Dear Family,
I’m moving next week! Yay! Don’t worry about sending stuff. I will just have them forward it. I got the package with American foodstuffs -- we love pancakes and Eggo syrup! Elder Moon makes awesome banana pancakes. It’s funny how little things bring us such great joy!
Oh yeah. Happy Late Valentine’s Day!
I never remember to say anything until the holiday has passed (for you). We have zone meeting, so we get to spend Valentine’s Day in Tokuyama. That means delicious Indian curry -- Yes!
Well, all the kids here are starting baseball. That makes me think back. They only have dirt fields though. That would make sliding really tough.
The song I happen to really like this week is “Take My Life” off the “Best 2 Years” soundtrack. It is very chill. It has cool guitar.
Today’s weather is awesome! We spent the day at Kanmon Wharf and we ate at a place called “Karato Ichiba.” Basically, it’s a huge warehouse with tons of sushi right next to the ocean. I had fugu again, but this time very cheap stuff. This is one of the few days the sun has been really shining, so the view of the ocean was awesome! And it’s some sort of day off here too, so there were tons of people out and traditional music from the jinjas. Very Japanese. Also, I got my first Japanese haircut. It feels a lot like an American one. That was kind of a let-down.
Well, I’ve been keeping up in my journal, so I’ll share an excerpt.
“On the way home, I started comparing Japan to Disneyland. The sidewalks and ‘blind-people’ yellow lines are definitely Main Street. For some reason, I get that ‘it’s a small world’ mentality all the time. And on the way home, we go down a way steep side-street, and with the bike light blinking in the dark, and going way fast, and feeling like I’m going to hit my head on a little overpass is totally the boulder part of the Indiana Jones ride, or the dip in the dark of the Pirates ride.”
Other than that, life is pretty much normal. I’m glad to hear that everyone is doing their part to help missionary work. It’s awesome!
On Sunday, we got a new ward mission leader -- the old district president! I’m so excited! He is the man and he gets the job done. Also, they announced the new First Presidency. Wow! Uchtdorf came out of nowhere! I thought it was going to be Holland, and Elder Moon thought Oaks. Still don’t know the Apostle . . .
Well, Shimonoseki is fine. I’m happy. I have a lot of fun! All is well. Tell Hil that I’m making her famous off her CD. Spence -- Carl sounds awesome! Willie -- Egypt! Sarah -- thanks.
Always, Elder Hogge
Monday, February 25, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Pictures from Joey's Mission
Joey gets tall! Elder Joseph Hogge with President and Sister Akira Yafuso of the Japan Hiroshima Mission.
A basketball game during Joey's zone preparation day. His new companion, Elder Moon, is to Joey's left.
Friday, February 15, 2008
4 February 2008
[This letter was sent on colorful stationery that has clovers, musical notes, and pandas. At the bottom, the stationery says, “Happy Clover Charm” and “Can I make friends with you?”]
2/4/08
Dear Family,
Can I make friends with you? Haha, I hope this stationery doesn’t give anyone a headache. Things are moving along here. We’re working on 5 investigators, all of whom were homeless about a month ago. My 2 companions are way awesome. We still haven’t had any word from the Mission President about moving. We are way ready to go. Our poor apartment is deteriorating more by the day! We attacked our shower this past week. It was way gross! We had to scoop water from the shower to the sink. And then we clogged the sink too! Luckily, we used the Draino and now we don’t have to wait for the water to drain between showers!
Oh yeah, we also rocked Baskin Robbins (aka “31” here) on the 31st for 31% off. I had a waffle cone with apple pie a la mode and NY cheesecake 2x scoop. It was really yummy! I have really cut down on the ice cream since coming here, so that was a nice pick-me-up. The weather here is crazy! Apparently February is the coldest month here, but the sun just came out today. This past Saturday, we had a very cold and wet ride from Shimonoseki to our apartment in Shin-Shimonoseki. It was an hour long, but I had my rain suit, so things weren’t too bad. I actually had a lot of fun! It’s really all about perspective.
Speaking of yesterday (Sunday), we went to district (stake) conference in Ube. It was good. We had a meeting afterwards for new members and then lunch. It was delicious! Then, at 2, we watched the memorial services for President Hinckley. I was already getting teary-eyed during the hour special they played before and after. Probably the most choked up I got was when the camera showed President Monson and President Eyring standing at their chairs with no one in the middle. That really accentuated what was missing for me. Golly, I’m getting a little sad right now just thinking about it. But now the Prophet can join his wife. I bet he is really happy. I loved President Monson’s way he handled it. He made it an optimistic and happy occasion with his smile and gentle humor. We really have qualified men leading the church. But I cried by far the most of all the people in the English room (basically, my zone). I remember thinking: man, I kinda feel like Mom. That reminds me, I was reading in the February Ensign about doing Family History work and I got excited and reminisced on the days last summer I did a little indexing. I sure do have some Mom in me.
