Hey Mom. Its pouring here, but everytime I walk outside, my glasses fog up! Thats how hot it is. Haha. Well, it is the last week of the transfer, so my companion goes home in 4 days! Yeah, his mom must be pretty stoked. Haha. Sorry, I know it has got to be hard for you. But its totally okay. You got me for eternity. :-) My bet is that a quite young missionary will come in and I will become senior here (which is pretty safe seeing that Im going home pretty soon!) But yeah, things are going well. We had 8 investigators at church Sunday, and it was the most I have heard of for one companionship on my mission here. So, we are pretty stoked about that. We have 2 people really really close to committing to baptism with one already with a date.
Well, I think I got the package from a while ago, unless you sent anything else. :-) Oh yeah, I was kinda thinking about postponing the birthday this year because if you send anything, Im going to have to either eat it pretty quick, or carry it with me back home. :-) Oh yeah, in order to study Japanese, there is a good book called Remembering the Kanji written by a guy named Heisig. It may be a fun birthday present. :-)
Cool cool. Im glad things were going well in John Day. I hope you have a good week.
Love you,
Elder Hogge
Monday, July 20, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
15 June 2009
Hi Dad:
Unfortunately, I have been transfered. It was incredibly hard to leave Mihara because the branch there was so small that the missionaries play such a major role. I can honestly say that I love those people. Im sure you know the feeling. Fortunately, I love the new area and companion! I am now in a place called Takasu which is code for `the very biggest intercity part of Hiroshima.` The ward here is about 50 people strong, and my companion has been out here for almost the whole two years. And, I have been called to serve as a Zone Leader. I know it doesnt mean much, but I am very excited. I have had such a great time studying Christlike leadership, and now I have been given an even bigger opportunity to be a Christlike leader. It is the biggest zone in the mission by far, and it is full of my old areas and old companions. I am very excited. We are really taking what you said to heart and finding all the time. No matter what we are doing, no matter where we are going, we talk to people. I have found the Spirit a lot stronger in my life just in the past 5 days from talking with everyone. Thank you. I am also excited to be able to lead this zone. We give instructions twice a transfer, so if you have any ideas, I really really do want to hear them. I just want to help unify the zone and work off of the amazing job of missionaries past. Well, sorry for blabbering on and on and on. Im just really excited. Its nice because I am pretty much assured how my mission will turn out. No worries about that. Now, I can just focus and work work work. I love it!
No way! You saw Aaron Gacilan! Thats making me feel old as a missionary.... But I can only imagine the kind of joy you feel from seeing these guys grow up. I get excited when investigators read from the Book of Mormon! Haha.
Question: is the mission plan established for California only for California? Do you think the Brethren would have something in store for Japan? I kinda want to share what you have shared with me, but I just dont know if it would be right.
Well, I love you and Mom. Havent gotten an email from mom, but thats okay. Ill shoot her one. Oh yeah, here is my new address:
733-0821
Hiroshima-shi
Nishi-ku
Kougokita 1-21-29
Porarisukougokita 2bankan 204
Love,
Elder Hogge
Unfortunately, I have been transfered. It was incredibly hard to leave Mihara because the branch there was so small that the missionaries play such a major role. I can honestly say that I love those people. Im sure you know the feeling. Fortunately, I love the new area and companion! I am now in a place called Takasu which is code for `the very biggest intercity part of Hiroshima.` The ward here is about 50 people strong, and my companion has been out here for almost the whole two years. And, I have been called to serve as a Zone Leader. I know it doesnt mean much, but I am very excited. I have had such a great time studying Christlike leadership, and now I have been given an even bigger opportunity to be a Christlike leader. It is the biggest zone in the mission by far, and it is full of my old areas and old companions. I am very excited. We are really taking what you said to heart and finding all the time. No matter what we are doing, no matter where we are going, we talk to people. I have found the Spirit a lot stronger in my life just in the past 5 days from talking with everyone. Thank you. I am also excited to be able to lead this zone. We give instructions twice a transfer, so if you have any ideas, I really really do want to hear them. I just want to help unify the zone and work off of the amazing job of missionaries past. Well, sorry for blabbering on and on and on. Im just really excited. Its nice because I am pretty much assured how my mission will turn out. No worries about that. Now, I can just focus and work work work. I love it!
