Dear family and friends,
I'm at the VC waiting for Mom, Dad, and Spence to come and meet me for the departing meeting. I have been feeling such mixed emotions these past few days. It's doesn't seem real. Surprisingly I have been feeling so calm and hopeful. I feel that I have worked hard and that the Lord is pleased with my work. I also feel hopeful about my future and the good that I can do. There is so much good that we can do.
This past week has been wonderful. I have worked hard to the end and I've had some time to think about the work I have done and how I have changed. I feel that my heart has changed and I am grateful. I've thought about the people I've met while serving and I know that the Lord has always had a hand in His work. I have changed because of the love that I felt for the people I have served. It is the love that has changed me.
Some of the greatest lessons I have learned while serving the Lord...
Pray like everything depends on the Lord, then work like everything depends on me. We must recognize the divine in each other and I know that as we do this miracles happen within ourselves and within the people we meet. We will have regrets, but I know that the Atonement of Jesus Christ will help us become new creatures and will cover those things that we sincerely repent of. The greatest lesson I have learned and am still learning is charity. If we do not have charity we are nothing. Love motivates and changes us and it helps us become the people we so desparately want to be. Our Savior showed us the greatest love through His sacrifice. Truly the greatest love is shown through sacrifice. Of course, there much much more that I have learned and that I will continue to learn throughout my life.
My heart is full. I know that God is our loving Heavenly Father. I know that the heavens are not closed and that God wants us to come close to Him and be happy. I know that Jesus is the Christ and that He lives! I know that the Atonement is central to the plan of happiness. The Book of Mormon has changed me heart. The simple truths we learn, the stories, and the people have helped me learn to apply what they have learned to my own life. God speaks to us through His prophets. I'm so grateful for the sacrifices of Joseph Smith. The gospel has been restored, there is hope, and we can be happy, in this life and in the next. I feel privileged to be a representative of Jesus Christ. I will miss serving, but I will be able to serve in other capacities now.
Thank you for all of your support and love. It has meant so much to me.
All my love, Sister Hogge
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
13 August 2008
Dear family and friends,
I just finished a session at the temple with all of the other "dying missionaries" and their companions. It was amazing! There were over 40 missionaries there. President and Sister Mansell also came and at the end of the session they greeted us into the Celestial Room. It brought back memories when the entire mission went to the temple just before President and Sister Price left. Before the session today only those of us leaving were able to go to a special meeting with President Banks, one of the temple presidency. After he told us to get married when we return home he shared some beautiful insights about the temple and he allowed us to ask him questions. The phrase that kept going through my mind as he spoke was, "Go to the temple, go to the temple...if you want to stay close to the Lord, if you want to be happy, if you want to receive answers to prayers and direction for your life, go to the temple!" So, basically I have made a new goal to go to the temple every week. As I sat in the Celestial Room thinking about all of the wonderful things I had just learned and thinking about life after the mission I felt so much peace! I was grateful that I felt so calm and happy. I am excited for this new phase of life and I know that the Lord will pour out blessings.
This week has been great! Recently I received a blessing from one of our wonderful elderly senior couples. I have been feeling really weak and fatigued. I feel like the Lord is just squeezing out every drop of energy I have until I leave the field. It's a great and yet exhausting feeling. Danella and David are doing well. David left town for a while, so he won't be prepared to get baptized this Sunday, but as long as he gets baptized that's all that matters. I am grateful that I have had the blessing of being a part of his conversion. Danella is still scheduled to be baptized this Sunday the 17th or next Sunday the 24th. Either or I will be able to be there! The work continues to move forward and I'm so grateful!
A few fun events from this last week...I went to the White House. It was a self-guided tour. The Assistants put it together and I went with another "dying missionary" Sister Hodson. My favorite room was the red room, of course. We had a car wash as a finding activity with our zone this last Saturday! It was awesome! Our job as the sisters was to bring in all the cars with our signs and by screaming, "FREE car wash!" Only sister could bring in 25 to 30 cars! Yeah that's right! Elders knew that we could get 'em comin' and the elders washed the cars and taught the people. We ended up with lots of referrals and it was a perfect, beautiful day for a car wash. Speaking of beautiful days, the weather has been absolutely fantastic lately! Sunny, a little overcast, with a cool breeze. I'm just praying that it stays this way for the next two weeks. Some fun news...it's official! Laura a girl that we baptized in DC 2nd is getting married November 22nd in the Bountiful temple! She came into the VC to invite me to the sealing. I'm soooo happy for her! The joys of this work are so sweet and so precious.
