Hey Mom.
This past week of General Conference was AMAZING!!! Elder Ballard talked directly to RMs for a little bit in Priesthood, and all the elders in the English room turned and looked at me. Haha. It was great. I love being a missionary. I will continue to be one. It's awesome. I'm going to miss Japan, but I will enjoy the US and my family. :-) I have been waiting to say that for a little while. I'm doing good at leaving no regrets. 4 investigators came to General Conference, including Miyahara san and her husband. Its great. However, we are about to start setting up for a ping-pong tournament we are having on "taiiku" day in Japan. So, I have to go. I will see you soon. I love you!
Thanks for your love and support,
Elder Hogge
Monday, October 12, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
5 October 2009
Hey Mom.
We get to watch Conference this upcoming weekend because if they broadcasted it on time, the hours would be really weird. However, Bishop Akagi announced a part of it in Sacrament Meeting. Let me make this a story.
When I was in the MTC, I really got used to going to the temple once a week. It was awesome all 10 weeks. When I got to Japan, I had a rough time not being able to attend the temple, especially since I was first transfered to Shimonoseki, the closest area to the Fukuoka Temple. I was somewhat lonely, me and my companion the only Americans in all of Shimonoseki. At that time, I started to pray: "Dear Heavenly Father, I miss the temple so bad. There are so many people here in Japan, but they need to feel the blessings of the temple. Please bless that another temple will come to Japan." And so I prayed continually. Nearly 2 years later, with that same prayer in my heart, I went to my last sacrament meeting in Japan as a missionary, and the bishop announced from General Conference that a temple was set to be built in Sapporo, Japan. Okay, so it wasn't anywhere near where I was in Hiroshima, but that didn't matter. The Lord answered my prayer! Because I chose to extend, I was able to hear the announcement of another Japanese temple in the native land and tongue. What a blessing that was. It was pretty good.
So yeah. That is all I have heard about conference, but I am already looking forward to it. This past week, we picked up Miyahara san's husband's last bit of whiskey. He is done with alcohol. We are really excited and ready to help him. We are also trying to help the wife increase her faith. We really want to solidify that baptismal date.
Well, we had a big meeting as a zone this past week, and it was the last meeting I had to run as a missionary. It went pretty well. We talked about Pres. Utchdorf's "The Way of the Disciple" and we focused on not becoming just missionaries, but becoming disciples. Disciples are code for super members. And like Pres. McKay said, "Every member a missionary." So, we really tried helping our zone with more exact obedience. So, yeah. It went pretty well. Going to work hard this next week.
I'm glad Spence and Hil liked their letters. I got an email from Hil. that was good.
Thank you for your love and support,
Elder Hogge
We get to watch Conference this upcoming weekend because if they broadcasted it on time, the hours would be really weird. However, Bishop Akagi announced a part of it in Sacrament Meeting. Let me make this a story.
When I was in the MTC, I really got used to going to the temple once a week. It was awesome all 10 weeks. When I got to Japan, I had a rough time not being able to attend the temple, especially since I was first transfered to Shimonoseki, the closest area to the Fukuoka Temple. I was somewhat lonely, me and my companion the only Americans in all of Shimonoseki. At that time, I started to pray: "Dear Heavenly Father, I miss the temple so bad. There are so many people here in Japan, but they need to feel the blessings of the temple. Please bless that another temple will come to Japan." And so I prayed continually. Nearly 2 years later, with that same prayer in my heart, I went to my last sacrament meeting in Japan as a missionary, and the bishop announced from General Conference that a temple was set to be built in Sapporo, Japan. Okay, so it wasn't anywhere near where I was in Hiroshima, but that didn't matter. The Lord answered my prayer! Because I chose to extend, I was able to hear the announcement of another Japanese temple in the native land and tongue. What a blessing that was. It was pretty good.
So yeah. That is all I have heard about conference, but I am already looking forward to it. This past week, we picked up Miyahara san's husband's last bit of whiskey. He is done with alcohol. We are really excited and ready to help him. We are also trying to help the wife increase her faith. We really want to solidify that baptismal date.
