now my new companion is Sister Hiembigner. what a name, huh? When they announced her I was expecting her to have German accent but in all reality she is from South Jordan Utah. She was an Oakcrest counselor and everybody asked her if she was Indie. AKA Mckenzie! haha! She kind of looks like her....but what do you think? Also, she is one of the younger missionaries. She is 20 years old. Crazy!!! You can tell a difference between the older sisters and the younger sisters. The younger ones....I don't know how to define them just yet. But there is definitely a difference.

That's really nice that President Batt sent you a picture. The mission is so considerate. Love them.

oh and before I forget! can you send me some more hair stuff and some of that facewash stuff in the orange bottles?....all this training and such is making me break out! haha! Also I did get the pictures of your little ones :) they ARE adorable!! Hope you aren't sick anymore....tis the season for everybody to get sick. Sister Hiembigner seems to be a victim of MTC illness still.

It kills me how fast my e-mail time goes by!!! In a nut shell we have a baptism this coming Saturday! We talked a women out of suicide three weeks ago and she came to church yesterday!! These past few weeks have been interesting to say the least. And the mission is going by way to fast.....

But mama....how are you? really? I miss being able to see you and know whether you're ok or not...but I love you and hope you know that your e-mail is one of the major high lights of my week.

February 4, 201

From: Jade Swayne <jade.swayne@myldsmail.net>
Subject: Re: Happy Spring!
To: "Penny Paxman" <paxmanp@yahoo.com>
Date: Monday, February 4, 2013, 1:51 PM

Why Hellllllllloooo everybody :)

Hope this letter finds all of you happy and well. 2013 has been excellent thus far and I pray that it's the same for all of you.
Before I get into the details of Sister life I want to give a shout out to Patricia Vance and want to ask her if she'll go on a cafe rio date with me?..Yes, no, maybe so?

I received the most wonderful letter this past week from my BYU room mate, KT. I can't even begin to express how much that letter means to me. I think I have it...yep! I have it
right here in my bag. I carry it everywhere with me just for those times that I need a little pick me up. This letter was just perfect...it made me laugh, it made me think and it made me happy...so thank you so much, Lil Miss Almond Milk. You seriously made my week so much better :) and you can expect a worth while letter here in the next few weeks.

Next item of business. I received a phone call from President Batt this past Saturday. And guess what? I have been called to train a new missionary!....haha I was so surprised! I mean, in my eyes I still feel too new to be a trainer, but I guess the Lord, as always, thinks I can do a little more than I think I can. So please, I'm going to need a lot of prayers. I don't want to ruin this missionary..

Also this week has been banana's! I have never been so upset with an investigator as I was this past week. I basically shaved her head and walked out the door. Shaved their head is a term Sister Stewart and I came up with. It means to kick them in the pants and tell them that they need to shape up or Satan is going to snatch them up! Basically it means to be bold in declaring the Gospel. And wow was I pumped full of adrenaline after that episode. I was all shaky, cold and could not control my sweaty-pit-reaction. I was just....I was just done that night. And the funny part is that the women thanked me for being so blunt and bold with her. But also said that she never wants to see me like that again. I didn't reply to much all I told her is that she needs to stop saying that "she'll try to come to church. she needs to come or not."  I was just not in the mood for her endless list of excuses...

It was a side of myself that I'd never seen before. But it felt good. It felt like I was doing exactly what I was sent on this mission to do. I will be nice until I see that somebody wants to waster not my time but the Lords time with their endless list of excuses as to why they cannot come to church and read at least one section of the Book of Mormon. It just kills me that downloading games on the Iphone take priority over a persons salvation....it is absolutely killing me to see the way technology, media and other junk keeps people from realizing truth.

But ok, I've got 20 seconds. talk to you next week

Love all of you more than words can say


:): 

On Sun, Feb 3, 2013 at 10:08 PM, Penny Paxman <paxmanp@yahoo.com> wrote:

Can you believe they are already pulling out the ground hog for Spring?   Any way... I had a truly amazing thing happen this weekend... all because of that stupid car you talked me into buying for $700.00...   Maxie was not running and Ralph, Jacks bro, worked on her for 2 weeks straight... in the cold... i put $400.00 into her ... she ran ok... but then quit.... Ralph told me there there was nothing else he could do...   I was sad ... Gordy said come get this "piece of *(*(*()* " out of here...   I called Pull Apart Auto and they offered me $350.00 for Maxie.... so I was making arrangements for them to come pick her up for parts....     Well... Gordy decided to charge the battery in the meantime... and now.................     MAXIE IS RUNNING LIKE A CHAMP!!!    All of Ralph's hard work is showing..... just the battery .... Mitch just picked her back up so he can drive her to school....    So my point is .... just because someone is ugly on the outside and everyone else has given on them..... they have something inside that is not ready to give up.... Maxie is from 1992 and has 215,0000 + miles but she is not ready to go to the junk yard!    So while you are out teaching this week... of all things... remember Maxie... she is not willing to give up!  and you should not either!  Everyone has something valuable inside!        Last Tuesday, Grandma fell in the parking lot at the temple and broke her arm... and get this... they went to get a hamburger first and then went to the emergency room!   She has an apt tomorrow with a surgeon as they think surgery is needed... Grandpa has been getting her dressed... except for the bra... funny!!      LOVE YOU LOVE YOU LOVE YOU LOVE YOU LOVE YOU LOVE YOU!!!!     MAXIE ROCKS!!     Mom !!!

