Dear Mom:
Hey. Before I forget...peanut butter and quick-make-cookie-mix!!! Oh yeah!!! Way excited for a package. Maybe, a pack of skittles each. Please make sure there is stuff that we can easily split and share. Sharing is caring, it can beeeeee fun.
We have fast sunday next week, and then watch Conference by DVD the week after. Can I just tell you how excited I am??? Its like Christmas for a missionary. Its kinda like getting the news only twice a year. I love it!
Thanks for the letter. Youre the Bomb! Could I by any chance get a little more detailed information about the Japanese `Foreign Language Achievement` test? I kinda want to know what kind of things I should be studying -- lots of kanji or grammar or vocabulary or what...
I just read 2 Nephi 4 this morning. It was good. I especially liked verse 35, the first couple phrases: `yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, IF I ASK NOT AMISS.` You know, we always hear those promises about prayer, how God will give us what we ask, but often, we dont see those requests come true and we get frustrated. Like, its because we need to ask for the right things! I know Ive said a lot about this before, but I feel like saying it again. We arent here to order our Heavenly Father around. We are here to humble ourselves and depend on Him. So, we should be trying to do the things He wants us to. If we try doing what He wants us to do, what we will ask in prayer will be fulfilled. (Even though it may take a while). Okay, no clue why I decided to talk about that to you, Mom, but I just felt strongly about that! haha.
Besides that, my knees are starting to wear down a little. Any tips? Im pretty sure its just muscle/joint fatigue from riding bikes a lot. I do stretches and stuff everyday, but I was wondering if there was some magic fix-up...
Phwew. All about me. Sorry. I love you Mom. Thank you for all your support and help. It is very good to hear `I miss you, but stay out there!` Haha. Thank Hil for the note for me. And give Spence a knuckle sandwich full of medicine for me. Willie...hes going to beat me in like everything when I get back...but that wont be for a while... :-)
Thank you for all your help.
LOVE YOU!
Elder Hogge
Monday, March 30, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
23 March 2009
Hey.
So, we had transfers last week, and Elder Muraoka left, and Elder Daimler came in. They are so very different! Its very interesting to see the difference between them. However, since Elder Daimler is in just his second transfer, the responsibility on my part has been heightened a little. Therefore, I am tired. :-) But thats okay.
Elder Daimler is amazing! He is very bright-eyed and bushy-tailed! He is from Bountiful, Utah, and he has a really interesting story prior to the mission. He was baptized only 19 months ago! His whole family is still Catholic, so its a little hard to be doing this work right now, but he decided to serve on his own. What an amazing testimony! It makes me go back and feel gratitude for my own family who is 100% supporting me to the max! I really appreciate everyone. But this Elder Daimler is a stud! He was an investigator just 2 years ago! So, he has amazing insight on the work. Ya know, Im sure he wouldnt mind a little lovin from his companions family if they feel so inclined to do so...nothing special, just a note or something. Obviously, its a little hard for him as a young missionary. I can see him going through the same things that I did! Its funny how all those young`uns can just overcome most their obstacles with their energy!
Im starting to feel really old. I think its in the knees...but anyways, the work is still going pretty good...lots of stuff to do, theres so much to think about that Im just trying to weed out all the less important stuff and focus on the most important stuff.
And that is definitely Christ and the Atonement. The Atonement is Love. Its pretty awesome. I know it lifts the weak and the weary. I know it gives comfort. I know that its amazing effects are only dependant upon our choices. So, thats why it is so important to make good choices. And then, when all of our choices are `good` choices, make `better` choices. And then, when all of our choices are `better` choices, make `best` choices.
Well, I hope everyone is doing well. Ive come to realize that baseball is like an addiction I am afflicted with, and Im striving to overcome it. Haha, its just so hard when almost every TV around is playing baseball on screen!!!!!! But thats okay. Ill live :-)
LOVE YOU!!!!