Well, we had a big meeting as a zone this past week, and it was the last meeting I had to run as a missionary. It went pretty well. We talked about Pres. Utchdorf's "The Way of the Disciple" and we focused on not becoming just missionaries, but becoming disciples. Disciples are code for super members. And like Pres. McKay said, "Every member a missionary." So, we really tried helping our zone with more exact obedience. So, yeah. It went pretty well. Going to work hard this next week.
I'm glad Spence and Hil liked their letters. I got an email from Hil. that was good.
Thank you for your love and support,
Elder Hogge
Monday, September 28, 2009
28 September 2009
Hey Mom.
Nope, havent had any getemono here. I just looked up that word in my dictionary and it said: a product of folkcraft; an odd thing; a grotesquerie. Nope, havent had to deal with that...luckily. Haha. Well, the weirdest cut of meat I have had was raw liver alllll the way back in Shimonoseki 1/2008. That was weird. The Japanese actually kind of take pride in how much they dont eat meat here. Its kind of funny.
I hope WIllie is doing better. I assume he is. Tell him Im rooting for him!
That would be really great if you could check up at EGHS for a tutoring opportunity for me. Kiuchi sensei was my teacher. I havent gotten in touch with her for so long, but I hope it would be alright once I get back. Ill pretty much work as hard as I can minus Sunday.
Oh Mom...Im glad I have things to do when I get back, but its just hard seeing it. Of course, there is still tons to do here. So, we are getting and staying busy. We have Zone Meeting tomorrow that we are about 30% done planning and after that, exchanges again with the APs. I have really grown close to them. And then, we are going reaaally far on Thursday to visit all the members who live far out away from the church.
Well, we met Rin last Monday night and talked about the First Vision and the Book of Mormon and gave him a Book of Mormon, but we havent been able to get in touch after that. I was also able to go all the way up to Hamada this week on exchanges. It is sooo beautiful there and the air is sooo fresh and clean. I really do love Hamada.
Miyahara san is doing well. We successfully challenged her husband to the Word of Wisdom last week, and we are going to pick up the last of his alcohol on Wednesday. Cigarettes are still tough, but were working on it.
So yeah, thank you for all your love and support! I really do appreciate it!
Love,
Elder Hogge
P.S. Im healthy and working hard!
Nope, havent had any getemono here. I just looked up that word in my dictionary and it said: a product of folkcraft; an odd thing; a grotesquerie. Nope, havent had to deal with that...luckily. Haha. Well, the weirdest cut of meat I have had was raw liver alllll the way back in Shimonoseki 1/2008. That was weird. The Japanese actually kind of take pride in how much they dont eat meat here. Its kind of funny.
I hope WIllie is doing better. I assume he is. Tell him Im rooting for him!
That would be really great if you could check up at EGHS for a tutoring opportunity for me. Kiuchi sensei was my teacher. I havent gotten in touch with her for so long, but I hope it would be alright once I get back. Ill pretty much work as hard as I can minus Sunday.
Oh Mom...Im glad I have things to do when I get back, but its just hard seeing it. Of course, there is still tons to do here. So, we are getting and staying busy. We have Zone Meeting tomorrow that we are about 30% done planning and after that, exchanges again with the APs. I have really grown close to them. And then, we are going reaaally far on Thursday to visit all the members who live far out away from the church.
Well, we met Rin last Monday night and talked about the First Vision and the Book of Mormon and gave him a Book of Mormon, but we havent been able to get in touch after that. I was also able to go all the way up to Hamada this week on exchanges. It is sooo beautiful there and the air is sooo fresh and clean. I really do love Hamada.
Miyahara san is doing well. We successfully challenged her husband to the Word of Wisdom last week, and we are going to pick up the last of his alcohol on Wednesday. Cigarettes are still tough, but were working on it.
So yeah, thank you for all your love and support! I really do appreciate it!
