Hey Family,
I have decided that although I love your emails you might have to write me through mail sometimes because I only have 30 minutes to read and write you back. When I have too many emails it's hard to find time to write. I love all of the support, but letters sent the day after you receive my email would be wonderful every now and then.
First of all, Happy Birthday Sarah and Bradford!!! I wish I could be with you to celebrate, but you know I'll be thinking of you. Sarah, I LOVED the pics of Mari. I got them yesterday and I look at them all the time! She is so beautiful and getting so big.
Well, I survived a week in the field. It is wonderful out here in Maryland. A huge storm hit on Sunday and many wards were canceled. Luckily we were able to go to church. Our cars were grounded for the day in the mission and we spent most of our Sunday studying and contacting potential investigators on the phone. The VC was also closed because of the snow.
Right now we are teaching a woman named Florida. She is African-American and has concerns and doubts about the BOM. We met her at the VC and watch Testaments. She still has concerns, but hopefully the Lord will soften her heart. Although I get frustrated with her I have come to understand that the BOM is new for many people and we have to be patient as missionaries with our investigators who struggle. I testified of the truthfulness of the BOM, the Spirit was strong and I knew that Florida felt it. We will be teaching her the 2nd lesson tomorrow and will be inviting her to "Why I Believe" - they are firesides put on at the VC with well known guest speakers. The speaker this Sunday will be Senator Orin Hatch, pretty exciting!!
We are also teaching an Ethiopian family of 6. They are wonderful, but they are very strong in their Ethipoian Christian beliefs. Church for them is very social and cultural. We taught them about the tree of life and had each family member draw the vision on a piece of paper (this involved the kids). We then explained to them the symbolism and how important is it for them to hold to the iron rod and get to the tree of life as a family. I love them so much! I desire for them to be together forever!! We gave them a BOM in Amharic, their native language and they are reading from it. We invited them to the VC and they will be meeting us there next week. The VC is a great resource in helping others come unto Christ and feel the Spirit testify to them that the things we are teaching them are true!
I love the members and the people of DC. Many of them are so poor, humble, and kind. Tonight we will be going to dinner with Sister Moormon, a convert of 6 months. She is strong and such an example to me. She is from Barbados and is so faithful. She has helped me learn to be more patient with my investigators. She is taking us to a Greek restaurant. She has an interesting story... I will have to tell you sometime. She has a grandson, Maylek (8 years old) who will hopefully be baptized soon.
The world headquarters of the 7th Day Adventists church is in my area. I saw it the other day...interesting. There are many different religions and cultures.
My time is up, I hope to write more next week. I'm glad you received the DVD, it was a special experience for me. Mom, I will write you about the email address or phone number you can call to speak with Elder or Sister Child (the VC directors). I am soooo EXCITED about tour this year. Hopefully I will be able to see you. I'm sure I could pull some strings.
I am reading the BOM with the mission. We are reading and highlighting Christ's names in red, His attributes in blue, and His words in green. It's amazing the things that I have been learning. I'd challenge you to do it. Buy a new copy of the BOM and read it!
I will not be able to print the emails, just FYI. Well, I have so much to say still, maybe I'll have to write a letter. Until then, I know that these things I'm teaching and learning are true! I love this great work and I love all of you so much!
Love, Sister Hogge
p.s. Mom - I need you to look for a bag for my mission. Most missionaries have this bag. I think the brand may be Rock Lockster and the name of the bag is Uphill. I love you Dad - are you emailing these emails to that list of friends I gave you, just making sure. I love you
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Mindy Sings at the MTC
Click play.
Note from Kim and Jeff: We received a package from President and Sister Joseph F. Boone of the Missionary Training Center, along with the DVD posted above. The letter said:
February 21, 2007
Dear Brother and Sister Hogge,
We appreciate so much having your missionary here at the Missionary Training Center. Many of our missionaries are very talented musically and we have tried to let them share that talent here at the MTC.
We thought it would be fun to share with you the wonderful musical number your missionary presented in one of our meetings.
We hope you enjoy it. Please know that we love and appreciate you and your missionary.
President and Sister Boone
Thursday, February 22, 2007
22 February 2007
Hey family!
I have been so excited to email you! I am doing well here in DC. The weather has been beautiful! Get ready, because this email is going to be totally random...