And may your week be a great one,
Elder Hogge
So, we had transfers last week, and Elder Muraoka left, and Elder Daimler came in. They are so very different! Its very interesting to see the difference between them. However, since Elder Daimler is in just his second transfer, the responsibility on my part has been heightened a little. Therefore, I am tired. :-) But thats okay.
Elder Daimler is amazing! He is very bright-eyed and bushy-tailed! He is from Bountiful, Utah, and he has a really interesting story prior to the mission. He was baptized only 19 months ago! His whole family is still Catholic, so its a little hard to be doing this work right now, but he decided to serve on his own. What an amazing testimony! It makes me go back and feel gratitude for my own family who is 100% supporting me to the max! I really appreciate everyone. But this Elder Daimler is a stud! He was an investigator just 2 years ago! So, he has amazing insight on the work. Ya know, Im sure he wouldnt mind a little lovin from his companions family if they feel so inclined to do so...nothing special, just a note or something. Obviously, its a little hard for him as a young missionary. I can see him going through the same things that I did! Its funny how all those young`uns can just overcome most their obstacles with their energy!
Im starting to feel really old. I think its in the knees...but anyways, the work is still going pretty good...lots of stuff to do, theres so much to think about that Im just trying to weed out all the less important stuff and focus on the most important stuff.
And that is definitely Christ and the Atonement. The Atonement is Love. Its pretty awesome. I know it lifts the weak and the weary. I know it gives comfort. I know that its amazing effects are only dependant upon our choices. So, thats why it is so important to make good choices. And then, when all of our choices are `good` choices, make `better` choices. And then, when all of our choices are `better` choices, make `best` choices.
Well, I hope everyone is doing well. Ive come to realize that baseball is like an addiction I am afflicted with, and Im striving to overcome it. Haha, its just so hard when almost every TV around is playing baseball on screen!!!!!! But thats okay. Ill live :-)
LOVE YOU!!!!
And may your week be a great one,
Elder Hogge
Sunday, March 8, 2009
9 March 2009
Hey Mom and Dad!
Sorry Ive been writing only one letter recently...theres just so much I learned and want to say, but no time to say it!!
Mom -- I got your snail mail letter about Hilary having a baby. What a shocker!!! Haha. [Jeff's note: Hilary had an assignment in her child development class to take care of a computerized newborn doll for a weekend. Glad that's over. Hard to be compassionate when a computer cries.]
Dad -- I also got your letter. Still not quite sure what a `glimpse of eternity` is, but Im sure Ill recognize if I ever get one.
I am truly grateful for parents who keep in such close touch. Even though I know that Ill be out on my own for most the rest of my life, my parents have been such a great support.
Also, I got the letters from the young folk o` the fam. THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh man, those letters were so great! Not going to lie, they made me want to play a little. But, I still wont have much problem doing as the Japanese say, SHUCHU SHINASAI! Which means, FOCUS! In fact, those letters help me to work harder. Good boost. I will have to write everyone back...we`ll see how that goes!
Im doing great over here. As we planned for this past week (that has already finished), I asked Elder Muraoka, `hey, what kind of week do you want this one to be?` He replied, `special.` We decided to make this past week one that we will remember for the rest of our missions. Not only did it snow, then get really warm, then rain really hard in three days, but we saw absolute miracles! Not anyone walking on water, but pretty close. New investigator, many lessons, many new golden investigators, all in one week. We have been noticing our prayers answered even more and more as time moves on. Its not like we are the most amazing thing that happened to the world since peanut butter, but we have been fine tuning ourselves to the Lord`s will. Like, if you ask for something that God wants and then work really hard to do it, He will help you. In fact, He will use you! Maybe thats it. This past week, its not like we rocked, Im pretty sure Heavenly Father rocked THROUGH us. Like, he put the same picture of the same place at the same time into each of our minds! We went; we knocked on every door. The very very last door was a man who asked where the church was, and then told us straight up right there `Ill Go.` We are certain he was prepared. That kind of thing happened several times throughout the week. I have a firm testimony that the Lord hears our prayers. Thanks to your prayers, we are being led to prepared people. The scriptures are the Lords words. The promises in the scriptures can and will be fulfilled if we are faithful.
