Hello my fellow Hogges. Or friends of the Hogges. Or people related to the Hogges. That reminds me, me and my companion had a little argument about this: how do the family relations work? I am clearly Aarons brother in law, but is Aaron my brother in law? How does that work?
Well, time flew and another week in paradise (aka Hatsukaichi) is gone. Me and Elder Packer are having the times of our lives! There are so many friends to be made, and many converts to be found! We can always sense the amazing amount of potential energy in this area, and so we are trying our hardest to use all of our talents, time, and resources to try and unlock that energy and get the work moving faster and faster!!!
I got the card from everyone...THANKS!!! Haha, I cant believe that one year has already passed...some would think that passing what is referred to as *hump day* would make me trunky and worry about home and all that, but it has actually had the reverse effect on me! Really really, I realized *hey, I only have a year left...I need to get crackin and work harder!!!* It was a good chance for me to look back upon what kind of effort I have been putting into the work up until now and feel the need to level up. So, thank you all for the reminder! I am definitely set on not just working harder, but smarter in using my God-given talents and dazzling smile to progress the work! Haha, I wont lie, Ive been all smiles here.
As for this week...specific things to report...definitely not as full as last week...oh yeah, I was able to go on an exchange with my District Leader up in Hamada. He is a Hawaiian. And his name is Elder Zukeran. The area is up north on the northern coast of Japan, and it was so wonderful! It took a 2 and a half hour bus ride just to get there, but I was able to have a wonderful conversation with a man who lived along the way who was just returning home from work in Sapporo (the way chilly northern island of Japan). Everyone in Hamada was nice. It had sort of a country-side feeling to it. I personally prefer that to city, but what can I do? Go where the Lord tells me to. So yeah, I guess there are a lot of cool beaches in Hamada, and that is where everyone goes to play at the ocean in the summer. Unfortunately, I was not able to see the ocean, but thats okay because we worked hard.
It is very interesting hearing about all the stuff surrounding Proposition 8. A broadcast from Salt Lake? That is pretty intense. I am very excited to vote!!!.
Well, I got Moms email, and Dads note. It really is kinda cool how fast information travels through the cyber world. Yeah, I was in a pretty anti-technology mood last week. If people want to email, they can. If it is a decision between emailing or not writing at all, please email. If it is a decision between emailing or writing a letter...I prefer the letter, but email is fine. Just be wary that I can only email family...
So yeah, the sky is blue and the church is true. I know it. I have experienced too many blessings from obedience to write it off as coincidence. The Lord gives us commandments and rules in order to find excuses to bless us. If we follow them, He immediately finds a way to help our lives. That is a true principle that I have put to the test, and found to be true. I heard recently that the reason that missionaries have a long white handbook full of rules is NOT because missionaries need rules. Missionaries need blessings and help. So, God gave us missionaries a way to receive TONS of blessings and help. I just hope everyone else can see rules in a positive light too! :-)
Well, my time is drawing near, so Ill let yall off and see ya next week!!!
Sincerely,
Elder the Hogge
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
22 September 2008
Hello everyone. Yeah, it`s me Elder Hogge in Japan. And yeah, this is an email. And no, I am not breaking any rules. The rules just changed. We can do email again.
Personally, I despise this whole computer-box thing. In fact, I wouldn`t have even decided to email, were it not for my guilty conscience concerning how Mom would feel if she knew that I could email, but didnt. So, here I am, in a nearby community center, plopping out an email on a RIDICULOUS Japanese keyboard...Theres like 10 more buttons on here and the enter button is all shaped weird...well, Im actually quite hungry right now, so Ill make this quick...
Dear Family, and Friends, and Whomever this may concern:
This week was sooo great. We had so much good happen for us here in the blessed land of Hatsukaichi. Last Monday night, we headed over to a potential investigators house. She is a filipino lady who is really nice, and we decided that it would be a good idea to meet the whole family too...so for that purpose, we set up a time to go over and introduce ourselves. We were a little scared that the husband would be like "Hey! What are you doing hanging out with my wife???" But oooooh contrair ---- after a couple minutes of light conversation, he says "yeah, Im a Mormon." ------------------- WHAT? Apparently, he got baptized like 30 years ago up in Sapporo, and then never went to church again. He is sooo way cool. That was a way good story because its all about finding...the right way! We made one filipino friend while we were knocking doors, and then she referred us to her filipino friend who invited us to meet her family who includes a less active! So, that was one of the sweetest miracles of this week. Oh, and we are going to a barbecue with them tomorrow. Should be fun! :-)
Can I just say that I feel so old? I wake up in the morning waaay sore, I just think "hey, this is only supposed to happen to old folks!" Seeing as Im no longer a teenager anymore, I guess this kind of thing was bound to happen.
