Dear Family,
I transferred. In a big way. I said I thought could go senior, right? Well, I didn’t. I went secretary! That’s right. Mission office secretary. The missionary couple who did the financial and secretary jobs finished up their missions, and so I got called in with zero training. When I got to the mission office, I dropped my bags and went and taught the English conversation class at 1 p.m. And then I worked nonstop getting adjusted until 9 p.m. That was last Thursday. Now, it is Monday, and I have been going nonstop ever since.
This comes as a very big surprise because another elder actually got a little bit of training from Sister Montgomery (the old secretary). This just goes to prove that God loves throwing the curveball. So, I do all the mail and all the incoming and returning missionary stuff (passports and airline tickets) and all the office managing (make sure things are tidy and in order) and I guess I am unofficially the Mission Grandma (with includes nurse and recipe tips) all on top of regular missionary work.
Phew. But my companion is absolutely amazing! His name is Elder Smith, and he is from Utah. And he is also the financial clerk, which is way harder than being secretary. So he’s a stud. We are both relatively young (I’m in my fourth transfer, and he’s in is seventh) but we are definitely working hard. Every moment we are not in the office working, we are out there working. I am learning a new level of tiredness. And I have also gained respect for those who work in the office. There’s tons of stuff to do. And then add on top of that all the normal missionary pressures and stuff, and you’ve got yourself a very busy schedule! Needless to say, the Lord has found yet another way to humble me and teach me some very important lessons. I’m still learning. I’m still learning . . . .
Hey Dad, did you every work in the mission office? Wait, I knew that! How was it for you? I think it would be fun to hear about that. It really is a blast being so close to so many awesome missionaries! Two AP’s, Recorder, Commissarian, Commissarian-in-training, finance guy, me, and two elder in Kure who don’t have an apartment--nine elders. All way cool and fun. It’s pretty cool!
Love, Joey Hogge
Monday, April 28, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
31 March 2008
Dear Family,
Just another week in paradise! [Joey sent a picture of the skyline from his old 11th-story apartment.] Unfortunately, Elder Moon picked up a cold last Tuesday, so we have just been focusing on getting him healthy enough to get going. It has given me a lot of thought and study time. We got both March and April editions of the Ensign at our Zone Meeting, so I had plenty materials to go over. I am repeatedly blown away by the strength and depth of the Brethren’s testimonies. We also had the chance to listen to a couple of talks. Wow! Elder Hugh B. Brown and Elder Holland both absolutely blew me away! I am very much supercharged for the work, to say the least.
As Elder Moon rested, we also took the opportunity to bake a little! We made lemon bars and they were sooo good! They actually tasted like they are supposed to, which isn’t usually how it works out for us! So that gave us something to give away to all the people we visit. Please forgive us, but we are a little proud of our efforts.
Well, I really liked your talk, Dad! It made me feel very warm and happy inside. And I can just imagine how cute Mari is getting! Thanks for the update.
The word is going quite well, too, regardless of our inability to really get out due to sickness. We are going to challenge one of our investigators (Isoda-san) to baptism this week. Both of his daughters are very strong members—one is married and living in Orem right now, and the other is great at jointing [yes, “jointing”] for lessons. We have had a vision of him going to the SLC temple with his two daughters from the get-go, and it has made all the difference. It gives us major faith and a goal for him. I have a testimony of getting a vision for every person we work with.
This week, I finished a thing called “passoffs.” It is basically to measure your growth in teaching the lessons and mastering the language. I was able to complete it relatively fast, so that is a major burden off of my shoulders. I am starting to really get to the point where the language isn’t really a problem in teaching & conversing, so I can be led by the Spirit instead of just shooting out the same sentences in boring monotony. And I know that my Savior has been my strength. I wear His name, and those He calls, He qualifies. I stand at this special time, in this special place, as a special witness of Him! He lives! He has looked each of us in the eye and said that He would take on our pains, our sorrows, our agony, if we but come unto Him and follow His perfect example. He loves more deeply than the wisest human soul can comprehend. I anxiously await the day where I can fall down at His feet with tears in my eyes and say: “thank you, I tried my best.” I love you all—have a good week!
