4 February 2008

[This letter was sent on colorful stationery that has clovers, musical notes, and pandas. At the bottom, the stationery says, “Happy Clover Charm” and “Can I make friends with you?”]

2/4/08

Dear Family,

Can I make friends with you? Haha, I hope this stationery doesn’t give anyone a headache. Things are moving along here. We’re working on 5 investigators, all of whom were homeless about a month ago. My 2 companions are way awesome. We still haven’t had any word from the Mission President about moving. We are way ready to go. Our poor apartment is deteriorating more by the day! We attacked our shower this past week. It was way gross! We had to scoop water from the shower to the sink. And then we clogged the sink too! Luckily, we used the Draino and now we don’t have to wait for the water to drain between showers!

Oh yeah, we also rocked Baskin Robbins (aka “31” here) on the 31st for 31% off. I had a waffle cone with apple pie a la mode and NY cheesecake 2x scoop. It was really yummy! I have really cut down on the ice cream since coming here, so that was a nice pick-me-up. The weather here is crazy! Apparently February is the coldest month here, but the sun just came out today. This past Saturday, we had a very cold and wet ride from Shimonoseki to our apartment in Shin-Shimonoseki. It was an hour long, but I had my rain suit, so things weren’t too bad. I actually had a lot of fun! It’s really all about perspective.

Speaking of yesterday (Sunday), we went to district (stake) conference in Ube. It was good. We had a meeting afterwards for new members and then lunch. It was delicious! Then, at 2, we watched the memorial services for President Hinckley. I was already getting teary-eyed during the hour special they played before and after. Probably the most choked up I got was when the camera showed President Monson and President Eyring standing at their chairs with no one in the middle. That really accentuated what was missing for me. Golly, I’m getting a little sad right now just thinking about it. But now the Prophet can join his wife. I bet he is really happy. I loved President Monson’s way he handled it. He made it an optimistic and happy occasion with his smile and gentle humor. We really have qualified men leading the church. But I cried by far the most of all the people in the English room (basically, my zone). I remember thinking: man, I kinda feel like Mom. That reminds me, I was reading in the February Ensign about doing Family History work and I got excited and reminisced on the days last summer I did a little indexing. I sure do have some Mom in me.

Well, give my love to everyone, grandparents and cousins. The Lord is on our side. We just have to let Him take over sometimes. Have a wonderful week.

Love, Elder Hogge