The work continues. I'll be writing one more email before I return home. I love you all and I love serving my Heavenly Father as a representative of His Son, Jesus Christ. I have never felt such pure joy and love. I feel humbled and privileged to have had the opportunity to serve. I know that what we teach is true! The heavens are not closed, God still speaks to us, and I know that He wants all of us to return to Him. May the Lord bless each of you and you strive to continually serve Him.
All my love, Sister Hogge
I just finished a session at the temple with all of the other "dying missionaries" and their companions. It was amazing! There were over 40 missionaries there. President and Sister Mansell also came and at the end of the session they greeted us into the Celestial Room. It brought back memories when the entire mission went to the temple just before President and Sister Price left. Before the session today only those of us leaving were able to go to a special meeting with President Banks, one of the temple presidency. After he told us to get married when we return home he shared some beautiful insights about the temple and he allowed us to ask him questions. The phrase that kept going through my mind as he spoke was, "Go to the temple, go to the temple...if you want to stay close to the Lord, if you want to be happy, if you want to receive answers to prayers and direction for your life, go to the temple!" So, basically I have made a new goal to go to the temple every week. As I sat in the Celestial Room thinking about all of the wonderful things I had just learned and thinking about life after the mission I felt so much peace! I was grateful that I felt so calm and happy. I am excited for this new phase of life and I know that the Lord will pour out blessings.
This week has been great! Recently I received a blessing from one of our wonderful elderly senior couples. I have been feeling really weak and fatigued. I feel like the Lord is just squeezing out every drop of energy I have until I leave the field. It's a great and yet exhausting feeling. Danella and David are doing well. David left town for a while, so he won't be prepared to get baptized this Sunday, but as long as he gets baptized that's all that matters. I am grateful that I have had the blessing of being a part of his conversion. Danella is still scheduled to be baptized this Sunday the 17th or next Sunday the 24th. Either or I will be able to be there! The work continues to move forward and I'm so grateful!
A few fun events from this last week...I went to the White House. It was a self-guided tour. The Assistants put it together and I went with another "dying missionary" Sister Hodson. My favorite room was the red room, of course. We had a car wash as a finding activity with our zone this last Saturday! It was awesome! Our job as the sisters was to bring in all the cars with our signs and by screaming, "FREE car wash!" Only sister could bring in 25 to 30 cars! Yeah that's right! Elders knew that we could get 'em comin' and the elders washed the cars and taught the people. We ended up with lots of referrals and it was a perfect, beautiful day for a car wash. Speaking of beautiful days, the weather has been absolutely fantastic lately! Sunny, a little overcast, with a cool breeze. I'm just praying that it stays this way for the next two weeks. Some fun news...it's official! Laura a girl that we baptized in DC 2nd is getting married November 22nd in the Bountiful temple! She came into the VC to invite me to the sealing. I'm soooo happy for her! The joys of this work are so sweet and so precious.
The work continues. I'll be writing one more email before I return home. I love you all and I love serving my Heavenly Father as a representative of His Son, Jesus Christ. I have never felt such pure joy and love. I feel humbled and privileged to have had the opportunity to serve. I know that what we teach is true! The heavens are not closed, God still speaks to us, and I know that He wants all of us to return to Him. May the Lord bless each of you and you strive to continually serve Him.
All my love, Sister Hogge
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
August 6, 2008
Note from Jeff: Mindy will be released from the mission on August 20, but she will stay in the DC area for a few days with Kim, Spencer, and me. If everything goes as planned, she will arrive at the Sacramento airport on Delta flight number 1535 at 8:41pm on Monday, August 25.
Dear family and friends,
I thought I'd begin with a few updates...We finally met Danella on Sunday. She is so cute and an amazing person. She is confident, poised, and loves the Lord. She is also excited for her baptism and will be baptized August 17th. We love her and it is especially fun for Sister Garre to have a Brazilian to talk with.
David is doing so well. He also came to church on Sunday with a white shirt and tie on. He looked better than most of the guys at church. He is taking this very seriously and it shows in his attitude and his reverence. After sacrament meeting a member of the bishopric usually invites all those who are visiting or new to introduce themselves. David introduced himself and told his story and how grateful he was that we talked with him and invited him to learn more about the Book of Mormon. He then bore his testimony about how everything that we are teaching him is true and how it just keeps getting better and better. Everyone was amazed. I sat grinning from ear to ear, I was so happy. He fit into the ward perfectly and the members loved him! We had another lesson with him last night. He is progressing so quickly and he has already told his family about his baptism. He said the most sincere prayer last night. His prayers are a conversation with his Heavenly Father. He has always had a good relationship with Heavenly Father. We continue to prepare him for his baptism on August 17th.