Well, give my love to everyone, grandparents and cousins. The Lord is on our side. We just have to let Him take over sometimes. Have a wonderful week.
Love, Elder Hogge
2/4/08
Dear Family,
Can I make friends with you? Haha, I hope this stationery doesn’t give anyone a headache. Things are moving along here. We’re working on 5 investigators, all of whom were homeless about a month ago. My 2 companions are way awesome. We still haven’t had any word from the Mission President about moving. We are way ready to go. Our poor apartment is deteriorating more by the day! We attacked our shower this past week. It was way gross! We had to scoop water from the shower to the sink. And then we clogged the sink too! Luckily, we used the Draino and now we don’t have to wait for the water to drain between showers!
Oh yeah, we also rocked Baskin Robbins (aka “31” here) on the 31st for 31% off. I had a waffle cone with apple pie a la mode and NY cheesecake 2x scoop. It was really yummy! I have really cut down on the ice cream since coming here, so that was a nice pick-me-up. The weather here is crazy! Apparently February is the coldest month here, but the sun just came out today. This past Saturday, we had a very cold and wet ride from Shimonoseki to our apartment in Shin-Shimonoseki. It was an hour long, but I had my rain suit, so things weren’t too bad. I actually had a lot of fun! It’s really all about perspective.
Speaking of yesterday (Sunday), we went to district (stake) conference in Ube. It was good. We had a meeting afterwards for new members and then lunch. It was delicious! Then, at 2, we watched the memorial services for President Hinckley. I was already getting teary-eyed during the hour special they played before and after. Probably the most choked up I got was when the camera showed President Monson and President Eyring standing at their chairs with no one in the middle. That really accentuated what was missing for me. Golly, I’m getting a little sad right now just thinking about it. But now the Prophet can join his wife. I bet he is really happy. I loved President Monson’s way he handled it. He made it an optimistic and happy occasion with his smile and gentle humor. We really have qualified men leading the church. But I cried by far the most of all the people in the English room (basically, my zone). I remember thinking: man, I kinda feel like Mom. That reminds me, I was reading in the February Ensign about doing Family History work and I got excited and reminisced on the days last summer I did a little indexing. I sure do have some Mom in me.
Well, give my love to everyone, grandparents and cousins. The Lord is on our side. We just have to let Him take over sometimes. Have a wonderful week.
Love, Elder Hogge
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
28 January 2008
Dear Family.
So much changes!!! I am now in my 2nd transfer and things have really REALLY changed since last time! Like this -- My trainer transferred out to Okayama with a native compantion -- basically his dream. And now I have 2 companions -- Elder Moon and Elder Harashima. So we have 3 until we move into a new apartment, and then another Elder named Elder Nielson will move in from Okayama. Elder Moon has been out 1 1/2 years and is from Kearns. He is awesome/goofy/happy! Elder Harashima is from Tokyo and has been out 1/2 year. He is also bouncing off the walls crazy and fun. He is a native that somewhat understands English, and I’ve laughed more with them than the rest of my mission! They are also very very obedient with time/scheduling, and both are way hard workers. We have also cleaned up the apartment a lot, and I’m feeling that “cleanliness is next to godliness.” Also, Elder Harashima worked/cooked at a Chinese restaurant, and we are very very much benefiting from it. He is also teaching us two. He brought a “nabe” pot that he cooks with. It’s very expensive, but he is very skillful. I’m learning how to cut veggies right and stuff!!! Cooking has become a companionship unity thing. Way good. We are also planning very thoroughly and working very hard. Having a native makes things much easier/understandable. Elder Harashima is our senior companion, and Elder Moon is our district leader. And I’m the only one who knew anything about Shimonoseki. That was somewhat stressful. Having to lead and figure out the schedule was a lot tougher than it seems. I seriously just got here, and now I’m expected to know the area. What fun. But I’m thinking this is how I’m going to feel wherever I go. Might as well get used to it.