Love,
Elder Hogge
P.S. Im healthy and working hard!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Two Weeks of Joey Emails
14 September 2009
Hey Mom.
No new car? Aww....but that's okay. :-) In all reality, the Lord has already blessed me with an early birthday present.................
Last week was transfer calls, which will be my last. And here in Takasu, we got a "bean!" When I say bean, I mean "new missionary!" Yeah. Me and Elder Takanishi are now in a threesome with Elder Hirst -- straight from the MTC. So, along with being Zone Leaders, we are also co-Trainers now, too. It's sooo fun. I actually prayed for another companion two weeks ago. The Lord answers prayers. This kind of situation has never happened in the mission so far. So, we are pretty stoked.
Yeah, it would be fine to go to the temple on Saturday afternoon. That's so great that the temple is so busy. Trying to get the Japan temples the same way. :-)
Well, this last 6 weeks are going to be the craziest of my mission. I can really feel the urgency and importance of this time. Especially knowing that I chose to stay out here longer. That's big motivation to work really really hard. :-)
Thank you for all your love and support. I am really really really looking forward to those pictures. Thanks a lot. Hope everything goes well in Idaho and Utah!!!! Be safe.
Love,
Elder Hogge
21 September 2009
Hey Mom.
I would like to go to the temple Thursday mornings...there's just one thing -- I need to find a job!! Haha. It's been probably one of the biggest worries for me recently. I do NOT want to go back and sit around all day! Haha. If I can work around Sundays and Thursday mornings when I get back, I will be totally down for going to the temple for that session.
No matter what, I decided to go to the temple weekly when I get back. If I could get work to line up with that, then I will go. But either way, I will go weekly. That being said, any leads on October/November/December jobs? Haha. I will do just about anything.
Well, Miyahara-san is doing very well. Her testimony is growing very quickly. We don't have to ask her to come to church, she tells us she will before we can ask! She is now helping her husband! She has helped him stop coffee for 1 week now, and she is doing a lot to encourage him to stop tabacco and alcohol. Quite amazing. She is helping him more and faster than I think we could have ever. He is really great. He just thinks it will take a long time to be able to prepare for baptism. I think one of the best ways for new converts (or investigators) to grow their testimonies is to help out in the conversion of those loved ones around them. It sure is helping Miyahara-san.
As for Elder Hirst, he is now in Kure filling in for a missionary who bruised his knee pretty bad and had to be sent to stay in the mission office for recuperation. Its somewhat sad not having Elder Hirst, but I'm sure this is giving him the growing opportunities he needs.
Alright, well, ready to get going on another week. Things are going great. We are teaching the most I have ever taught on my mission. I love it. Oh yeah, it might be interesting to note that we met a guy named Rin from Taiwan who is 24 years old knocking doors the other day. He has become quite a good friend already, and said he would listen to the message, too. But get this: HE'S A KINGS FAN!!! OH YEAH!!! We do a lot of finding, but this is probably the first/last time I will ever meet a Taiwanese Kings Fan living in Japan. So, that was probably the golden nugget of the week. :-)
The Lord is directing us to those prepared to hear the message as long as we are purifying ourselves. It's really great.
Thank you for your love and support,
Elder Hogge
Hey Mom.
No new car? Aww....but that's okay. :-) In all reality, the Lord has already blessed me with an early birthday present.................
Last week was transfer calls, which will be my last. And here in Takasu, we got a "bean!" When I say bean, I mean "new missionary!" Yeah. Me and Elder Takanishi are now in a threesome with Elder Hirst -- straight from the MTC. So, along with being Zone Leaders, we are also co-Trainers now, too. It's sooo fun. I actually prayed for another companion two weeks ago. The Lord answers prayers. This kind of situation has never happened in the mission so far. So, we are pretty stoked.