Well, we also had a great Zone Conference this past week as well --- Elder Stevenson from the Area Presidency came! Oh man, it was soo good! Ill just quote the journal on this one: "I played prelude for like an hour. I felt the importance of having a vision and being committed to finding natural ways of talking to people. I wrote (in my notes at conference): `Let us be ourselves. The work is moving. We are friend-makers. Let us open our mouths. Let us make spiritual experiences for our investigators.` He spoke truths about missionary work."
So, for the rest of the week, we decided to really get out into the community and offer our services. We visited several community centers and a bunch of hospitals and we talked to people while we were waiting and it was just really really fun. We even went to the city hall and found out that there is a sweeet electric wheelchair soccer conference that they need volunteers for, so we talked to our Mission President, and he was ALL for it. He wanted to make sure that every missionary in the Hiroshima region came, and he even phoned Tokyo, and we are even going to be able to donate some wheelchairs if they need it. So, we were able to find a way sweet service opportunity, which equals a way sweet finding opportunity. Now THAT is missionary work.
So, we are lifting our vision, and spreading our reach to find in every opportunity that we have. We are also making tons of friends here. People always ask us, "Wow, you guys are working all the time!" But we always respond "no, its not really work because its all about making friends and having good conversations and helping people." Of course, you hear all the General Authorities say "the key to missionary work is WORK," but I think that you can make work so fun that it no longer has the negative connotation of "WORK." So, basically its just a matter of "playing hard" over here. :-) So yeah, Im happy. I hope everyone is too.
I know this is The Right Thing. This gospel. This lifestyle. This obedience. And I have grown a much deeper appreciation for my Savior. He really is MY Savior. But of course, he is YOUR Savior too. I am constantly amazed at how personal our Heavenly Father is and how well he knows each of us. Please, no one forget that!!!!!!
Well, I love y`all, and hope to hear from y`all soon.
Elder Hogge
P.S. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE try NOT to send email. I DONT like email. I can only read it on Mondays and I cant print them out and they are only words on a screen...things in my hands feel soo much more real. (of course, everyone has their moral agency and can choose for themselves...) P.S.S. I wouldnt mind the folks using email. Whatever you think would be best for the situation. :-)
Personally, I despise this whole computer-box thing. In fact, I wouldn`t have even decided to email, were it not for my guilty conscience concerning how Mom would feel if she knew that I could email, but didnt. So, here I am, in a nearby community center, plopping out an email on a RIDICULOUS Japanese keyboard...Theres like 10 more buttons on here and the enter button is all shaped weird...well, Im actually quite hungry right now, so Ill make this quick...
Dear Family, and Friends, and Whomever this may concern:
This week was sooo great. We had so much good happen for us here in the blessed land of Hatsukaichi. Last Monday night, we headed over to a potential investigators house. She is a filipino lady who is really nice, and we decided that it would be a good idea to meet the whole family too...so for that purpose, we set up a time to go over and introduce ourselves. We were a little scared that the husband would be like "Hey! What are you doing hanging out with my wife???" But oooooh contrair ---- after a couple minutes of light conversation, he says "yeah, Im a Mormon." ------------------- WHAT? Apparently, he got baptized like 30 years ago up in Sapporo, and then never went to church again. He is sooo way cool. That was a way good story because its all about finding...the right way! We made one filipino friend while we were knocking doors, and then she referred us to her filipino friend who invited us to meet her family who includes a less active! So, that was one of the sweetest miracles of this week. Oh, and we are going to a barbecue with them tomorrow. Should be fun! :-)
Can I just say that I feel so old? I wake up in the morning waaay sore, I just think "hey, this is only supposed to happen to old folks!" Seeing as Im no longer a teenager anymore, I guess this kind of thing was bound to happen.
Well, we also had a great Zone Conference this past week as well --- Elder Stevenson from the Area Presidency came! Oh man, it was soo good! Ill just quote the journal on this one: "I played prelude for like an hour. I felt the importance of having a vision and being committed to finding natural ways of talking to people. I wrote (in my notes at conference): `Let us be ourselves. The work is moving. We are friend-makers. Let us open our mouths. Let us make spiritual experiences for our investigators.` He spoke truths about missionary work."