January 28, 2013

From: Jade Swayne <jade.swayne@myldsmail.net>
Subject: Re: Happy Days!!
To: "Penny Paxman" <paxmanp@yahoo.com>
Date: Monday, January 28, 2013, 10:50 AM

I don't know why. But for some reason the e-mails I received from Mama, Papa and Marie have been the greatest e-mails I have received my whole mission...They were the only ones in my inbox this week. And they were so packed with comfort and things that just made me laugh! I have not been getting much mail these days, which surprisingly, has been easy to deal with. Because I am coming to understand that you don't always need proof of love to know that it exists. I know that many people are not writing, but they sure are praying! Because I KNOW that I wouldn't be able to do any of the things that I am able to do on the daily without those precious and much needed prayers, MY GOODNESS! I can feel the love everyday and yes, letters and reassurance that everybody is still alive is wonderful to receive via mail and e-mail, but they are not 100% needed.

I can't believe how well the Lord takes care of His missionaries. I have been soo soo blessed out here and feel such a change occurring in myself. I can't even believe that I've already been gone for 6 months this next week. Time has really zoomed by!

This past week we had the traveling sisters stay with us for 3 days! Their names are Sister Miller and Sister Tuddenham. One is from Jerome, Idaho and the other from Logan, Utah. Sister Miller only has 5 weeks left in the mission and is the best stinkin missionary! She is super tall and super fantastic. She goes to BYU-I on a full ride scholarship and was valedictorian at her high school. And Sister T, is an Elementary Ed. Major who goes to Utah State. She was Sister Real's companion in the MTC. So both her and Sister Real go home in August. But while they were here we went on splits! Which was so fun. Basically, Sister Miller and I went out teaching for a whole day together and Sister Real went with Sister T for a whole day and then we switched off the next day. This weekend was total bliss. I loved having them here!!!

But transfers are this coming week. I have a really good feeling that Sister Real will be transferred and I will stay in Kirtland with a new companion. There is even a chance that I could get one of the new missionaries coming in :D I hope!!!

But ok, my time is about to run out. I have 1 min left lol...But Sister Real is sick today. SO we will stay home all P-day which means I will write to yous guys with all of the extra time that I will have today :):):)

Love you all so so sooooooo much more than I did when I lived with you ;) hahahahah!!! Talk to you next week :)

Monday, January 21, 2013

From: Jade Swayne <jade.swayne@myldsmail.net> Subject: Re: Happy Black Person Day!! To: "Penny Paxman" <paxmanp@yahoo.com> Date: Monday, January 21, 2013, 1:33 PM Mama Mia!! Happy Milk and Kookies Day :) Sister Real has improved a little bit. Her and I really got into it last week. She cussed at me! hahahaha! and I just walked away...what else can you do with these hard headed Sisters. And yes, she has received a letter from Marie, thus far :) And it made her smile. I just played along and asked "Oh I wonder who that's from? hoooohuummm" lol it's been a lot of fun. While we were at the laundry mat they were playing Jeopardy and Pyramid on the TV. It made me miss you all so much. I had to just look away (because we are not allowed to watch TV) but every now and then I could hear little snips of it. Loved how close it made me feel to all of you. I can't believe Joyce is.....dead....wow....Poor Rick. I'm just really glad that he has grandma and grandpa... I know they love him. Also, Mitch-E-pooo the balla!!!!! That's so awesome. Please get some pics of this boy. Again, my time has been cut short. Please write a longer message next week with lots of details :) Also thank you thank you thank youuuuuuu for that last package. That thing had everything a missionary could ask for. I have never felt so updated on our family before. hahaha But on a more serious level, I heard that you bore your testimony in church?!!!!! Tell me how this happened!! Haha I was so happy when I heard :D ;D

January 14, 2013

From: Jade Swayne <jade.swayne@myldsmail.net>
Subject: Re: BRRRRR,,,,
To: "Penny Paxman" <paxmanp@yahoo.com>
Date: Monday, January 14, 2013, 2:56 PM

Heyyyy-low!

How are you, mama? other than sick...I'm sorry to hear that...But I'm glad that you've had time to rest and recuperate.