Since the elders have come, life has not been short of miracles! We are doing a lot more stopping and talking to people on the street. And we have been stopped by two separate people (literally put their hand out and stopped us) who are way friendly and previously investigated the church. One still reads the Book of Mormon and wants to buy us dinner sometime. The other met with missionaries 10 years ago and really likes the elders. I also got to talk with a guy in “English” for a couple minutes. Unfortunately, he likes the Lakers, but he doesn’t like the Yankees, so it was a wash. He also thought that California is all summer, all year round. Haha. Do you like my stickers? [There is a sticker of Woody from Toy Story next to the question.] I just got a ton at the local dollar store. I’m doing well in finding pleasure in the small things. That might be a theme for this new companionship because we’re all very random, and we all get a little excited too easily. Haha. Mom, you would be proud of how much we’re doing to clean and make life pretty!
Also, I’m doing pretty well keeping up and participating in conversations. I’ve seen such incredible improvement, and I know it’s not just me! I know that the Lord truly blesses those who realize they can’t do anything without Him! Well, we will see about moving shortly, and I’ll let everyone know how things go. Hey everyone, read a good book for me! I’m finding that I wish I had more time to read. Oh well!
Love,
Elder Hogge
So much changes!!! I am now in my 2nd transfer and things have really REALLY changed since last time! Like this -- My trainer transferred out to Okayama with a native compantion -- basically his dream. And now I have 2 companions -- Elder Moon and Elder Harashima. So we have 3 until we move into a new apartment, and then another Elder named Elder Nielson will move in from Okayama. Elder Moon has been out 1 1/2 years and is from Kearns. He is awesome/goofy/happy! Elder Harashima is from Tokyo and has been out 1/2 year. He is also bouncing off the walls crazy and fun. He is a native that somewhat understands English, and I’ve laughed more with them than the rest of my mission! They are also very very obedient with time/scheduling, and both are way hard workers. We have also cleaned up the apartment a lot, and I’m feeling that “cleanliness is next to godliness.” Also, Elder Harashima worked/cooked at a Chinese restaurant, and we are very very much benefiting from it. He is also teaching us two. He brought a “nabe” pot that he cooks with. It’s very expensive, but he is very skillful. I’m learning how to cut veggies right and stuff!!! Cooking has become a companionship unity thing. Way good. We are also planning very thoroughly and working very hard. Having a native makes things much easier/understandable. Elder Harashima is our senior companion, and Elder Moon is our district leader. And I’m the only one who knew anything about Shimonoseki. That was somewhat stressful. Having to lead and figure out the schedule was a lot tougher than it seems. I seriously just got here, and now I’m expected to know the area. What fun. But I’m thinking this is how I’m going to feel wherever I go. Might as well get used to it.
Since the elders have come, life has not been short of miracles! We are doing a lot more stopping and talking to people on the street. And we have been stopped by two separate people (literally put their hand out and stopped us) who are way friendly and previously investigated the church. One still reads the Book of Mormon and wants to buy us dinner sometime. The other met with missionaries 10 years ago and really likes the elders. I also got to talk with a guy in “English” for a couple minutes. Unfortunately, he likes the Lakers, but he doesn’t like the Yankees, so it was a wash. He also thought that California is all summer, all year round. Haha. Do you like my stickers? [There is a sticker of Woody from Toy Story next to the question.] I just got a ton at the local dollar store. I’m doing well in finding pleasure in the small things. That might be a theme for this new companionship because we’re all very random, and we all get a little excited too easily. Haha. Mom, you would be proud of how much we’re doing to clean and make life pretty!
Also, I’m doing pretty well keeping up and participating in conversations. I’ve seen such incredible improvement, and I know it’s not just me! I know that the Lord truly blesses those who realize they can’t do anything without Him! Well, we will see about moving shortly, and I’ll let everyone know how things go. Hey everyone, read a good book for me! I’m finding that I wish I had more time to read. Oh well!
Love,
Elder Hogge
Sunday, February 3, 2008
21 January 2008
Dear Family,
Tis another week in the books here in Shimonoseki. I sent my last letter a day before I got y’all’s letter. So it’s crazy that the weather there is nuts! I hope everything is fine! The weather here is very bi-polar. Seriously, day to day, it can be way hot and sunny; the next it can pour and freeze! It’s fun on the bike. I had my first day of fun with my raincoat! Truthfully, my suit was not very happy and I think I’m also going to get some thick socks for my good old feet. It’s definitely an interesting experience being expected to work so much. I never really thought much about getting to work on those rainy nights that I would stay in and read and put a fire on. But, there’s no better work in the world for me!