Yeah, it would be fine to go to the temple on Saturday afternoon. That's so great that the temple is so busy. Trying to get the Japan temples the same way. :-)
Well, this last 6 weeks are going to be the craziest of my mission. I can really feel the urgency and importance of this time. Especially knowing that I chose to stay out here longer. That's big motivation to work really really hard. :-)
Thank you for all your love and support. I am really really really looking forward to those pictures. Thanks a lot. Hope everything goes well in Idaho and Utah!!!! Be safe.
Love,
Elder Hogge
21 September 2009
Hey Mom.
I would like to go to the temple Thursday mornings...there's just one thing -- I need to find a job!! Haha. It's been probably one of the biggest worries for me recently. I do NOT want to go back and sit around all day! Haha. If I can work around Sundays and Thursday mornings when I get back, I will be totally down for going to the temple for that session.
No matter what, I decided to go to the temple weekly when I get back. If I could get work to line up with that, then I will go. But either way, I will go weekly. That being said, any leads on October/November/December jobs? Haha. I will do just about anything.
Well, Miyahara-san is doing very well. Her testimony is growing very quickly. We don't have to ask her to come to church, she tells us she will before we can ask! She is now helping her husband! She has helped him stop coffee for 1 week now, and she is doing a lot to encourage him to stop tabacco and alcohol. Quite amazing. She is helping him more and faster than I think we could have ever. He is really great. He just thinks it will take a long time to be able to prepare for baptism. I think one of the best ways for new converts (or investigators) to grow their testimonies is to help out in the conversion of those loved ones around them. It sure is helping Miyahara-san.
As for Elder Hirst, he is now in Kure filling in for a missionary who bruised his knee pretty bad and had to be sent to stay in the mission office for recuperation. Its somewhat sad not having Elder Hirst, but I'm sure this is giving him the growing opportunities he needs.
Alright, well, ready to get going on another week. Things are going great. We are teaching the most I have ever taught on my mission. I love it. Oh yeah, it might be interesting to note that we met a guy named Rin from Taiwan who is 24 years old knocking doors the other day. He has become quite a good friend already, and said he would listen to the message, too. But get this: HE'S A KINGS FAN!!! OH YEAH!!! We do a lot of finding, but this is probably the first/last time I will ever meet a Taiwanese Kings Fan living in Japan. So, that was probably the golden nugget of the week. :-)
The Lord is directing us to those prepared to hear the message as long as we are purifying ourselves. It's really great.
Thank you for your love and support,
Elder Hogge
Monday, August 31, 2009
31 August 2009
HEY MOM!
This week felt a nice cool down. Summer is starting to come to a close. The Japanese are very proud of the definite 4 seasons that they have here.
The Takasu area is the smallest in the mission. But that doesn't mean we can even come close to getting around everywhere by bike. :-) We have Nishi-ku (West Hiroshima) and half of Naka-ku (Central Hiroshima). And then we have a bunch of Saeki-ku (MOUNTAINS.). Haven't heard anything about the lady who accepted the Book of Mormon. I hope the sisters in Hikari are getting on that...
Well, that's pretty much the craziest thing ever that Hilary is headed off to college. It will be weird with her being in Idaho when I get back! I hope she is doing well......
On Saturday, we had what was probably my last softball conference in Japan. Kinda sad, but it was awesome! I hit three homers, played the hot corner of third base, and we won it all. There were about 20 members and 20 non-members there. What a great missionary activity!! I made lots of friends.
Yesterday, we had a high council man from Hatsukaichi come and talk about 72 hour kits for the third hour of church. Apparently if you get caught with the new swine virus, you are locked up in your house with your family for a week. So...we need week-kits! Haha. Don't worry, we are 100% virus free and healthy. Following church, we had a meal with the ward. It was rice and watermelon and pickled veggies. We got out and worked a ton, and then we had a meal at one of the member's house! It was awesome! We made our own sushi rolls with tonnns of food. And one of the sisters bought herself a Costco birthday cake and we celebrated her birthday with her! Yay!!
Everyone was amazed that a 23 dollar cake was good to feed everyone and leftovers! In Japan, the cakes cost about 30 dollars and barely feeds a family of 4. They really go for looks here. But let me tell you, Costco cake was sooo nostalgic! Haha.