We taught Laura this past week. She is the friend of a member and has been attending church in another ward for some time. She has read through the Book of Mormon once already and is now reading it again. We went to her home for lunch and she made us Maryland crab cakes, delicious! After discussing the Restoration she told us that she is excited to learn more and knows that she will receive an answer from Heavenly Father. She is reading the Book of Mormon every night and we invited her to ask Heavenly Father what He would have her learn as she needs. She has already seen miracles as she has done so. We love her and we are excited for her progression.
Veronica is not ready for baptism and is too connected to her own church back in Africa. We talked with her about it this week and we knew that it just wasn't time now. We told her that she is always welcome and we expressed our love and said our goodbyes for now. I feel good about the whole situation. If they're choosing not to progress, then we must move on. Through everything we continue to see miracles every day and I love it.
Sister Garre is practicing her driving and it has been an interesting experience. I feel that it is a tender mercy of the Lord to help me be light-hearted. Luckily I also know that I am protected ; ) Besides the times when we've almost died, it's been a fun and actually pretty funny!
My prayers are with you all. I love serving the Lord and I pray to have the energy to sacrifice and do all I can these last two weeks.
With Love, Sister Hogge
Dear family and friends,
I thought I'd begin with a few updates...We finally met Danella on Sunday. She is so cute and an amazing person. She is confident, poised, and loves the Lord. She is also excited for her baptism and will be baptized August 17th. We love her and it is especially fun for Sister Garre to have a Brazilian to talk with.
David is doing so well. He also came to church on Sunday with a white shirt and tie on. He looked better than most of the guys at church. He is taking this very seriously and it shows in his attitude and his reverence. After sacrament meeting a member of the bishopric usually invites all those who are visiting or new to introduce themselves. David introduced himself and told his story and how grateful he was that we talked with him and invited him to learn more about the Book of Mormon. He then bore his testimony about how everything that we are teaching him is true and how it just keeps getting better and better. Everyone was amazed. I sat grinning from ear to ear, I was so happy. He fit into the ward perfectly and the members loved him! We had another lesson with him last night. He is progressing so quickly and he has already told his family about his baptism. He said the most sincere prayer last night. His prayers are a conversation with his Heavenly Father. He has always had a good relationship with Heavenly Father. We continue to prepare him for his baptism on August 17th.
We taught Laura this past week. She is the friend of a member and has been attending church in another ward for some time. She has read through the Book of Mormon once already and is now reading it again. We went to her home for lunch and she made us Maryland crab cakes, delicious! After discussing the Restoration she told us that she is excited to learn more and knows that she will receive an answer from Heavenly Father. She is reading the Book of Mormon every night and we invited her to ask Heavenly Father what He would have her learn as she needs. She has already seen miracles as she has done so. We love her and we are excited for her progression.
Veronica is not ready for baptism and is too connected to her own church back in Africa. We talked with her about it this week and we knew that it just wasn't time now. We told her that she is always welcome and we expressed our love and said our goodbyes for now. I feel good about the whole situation. If they're choosing not to progress, then we must move on. Through everything we continue to see miracles every day and I love it.
Sister Garre is practicing her driving and it has been an interesting experience. I feel that it is a tender mercy of the Lord to help me be light-hearted. Luckily I also know that I am protected ; ) Besides the times when we've almost died, it's been a fun and actually pretty funny!
My prayers are with you all. I love serving the Lord and I pray to have the energy to sacrifice and do all I can these last two weeks.
With Love, Sister Hogge
Thursday, July 31, 2008
31 July 2008
My wonderful family and friends!!!
This past week has been absolutely fantastic! My heart is so full I think it just might burst. We have seen countless miracles this week. I really feel that through all the miracles the Lord is showing me why He still needs me here an extra transfer.
Miracle #1 - Veronica has accepted to be baptized August 17th. She has become so much more converted to the gospel and is still a little hesitant about baptism, but she will be fine. We plan to help her with her main concerns at the end of the week. She is so good and she loves God so much. She really wants to do what is right, but it's a struggle to break away from tradition and from being comfortable.