So, for the rest of the week, we decided to really get out into the community and offer our services. We visited several community centers and a bunch of hospitals and we talked to people while we were waiting and it was just really really fun. We even went to the city hall and found out that there is a sweeet electric wheelchair soccer conference that they need volunteers for, so we talked to our Mission President, and he was ALL for it. He wanted to make sure that every missionary in the Hiroshima region came, and he even phoned Tokyo, and we are even going to be able to donate some wheelchairs if they need it. So, we were able to find a way sweet service opportunity, which equals a way sweet finding opportunity. Now THAT is missionary work.
So, we are lifting our vision, and spreading our reach to find in every opportunity that we have. We are also making tons of friends here. People always ask us, "Wow, you guys are working all the time!" But we always respond "no, its not really work because its all about making friends and having good conversations and helping people." Of course, you hear all the General Authorities say "the key to missionary work is WORK," but I think that you can make work so fun that it no longer has the negative connotation of "WORK." So, basically its just a matter of "playing hard" over here. :-) So yeah, Im happy. I hope everyone is too.
I know this is The Right Thing. This gospel. This lifestyle. This obedience. And I have grown a much deeper appreciation for my Savior. He really is MY Savior. But of course, he is YOUR Savior too. I am constantly amazed at how personal our Heavenly Father is and how well he knows each of us. Please, no one forget that!!!!!!
Well, I love y`all, and hope to hear from y`all soon.
Elder Hogge
P.S. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE try NOT to send email. I DONT like email. I can only read it on Mondays and I cant print them out and they are only words on a screen...things in my hands feel soo much more real. (of course, everyone has their moral agency and can choose for themselves...) P.S.S. I wouldnt mind the folks using email. Whatever you think would be best for the situation. :-)
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Letter from Sister Isa
Dear Joey Mission fans:
With the press of summer business and Mindy's return from her mission to Washington, D.C., I have fallen behind in transcribing Joey's letters from Japan. Sorry. But here is a letter (with pictures) that we received from Sister Isa, the wife of Joey's mission president.
Jeff
----------------
Dear Hogge Family,
Elder Hogge has become senior and been transferred to an area called Hatsukaichi. This area is very close to the mission home. It is only about 20 minutes away by train, so we still get to see him a lot. We miss him and his hard work here in the mission home though. His skills with a computer and in the Japanese language were very helpful. He was particularly helpful to our new secretary, Sister Webb. He has a great sense of humor, and he kept everyone laughing around here. He is working very hard in his new area, and we have already received compliments from the Stake President’s wife. He is also a very good piano player, so we enjoyed having him here at the mission home. Thank you for allowing us to work with your son here in Japan!
Sincerely,
Sister Isa
With the press of summer business and Mindy's return from her mission to Washington, D.C., I have fallen behind in transcribing Joey's letters from Japan. Sorry. But here is a letter (with pictures) that we received from Sister Isa, the wife of Joey's mission president.
Jeff
----------------
Dear Hogge Family,
Elder Hogge has become senior and been transferred to an area called Hatsukaichi. This area is very close to the mission home. It is only about 20 minutes away by train, so we still get to see him a lot. We miss him and his hard work here in the mission home though. His skills with a computer and in the Japanese language were very helpful. He was particularly helpful to our new secretary, Sister Webb. He has a great sense of humor, and he kept everyone laughing around here. He is working very hard in his new area, and we have already received compliments from the Stake President’s wife. He is also a very good piano player, so we enjoyed having him here at the mission home. Thank you for allowing us to work with your son here in Japan!
Sincerely,
Sister Isa
Monday, July 21, 2008
14 July 2008
Beloved Hogge Family:
What’s up? Is everyone genki? That means, “is everyone happy?”
I’m doing okay. I just happened to pick up a rather bad headache in the last hour, so it is quite a bad time that I chose this hour to write you all a letter. Please bear with me as I type with my eyes closed. ☺ Oh, down went the ibuprofen.
Well, we had transfers, and so that means that I didn’t do much outside missionary work this week. However, I am still in the Mission Office, and I am still Mission Recorder. Yay. We have been doing a lot with the new mission president in changing things up around here. He is a really awesome man. His faith is so strong that it makes my faith strong too. He has a vision, and we are all working to accomplish it.
One of the things we have been working on is adding new articles for the mission newsletter. President Isa wants pictures and letters from missionaries every time they have a baptism. And so, we got our first one last week. It is a really cool story because Elder Moon and I were the first ones who contacted the man who got baptized. He is a 79 year old man, and both of his daughters are members, but he had never been asked to hear the lessons. So we invited him to hear. We had a couple lessons, and then we were both transferred. However, the missionaries that came in for us kept it going, and eventually brought him to the waters of baptism. It is unexplainable the joy that you feel when being a part of a baptism. So far here on my mission, I have been the one at the baptisms seeing the fruits of other missionaries’ labors before me. Now that I have been a part of the beginning of the story, I still feel that same joy. That comes straight out of D&C 18:15 -- “How great would be your joy if you bring just one soul unto the kingdom of God.” Just goes to show how the gospel is true!