This week is transfer week -- in other words, the start of my last transfer. No one will move from Takasu, so no worries. Alright, thank you for all your love and support!
Love,
Elder Hogge
P.S. I can't believe you photoshopped me in.
This week felt a nice cool down. Summer is starting to come to a close. The Japanese are very proud of the definite 4 seasons that they have here.
The Takasu area is the smallest in the mission. But that doesn't mean we can even come close to getting around everywhere by bike. :-) We have Nishi-ku (West Hiroshima) and half of Naka-ku (Central Hiroshima). And then we have a bunch of Saeki-ku (MOUNTAINS.). Haven't heard anything about the lady who accepted the Book of Mormon. I hope the sisters in Hikari are getting on that...
Well, that's pretty much the craziest thing ever that Hilary is headed off to college. It will be weird with her being in Idaho when I get back! I hope she is doing well......
On Saturday, we had what was probably my last softball conference in Japan. Kinda sad, but it was awesome! I hit three homers, played the hot corner of third base, and we won it all. There were about 20 members and 20 non-members there. What a great missionary activity!! I made lots of friends.
Yesterday, we had a high council man from Hatsukaichi come and talk about 72 hour kits for the third hour of church. Apparently if you get caught with the new swine virus, you are locked up in your house with your family for a week. So...we need week-kits! Haha. Don't worry, we are 100% virus free and healthy. Following church, we had a meal with the ward. It was rice and watermelon and pickled veggies. We got out and worked a ton, and then we had a meal at one of the member's house! It was awesome! We made our own sushi rolls with tonnns of food. And one of the sisters bought herself a Costco birthday cake and we celebrated her birthday with her! Yay!!
Everyone was amazed that a 23 dollar cake was good to feed everyone and leftovers! In Japan, the cakes cost about 30 dollars and barely feeds a family of 4. They really go for looks here. But let me tell you, Costco cake was sooo nostalgic! Haha.
This week is transfer week -- in other words, the start of my last transfer. No one will move from Takasu, so no worries. Alright, thank you for all your love and support!
Love,
Elder Hogge
P.S. I can't believe you photoshopped me in.
Monday, August 10, 2009
10 August 2009
Hey Mom and Dad
Didn't feel the earthquake at all. I think. Haven't heard a single thing about it here, either. This next week is called "obon" here in Japan. It basically means that everyone goes to their hometown and worships their ancestors. And there are HUGE fireworks at Miyajima. We are going to go watch them with our investigators! :-) Boy, have I really come to love the investigators and members here. I don't even want to think about how it will be leaving.
So yeah, the work is sometimes pretty rough here, but we are really blessed with so many investigators and friends and strong members. I'm just trying to work with my companion a little. Bridging the culture barrier maybe.
Mom, I have never had a "Japanese watermelon." All of the watermelons here are pretty much green and pink. Just like home! Haha.