My P-day is Thursday. You will get a weekly email from me on Thursdays. You can email me back through this email. I only have 30 minutes to read and email. So I may write letters if I don't get a chance to email some of you personally. Sometimes we will switch p-days when we switch transfers. My address is the mission office address. They will forward me my mail from there. If you want to send packages, send them through United States Postal Service. It always gets to me faster that way.
After we arrived in DC our President Price took us on a tour of Capitol Mall and downtown DC. It looks so different in the winter time. We then all went to the mission home, which is absolutely gorgeous!! It's a big victorian home with lots of space and a gorgeous view. The bigger and richer houses don't have fences, but they all have shutters on the windows. I love it!After lunch they let us rest for a while. After our rest we began training with the AP's. Our AP's are awesome!! They really got all of us excited to begin working hard. One of the AP's is from Spain and he looks like Superman. haha. All the missionaries I've met so far have a great love for the work.
We had a delicious sit down dinner, more training, and ended the night with a testimony meeting. We were all anxious to get to bed. I had been awake for almost 40 hours by the time I got to bed Tuesday night.
The next day we headed out to the Temple. We had a tour of the V.C. and we all met in the big theater room to be paired up with our trainers. My trainer is Sister Everts. She is from Phoenix, AZ and she is great! She is a perfect match for me because she never stresses out. She just works hard, and enjoys the ride. I know we will get along well and I'm sure you'll hear more about her in the next email.
After our orientation we went to the temple for a session. It was amazing. I was still so tired, but it was nice to be together with all of the other missionaries. The celestial room is the most beautiful celestial room I've seen (besides the Sac. celestial room). It was nice to sit and soak everything in. I have to admit that it is a bit overwhelming, but Sister Everts has a calming effect on me.
After the temple we went to Baja Fresh for lunch and got settled into my new apartment. My area that I will be living in for the next 6 weeks is called White Oak East. It's a nice area with lots of town houses and a few bigger homes. My apartment is nothing like I've ever lived in, but I hear it's one of the nicer places to live, so I am grateful. Sister Everts and I are the only two living in our apartment, which is nice.
After dinner we began tracting. Ah! My first door appraoch I was totally rejected, but it didn't affect me much. I knew that I would become familiar with lots of rejection. We also visited a recent convert named Beatrice Adel. She is from Tanzenia and was recently baptized the end of last year. She has a two year old and a husband who is faithful in his Mennanite (sp?) beliefs. They are warm and friendly and I am excited to get to work on her husband. I shared a message about prayer and especially praying as a family. He seemed somewhat touched by the message. I may just be a new, optimistic missionary, but I am excited to work with him.
Tonight after P-day we have two investigatos we will be meeting with. I am excited! There is so much culture here! Well, my time is about through. I am happy to finally be in the field. I am excited to get to work! The Lord needs optimistic, happy, and bold missionaries. It will take time to get adjusted to the study schedule and getting to know the area, but I am patient. I love you and hope to hear from you soon!
Love, Sister Hogge
mailing address:
Sister Melinda Hogge
Washington D.C. North Mission
11700 Falls Rd
Potomac, MD 20854-2823
I have been so excited to email you! I am doing well here in DC. The weather has been beautiful! Get ready, because this email is going to be totally random...
My P-day is Thursday. You will get a weekly email from me on Thursdays. You can email me back through this email. I only have 30 minutes to read and email. So I may write letters if I don't get a chance to email some of you personally. Sometimes we will switch p-days when we switch transfers. My address is the mission office address. They will forward me my mail from there. If you want to send packages, send them through United States Postal Service. It always gets to me faster that way.
After we arrived in DC our President Price took us on a tour of Capitol Mall and downtown DC. It looks so different in the winter time. We then all went to the mission home, which is absolutely gorgeous!! It's a big victorian home with lots of space and a gorgeous view. The bigger and richer houses don't have fences, but they all have shutters on the windows. I love it!After lunch they let us rest for a while. After our rest we began training with the AP's. Our AP's are awesome!! They really got all of us excited to begin working hard. One of the AP's is from Spain and he looks like Superman. haha. All the missionaries I've met so far have a great love for the work.
We had a delicious sit down dinner, more training, and ended the night with a testimony meeting. We were all anxious to get to bed. I had been awake for almost 40 hours by the time I got to bed Tuesday night.
The next day we headed out to the Temple. We had a tour of the V.C. and we all met in the big theater room to be paired up with our trainers. My trainer is Sister Everts. She is from Phoenix, AZ and she is great! She is a perfect match for me because she never stresses out. She just works hard, and enjoys the ride. I know we will get along well and I'm sure you'll hear more about her in the next email.