Anyways, one of the elders who did the baptism wrote an article explaining Brother Isoda’s baptism and sent it to the Mission Office. I revised and edited it for length, and I’m not going to lie, it was kinda fun! Uh oh, I’ve got that blood in me. No matter how much I say I disliked English class in high school, I can’t escape genetics . . . . so: President Isa has got me writing some more form letters for “congratulations on baptism” and that kind of thing.
At transfers, Elder Jensen came into the mission office. He crashed his bike 3 weeks ago and had surgery on his collar bone, but now he’s out of the hospital, and looking to take my spot as recorder by the end of next transfer. He is a really young missionary who just started his 3rd transfer, so he really really wants to get out and work, but with his arm in a sling, the only way for him to stay in Japan on his mission is to take my spot. So, I’m going to be training him this transfer, and then I might head out into the field. (Who knows, if there are any problems in the mission, the AP’s told me I could go out earlier . . . . I like being a problem solver! ☺)
Random fact: I saw a wild boar the other day while we were visiting a potential investigator! It ran around us and hopped into the forest right behind the potential investigator’s house.
Random fact #2: At this past transfer, my trainer and 2nd companion (half trainer) both finished their missions and went home to America! They are my first to go.
Random fact #3: I made that Oreo pie that you sent me, Mom. It was a great hit in the office! It was way fun and really easy to make. Anything like that is way nifty out here!
Random fact #4: I am in my 2nd 3 person companionship . . . and that just basically means FUN!
My headache is still here, but it feels like it will go away soon. I SO wish I could have been there for Grandpa’s setting apart as a sealer. That must have been so COOL! Imagine: Hogge family temple trip! Once everyone gets back off their missions, that would be so fun. Also, I’m glad that China went well. Everything was safe and all that. I’ve heard stories about how crazy China can be, so I’m glad it all went well.
So yeah, that’s about it. I hope everyone is doing well!
Mega (Japanese symbol meaning Love)
Hogge Churro
What’s up? Is everyone genki? That means, “is everyone happy?”
I’m doing okay. I just happened to pick up a rather bad headache in the last hour, so it is quite a bad time that I chose this hour to write you all a letter. Please bear with me as I type with my eyes closed. ☺ Oh, down went the ibuprofen.
Well, we had transfers, and so that means that I didn’t do much outside missionary work this week. However, I am still in the Mission Office, and I am still Mission Recorder. Yay. We have been doing a lot with the new mission president in changing things up around here. He is a really awesome man. His faith is so strong that it makes my faith strong too. He has a vision, and we are all working to accomplish it.
One of the things we have been working on is adding new articles for the mission newsletter. President Isa wants pictures and letters from missionaries every time they have a baptism. And so, we got our first one last week. It is a really cool story because Elder Moon and I were the first ones who contacted the man who got baptized. He is a 79 year old man, and both of his daughters are members, but he had never been asked to hear the lessons. So we invited him to hear. We had a couple lessons, and then we were both transferred. However, the missionaries that came in for us kept it going, and eventually brought him to the waters of baptism. It is unexplainable the joy that you feel when being a part of a baptism. So far here on my mission, I have been the one at the baptisms seeing the fruits of other missionaries’ labors before me. Now that I have been a part of the beginning of the story, I still feel that same joy. That comes straight out of D&C 18:15 -- “How great would be your joy if you bring just one soul unto the kingdom of God.” Just goes to show how the gospel is true!
Anyways, one of the elders who did the baptism wrote an article explaining Brother Isoda’s baptism and sent it to the Mission Office. I revised and edited it for length, and I’m not going to lie, it was kinda fun! Uh oh, I’ve got that blood in me. No matter how much I say I disliked English class in high school, I can’t escape genetics . . . . so: President Isa has got me writing some more form letters for “congratulations on baptism” and that kind of thing.