No way! You saw Aaron Gacilan! Thats making me feel old as a missionary.... But I can only imagine the kind of joy you feel from seeing these guys grow up. I get excited when investigators read from the Book of Mormon! Haha.
Question: is the mission plan established for California only for California? Do you think the Brethren would have something in store for Japan? I kinda want to share what you have shared with me, but I just dont know if it would be right.
Well, I love you and Mom. Havent gotten an email from mom, but thats okay. Ill shoot her one. Oh yeah, here is my new address:
733-0821
Hiroshima-shi
Nishi-ku
Kougokita 1-21-29
Porarisukougokita 2bankan 204
Love,
Elder Hogge
Monday, May 25, 2009
25 May 2009
Hey Mom.
Here, its either hot or rainy. But not all that hot and not all that rainy yet. So, we are good for a liiiiiiiiiiittle while longer. :-)
Our investigators are doing well here. Waki-san came to church, and even though he is 77, he is really starting to remember things and the members and stuff. So he is great. I dont know, not a whole lot is happening! Haha. We are just trying to help our investigators understand the importance of the Spirit. If everyone knew how amazing the baptism by fire is, the baptism of water would be a no-brainer to accept! So, thats what we are working on. The best part of working with them is that all of them are our friends. Its really great. I really feel like a Mihara-jin (or a Mihara-n or a Mihara-ese, something like that. :-) )
Well, today, after we finish emailing, we are going to head over to McDonalds and eat out for the first time in a long while, then hit up the 100 yen store to grab supplies for commandment posters we are going to make for Waki-san to help him remember. Haha. And then, we are going to watch one of President Monson`s talks with Waki-san and a member today. After that, we are going to head over to the train station and try to find more friends. Or at least bump into some of our already good friends. Mihara is just so small and we know so many people and absolutely everyone goes to the train station, so something is bound to happen! Haha. The train station is definitely the BIGGEST part of town. Everything revolves around the train station. this is Japan! Haha.
As for emails, I receive them from you, Dad, and Mindy weekly. I really enjoy them. I dont know, I just dont hear much from anyone these days. I guess that way it is easier to focus totally on our friends here in Mihara! :-) Truthfully, my favorite letters are the ones from family (the kids too!!). I also write my MTC companion (who is in Fukuoka) post cards. We have a good system so one person writes and sends, then the next person writes the next week and sends. My MTC companion is actually companions with the son of the stake president I worked with in Hatsukaichi last year! Yeah, I went out working with him then. So thats kinda fun.
Well, we have been making basically all of our food these days, and I learned a new one: Its called Oyako-don. Chicken, onions, carrots in a men sauce (like soy sauce) and water boil. And then you add mixed up eggs right about when everything is done cooking. The name is great because `oya` means parent, and `ko` means child, and `don` is like something over rice. We use chicken and eggs, so its parent and child over rice! Haha. I thought that was clever. :-) Im definitely wanting to keep cooking throughout my life.
We are going to keep working hard here, and my allergies acted up just a little last week, but theyre fine now. Thank you!!!!
I love you, Mom. Have a great day!
Elder Hogge
P.S. Happy early summer to the kids!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey Dad.
Can I first off say thanks for the Dear Elder? I was really really really trying hard to figure out what kind of role us as missionaries have in this little Mihara Branch of 15 people. When you and your companion are 2 out of the 15 people, you figure you need to do something to help with responsibilities. I am thankful for your advice (from the viewpoint of a former bishop and present stake presidency member). Sometimes I just want to sit down with the branch president and just ask straight to his face: `What do you want us to do???` We never really get any straight answers when we ask, so Im glad you helped fill us in.