Miracle #2 - We got a phone call from some elders in the Baltimore mission telling us about Danella. They have been teaching her for a few weeks and she has come to church 7 times! But recently they found that she is not in their ward or mission boundaries! Danella is from Brazil (perfect for Sister Garre) and she loves the gospel! She has already been taught many of the lessons. She was introduced to the church by a friend and has loved it from the beginning. Last night the elders had their last appointment with her before they would pass her on to us. They called us just after the appointment last night and told us that she set her own baptismal date for August 17th! We were thrilled! We have talked to her many times on the phone and are excited to finally meet her. Tender mercy from the Lord!
Miracle #3 - We finally had an appointment with David. We've had a few appointments with David before but he never showed, so this was his last chance. We found him and GQ'd him right in front of his apartment building when I was with Sisters Baxter and Cardoso. In order to meet in his home we had to have another woman with us. So, we invited a senior sister, Sister Kearns. They live in the same apartment building as David. When we got to the senior sisters' apartment to finalize the lesson we found that there would be a brand new senior sister also coming with us, Sister Ellis, and that this would be her first lesson. I prayed so hard that David would be home so Sister Ellis could have a good experience. When we walked out of their apartment to find David's apartment, we found that he lived right next door to them and he was home, thank you Heavenly Father! We taught a beautiful first lesson. At first David didn't seem too focused, but once we began teaching about the Restoration with Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, he completely changed. The Spirit was so incredibly strong! A light came into his eyes. Sweet Sister Ellis shared her conversion story and we were all deeply touched. At the end of the lesson we all knelt in prayer and invited David to pray. In his prayer he thanked Heavenly Father for bringing us to him. He told Heavenly Father that he wasn't expecting any of this and that he was so happy. We invited him to prepare for baptism on August 17th. When we returned to the senior sisters' apartment the sweet senior sisters wept together and all of our hearts were filled. There is nothing like this work. I feel like Ammon in Alma 26 "this is my life and my joy".
There were many other miracles that happened this week...too many to list. "I cannot say the smallest part that I feel". I have never felt this way and I'm so grateful that I stayed to witness the Lord's hand in my life and in the lives of others. We have been the answers to so many prayers this week. I always want to be an instrument in the Lord's hands and I always want to feel this way. Thankfully, we have made special covenants with our Heavenly Father to help us always feel this way. Thank you for your prayers. I can feel the strength of your prayers and love. I am so happy.
All my love, Sister Hogge
This past week has been absolutely fantastic! My heart is so full I think it just might burst. We have seen countless miracles this week. I really feel that through all the miracles the Lord is showing me why He still needs me here an extra transfer.
Miracle #1 - Veronica has accepted to be baptized August 17th. She has become so much more converted to the gospel and is still a little hesitant about baptism, but she will be fine. We plan to help her with her main concerns at the end of the week. She is so good and she loves God so much. She really wants to do what is right, but it's a struggle to break away from tradition and from being comfortable.
Miracle #2 - We got a phone call from some elders in the Baltimore mission telling us about Danella. They have been teaching her for a few weeks and she has come to church 7 times! But recently they found that she is not in their ward or mission boundaries! Danella is from Brazil (perfect for Sister Garre) and she loves the gospel! She has already been taught many of the lessons. She was introduced to the church by a friend and has loved it from the beginning. Last night the elders had their last appointment with her before they would pass her on to us. They called us just after the appointment last night and told us that she set her own baptismal date for August 17th! We were thrilled! We have talked to her many times on the phone and are excited to finally meet her. Tender mercy from the Lord!
Miracle #3 - We finally had an appointment with David. We've had a few appointments with David before but he never showed, so this was his last chance. We found him and GQ'd him right in front of his apartment building when I was with Sisters Baxter and Cardoso. In order to meet in his home we had to have another woman with us. So, we invited a senior sister, Sister Kearns. They live in the same apartment building as David. When we got to the senior sisters' apartment to finalize the lesson we found that there would be a brand new senior sister also coming with us, Sister Ellis, and that this would be her first lesson. I prayed so hard that David would be home so Sister Ellis could have a good experience. When we walked out of their apartment to find David's apartment, we found that he lived right next door to them and he was home, thank you Heavenly Father! We taught a beautiful first lesson. At first David didn't seem too focused, but once we began teaching about the Restoration with Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, he completely changed. The Spirit was so incredibly strong! A light came into his eyes. Sweet Sister Ellis shared her conversion story and we were all deeply touched. At the end of the lesson we all knelt in prayer and invited David to pray. In his prayer he thanked Heavenly Father for bringing us to him. He told Heavenly Father that he wasn't expecting any of this and that he was so happy. We invited him to prepare for baptism on August 17th. When we returned to the senior sisters' apartment the sweet senior sisters wept together and all of our hearts were filled. There is nothing like this work. I feel like Ammon in Alma 26 "this is my life and my joy".