After our orientation we went to the temple for a session. It was amazing. I was still so tired, but it was nice to be together with all of the other missionaries. The celestial room is the most beautiful celestial room I've seen (besides the Sac. celestial room). It was nice to sit and soak everything in. I have to admit that it is a bit overwhelming, but Sister Everts has a calming effect on me.
After the temple we went to Baja Fresh for lunch and got settled into my new apartment. My area that I will be living in for the next 6 weeks is called White Oak East. It's a nice area with lots of town houses and a few bigger homes. My apartment is nothing like I've ever lived in, but I hear it's one of the nicer places to live, so I am grateful. Sister Everts and I are the only two living in our apartment, which is nice.
After dinner we began tracting. Ah! My first door appraoch I was totally rejected, but it didn't affect me much. I knew that I would become familiar with lots of rejection. We also visited a recent convert named Beatrice Adel. She is from Tanzenia and was recently baptized the end of last year. She has a two year old and a husband who is faithful in his Mennanite (sp?) beliefs. They are warm and friendly and I am excited to get to work on her husband. I shared a message about prayer and especially praying as a family. He seemed somewhat touched by the message. I may just be a new, optimistic missionary, but I am excited to work with him.
Tonight after P-day we have two investigatos we will be meeting with. I am excited! There is so much culture here! Well, my time is about through. I am happy to finally be in the field. I am excited to get to work! The Lord needs optimistic, happy, and bold missionaries. It will take time to get adjusted to the study schedule and getting to know the area, but I am patient. I love you and hope to hear from you soon!
Love, Sister Hogge
mailing address:
Sister Melinda Hogge
Washington D.C. North Mission
11700 Falls Rd
Potomac, MD 20854-2823
Monday, February 12, 2007
8 February 2007
Dear Family,
I’m going on my third week at the MTC and life is going well. Becoming a missionary is difficult. The past few weeks have been filled with highs and lows.
Last night my companions and I taught Lesson Three. We have officially taught Lessons One, Two, and Three to “investigators.” We are quickly learning not only how to trust each other, but how to trust the Spirit. For it is the Spirit that can testify of truth. We have grown so much as a companionship. Without Sister Coyle I would be too uptight as a missionary. I would not laugh as often and I would probably stress over meaningless things. Sister Coyle is from Susanville, CA. Without Sister Snelson, who is from Springville, UT, I would be tempted to be lazy and not follow through with my goals. We have truly grown to love each other and we have an honest, trusting relationship. We must do everything to keep our companionship united.
Recently I have been asking the Lord to show me my weaknesses, so I can improve and be a better missionary. I have found that when you do this your weaknesses are shoved into your face and magnified tenfold. I know it’s part of the humbling process of becoming a missionary. Ether 12:27 is the famous scripture for this subject. I think that most of the time we tend to ignore the first phrase in the scripture, “And if men come unto me I will shown them their weaknesses.” As I have been coming closer to my Savior He has shown me my weaknesses. I am learning to become more patient with anyone and everyone. I am learning how to accept that my way might not always be the right way. My teacher told me that you know you’re doing the right thing and you’re coming closer to the Lord when you’re shown your weaknesses. I have been comforted to know these things.
Two nights ago Elder Richard G. Scott came to the MTC for a devotional. He gave an insightful talk on prayer. After the meeting my companions and I had the opportunity to shake his hand. When I shook his hand and looked into his eyes the Spirit was incredibly strong. I know that he is a man of God and a chosen witness of Jesus Christ. Although it was a wonderful experience, I accidentally dropped my notebook by his feet and every “bodyguard” ran to either help me or to make sure Elder Scott was okay. I’d like to think they just wanted to help me. Elder Scott laughed and told me that I could probably pick that up faster than he could. Funny story.
Lately I have been studying charity. In Preach My Gospel one of the points to be a successful missionary is to love people and desire their salvation. As I was in the RC (Referral Center) this past week a woman 21 years old called for a free Book of Mormon. After I collected all of her information, I asked her what prompted her to call for the book. She told me that it was for her and her dad. Four years ago her grandpa died and it was difficult for her family. Because of the death they hadn’t been to any church since then. I shared my thoughts and testimony with her. I shared my personal experiences with Uncle Andy. I told her the peace this gospel has brought to me and that she would have the opportunity to see her grandpa again. The Spirit was strong and I asked her if I could send missionaries over with her free Book of Mormon. I told her the missionaries would share a special message of Jesus Christ. She declined and wanted to receive it in the mail. My heart broke. I think I am only beginning to understand what true charity is. In Mosiah 28:3, “Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, the very thought that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble.” I know that I can be a powerful missionary if I have true charity for those I teach and for my companion.