I really liked your scripture for this week -- 1 Corinthians 3:18-19. My loving Heavenly Father has helped remind me several times recently that no matter how wise I think I am, I am foolish without the Lord. I really like Proverbs 3:5-6 `Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.` It is such a simple statement, but I didnt really understand for the first 20 years of my life that `trusting in the Lord` means `dont rely on yourself!` Haha. Once I started to figure that out, missionary work has become much more fun and clear to understand. I love it.
Well, Thanks for everything. The rainy season should be coming soon. I like to say when we are out working hard and it is pouring here, they are filling up the baptismal fonts in Brazil (or Argentina for the other Elder Hogge :-) ) Things are good. Will work harder.
Love you,
Elder Hogge
Here, its either hot or rainy. But not all that hot and not all that rainy yet. So, we are good for a liiiiiiiiiiittle while longer. :-)
Our investigators are doing well here. Waki-san came to church, and even though he is 77, he is really starting to remember things and the members and stuff. So he is great. I dont know, not a whole lot is happening! Haha. We are just trying to help our investigators understand the importance of the Spirit. If everyone knew how amazing the baptism by fire is, the baptism of water would be a no-brainer to accept! So, thats what we are working on. The best part of working with them is that all of them are our friends. Its really great. I really feel like a Mihara-jin (or a Mihara-n or a Mihara-ese, something like that. :-) )
Well, today, after we finish emailing, we are going to head over to McDonalds and eat out for the first time in a long while, then hit up the 100 yen store to grab supplies for commandment posters we are going to make for Waki-san to help him remember. Haha. And then, we are going to watch one of President Monson`s talks with Waki-san and a member today. After that, we are going to head over to the train station and try to find more friends. Or at least bump into some of our already good friends. Mihara is just so small and we know so many people and absolutely everyone goes to the train station, so something is bound to happen! Haha. The train station is definitely the BIGGEST part of town. Everything revolves around the train station. this is Japan! Haha.
As for emails, I receive them from you, Dad, and Mindy weekly. I really enjoy them. I dont know, I just dont hear much from anyone these days. I guess that way it is easier to focus totally on our friends here in Mihara! :-) Truthfully, my favorite letters are the ones from family (the kids too!!). I also write my MTC companion (who is in Fukuoka) post cards. We have a good system so one person writes and sends, then the next person writes the next week and sends. My MTC companion is actually companions with the son of the stake president I worked with in Hatsukaichi last year! Yeah, I went out working with him then. So thats kinda fun.
Well, we have been making basically all of our food these days, and I learned a new one: Its called Oyako-don. Chicken, onions, carrots in a men sauce (like soy sauce) and water boil. And then you add mixed up eggs right about when everything is done cooking. The name is great because `oya` means parent, and `ko` means child, and `don` is like something over rice. We use chicken and eggs, so its parent and child over rice! Haha. I thought that was clever. :-) Im definitely wanting to keep cooking throughout my life.
We are going to keep working hard here, and my allergies acted up just a little last week, but theyre fine now. Thank you!!!!
I love you, Mom. Have a great day!
Elder Hogge
P.S. Happy early summer to the kids!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey Dad.
Can I first off say thanks for the Dear Elder? I was really really really trying hard to figure out what kind of role us as missionaries have in this little Mihara Branch of 15 people. When you and your companion are 2 out of the 15 people, you figure you need to do something to help with responsibilities. I am thankful for your advice (from the viewpoint of a former bishop and present stake presidency member). Sometimes I just want to sit down with the branch president and just ask straight to his face: `What do you want us to do???` We never really get any straight answers when we ask, so Im glad you helped fill us in.
I really liked your scripture for this week -- 1 Corinthians 3:18-19. My loving Heavenly Father has helped remind me several times recently that no matter how wise I think I am, I am foolish without the Lord. I really like Proverbs 3:5-6 `Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.` It is such a simple statement, but I didnt really understand for the first 20 years of my life that `trusting in the Lord` means `dont rely on yourself!` Haha. Once I started to figure that out, missionary work has become much more fun and clear to understand. I love it.
Well, Thanks for everything. The rainy season should be coming soon. I like to say when we are out working hard and it is pouring here, they are filling up the baptismal fonts in Brazil (or Argentina for the other Elder Hogge :-) ) Things are good. Will work harder.