There were many other miracles that happened this week...too many to list. "I cannot say the smallest part that I feel". I have never felt this way and I'm so grateful that I stayed to witness the Lord's hand in my life and in the lives of others. We have been the answers to so many prayers this week. I always want to be an instrument in the Lord's hands and I always want to feel this way. Thankfully, we have made special covenants with our Heavenly Father to help us always feel this way. Thank you for your prayers. I can feel the strength of your prayers and love. I am so happy.
All my love, Sister Hogge
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
23 July 2008
Dearest family and friends!
First of all ...I want to send my love to Erin and Heather! (Sister Snelson and Sister Baxter) I love you both soooo incredibly much and I hope to write you both today. I loved hearing from the both of you and I miss you terribly, but I know that there is so much good that you're doing now that you're home. Keep me posted. You are both in my prayers every day! Luvs!
This past week has been yet another amazing week! I had my last zone conference last Thursday. One of the assistants spoke on three ways that we can continue to be successful missionaries: 1. Stay worthy of the Spirit. 2. Testify boldly of Joseph Smith, be a light unto the world. 3. Read the Book of Mormon again and again and again. I felt that it was such wonderful advice for after my mission as well. I felt grateful to receive such strong answers to my prayers during the conference. At the end we sang the mission song together and I just about cried...tear my heart out! I love serving the Lord and I will miss zone conferences with all of the missionaries.
Sunday was an incredibly spiritual day! The elders had a baptism and two of our investigators came, Veronica and Laura. The Spirit was strong and Veronica and Laura felt more comfortable and more willing to commit after this experience. I love how the Spirit changes people! By the way, I heard that Roland (from Quince Orchard) was baptized on Sunday! Woohoo! Finally! I was so glad to hear that he had made such an essential step in his eternal progression. I'm excited for his progress and future!
I continue to see the reasons why the Lord has needed me to extend every single day! The Lord has confirmed it to me over and over again and I'm so grateful! I feel so needed here and I love it!
Earlier today the "dying" missionaries went to Arlington Cemetery with President and Sister Mansell. It was a beautiful day, a bit hot and humid, but nicely overcast. The entire time we were there all I could think about is when we came years ago. It felt different now. I felt like I understood everything so much more. My favorite part of the entire trip was The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and watching the changing of the guards. On the tomb it reads, "Here rests in honored glory an American Soldier known but to God". I felt my heart swell within me as I read such powerful words. I know that God is our loving Heavenly Father; He knows us. I feel so grateful that our country was founded on such strong religious and hopeful principles. I really enjoyed being with all of the missionaries. I feel that I have made some life long friends.
Tomorrow is a very exciting day. It's my 18 month anniversary. Now I'm going into "elder time". To celebrate I think I might dress up as an elder! Most importantly, tomorrow is Mom's birthday! Happy Birthday Mom! I've sent a card for you in the mail.
Well, through the somewhat diffcult times this past week life continues to be amazing and wonderful! I am so happy here and I have a strong desire to stay completely focused and strong to the end! I feel that it is so important to bloom where I have been planted and to keep blooming as much as I can. I love, love, love serving the Lord and pray that we will continue to recognize His hand in our lives and see miracles! May we all recognize the miracles this week!
All my love, Sister (almost Elder) Hogge
First of all ...I want to send my love to Erin and Heather! (Sister Snelson and Sister Baxter) I love you both soooo incredibly much and I hope to write you both today. I loved hearing from the both of you and I miss you terribly, but I know that there is so much good that you're doing now that you're home. Keep me posted. You are both in my prayers every day! Luvs!
This past week has been yet another amazing week! I had my last zone conference last Thursday. One of the assistants spoke on three ways that we can continue to be successful missionaries: 1. Stay worthy of the Spirit. 2. Testify boldly of Joseph Smith, be a light unto the world. 3. Read the Book of Mormon again and again and again. I felt that it was such wonderful advice for after my mission as well. I felt grateful to receive such strong answers to my prayers during the conference. At the end we sang the mission song together and I just about cried...tear my heart out! I love serving the Lord and I will miss zone conferences with all of the missionaries.
