14 January 2008

Dear Family,

You won’t believe how fast this week has flown by! Last week, the night I sent the letter, we had something special happen. The mission president came down to look at our would-be house (he said no, but we didn’t mind), and so that night we set up lessons with our two progressing investigators: Kobayashi and Sakimura. President Yafuso helped Kobayashi commit to baptism! The catch is, President Yafuso picked only five days later for the baptism! So this past week, we spent a lot of time setting everything up. Kobayashi was committed the 7th, baptized the 12th, and confirmed the 13th. That makes three baptisms I have seen in my first transfer! That’s three more than a lot of good missionaries see their entire missions here! The Lord has spoiled me rotten here in Shimonoseki. I don’t know if I will ever want to leave!

And also, I got my mountain bike this week! This should come as no surprise, but I used the credit card. (Thanks, Dad!) Life just got way super nicer. Except I need a lot of practice swinging my leg over the top when getting on. I am very clumsy here all of a sudden.

Today, me and Elder McClure (whom I am getting along with quite well) went to Seyinski (coming of age party). Our Mission President encouraged us to go and mingle with all the 20 year olds. It was fun being the only Americans. We took some pictures with kids in kimono. I’ll send those, once I get the other memory card.

Answers. So yeah, we are moving, but we’re still apartment hunting. We have a gas stove, microwave, small toaster oven, and a rice cooker (of course). I got a good cheap pair of gloves here. When I ride, my face/head is usually the coldest. But I have a couple scarves. So yeah, I got a cheap bag that works. If it eventually falls apart, the Mission Home sells good bags for five dollars.

Well,

Love You All,

Elder Hogge

P.S. The dollar stores here are amazing!