This past week was sooo exhausting! But it was great. Things went well at Zone Conference. And then I went to Kure on exchanges. There is a big submarine museum there. It is about a 2 minute walk from the Elders' apartment. Pretty cool! I got back to Takasu, then we had an FHE with the couple missionaries in our ward and 4 investigators. We played Jenga. It was really fun. Then one of the elders from Hatsukaichi came here to Takasu to work with me. He is a very big, red-headed Australian! Haha. It was great reminiscing about Hatsukaichi. Then, on Saturday, we went to the Stake Presidency meeting in the morning and talked about the missionary work in the Stake. It was intimidating, but then not at the same time. I had worked a lot with both the Stake President and President Isa before, and it was great feeling the spirit. Right after presidency meeting, we had a baptismal service for Fujita-san. Elder Takanishi performed the baptism, and I gave the talk about baptism and the Holy Ghost. The asleep-to-awake ratio of people in the congregation was pretty good. I consider that a success. :-)
On Sunday, Fujita-san was going to be confirmed. He did his best to walk up the stairs, but then gave up because of his condition and went home. Dagger! But that's okay. We already have the confirmation set up for next Sunday. That was pretty crazy...AND, to go on top of that, I had a talk in sacrament meeting! Haha. Guess what my topic was: Unifying as a Family in Prayer. It went very well. I wish I had recorded it. I talked about growing up praying with my family often and the impact it has on me now as a missionary. It really does have an impact. And, when we pray, we can unite our will to the Lord's. When we do that, we can also unite as a family or companionship. Prayer is definitely a lesson I have learned for the rest of my life. Sunday does not seem like much of a sabbath sometimes, but that's okay. It's the Lord's work. :-)
I got the postcard from Mendocino today! Thank you! The longer I have been on the mission, the more postcards like that have meant to me. I wish you could send me the smell of Mendocino. I kinda take that back. Rotting seaweed isn't that great. Okay, so maybe just the smell of camping. Haha. The mission is going by so fast. I don't know what I'm going to do! Haha. Also, I have had no time to think about a major for school. When do I need to get signed up for classes, do you think?
Thank you for everything!!! I hope Mel is doing alright. It's so weird that she left after me and now she is home before me. It's like I missed missing her! Haha. Be sure to tell her I say what's up and I want to email her sometime.
Well, as for pictures, inside and outside of house...Bradford dunking on the basketball hoop...Spencer rocking in his band or just rocking in general...photographic evidence that Mel is really home...Mari...and of course, my loving Mom and Dad. :-) Haha. Not completely necessary, but would be fun to have. :-)
So yeah, this week shouldn't be so crazy (thank goodness!) so we should be able to focus a whole lot more on our investigators. I'm definitely looking forward to that.
thank you for all your love and support. LOVE YOU!!
Elder Hogge
Didn't feel the earthquake at all. I think. Haven't heard a single thing about it here, either. This next week is called "obon" here in Japan. It basically means that everyone goes to their hometown and worships their ancestors. And there are HUGE fireworks at Miyajima. We are going to go watch them with our investigators! :-) Boy, have I really come to love the investigators and members here. I don't even want to think about how it will be leaving.
So yeah, the work is sometimes pretty rough here, but we are really blessed with so many investigators and friends and strong members. I'm just trying to work with my companion a little. Bridging the culture barrier maybe.
Mom, I have never had a "Japanese watermelon." All of the watermelons here are pretty much green and pink. Just like home! Haha.
This past week was sooo exhausting! But it was great. Things went well at Zone Conference. And then I went to Kure on exchanges. There is a big submarine museum there. It is about a 2 minute walk from the Elders' apartment. Pretty cool! I got back to Takasu, then we had an FHE with the couple missionaries in our ward and 4 investigators. We played Jenga. It was really fun. Then one of the elders from Hatsukaichi came here to Takasu to work with me. He is a very big, red-headed Australian! Haha. It was great reminiscing about Hatsukaichi. Then, on Saturday, we went to the Stake Presidency meeting in the morning and talked about the missionary work in the Stake. It was intimidating, but then not at the same time. I had worked a lot with both the Stake President and President Isa before, and it was great feeling the spirit. Right after presidency meeting, we had a baptismal service for Fujita-san. Elder Takanishi performed the baptism, and I gave the talk about baptism and the Holy Ghost. The asleep-to-awake ratio of people in the congregation was pretty good. I consider that a success. :-)
On Sunday, Fujita-san was going to be confirmed. He did his best to walk up the stairs, but then gave up because of his condition and went home. Dagger! But that's okay. We already have the confirmation set up for next Sunday. That was pretty crazy...AND, to go on top of that, I had a talk in sacrament meeting! Haha. Guess what my topic was: Unifying as a Family in Prayer. It went very well. I wish I had recorded it. I talked about growing up praying with my family often and the impact it has on me now as a missionary. It really does have an impact. And, when we pray, we can unite our will to the Lord's. When we do that, we can also unite as a family or companionship. Prayer is definitely a lesson I have learned for the rest of my life. Sunday does not seem like much of a sabbath sometimes, but that's okay. It's the Lord's work. :-)
I got the postcard from Mendocino today! Thank you! The longer I have been on the mission, the more postcards like that have meant to me. I wish you could send me the smell of Mendocino. I kinda take that back. Rotting seaweed isn't that great. Okay, so maybe just the smell of camping. Haha. The mission is going by so fast. I don't know what I'm going to do! Haha. Also, I have had no time to think about a major for school. When do I need to get signed up for classes, do you think?