Sunday was an incredibly spiritual day! The elders had a baptism and two of our investigators came, Veronica and Laura. The Spirit was strong and Veronica and Laura felt more comfortable and more willing to commit after this experience. I love how the Spirit changes people! By the way, I heard that Roland (from Quince Orchard) was baptized on Sunday! Woohoo! Finally! I was so glad to hear that he had made such an essential step in his eternal progression. I'm excited for his progress and future!
I continue to see the reasons why the Lord has needed me to extend every single day! The Lord has confirmed it to me over and over again and I'm so grateful! I feel so needed here and I love it!
Earlier today the "dying" missionaries went to Arlington Cemetery with President and Sister Mansell. It was a beautiful day, a bit hot and humid, but nicely overcast. The entire time we were there all I could think about is when we came years ago. It felt different now. I felt like I understood everything so much more. My favorite part of the entire trip was The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and watching the changing of the guards. On the tomb it reads, "Here rests in honored glory an American Soldier known but to God". I felt my heart swell within me as I read such powerful words. I know that God is our loving Heavenly Father; He knows us. I feel so grateful that our country was founded on such strong religious and hopeful principles. I really enjoyed being with all of the missionaries. I feel that I have made some life long friends.
Tomorrow is a very exciting day. It's my 18 month anniversary. Now I'm going into "elder time". To celebrate I think I might dress up as an elder! Most importantly, tomorrow is Mom's birthday! Happy Birthday Mom! I've sent a card for you in the mail.
Well, through the somewhat diffcult times this past week life continues to be amazing and wonderful! I am so happy here and I have a strong desire to stay completely focused and strong to the end! I feel that it is so important to bloom where I have been planted and to keep blooming as much as I can. I love, love, love serving the Lord and pray that we will continue to recognize His hand in our lives and see miracles! May we all recognize the miracles this week!
All my love, Sister (almost Elder) Hogge
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
16 July 2008
Hello lovely friends and family,
It has been a wonderful week getting to know my new companion and learning what it is that the Lord would have me learn this transfer. Oh, I have much to learn, but I think that the Lord has much to teach me about humility, being willing to compromise, and having the courage to be light-hearted. Actually, I have recently been praying for the Lord to give me experiences to help me be more light-hearted. He has definitely answered my prayers. Just two days ago I ate a bug (unintentionally) while I was GQing two younger girls. It was hilarious and it tasted awful! Later in the evening I taught Sister Garre how to catch fire flies and we probably looked crazy dancing around the grass. I am learning that the Lord definitely has a sense of humor and that light-heartedness is indeed a spiritual gift we can pray for.
This past Sunday I prayed so hard for our investigators to come to church. Summertime means lots of vacationing. When we got to church we found that two different members had brought a friend and a sister who both were not members of the church...yet. I know that the Lord answers our prayers and I'm grateful that I can trust Him and that He understands my concerns.
Sunday was more spiritual than usual for me. In Relief Society we talked about how the church has grown. As I sat in class and thought about the Lord's work, how it has filled the earth, and how I have been able to be a part of it, my heart was filled. Sensations of gratitude and feelings of zeal overcame me as I thought about the cause of truth that we are all involved in. So often doing this work has filled my heart and my soul with so much joy, but today I felt my perspective widen and that for a few brief moments I had a glimpse of eternity. At that moment I knew that this work is a lot bigger than I realized and that I have had the great privilege to be a part of it. I thought about "The Standard of Truth", "no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing!" With a more eternal perspective the work is so much more fun! I feel that I've become such an old softy. My feelings have become more tender as I have thought about how blessed I have been to serve the Lord.
Jade is doing well. She received the gift of the Holy Ghost this last Sunday. Bishop Davenport confirmed her. She is different from when we first met her. She is getting her life together and she feels more confident in who she is as a daughter of a lovng Heavenly Father. I love seeing how the gospel and the Atonement of Jesus Christ change people. She smiles more and she has a beautiful light in her eyes. I'm so happy for her. This coming Sunday she has been asked to speak at Immanuel's baptism. Immanuel is a guy the elders have been working with. Jade is excited to share her testimony about baptism. I love this church and how it helps everyone feel welcomed and loved. I hope that we can all be better to love those around us, especially those who may seen different from us. I have developed a great love for my brothers and sisters.
Next week President and Sister Mansell will be taking all of the "dying" missionaries to Arlington. It will be a special trip and a very special experience for all of us. I am excited to go. When I performed there 7 or 8 years ago I would have never thought that my next visit there would be as a missionary. I am grateful for my country and for those who sacrificed themselves so that we could have the freedom that we have. I'll be sure to let you know how it goes.