At transfers, Elder Jensen came into the mission office. He crashed his bike 3 weeks ago and had surgery on his collar bone, but now he’s out of the hospital, and looking to take my spot as recorder by the end of next transfer. He is a really young missionary who just started his 3rd transfer, so he really really wants to get out and work, but with his arm in a sling, the only way for him to stay in Japan on his mission is to take my spot. So, I’m going to be training him this transfer, and then I might head out into the field. (Who knows, if there are any problems in the mission, the AP’s told me I could go out earlier . . . . I like being a problem solver! ☺)
Random fact: I saw a wild boar the other day while we were visiting a potential investigator! It ran around us and hopped into the forest right behind the potential investigator’s house.
Random fact #2: At this past transfer, my trainer and 2nd companion (half trainer) both finished their missions and went home to America! They are my first to go.
Random fact #3: I made that Oreo pie that you sent me, Mom. It was a great hit in the office! It was way fun and really easy to make. Anything like that is way nifty out here!
Random fact #4: I am in my 2nd 3 person companionship . . . and that just basically means FUN!
My headache is still here, but it feels like it will go away soon. I SO wish I could have been there for Grandpa’s setting apart as a sealer. That must have been so COOL! Imagine: Hogge family temple trip! Once everyone gets back off their missions, that would be so fun. Also, I’m glad that China went well. Everything was safe and all that. I’ve heard stories about how crazy China can be, so I’m glad it all went well.
So yeah, that’s about it. I hope everyone is doing well!
Mega (Japanese symbol meaning Love)
Hogge Churro
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
30 June 2008 and 7 July 2008
30 June 2008
Hey family!
Another P-day on the run, and I’m scrambling to get a letter or two written! Yeah! I’m right now on a ferry headed back to Miyajima -- the big red gate in the water! There is a huge forest of trees engulfing the island it is on. Lots of green. Lots of green. There is a nice little sea breeze, and it just feels right here. This morning, we saw our old mission president off -- and caught it on camera! Yes, President Yafuso was a very small, happy man! Some would even call him a little cooky! Haha, he was always looking to make a joke -- and it was even funnier when it wasn’t funny just because he’s a little old man! Haha. Yeah. And then we welcomed the new mission president as he stepped off the shinkansen Saturday. Okay, that was confusing. Basically, our new mission president came on Saturday, and our old mission president left Monday morning. So. . . .
7 June 2008
that went by way too fast! Yeah, it is a week later, and it’s the same letter. Yeah, the new president is kind of quiet, but a REALLY strong man. When it is time to work, boy! He works! I’m glad I’m in the office because I have the chance to get to know him. He really came in without knowing much about the mission at all, so we are all learning a bunch together. I pride myself that I’ve gotten him to laugh and relax a bit. ☺ He’s a really great guy. Sister Isa is really stepping things up, though. She’s got us working on changing procedure and “the system.” I think she put it best when she said, “I’m a mean mom, but I give candy!” Yeah, she’s fluent in English, and he’s pretty good, but not quite fluent. So, that’s way more English than our last president and wife. Anyways, we have been really busy with things changing in the office/mission with the new couple. And, on top of that, one of the elders in our zone crashed way bad and broke his collar bone! But man, he’s a trooper. He had surgery last week, and he’s dying to get out. It’s only his 2nd transfer, so it looks like he will come to the mission office and eventually take my place as he does a little rehab. And on top of that, his companion is one of the craziest, insane missionaries in our mission, so all of us in the Mission Office have been taking turns transferring to the area an hour away and continuing the work. I like being a part of the solution!
Anyways, this was my most patriotic 4th of July yet! It’s amazing how much more that holiday means to me here in Japan. We started things off right -- putting little American flags I got in a Dear Elder package from Grandma and Grandpa Buck in our shirt pockets and waving them by swiveling our whole bodies while singing “God Bless America” to my Japanese companion. Haha. It was pretty way funny. And then, I went with one of the AP’s to take his driver’s test. He was failed for the 3rd time. The Japanese are sooo “strict.” Basically, they told him he wasn’t checking his mirrors long enough one time, and the next time, not checking his mirrors as precise and quick enough! It is even on a course, so there are zero cars. They wanted to force him through a driver’s class which would cost money and time that he doesn’t have, . . . so all he can do is just keep taking the test (which he would pass in America every time) and fail it in Japan. So, that gave us more reason to celebrate our patriotism and country that is fair on driver’s tests. Hooray! Every heart beats true for the red, white, and blue! God bless America! Haha. So, in conclusion, I love the mission and especially the people, not I am still very much American!
Cheers, Elder Hogge
Hey family!