Love you,
Elder Hogge
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
11 May 2009
Thanks Mom! It sure was great talking. Im glad everyone is doing well. We are too. I felt bad for Elder Daimler. I remember my first call. Its just hard thinking about how much long there is ahead. It will all go by so fast, as it has for me. Well, I guess I should write a little about what is going on here. :-)
Waki-san -- our 77 year old investigator committed to baptism. He is a really sweet, older man. He lives alone and his wife is hospitalized in a very very far hospital. He doesnt have very much money, so he cant visit her much. We are glad to help him make many friends and bring him closer to Christ. He really likes Christ. We are always praying for his memory to improve. :-)
Momoko-san -- 19 year old girl I was talking about who is basically a member already. We finally met her Mom (who had been very opposed to baptism) and she was very nice. We will meet with Momoko tonight to see how her Moms stay went.
Iwagi-san -- 60`s year old husband of a member. He comes to church every week, reads the D&C with his wife everyday, and studies the Liahona than most members. Its just faith. We are trying to help him pray and get in contact with our Heavenly Father. We know that is the key.
Fukuyo-san -- 30 year old guy. He is another amazing investigator and really really really good friend. He has been through some rough stuff, and it is really hard for him, but he is turning to the Lord in prayer. He studies more than most members and participates in church more than most people. He keeps all the commandments. Everyone is just kinda wondering when he will step up to the plate and receive the baptismal committment. We are trying the hardest we can to encourage and help him be happy.
Those are the really big investigators we are working with. Its just that the progress in them is very slow, so if I wrote every week, it wouldnt be much. :-) I love Mihara. Truth is, I asked the Lord for a little more time in Mihara, and He saw in His Mercy to allow me to stay. I know for a fact
that I was really really close to leaving. I just love the people here too much.
Well, sorry you caught us being tracted by the JWs. They are very nice, but it is so different without the Spirit. I know that this is the only true church that is being led by revelation and the spirit. I want to help the members share the gospel here sooo bad, but I feel like they just want us to find and do everything ourselves. Its tough when it is the missionaries using the ward instead of the ward using the missionaries. But, we will work hard. :-) No doubt about that. :-)
I hate to leave, but its almost time up, so have a great day!!!!
Love you!
Elder Hogge
Waki-san -- our 77 year old investigator committed to baptism. He is a really sweet, older man. He lives alone and his wife is hospitalized in a very very far hospital. He doesnt have very much money, so he cant visit her much. We are glad to help him make many friends and bring him closer to Christ. He really likes Christ. We are always praying for his memory to improve. :-)
Momoko-san -- 19 year old girl I was talking about who is basically a member already. We finally met her Mom (who had been very opposed to baptism) and she was very nice. We will meet with Momoko tonight to see how her Moms stay went.
Iwagi-san -- 60`s year old husband of a member. He comes to church every week, reads the D&C with his wife everyday, and studies the Liahona than most members. Its just faith. We are trying to help him pray and get in contact with our Heavenly Father. We know that is the key.
Fukuyo-san -- 30 year old guy. He is another amazing investigator and really really really good friend. He has been through some rough stuff, and it is really hard for him, but he is turning to the Lord in prayer. He studies more than most members and participates in church more than most people. He keeps all the commandments. Everyone is just kinda wondering when he will step up to the plate and receive the baptismal committment. We are trying the hardest we can to encourage and help him be happy.
Those are the really big investigators we are working with. Its just that the progress in them is very slow, so if I wrote every week, it wouldnt be much. :-) I love Mihara. Truth is, I asked the Lord for a little more time in Mihara, and He saw in His Mercy to allow me to stay. I know for a fact
that I was really really close to leaving. I just love the people here too much.
Well, sorry you caught us being tracted by the JWs. They are very nice, but it is so different without the Spirit. I know that this is the only true church that is being led by revelation and the spirit. I want to help the members share the gospel here sooo bad, but I feel like they just want us to find and do everything ourselves. Its tough when it is the missionaries using the ward instead of the ward using the missionaries. But, we will work hard. :-) No doubt about that. :-)
I hate to leave, but its almost time up, so have a great day!!!!