[Japanese characters]
Just another week in paradise! [Joey sent a picture of the skyline from his old 11th-story apartment.] Unfortunately, Elder Moon picked up a cold last Tuesday, so we have just been focusing on getting him healthy enough to get going. It has given me a lot of thought and study time. We got both March and April editions of the Ensign at our Zone Meeting, so I had plenty materials to go over. I am repeatedly blown away by the strength and depth of the Brethren’s testimonies. We also had the chance to listen to a couple of talks. Wow! Elder Hugh B. Brown and Elder Holland both absolutely blew me away! I am very much supercharged for the work, to say the least.
As Elder Moon rested, we also took the opportunity to bake a little! We made lemon bars and they were sooo good! They actually tasted like they are supposed to, which isn’t usually how it works out for us! So that gave us something to give away to all the people we visit. Please forgive us, but we are a little proud of our efforts.
Well, I really liked your talk, Dad! It made me feel very warm and happy inside. And I can just imagine how cute Mari is getting! Thanks for the update.
The word is going quite well, too, regardless of our inability to really get out due to sickness. We are going to challenge one of our investigators (Isoda-san) to baptism this week. Both of his daughters are very strong members—one is married and living in Orem right now, and the other is great at jointing [yes, “jointing”] for lessons. We have had a vision of him going to the SLC temple with his two daughters from the get-go, and it has made all the difference. It gives us major faith and a goal for him. I have a testimony of getting a vision for every person we work with.
This week, I finished a thing called “passoffs.” It is basically to measure your growth in teaching the lessons and mastering the language. I was able to complete it relatively fast, so that is a major burden off of my shoulders. I am starting to really get to the point where the language isn’t really a problem in teaching & conversing, so I can be led by the Spirit instead of just shooting out the same sentences in boring monotony. And I know that my Savior has been my strength. I wear His name, and those He calls, He qualifies. I stand at this special time, in this special place, as a special witness of Him! He lives! He has looked each of us in the eye and said that He would take on our pains, our sorrows, our agony, if we but come unto Him and follow His perfect example. He loves more deeply than the wisest human soul can comprehend. I anxiously await the day where I can fall down at His feet with tears in my eyes and say: “thank you, I tried my best.” I love you all—have a good week!
[Japanese characters]
Friday, April 4, 2008
24 March 2008
Dear Family,
I got the package!! Yay! I can smell good with deodorant again! And me and all the Elders are really enjoying the chocolate suckers and cookies and candy. Thanks!
Easter was AWESOME! I was woken up by Elder Nielson yelling and jumping: “IT’S EASTER! IT’S EASTER!” and “I MADE YOU ALL EASTER BASKETS, SO YOU HAVE TO GO FIND THEM!” So we had an Easter basket hunt in our apartment. And then me and Elder Moon made omelets and put faces on them using ketchup to copy the stationery. [His letter is on stationery called “Omelet Face.”]
When we got to church, we walked into sacrament meeting right as it was starting, and as I shook the ward greeter’s hand, he said, “It looks like you’re speaking today, Elder Hogge.” My fears were vindicated when we walked in and the branch president motioned me to the stand. I sat down; he turned around and said, “you going 15?” I guess I must have given him a look because he answered his own question, “Okay, 10 minutes.” The talk went pretty well. I had to borrow someone’s scriptures too! As it was Easter, I thought it was appropriate to talk about the Savior. So I talked about how through him, we can overcome both death and sin, the only two obstacles between us and living with our Heavenly Father forever in exaltation. Then I read Alma 7:11-12 and talked about how Christ is our ichi-ban (number one) friend because he has felt EVERYTHING. From the pain of guilt from committing sin, to the sting of every paper cut, to fear from every nightmare. That’s why he is our number one pal, and only through him can we overcome those two obstacles. To say the least, the talk actually ended up going 12-13 minutes.
This stationery was the inspiration behind making omelets Easter Morning. OMELET FACE!! It’s so funny. Haha, yeah. We are into the third out of six weeks in this transfer, and it has gone by way fast! Me and Elder Moon are having the time of our lives! Shortly after that letter about finding balance between not killing your comp and still working hard, I received the same revelation: plan well. When I got your letter, Dad, it was another witness. So we have been planning harder, so that trying to be effective and stay busy throughout the day is a lot less stressful.