The Hiroshima Mission is absolutely exploding. Ive been a part of it for the past year and 3 months, and I have seen it change dramatically. There is so much faith here. So much hope. And, a lot lot lot of work to be done. President Isa is an inspired man of God. He is Nephi. His faith is amazing. He has led us to do the Lords will and receive revelation for ourselves. Its AWESOME!!!
One tip for the elder coming in in May: start now to strengthen your relationship with the Lord. When you pray, dont say things you think you SHOULD say, say things that you are REALLY feeling. And then, `bind the Lord` by doing what He says. (D&C82:10) Start working on having more meaningful prayers right now.
Rubber shoes are great! Especially in the rainy season. Ive seen some missionaries use them, and they are pretty useful with it really really rains! Haha.
Well, my time is almost up. Its been great everyone! Have a wonderful week!!!
Love,
Elder Hogge
Sorry Ive been writing only one letter recently...theres just so much I learned and want to say, but no time to say it!!
Mom -- I got your snail mail letter about Hilary having a baby. What a shocker!!! Haha. [Jeff's note: Hilary had an assignment in her child development class to take care of a computerized newborn doll for a weekend. Glad that's over. Hard to be compassionate when a computer cries.]
Dad -- I also got your letter. Still not quite sure what a `glimpse of eternity` is, but Im sure Ill recognize if I ever get one.
I am truly grateful for parents who keep in such close touch. Even though I know that Ill be out on my own for most the rest of my life, my parents have been such a great support.
Also, I got the letters from the young folk o` the fam. THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh man, those letters were so great! Not going to lie, they made me want to play a little. But, I still wont have much problem doing as the Japanese say, SHUCHU SHINASAI! Which means, FOCUS! In fact, those letters help me to work harder. Good boost. I will have to write everyone back...we`ll see how that goes!
Im doing great over here. As we planned for this past week (that has already finished), I asked Elder Muraoka, `hey, what kind of week do you want this one to be?` He replied, `special.` We decided to make this past week one that we will remember for the rest of our missions. Not only did it snow, then get really warm, then rain really hard in three days, but we saw absolute miracles! Not anyone walking on water, but pretty close. New investigator, many lessons, many new golden investigators, all in one week. We have been noticing our prayers answered even more and more as time moves on. Its not like we are the most amazing thing that happened to the world since peanut butter, but we have been fine tuning ourselves to the Lord`s will. Like, if you ask for something that God wants and then work really hard to do it, He will help you. In fact, He will use you! Maybe thats it. This past week, its not like we rocked, Im pretty sure Heavenly Father rocked THROUGH us. Like, he put the same picture of the same place at the same time into each of our minds! We went; we knocked on every door. The very very last door was a man who asked where the church was, and then told us straight up right there `Ill Go.` We are certain he was prepared. That kind of thing happened several times throughout the week. I have a firm testimony that the Lord hears our prayers. Thanks to your prayers, we are being led to prepared people. The scriptures are the Lords words. The promises in the scriptures can and will be fulfilled if we are faithful.
The Hiroshima Mission is absolutely exploding. Ive been a part of it for the past year and 3 months, and I have seen it change dramatically. There is so much faith here. So much hope. And, a lot lot lot of work to be done. President Isa is an inspired man of God. He is Nephi. His faith is amazing. He has led us to do the Lords will and receive revelation for ourselves. Its AWESOME!!!
One tip for the elder coming in in May: start now to strengthen your relationship with the Lord. When you pray, dont say things you think you SHOULD say, say things that you are REALLY feeling. And then, `bind the Lord` by doing what He says. (D&C82:10) Start working on having more meaningful prayers right now.
Rubber shoes are great! Especially in the rainy season. Ive seen some missionaries use them, and they are pretty useful with it really really rains! Haha.
Well, my time is almost up. Its been great everyone! Have a wonderful week!!!
Love,
Elder Hogge
Sunday, March 1, 2009
2 March 2009
Hey Mom. And Dad.