So yeah! I actually didn’t arrange for absentee voting, unfortunately. And yeah, I got the card! Thanks Dad! I’ve used it and it works! I just can’t figure out the balance. So I don’t know the resources I’m drawing from. Oh well! I got a letter off to Mindy and I think it got there before her birthday! Yes! I am somewhat proud of myself. It was weird thinking that she will be home when my birthday rolls around! Missions are short things, and I keep catching myself thinking about post-mission! I know it’s not a good use of my time, and I am working on it.
In other news, I have been to kaitenzushi 3 times this past week! That’s where they have little plates of sushi on the conveyor belt, and you pick out what you want, and they just count your plates to figure out the cost. It’s very good! I’ve had squid, octopus, tuna, salmon, shrimp, but my favorite so far has been eel! It’s way good! And I’m starting to really like the sinus-clearing effect of wasabi. Also, a less-active sister bought us big things at a good kneel-down restaurant, and it had fugu in it! Sorry Mom, I partook. They had license to make it. It really wasn’t all that special, although I did feel a little tingly. Haha. So this past week, we all went to Kannoon Wharf and had sushi by the ocean. It was supremely awesome. It reminded me a lot of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk with barely any people and clouds overhead.
This week marks the end of my first transfer in Japan. I’m sure the rest will go by much faster than this one did! There’s not much of a chance of my companion transferring, but we will get a new zone leader and maybe new people in my district! It’s exciting. I won’t be the youngest “grean bean” anymore! So yeah. I’m still coping with the language. If I’m not a part of the conversation, I know what’s being said. But the second I am supposed to converse, I have no clue what they say! It’s tough.
Well, I got a Valentine’s Day package from Grandma Buck the other day, and I’ve found I like Dear Elder sugar cookies! Thanks Grandma!!! Well, I bike a lot, knock a lot, and talk with members a lot. Such is life without central heating! Haha. Well, I’ve found that I like cool piano music. My companion just got Jon Schmidt, and we like it. Such ends this part of the Shimonoseki Hogge sage for this week.
Love You All,
Elder Hogge
Tis another week in the books here in Shimonoseki. I sent my last letter a day before I got y’all’s letter. So it’s crazy that the weather there is nuts! I hope everything is fine! The weather here is very bi-polar. Seriously, day to day, it can be way hot and sunny; the next it can pour and freeze! It’s fun on the bike. I had my first day of fun with my raincoat! Truthfully, my suit was not very happy and I think I’m also going to get some thick socks for my good old feet. It’s definitely an interesting experience being expected to work so much. I never really thought much about getting to work on those rainy nights that I would stay in and read and put a fire on. But, there’s no better work in the world for me!
So yeah! I actually didn’t arrange for absentee voting, unfortunately. And yeah, I got the card! Thanks Dad! I’ve used it and it works! I just can’t figure out the balance. So I don’t know the resources I’m drawing from. Oh well! I got a letter off to Mindy and I think it got there before her birthday! Yes! I am somewhat proud of myself. It was weird thinking that she will be home when my birthday rolls around! Missions are short things, and I keep catching myself thinking about post-mission! I know it’s not a good use of my time, and I am working on it.
In other news, I have been to kaitenzushi 3 times this past week! That’s where they have little plates of sushi on the conveyor belt, and you pick out what you want, and they just count your plates to figure out the cost. It’s very good! I’ve had squid, octopus, tuna, salmon, shrimp, but my favorite so far has been eel! It’s way good! And I’m starting to really like the sinus-clearing effect of wasabi. Also, a less-active sister bought us big things at a good kneel-down restaurant, and it had fugu in it! Sorry Mom, I partook. They had license to make it. It really wasn’t all that special, although I did feel a little tingly. Haha. So this past week, we all went to Kannoon Wharf and had sushi by the ocean. It was supremely awesome. It reminded me a lot of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk with barely any people and clouds overhead.
This week marks the end of my first transfer in Japan. I’m sure the rest will go by much faster than this one did! There’s not much of a chance of my companion transferring, but we will get a new zone leader and maybe new people in my district! It’s exciting. I won’t be the youngest “grean bean” anymore! So yeah. I’m still coping with the language. If I’m not a part of the conversation, I know what’s being said. But the second I am supposed to converse, I have no clue what they say! It’s tough.
Well, I got a Valentine’s Day package from Grandma Buck the other day, and I’ve found I like Dear Elder sugar cookies! Thanks Grandma!!! Well, I bike a lot, knock a lot, and talk with members a lot. Such is life without central heating! Haha. Well, I’ve found that I like cool piano music. My companion just got Jon Schmidt, and we like it. Such ends this part of the Shimonoseki Hogge sage for this week.
Love You All,
Elder Hogge
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