We continue to find, find, and find. We are teaching, and one of our investigators, Veronica, has a baptismal date for August 3rd. Please keep her and all of our investigators in your prayers. I have the faith that they can progress and now they need to have the faith. I love this work!
Well, I am happy and healthy and I love loving people! Hope all is well with you.
All my love, Sister Hogge
It has been a wonderful week getting to know my new companion and learning what it is that the Lord would have me learn this transfer. Oh, I have much to learn, but I think that the Lord has much to teach me about humility, being willing to compromise, and having the courage to be light-hearted. Actually, I have recently been praying for the Lord to give me experiences to help me be more light-hearted. He has definitely answered my prayers. Just two days ago I ate a bug (unintentionally) while I was GQing two younger girls. It was hilarious and it tasted awful! Later in the evening I taught Sister Garre how to catch fire flies and we probably looked crazy dancing around the grass. I am learning that the Lord definitely has a sense of humor and that light-heartedness is indeed a spiritual gift we can pray for.
This past Sunday I prayed so hard for our investigators to come to church. Summertime means lots of vacationing. When we got to church we found that two different members had brought a friend and a sister who both were not members of the church...yet. I know that the Lord answers our prayers and I'm grateful that I can trust Him and that He understands my concerns.
Sunday was more spiritual than usual for me. In Relief Society we talked about how the church has grown. As I sat in class and thought about the Lord's work, how it has filled the earth, and how I have been able to be a part of it, my heart was filled. Sensations of gratitude and feelings of zeal overcame me as I thought about the cause of truth that we are all involved in. So often doing this work has filled my heart and my soul with so much joy, but today I felt my perspective widen and that for a few brief moments I had a glimpse of eternity. At that moment I knew that this work is a lot bigger than I realized and that I have had the great privilege to be a part of it. I thought about "The Standard of Truth", "no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing!" With a more eternal perspective the work is so much more fun! I feel that I've become such an old softy. My feelings have become more tender as I have thought about how blessed I have been to serve the Lord.
Jade is doing well. She received the gift of the Holy Ghost this last Sunday. Bishop Davenport confirmed her. She is different from when we first met her. She is getting her life together and she feels more confident in who she is as a daughter of a lovng Heavenly Father. I love seeing how the gospel and the Atonement of Jesus Christ change people. She smiles more and she has a beautiful light in her eyes. I'm so happy for her. This coming Sunday she has been asked to speak at Immanuel's baptism. Immanuel is a guy the elders have been working with. Jade is excited to share her testimony about baptism. I love this church and how it helps everyone feel welcomed and loved. I hope that we can all be better to love those around us, especially those who may seen different from us. I have developed a great love for my brothers and sisters.
Next week President and Sister Mansell will be taking all of the "dying" missionaries to Arlington. It will be a special trip and a very special experience for all of us. I am excited to go. When I performed there 7 or 8 years ago I would have never thought that my next visit there would be as a missionary. I am grateful for my country and for those who sacrificed themselves so that we could have the freedom that we have. I'll be sure to let you know how it goes.
We continue to find, find, and find. We are teaching, and one of our investigators, Veronica, has a baptismal date for August 3rd. Please keep her and all of our investigators in your prayers. I have the faith that they can progress and now they need to have the faith. I love this work!
Well, I am happy and healthy and I love loving people! Hope all is well with you.
All my love, Sister Hogge
Thursday, July 10, 2008
10 July 2008
Dearest family and friends,
My 4th of July was pretty quiet. We were at the VC and then planned for the week. After planning we went to dinner at Chevy's with our roommates. We had a wonderful time together celebrating the 4th. The next day we saw a great fireworks show near our apartments...a tender mercy from the Lord. It felt good to have the firework experience again...I miss that.
Well, transfers have come and gone. I have a new companion, her name is Sister Garre. She is Brazilian, go figure! She is my third Brazilian companion. She is a little ball of fire, vibrant, filled with enthusiasm, energy, and commitment to the Lord. We will find a great balance in the work together and I think that we will complement one another nicely. I am grateful.
Jade is doing well. She was supposed to be confirmed on Sunday, but got to church late...so we will be doing the confirmation next Sunday. It's always so nerve racking waiting in sacrament meeting for the investigators, recent converts, or less actives to get to church. Jade's heart is somewhat heavy, please pray for her. She has been through so much and her strength amazes me. I know that the Atonement will help heal her and she knows it too.