I love our missionaries in our district! The elders take care of us and we all have a mutual respect and love for each other. They will all be great and effective missionaries in the field.
Well, everything is going well here. Life is hard and missionary work is hard, but it’s wonderful. Elder Holland said, “Missionary work is not easy because salvation is not a cheap experience.” He goes on to say, how could it ever be easy for us if it was not easy for Christ? The atonement will carry us even more than it will carry our investigators. I know that I will be blessed and my family will be blessed as we rely on the atonement. I know that although I will never be able to comprehend its vastness, I can apply the atoning blood of Jesus Christ to my life. This will show that I have faith in Him as my Savior. I know that His infinite atonement is central to our Heavenly Father’s plan and to the gospel. It is only through Him that we can be saved physically and spiritually. It is only through Him that we can find peace in this life and eternal joy in the next. I love my Savior and I know that He lives!
With love,
Mindy (Sister Hogge)
P.S. Enjoy the pictures!
I’m going on my third week at the MTC and life is going well. Becoming a missionary is difficult. The past few weeks have been filled with highs and lows.
Last night my companions and I taught Lesson Three. We have officially taught Lessons One, Two, and Three to “investigators.” We are quickly learning not only how to trust each other, but how to trust the Spirit. For it is the Spirit that can testify of truth. We have grown so much as a companionship. Without Sister Coyle I would be too uptight as a missionary. I would not laugh as often and I would probably stress over meaningless things. Sister Coyle is from Susanville, CA. Without Sister Snelson, who is from Springville, UT, I would be tempted to be lazy and not follow through with my goals. We have truly grown to love each other and we have an honest, trusting relationship. We must do everything to keep our companionship united.
Recently I have been asking the Lord to show me my weaknesses, so I can improve and be a better missionary. I have found that when you do this your weaknesses are shoved into your face and magnified tenfold. I know it’s part of the humbling process of becoming a missionary. Ether 12:27 is the famous scripture for this subject. I think that most of the time we tend to ignore the first phrase in the scripture, “And if men come unto me I will shown them their weaknesses.” As I have been coming closer to my Savior He has shown me my weaknesses. I am learning to become more patient with anyone and everyone. I am learning how to accept that my way might not always be the right way. My teacher told me that you know you’re doing the right thing and you’re coming closer to the Lord when you’re shown your weaknesses. I have been comforted to know these things.
Two nights ago Elder Richard G. Scott came to the MTC for a devotional. He gave an insightful talk on prayer. After the meeting my companions and I had the opportunity to shake his hand. When I shook his hand and looked into his eyes the Spirit was incredibly strong. I know that he is a man of God and a chosen witness of Jesus Christ. Although it was a wonderful experience, I accidentally dropped my notebook by his feet and every “bodyguard” ran to either help me or to make sure Elder Scott was okay. I’d like to think they just wanted to help me. Elder Scott laughed and told me that I could probably pick that up faster than he could. Funny story.
Lately I have been studying charity. In Preach My Gospel one of the points to be a successful missionary is to love people and desire their salvation. As I was in the RC (Referral Center) this past week a woman 21 years old called for a free Book of Mormon. After I collected all of her information, I asked her what prompted her to call for the book. She told me that it was for her and her dad. Four years ago her grandpa died and it was difficult for her family. Because of the death they hadn’t been to any church since then. I shared my thoughts and testimony with her. I shared my personal experiences with Uncle Andy. I told her the peace this gospel has brought to me and that she would have the opportunity to see her grandpa again. The Spirit was strong and I asked her if I could send missionaries over with her free Book of Mormon. I told her the missionaries would share a special message of Jesus Christ. She declined and wanted to receive it in the mail. My heart broke. I think I am only beginning to understand what true charity is. In Mosiah 28:3, “Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, the very thought that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble.” I know that I can be a powerful missionary if I have true charity for those I teach and for my companion.
I love our missionaries in our district! The elders take care of us and we all have a mutual respect and love for each other. They will all be great and effective missionaries in the field.