Thanks for the snail mail! I got them last week right at the end of preparation day. Boy, I sure want to go to the temple!
Things are going well in Mihara. This past week, we went to Onomichi twice on bikes, and its a one-hour trip one way, so I got soo waay tired! My companion is convinced that I put on some years. Haha. I dont know which I prefer: putting on years or putting on pounds. Haha, phwew. Im tired. Im getting tired a lot easier these days. Im not the young whipper-snapper I used to be! Haha. Its a good tired.
This week, I had a spiritual experience literally every day of the week. I learned a lot. And wrote it down. You know, just little things. Im beginning to recognize the Spirit more, especially instances where somehow I know where to go, even when I have never been there before. And then, recognizing what to say, even when I have no clue what to say. Im especially starting to recognize answers to my prayers. Its a much more faith-oriented lifestyle. It rocks! Its kinda cool to feel like Nephi of old. As missionaries, all we need to do is plan adequately, study dilligently, remain worthy, and then follow, because the Lord will take us on a ride!
I had interview with President Isa this past week, and faith was one of the biggest things I learned from him. Especially faith in the Lord`s timetable. You need to work hard as a missionary, but you cant push any faster than the Lord has set up for His children! So basically, its just up to us to figure out that pace for each of our investigators and friends.
Wow! Adam and Nicole are both heading out! Thats crazy. Is that three from the Mark Hogges??? Thats cool. And crazy.
Well, next time you talk to Doug, ask him about Onomichi. The church used to be there instead of Mihara. The missionaries were there too.
Also, are you sure there will still be a singles ward when I get back? It might be totally gone by that time! Haha. Ive yet to figure out when Ill be headed home, so dont mark any dates! Ive still got a ways!!
So, thank you all for the love and the letters and the happiness. I know that life isnt all rainbows and roses, but I know that our family has been extremely EXTREMELY blessed. So, dont let the kids complain! Haha. Take care y`all, and have a happy san-gatsu! (March)
Love,
Elder Hogge
Thanks for the snail mail! I got them last week right at the end of preparation day. Boy, I sure want to go to the temple!
Things are going well in Mihara. This past week, we went to Onomichi twice on bikes, and its a one-hour trip one way, so I got soo waay tired! My companion is convinced that I put on some years. Haha. I dont know which I prefer: putting on years or putting on pounds. Haha, phwew. Im tired. Im getting tired a lot easier these days. Im not the young whipper-snapper I used to be! Haha. Its a good tired.
This week, I had a spiritual experience literally every day of the week. I learned a lot. And wrote it down. You know, just little things. Im beginning to recognize the Spirit more, especially instances where somehow I know where to go, even when I have never been there before. And then, recognizing what to say, even when I have no clue what to say. Im especially starting to recognize answers to my prayers. Its a much more faith-oriented lifestyle. It rocks! Its kinda cool to feel like Nephi of old. As missionaries, all we need to do is plan adequately, study dilligently, remain worthy, and then follow, because the Lord will take us on a ride!
I had interview with President Isa this past week, and faith was one of the biggest things I learned from him. Especially faith in the Lord`s timetable. You need to work hard as a missionary, but you cant push any faster than the Lord has set up for His children! So basically, its just up to us to figure out that pace for each of our investigators and friends.
Wow! Adam and Nicole are both heading out! Thats crazy. Is that three from the Mark Hogges??? Thats cool. And crazy.
Well, next time you talk to Doug, ask him about Onomichi. The church used to be there instead of Mihara. The missionaries were there too.
Also, are you sure there will still be a singles ward when I get back? It might be totally gone by that time! Haha. Ive yet to figure out when Ill be headed home, so dont mark any dates! Ive still got a ways!!
So, thank you all for the love and the letters and the happiness. I know that life isnt all rainbows and roses, but I know that our family has been extremely EXTREMELY blessed. So, dont let the kids complain! Haha. Take care y`all, and have a happy san-gatsu! (March)
Love,
Elder Hogge
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