We continue to find new investigators who are prepared. I feel blessed to be in such a fantastic area where people really are willing, ready, and waiting to receive the truth. I know that we will continue to see miracles this transfer as we have faith in the Lord's ablilites to help us and as we work hard, definitely a life lesson learned. I am grateful for faith and how I have learned to develop my own faith in Jesus Christ.
I loved Joey's last letter about being a "lucky duck". I think it's a great concept that I can apply for my last transfer in the mission. It is so important to remember our blessings and to be grateful. I, too, will think every day why I'm such a "lucky duck".
Yesterday was somewhat of a difficult day for me. I said goodbye or "see you later" to many of my dearest sister missionary friends leaving the mission field. It was hard and I just felt sick to my stomach, but I prayed to know that the Lord still needed me here serving Him. We were on shift last night at the VC. While we were on shift a sweet older couple came into the VC. I gave them a tour about eternal families and temples. They were so impressed with the concept that they accepted to receive the missionaries. Later in the evening Asetia, a convert from Quince Orchard, with all of her children came into the VC. I gave them a Christus tour and I was so touched by how Asetia's testimony has grown and how converted she is. She was happy to see me as well and expressed her thanks for helping her be baptized. At the end of the evening Erica, a convert from DC 2nd, came in to see me. She told me that there were many exciting things happening in her life and some trials and I was the first she wanted to see. As we talked about her conversion and how much she has grown since then my heart was filled. By the end of the night, I felt that the Lord had answered my prayers in abundance and I felt so grateful that He still needed me here.
I know that this transfer will be filled with miracles, new relationships, and growth. I am so glad that I am here and that I can give my whole heart and all my time to the Lord. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I love the Lord and I love serving Him and His children.
All my love, Sister Hogge
My 4th of July was pretty quiet. We were at the VC and then planned for the week. After planning we went to dinner at Chevy's with our roommates. We had a wonderful time together celebrating the 4th. The next day we saw a great fireworks show near our apartments...a tender mercy from the Lord. It felt good to have the firework experience again...I miss that.
Well, transfers have come and gone. I have a new companion, her name is Sister Garre. She is Brazilian, go figure! She is my third Brazilian companion. She is a little ball of fire, vibrant, filled with enthusiasm, energy, and commitment to the Lord. We will find a great balance in the work together and I think that we will complement one another nicely. I am grateful.
Jade is doing well. She was supposed to be confirmed on Sunday, but got to church late...so we will be doing the confirmation next Sunday. It's always so nerve racking waiting in sacrament meeting for the investigators, recent converts, or less actives to get to church. Jade's heart is somewhat heavy, please pray for her. She has been through so much and her strength amazes me. I know that the Atonement will help heal her and she knows it too.
We continue to find new investigators who are prepared. I feel blessed to be in such a fantastic area where people really are willing, ready, and waiting to receive the truth. I know that we will continue to see miracles this transfer as we have faith in the Lord's ablilites to help us and as we work hard, definitely a life lesson learned. I am grateful for faith and how I have learned to develop my own faith in Jesus Christ.
I loved Joey's last letter about being a "lucky duck". I think it's a great concept that I can apply for my last transfer in the mission. It is so important to remember our blessings and to be grateful. I, too, will think every day why I'm such a "lucky duck".
Yesterday was somewhat of a difficult day for me. I said goodbye or "see you later" to many of my dearest sister missionary friends leaving the mission field. It was hard and I just felt sick to my stomach, but I prayed to know that the Lord still needed me here serving Him. We were on shift last night at the VC. While we were on shift a sweet older couple came into the VC. I gave them a tour about eternal families and temples. They were so impressed with the concept that they accepted to receive the missionaries. Later in the evening Asetia, a convert from Quince Orchard, with all of her children came into the VC. I gave them a Christus tour and I was so touched by how Asetia's testimony has grown and how converted she is. She was happy to see me as well and expressed her thanks for helping her be baptized. At the end of the evening Erica, a convert from DC 2nd, came in to see me. She told me that there were many exciting things happening in her life and some trials and I was the first she wanted to see. As we talked about her conversion and how much she has grown since then my heart was filled. By the end of the night, I felt that the Lord had answered my prayers in abundance and I felt so grateful that He still needed me here.
I know that this transfer will be filled with miracles, new relationships, and growth. I am so glad that I am here and that I can give my whole heart and all my time to the Lord. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I love the Lord and I love serving Him and His children.
All my love, Sister Hogge
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