So yeah. We also had a very new experience Sunday. We visited a sister’s dad (also an investigator) for his birthday. He’s 79, but way energetic still. Anyways, his dog was limping and whining a lot, so Brother Fujinaka (the ex-district president who is the new ward mission leader who came with us) got down and asked us to bless the dog! I’m glad I wasn’t sitting closest to the dog, because then Elder Nielson did the blessing. I’m not quite sure if it was legal, but it was a different/new/funny experience. Haha, well, that’s what I’m up to: experiencing new things and having the time of my life! That work is great!
[indecipherable Japanese characters], Joey Hogge
I got the package!! Yay! I can smell good with deodorant again! And me and all the Elders are really enjoying the chocolate suckers and cookies and candy. Thanks!
Easter was AWESOME! I was woken up by Elder Nielson yelling and jumping: “IT’S EASTER! IT’S EASTER!” and “I MADE YOU ALL EASTER BASKETS, SO YOU HAVE TO GO FIND THEM!” So we had an Easter basket hunt in our apartment. And then me and Elder Moon made omelets and put faces on them using ketchup to copy the stationery. [His letter is on stationery called “Omelet Face.”]
When we got to church, we walked into sacrament meeting right as it was starting, and as I shook the ward greeter’s hand, he said, “It looks like you’re speaking today, Elder Hogge.” My fears were vindicated when we walked in and the branch president motioned me to the stand. I sat down; he turned around and said, “you going 15?” I guess I must have given him a look because he answered his own question, “Okay, 10 minutes.” The talk went pretty well. I had to borrow someone’s scriptures too! As it was Easter, I thought it was appropriate to talk about the Savior. So I talked about how through him, we can overcome both death and sin, the only two obstacles between us and living with our Heavenly Father forever in exaltation. Then I read Alma 7:11-12 and talked about how Christ is our ichi-ban (number one) friend because he has felt EVERYTHING. From the pain of guilt from committing sin, to the sting of every paper cut, to fear from every nightmare. That’s why he is our number one pal, and only through him can we overcome those two obstacles. To say the least, the talk actually ended up going 12-13 minutes.
This stationery was the inspiration behind making omelets Easter Morning. OMELET FACE!! It’s so funny. Haha, yeah. We are into the third out of six weeks in this transfer, and it has gone by way fast! Me and Elder Moon are having the time of our lives! Shortly after that letter about finding balance between not killing your comp and still working hard, I received the same revelation: plan well. When I got your letter, Dad, it was another witness. So we have been planning harder, so that trying to be effective and stay busy throughout the day is a lot less stressful.
So yeah. We also had a very new experience Sunday. We visited a sister’s dad (also an investigator) for his birthday. He’s 79, but way energetic still. Anyways, his dog was limping and whining a lot, so Brother Fujinaka (the ex-district president who is the new ward mission leader who came with us) got down and asked us to bless the dog! I’m glad I wasn’t sitting closest to the dog, because then Elder Nielson did the blessing. I’m not quite sure if it was legal, but it was a different/new/funny experience. Haha, well, that’s what I’m up to: experiencing new things and having the time of my life! That work is great!
[indecipherable Japanese characters], Joey Hogge
10 March 2008
Dear Family,
How goes it? I’m glad to hear all the surprises and parties and twists and turns turned out well. Congrats Willie! The priesthood is an amazing thing, and I have seen it’s very real power work in my life. You’re a good man, Stan.
Well, the weather here is starting to change. The sun is out much more often, and the wind is very much in full force. It is nice biking because the sun gets us warm, but the wind keeps us cool. A very delicate balance. Haha, sooner than later, it’s going to get way hot, but that just makes sweating feel even better -- sweating for Jesus.
This past week, I taught “skills” for district meeting. It’s the longest portion (45 min.) where we teach a skill and then practice using it. I got “Bear Testimony Frequently” from Preach My Gospel, chapter 10. So, I tried a little experiment. I gave each person a slip of paper with 2 everyday things on it (eating and sleeping, for example) and asked them to explain (teach) why one is better than the other through testimony. It was very awkward, and everyone gave up way early. Then, we read Alma 5:45-48, and then we testified about the Atonement while teaching. I cannot explain to you how real and drastic the change was in the room. Everyone did really well and it was sooo smooth. It testify that the Holy Ghost is very very real, and he testifies of truth when we bear our testimonies. If we are not testifying of something we really believe, his help will not come. Let me tell you, teaching skills in Japanese was nerve-wracking. I know that I couldn’t have taught and nobody could have learned without the help of the Spirit.