Love you!
Elder Hogge
Monday, May 4, 2009
4 May 2009
No transfer. It was pretty much a miracle since almost every other area had a transfer. Im very happy to still be here in Mihara. We are ready for miracles!! :-) Me and Elder Daimler are doing well. Today, we are visiting Onomichi for the holiday of Golden Week. Just a random week off for Japanese people. Lots of people from all over the place here! :-) Well, please tell the kids I say `ganbare` for the AP tests (that means basically, HANG IN THERE!!!!) I hear from everyone here that there is some pig flu going around. Is everyone okay? Japan hasn`t hit, so absolutely 0 need to worry here, so please DONT! Haha. Well, I will talk to you in just a little while! :-)
Love you!
Elder Hogge
Love you!
Elder Hogge
Monday, April 13, 2009
13 April 2009
Dear Mom:
Thank you for Easter. We really appreciate the amaazing package with 4 delicious pounds of peanut butter. I feel almost bad for taking up so much money! So, I have decided to share as much as I can. We already made the peanut butter cookies and have taken them to people in the branch. I am so blessed. Thank you. There is really no such thing as Easter in Japan, even though the Japanese word for Easter literally means `Celebration of the Resurrection.` Little sad, eh? Thats why we decided to spread the cheer!!!
I got the email from Grandma Buck, and I saw all the pictures -- including the delicious Cinnamon Rolls.......haha. and my 3 sisters who dont really look like sisters at all (by Japanese standards). However, it has come to my attention that I might be tempted to look at the pictures at other times throughout the week, so I would greatly appreciate some hard copies so I can keep them with me. :-)
Thank you so much for looking up the Japanese stuff for me. Im all for testing out of language stuff! As long as I can keep my Japanese up... I would also love the conference addresses...there is now only 1 Liahona per english companionship, so I would much rather not quarrel. :-)
Mom, might I add that you may be more `trunky` than me! Haha. I didnt even remember the Mothers Day call until you emailed. Now Mother, I certainly laughed at that. Still pending when I will be coming home as well. Im just so bad at making decisions!
Anyways, this family is changing so, So, SO much! And its all for the better. A part of me wants to see it all, but then the rest of me says `nah, youll only be a missionary for so long!` So dont worry about me. The knees are doing much better, and I am happy.
Well, love you Mom!
Elder Hogge
Thank you for Easter. We really appreciate the amaazing package with 4 delicious pounds of peanut butter. I feel almost bad for taking up so much money! So, I have decided to share as much as I can. We already made the peanut butter cookies and have taken them to people in the branch. I am so blessed. Thank you. There is really no such thing as Easter in Japan, even though the Japanese word for Easter literally means `Celebration of the Resurrection.` Little sad, eh? Thats why we decided to spread the cheer!!!
I got the email from Grandma Buck, and I saw all the pictures -- including the delicious Cinnamon Rolls.......haha. and my 3 sisters who dont really look like sisters at all (by Japanese standards). However, it has come to my attention that I might be tempted to look at the pictures at other times throughout the week, so I would greatly appreciate some hard copies so I can keep them with me. :-)
Thank you so much for looking up the Japanese stuff for me. Im all for testing out of language stuff! As long as I can keep my Japanese up... I would also love the conference addresses...there is now only 1 Liahona per english companionship, so I would much rather not quarrel. :-)
Mom, might I add that you may be more `trunky` than me! Haha. I didnt even remember the Mothers Day call until you emailed. Now Mother, I certainly laughed at that. Still pending when I will be coming home as well. Im just so bad at making decisions!
Anyways, this family is changing so, So, SO much! And its all for the better. A part of me wants to see it all, but then the rest of me says `nah, youll only be a missionary for so long!` So dont worry about me. The knees are doing much better, and I am happy.
Well, love you Mom!
Elder Hogge
Monday, March 30, 2009
30 March 2009
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
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
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