Thank you for everything!!! I hope Mel is doing alright. It's so weird that she left after me and now she is home before me. It's like I missed missing her! Haha. Be sure to tell her I say what's up and I want to email her sometime.
Well, as for pictures, inside and outside of house...Bradford dunking on the basketball hoop...Spencer rocking in his band or just rocking in general...photographic evidence that Mel is really home...Mari...and of course, my loving Mom and Dad. :-) Haha. Not completely necessary, but would be fun to have. :-)
So yeah, this week shouldn't be so crazy (thank goodness!) so we should be able to focus a whole lot more on our investigators. I'm definitely looking forward to that.
thank you for all your love and support. LOVE YOU!!
Elder Hogge
Sunday, August 2, 2009
2 August 2009
Hey Mom.
The rain is finally starting to let up. Now, the intense heat comes. But thats okay. I prefer dry heat ANY DAY over pouring, wet heat. So, Im happy. :-)
This past week was pretty good. My companion finally got over the virus he caught, and now we are both healthy and working hard. Ive come to really like Elder Takanishi. We are seriously having a whole lot more fun. I have found that when we are sick or hurt or dont get out of the apartment as much for this reason or that, we arent as happy as when we are always outside. I think it is an eternal principle that work = happiness. In the Gospel Principles book, President David O. McKay has a quote: "Let us realize that the privilege to work is a gift, that the power to work is a blessing, that the love of work is success." I agree full-heartedly with that.
This past Sunday, four investigators came to church. One of them is scheduled to be baptized this next Saturday, and he asked me to do the confirmation on Sunday. Yeah, thats in Japanese. Im sure it will be fine, but I know I need to prepare myself. I have never done that ordinance, not even in English! So this will be fun. Hopefully, I will have good news to report next week.
I got a really strong desire to go to the temple this past week. I want to go to the temple sooo bad. Soooo baaaad. I want to go like once a week when I get back. At least the Saturday I get back. :-)
Well, Im glad everyone is doing well and vacationing hard. Waydago! I am healthy and happy and thankful for your love and support. Talk to you later!
Love
Elder Hogge
The rain is finally starting to let up. Now, the intense heat comes. But thats okay. I prefer dry heat ANY DAY over pouring, wet heat. So, Im happy. :-)
This past week was pretty good. My companion finally got over the virus he caught, and now we are both healthy and working hard. Ive come to really like Elder Takanishi. We are seriously having a whole lot more fun. I have found that when we are sick or hurt or dont get out of the apartment as much for this reason or that, we arent as happy as when we are always outside. I think it is an eternal principle that work = happiness. In the Gospel Principles book, President David O. McKay has a quote: "Let us realize that the privilege to work is a gift, that the power to work is a blessing, that the love of work is success." I agree full-heartedly with that.
This past Sunday, four investigators came to church. One of them is scheduled to be baptized this next Saturday, and he asked me to do the confirmation on Sunday. Yeah, thats in Japanese. Im sure it will be fine, but I know I need to prepare myself. I have never done that ordinance, not even in English! So this will be fun. Hopefully, I will have good news to report next week.
I got a really strong desire to go to the temple this past week. I want to go to the temple sooo bad. Soooo baaaad. I want to go like once a week when I get back. At least the Saturday I get back. :-)
Well, Im glad everyone is doing well and vacationing hard. Waydago! I am healthy and happy and thankful for your love and support. Talk to you later!
Love
Elder Hogge
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