Another P-day on the run, and I’m scrambling to get a letter or two written! Yeah! I’m right now on a ferry headed back to Miyajima -- the big red gate in the water! There is a huge forest of trees engulfing the island it is on. Lots of green. Lots of green. There is a nice little sea breeze, and it just feels right here. This morning, we saw our old mission president off -- and caught it on camera! Yes, President Yafuso was a very small, happy man! Some would even call him a little cooky! Haha, he was always looking to make a joke -- and it was even funnier when it wasn’t funny just because he’s a little old man! Haha. Yeah. And then we welcomed the new mission president as he stepped off the shinkansen Saturday. Okay, that was confusing. Basically, our new mission president came on Saturday, and our old mission president left Monday morning. So. . . .
7 June 2008
that went by way too fast! Yeah, it is a week later, and it’s the same letter. Yeah, the new president is kind of quiet, but a REALLY strong man. When it is time to work, boy! He works! I’m glad I’m in the office because I have the chance to get to know him. He really came in without knowing much about the mission at all, so we are all learning a bunch together. I pride myself that I’ve gotten him to laugh and relax a bit. ☺ He’s a really great guy. Sister Isa is really stepping things up, though. She’s got us working on changing procedure and “the system.” I think she put it best when she said, “I’m a mean mom, but I give candy!” Yeah, she’s fluent in English, and he’s pretty good, but not quite fluent. So, that’s way more English than our last president and wife. Anyways, we have been really busy with things changing in the office/mission with the new couple. And, on top of that, one of the elders in our zone crashed way bad and broke his collar bone! But man, he’s a trooper. He had surgery last week, and he’s dying to get out. It’s only his 2nd transfer, so it looks like he will come to the mission office and eventually take my place as he does a little rehab. And on top of that, his companion is one of the craziest, insane missionaries in our mission, so all of us in the Mission Office have been taking turns transferring to the area an hour away and continuing the work. I like being a part of the solution!
Anyways, this was my most patriotic 4th of July yet! It’s amazing how much more that holiday means to me here in Japan. We started things off right -- putting little American flags I got in a Dear Elder package from Grandma and Grandpa Buck in our shirt pockets and waving them by swiveling our whole bodies while singing “God Bless America” to my Japanese companion. Haha. It was pretty way funny. And then, I went with one of the AP’s to take his driver’s test. He was failed for the 3rd time. The Japanese are sooo “strict.” Basically, they told him he wasn’t checking his mirrors long enough one time, and the next time, not checking his mirrors as precise and quick enough! It is even on a course, so there are zero cars. They wanted to force him through a driver’s class which would cost money and time that he doesn’t have, . . . so all he can do is just keep taking the test (which he would pass in America every time) and fail it in Japan. So, that gave us more reason to celebrate our patriotism and country that is fair on driver’s tests. Hooray! Every heart beats true for the red, white, and blue! God bless America! Haha. So, in conclusion, I love the mission and especially the people, not I am still very much American!
Cheers, Elder Hogge
Saturday, June 28, 2008
23 June 2008
Hey Fam-ly
How are ya doing---? How’s the fam--? Oh man, I just got your letter Mom, and oh man! Everyone seems to be doing soo good. My biggest sin right now is pride - for my family!!! Yeah!
No way! Willie stole home??? That’s so cool! I wish I could have done that! When I told everyone in the office (yeah, I brag about my family to everyone), one of the elders responded by saying “hey, that only happens in the Sandlot!” I think Bradford should remember that for the rest of his life so he could tell his kids! Haha. And setting the school record in the shot put is pretty cool too.
Hilary? You’re hittin the radio now? Man, that is amazing! Has anyone asked for your autograph? Are you going to hit the primetime now? Are you going to go pro? If so, will I be your manager? And if so, could I get like 10%? I think it would be best to keep it all in the family, if you know what I mean! :-D So, I was listening to Christmas music the other day (yes, I have already conceded to a little Christmas music every once in a while---), and I heard that song off of Forgotten Carols “I Cry the Day They Take the Tree Down,” and I got to thinking - Hilary should sing that! Just a thought--- P.S. It’s your turn to write a letter! :-D
As for Spencer ---WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU GET ORANGE AND PURPLE BANDS??? Haha, I’m glad you settled on “Royal Blue” and “Kelly Green,” whatever “Kelly Green” means--haha. I’m just kidding; you can get whatever colours you want! You know I can’t stop you---so go ahead! ☺ P.S. It’s your turn to write a letter! :-D
I think it is funny that I am writing this while Mom and Hil are in China, but I know y’all will be home by the time they get it, so I’ll still write to you! Let’s see--this week, eh?-- What did happen this week? Well, I’m pretty much sure it rained for like 4 days straight. And yet it was so hot that we would sweat a ton without air conditioning. I am thankful for air conditioning. I’m pretty sure I will have to get a new pair of shoes sometime in the upcoming months, just to let you know! Probably nothing more than 70 bucks---? I didn’t get out as much as I would have liked this past week, but we had a lot of office work to do. A lot of baptisms, a lot of apartments moving, a lot of my Mission President is changing this week!!! The day has finally come -- By the time you get this, I will probably have met President Isa already. I hear he is a big and powerful guy. I won’t lie, I am slightly scared! I hope he doesn’t break me or something -- haha. I hear he is really really nice, so I’m look forward to meeting him.