Even if we do not use eloquent words or if we stutter, if we believe, the Spirit will help. We watched “A Man Without Eloquence” about Brigham Young’s conversion story, and it just went to prove that even the most broken language/sentences (Japanese) can have a powerful impact.
Well, yeah. Speaking of broken language, that’s what English is turning into for me. I just started my third transfer in Japan, and me and my companion get a kick out of how broken our English has become. Haha. I’m still in Shimonoseki, and I’m still with Elder Moon. It’s a hoot!
The other day, we went and had dessert at a little restaurant and let me tell ya, ice cream sundaes (aka: “parfait”) are sooo expensive and small! Please take advantage of Leatherby’s on my behalf!
So, all the letters that you all have sent to the mission office are getting routed to our old address (30 min. bike ride). So, I’m not sure where/when any further letters/packages should/will go. Haha, that’s a lot of “/”’s. And it’s about as confusing as it is in my head. Haha, sorry bout that!
On other notes, my companion taught me how to juggle today. I might work on that a little. Saturday, I’m playing piano as part of a couple members’ band for the branch party. “Let it Be,” by the Beatles. Haha. Well, I am working hard for everyone back home. I am thankful for your support and love. I love you all!
Sincerely, Joey Hogge
How goes it? I’m glad to hear all the surprises and parties and twists and turns turned out well. Congrats Willie! The priesthood is an amazing thing, and I have seen it’s very real power work in my life. You’re a good man, Stan.
Well, the weather here is starting to change. The sun is out much more often, and the wind is very much in full force. It is nice biking because the sun gets us warm, but the wind keeps us cool. A very delicate balance. Haha, sooner than later, it’s going to get way hot, but that just makes sweating feel even better -- sweating for Jesus.
This past week, I taught “skills” for district meeting. It’s the longest portion (45 min.) where we teach a skill and then practice using it. I got “Bear Testimony Frequently” from Preach My Gospel, chapter 10. So, I tried a little experiment. I gave each person a slip of paper with 2 everyday things on it (eating and sleeping, for example) and asked them to explain (teach) why one is better than the other through testimony. It was very awkward, and everyone gave up way early. Then, we read Alma 5:45-48, and then we testified about the Atonement while teaching. I cannot explain to you how real and drastic the change was in the room. Everyone did really well and it was sooo smooth. It testify that the Holy Ghost is very very real, and he testifies of truth when we bear our testimonies. If we are not testifying of something we really believe, his help will not come. Let me tell you, teaching skills in Japanese was nerve-wracking. I know that I couldn’t have taught and nobody could have learned without the help of the Spirit.
Even if we do not use eloquent words or if we stutter, if we believe, the Spirit will help. We watched “A Man Without Eloquence” about Brigham Young’s conversion story, and it just went to prove that even the most broken language/sentences (Japanese) can have a powerful impact.
Well, yeah. Speaking of broken language, that’s what English is turning into for me. I just started my third transfer in Japan, and me and my companion get a kick out of how broken our English has become. Haha. I’m still in Shimonoseki, and I’m still with Elder Moon. It’s a hoot!
The other day, we went and had dessert at a little restaurant and let me tell ya, ice cream sundaes (aka: “parfait”) are sooo expensive and small! Please take advantage of Leatherby’s on my behalf!
So, all the letters that you all have sent to the mission office are getting routed to our old address (30 min. bike ride). So, I’m not sure where/when any further letters/packages should/will go. Haha, that’s a lot of “/”’s. And it’s about as confusing as it is in my head. Haha, sorry bout that!
On other notes, my companion taught me how to juggle today. I might work on that a little. Saturday, I’m playing piano as part of a couple members’ band for the branch party. “Let it Be,” by the Beatles. Haha. Well, I am working hard for everyone back home. I am thankful for your support and love. I love you all!
Sincerely, Joey Hogge
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