I will say a special missionary prayer for you :)

But ok! My area is known as one of the most fruitful areas in the mission! When I first arrived we were so busy...we always had an appointment and were just up to our eyeballs in work. I love it!! I think I may be a workaholic...or that's just what my mission has brought out in me. There is just no greater joy than doing the Lords work. And I know without a doubt that this is the Lord's work. My companion and I taught 31 lessons in one week. It was awesome! We live with Joel and Sherry Foutz. And wow...they spoil us so bad!!! haha We live in there upstairs area and use their garage fridge to store all of our stuff. It is a great location too, the church is right across the street.

 And about Sister Real and I getting along...let's just say that your prayers are appreciated in that category. She is a very difficult companion and is currently struggling with depression...So she is dealing with a lot, to say the least. I do my very best to be loving, supportive and understanding. And thus far the Lord has blessed me with mountains of patience that I didn't know that I could muster. I feel very blessed to be in this tough situation because I know that it is making me a stronger person. I have never prayed to our Father in Heaven more than I have these past few weeks..It's a struggle everyday. But despite this challenge, I can honestly say that I've never been happier, honestly. I love being a missionary.

I was actually wondering if I could ask all of you a favor...Sister Real hardly ever gets any mail. I can feel her sadness when we check mail and there is nothing there for her. So I wonder if, whenever you have time, could anybody and everybody right her a quick note of encouragement. Something to lift her tender spirit. Please write it anonymously and address it to Sarah Real with the same address you would use to write me. (This would mean the absolute world to me...Because though she makes me want to light my eyelashes on fire I do love her very much. Anybody and everybody is welcome to join in on this lil idear :)

Ugh....I'm sorry. I again, don't have anytime to go into detail. These computers don't allow us much time. But I love you all so so much!!! Hopefully next week I will type a little quicker! haha. I feel your prayers and appreciate every single letter. Thank you thank you.

P.S my return date has been changed to Feb 11 2014 instead of the 19th. 

Here is the address:

New Mexico Farmington Mission400 W. Apache St.Farmington, NM 87401

Monday, January 7, 2013

From: Jade Swayne <jade.swayne@myldsmail.net>

Subject: Re: Cold January Morning!

To: "Penny Paxman" <paxmanp@yahoo.com>

Date: Monday, January 7, 2013, 1:12 PM

Got extended again! woohoo! Please tell Misty Lou that I want to hear how and why she sent me a stolen Christmas card?!!!! HAHAHA And tell Mitch and Jake to write me. Please I miss my milk skinned brotha's. Also Jack wrote me this past week :D

Monday, January 7, 2013

From: Jade Swayne <jade.swayne@myldsmail.net>

Subject: Re: Happy New Year!!

To: "Penny Paxman" <paxmanp@yahoo.com>

Date: Monday, January 7, 2013, 12:51 PM

Ahhh Yes!! The computer gave me an extra 15 minutes!! SO I have a little more time to write and thank you a zillion times for the amazing Christmas! I loved all of my gifts. They were perfect. The socks are so warm. The Granola bars were yummy and did NOT last long at all haha. The coloring book and crayons were a dream come true. The hounds tooth cardigan was oh so cute along with the two sweaters. They are super warm!! Also the pullover from the Kingsburys, love it! That picture frame was probably theeeeee best gift ever!! I loved that so much..Thank you everyone for making my 1st mission Christmas so wonderful. If I did not mention any of the gifts it is not because I didn't like them. It's because I have a few minutes left and don't have time to mention all. But geeeeh wiz errbody, I sure did love everything I recieved. I don't care what any of the missionaries say...I, Sister Swayne have thee best family ever.

I love you all so much. And appreciate the letters and words of encouragement that you send me.

Please give grandpa a kiss for me and tell him to please stop getting hurt...

Also, yes we go to all 3 wards here in Kirtland. And yes, the Holy Ghost had me bare my testimony at all 3 meetings...haha 

Monday, January 7, 2013

From: Jade Swayne <jade.swayne@myldsmail.net>

Subject: Re: Merry Merry Christmas...

To: "Penny Paxman" <paxmanp@yahoo.com>

Date: Monday, January 7, 2013, 12:40 PM

Hey Mom!!!

How are you?! I haven't had a chance to read your past two e-mails yet. I will print them off today and read them at home because the computers here in Kirtland are always bussssssssy!!! This library here is nuts. Especially today because the wi-fi went out and everybody who would normally use their lap top is now stuck using the desktops. meaning everybody gets like 30 mins to email and take care of their business. SO I'm sorry to be so M.I.A....Hopefully it will calm down this next week and I will get to write you a proper letter/email.

Hope all is well. I'm doing really really great :):):) I love being a missionary and I love all of you. Time sure is flying. In February I will have been out for 6 months already!!! can you believe it? I can't!

Love you so much. Think about you often.