Now, Dad has already probably figured this out, but I am going to withdraw about 200 dollars today to do repairs on my bike -- the light broke, and the brakes are wearing down, and one of the pedals is half missing. So, I will try my hardest to keep them from jacking up the prices on me (a foreigner). Odds are, I won’t use all the money, so I’ll just keep it for later.
Well, I’ve done some more growing this week. Being inside so much makes me want to go outside so bad as a missionary. And, it feels good to sweat. I’m starting to really like that. So, I’m going to try and do it more!
So, for every transfer I write a 2 word saying on my planner to help remind me of something important or spiritual, like “repent daily” or “guit making excuses, you!” or “vamos la!” (“let’s go!” in Portugese), and this transfer, I wrote “lucky duck!” and I drew a picture of a duck going “quack quack.” It’s really true. I am one lucky duck. I have been able to see a whole family get baptized and I have been able to see them grow and progress in the gospel. Also, as recorder, I get to work with every single baptism in the mission. That’s pretty lucky. I also had a chance to speak in sacrament meeting on Father’s Day to one of the largest wards in the mission. I also get way sweet letters from my friends and family. I get to hear how awesome my little brothers and sister are doing, and I get to see my little niece grow up! (Thanks Sarah! You are awesome!) I get to work with magnificent elders here in the mission office, and I also am able to keep in touch with the whole mission as part of my responsibilities. So, basically, I have like 50 new friends at least. I also get to be a normal missionary and ride my bike and make friends and share the happiest thing in the world! Because that is really what the gospel is -- the happiest thing in the world! So, my challenge to everyone this week is to discover what makes them a “lucky duck” and report back to me! ☺ I will be eagerly awaiting!
Well, have a good week full of goodness and please find good things to do to help you feel good! Haha.
Full of happyness,
Elder Hogge, Recorder
P.S. Christmas comes everyday for the missionary who finds a letter waiting for him in the mailbox!!
How are ya doing---? How’s the fam--? Oh man, I just got your letter Mom, and oh man! Everyone seems to be doing soo good. My biggest sin right now is pride - for my family!!! Yeah!
No way! Willie stole home??? That’s so cool! I wish I could have done that! When I told everyone in the office (yeah, I brag about my family to everyone), one of the elders responded by saying “hey, that only happens in the Sandlot!” I think Bradford should remember that for the rest of his life so he could tell his kids! Haha. And setting the school record in the shot put is pretty cool too.
Hilary? You’re hittin the radio now? Man, that is amazing! Has anyone asked for your autograph? Are you going to hit the primetime now? Are you going to go pro? If so, will I be your manager? And if so, could I get like 10%? I think it would be best to keep it all in the family, if you know what I mean! :-D So, I was listening to Christmas music the other day (yes, I have already conceded to a little Christmas music every once in a while---), and I heard that song off of Forgotten Carols “I Cry the Day They Take the Tree Down,” and I got to thinking - Hilary should sing that! Just a thought--- P.S. It’s your turn to write a letter! :-D
As for Spencer ---WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU GET ORANGE AND PURPLE BANDS??? Haha, I’m glad you settled on “Royal Blue” and “Kelly Green,” whatever “Kelly Green” means--haha. I’m just kidding; you can get whatever colours you want! You know I can’t stop you---so go ahead! ☺ P.S. It’s your turn to write a letter! :-D
I think it is funny that I am writing this while Mom and Hil are in China, but I know y’all will be home by the time they get it, so I’ll still write to you! Let’s see--this week, eh?-- What did happen this week? Well, I’m pretty much sure it rained for like 4 days straight. And yet it was so hot that we would sweat a ton without air conditioning. I am thankful for air conditioning. I’m pretty sure I will have to get a new pair of shoes sometime in the upcoming months, just to let you know! Probably nothing more than 70 bucks---? I didn’t get out as much as I would have liked this past week, but we had a lot of office work to do. A lot of baptisms, a lot of apartments moving, a lot of my Mission President is changing this week!!! The day has finally come -- By the time you get this, I will probably have met President Isa already. I hear he is a big and powerful guy. I won’t lie, I am slightly scared! I hope he doesn’t break me or something -- haha. I hear he is really really nice, so I’m look forward to meeting him.
Now, Dad has already probably figured this out, but I am going to withdraw about 200 dollars today to do repairs on my bike -- the light broke, and the brakes are wearing down, and one of the pedals is half missing. So, I will try my hardest to keep them from jacking up the prices on me (a foreigner). Odds are, I won’t use all the money, so I’ll just keep it for later.
Well, I’ve done some more growing this week. Being inside so much makes me want to go outside so bad as a missionary. And, it feels good to sweat. I’m starting to really like that. So, I’m going to try and do it more!
So, for every transfer I write a 2 word saying on my planner to help remind me of something important or spiritual, like “repent daily” or “guit making excuses, you!” or “vamos la!” (“let’s go!” in Portugese), and this transfer, I wrote “lucky duck!” and I drew a picture of a duck going “quack quack.” It’s really true. I am one lucky duck. I have been able to see a whole family get baptized and I have been able to see them grow and progress in the gospel. Also, as recorder, I get to work with every single baptism in the mission. That’s pretty lucky. I also had a chance to speak in sacrament meeting on Father’s Day to one of the largest wards in the mission. I also get way sweet letters from my friends and family. I get to hear how awesome my little brothers and sister are doing, and I get to see my little niece grow up! (Thanks Sarah! You are awesome!) I get to work with magnificent elders here in the mission office, and I also am able to keep in touch with the whole mission as part of my responsibilities. So, basically, I have like 50 new friends at least. I also get to be a normal missionary and ride my bike and make friends and share the happiest thing in the world! Because that is really what the gospel is -- the happiest thing in the world! So, my challenge to everyone this week is to discover what makes them a “lucky duck” and report back to me! ☺ I will be eagerly awaiting!
Well, have a good week full of goodness and please find good things to do to help you feel good! Haha.
Full of happyness,
Elder Hogge, Recorder
P.S. Christmas comes everyday for the missionary who finds a letter waiting for him in the mailbox!!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
9 June 2008
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!
I just wish you could have heard how loud that was. I’m doing good. How about y’all? This past week is what I would like to call a “growing week.” Not bad, but I sure learned a lot. I’m getting into having a Japanese comp. Our ways of thinking and languages of speaking differ, so it has already been a journey to form unity. But we find ways. For example, we are into making up Japanese words right now. My favorite is “dekimasho!” Which (if translated) means “let’s can!” (as in “can do something”). If there’s something I’ve already learned out here, it’s that tears and laughter are both necessary to live, but laughter is more healthy. Speaking of, Hil: I got the picture of your BF! Oh! Burn! Haha, just kidding. You all are so awesome! I promise I’ll get special individually-wrapped letters for all you who have done awesome writing. It’s like Christmas everyday when the mail comes! Unless I don’t get any. Then it’s like a not-as-fun-day as Christmas. Well, I love you all: Mom, Dad, Mindy, Sarah, Aaron, Mari, Hilary, Spencer, Willie, my cuzins on missions, my lovely grandparents, my awesome other cousins and friends and family and even those who may not know me all that well, but are reading this nonetheless . . . .
WUBBIES! Elder Hogge
P.S. Enjoy the many pictures.
I just wish you could have heard how loud that was. I’m doing good. How about y’all? This past week is what I would like to call a “growing week.” Not bad, but I sure learned a lot. I’m getting into having a Japanese comp. Our ways of thinking and languages of speaking differ, so it has already been a journey to form unity. But we find ways. For example, we are into making up Japanese words right now. My favorite is “dekimasho!” Which (if translated) means “let’s can!” (as in “can do something”). If there’s something I’ve already learned out here, it’s that tears and laughter are both necessary to live, but laughter is more healthy. Speaking of, Hil: I got the picture of your BF! Oh! Burn! Haha, just kidding. You all are so awesome! I promise I’ll get special individually-wrapped letters for all you who have done awesome writing. It’s like Christmas everyday when the mail comes! Unless I don’t get any. Then it’s like a not-as-fun-day as Christmas. Well, I love you all: Mom, Dad, Mindy, Sarah, Aaron, Mari, Hilary, Spencer, Willie, my cuzins on missions, my lovely grandparents, my awesome other cousins and friends and family and even those who may not know me all that well, but are reading this nonetheless . . . .
WUBBIES! Elder Hogge
P.S. Enjoy the many pictures.
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