Well, everything is going well here. Life is hard and missionary work is hard, but it’s wonderful. Elder Holland said, “Missionary work is not easy because salvation is not a cheap experience.” He goes on to say, how could it ever be easy for us if it was not easy for Christ? The atonement will carry us even more than it will carry our investigators. I know that I will be blessed and my family will be blessed as we rely on the atonement. I know that although I will never be able to comprehend its vastness, I can apply the atoning blood of Jesus Christ to my life. This will show that I have faith in Him as my Savior. I know that His infinite atonement is central to our Heavenly Father’s plan and to the gospel. It is only through Him that we can be saved physically and spiritually. It is only through Him that we can find peace in this life and eternal joy in the next. I love my Savior and I know that He lives!
With love,
Mindy (Sister Hogge)
P.S. Enjoy the pictures!
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
1 February 2007
Dear Family,
I have been so excited to write! I have P-days on Thursdays and last Thursday was not a P-day. This past week has been the longest week of my life! My first day at the MTC was difficult. The first three days were especially difficult. I am only beginning to understand what missionaries mean when they say that on your mission you will experience your lowest lows and your highest highs. Missionary work, becoming a missionary is a humbling process. You feel the lows and highs altogether in one day for days or weeks at a time! The Lord completely humbles you to your knees so He can mold you to be an instrument in His hands. He molds you into a trusting and faithful missionary who has learned to conform to His will. I love it!
My two companions are Sister Coyle (the sister I met in the Sacramento Temple) and Sister Snelson. They are wonderful companions! We are all so different from one another, but we love each other. We have learned how to trust in the Lord together and we work well together. I am grateful for their love and example. We also know how to have fun together and we laugh often. We have found that laughing is stress relief. In our teaching and as we have stopped thinking of ourselves and begun thinking of our investigators, we have been more successful in our teaching. It's great!
As I have been working through the process of becoming a missionary I have had to be patient with myself and with the Lord. When I teach the gospel I always have to remember that I am not in control. The gospel must be taught simply, clearly, with love, and most importantly with the Spirit. I have never felt so weak in my teaching.
D&C 11:21: "Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men."
I have memorized this and have applied it every day!
Alma 26:12: "Yea, I know I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore, I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in His strength I can do all things . . . ."
I have also memorized this one!
I know that this is true! I am nothing without the help of the Lord. I imagine that the Lord will humble me many, many more times on my mission.
Recently my branch president called me to be the "Coordinating Sister" for our branch/zone. My responsibilities are basically to take care of all the sisters. I was a bit overwhelmed with the call when I received it last Sunday because I had just arrived at the MTC. I was unsure if it would add to the struggles of MTC life. We just received five more sisters yesterday, which makes for a total of 10 sisters in our branch (and that's a lot!). It's just making sure that they are following the rules, dressing and looking appropriate, behaving, and I love them and help them with any needs they have emotionally. I know that the Lord has His reasons when He calls people to positions in the church. Receiving the new calling has been a humbling experience and I am grateful.
I know that Satan's power is very real. He knows how to make me feel unworthy and inadequate. I have never felt Satan's influence like I have this past week. He knows that I have the potential to be a powerful instrument in the Lord's hands. Before I came to the MTC I decided to be exactly obedient. Now that I am here I am glad that exact obedience is a priority for me and my companions. Satan will take any opportunity to have power over the missionaries. Although I have been struggling with feelings of inadequacy I know that the Lord is on my side. When you feel fear and doubt it is a key indicator that you are on the right track and that the adversary is afraid of you.
My companions and I go to the TEC (Teacher Evaluation Center) at least three times a week. This place is where we can do many things to improve our teaching including practice teaching lessons. Last night we had our first visit to the TRC (Teaching Resource Center). This is where companionships go to practice teaching lessons with "investigators" or volunteers. As we taught the first lesson last night I knew that the things we were teaching were true. During the lesson I had the opportunity to commit the investigator to reading passages of the Book of Mormon and to being baptized. It was awesome! Scary, but awesome. We will be teaching the second lesson in the TEC tomorrow and in the TRC Saturday. The Spirit, who is a testifier of truth, testifies to me of the truthfulness of the things I teach every day!
My teachers are Brother Bradshaw and Brother Ash. They are great teachers that push me to be better and to work hard. Our district has three companionships of elders and two companionships of sisters. We have grown to love each other and respect each other. As I have watched the people in our district, especially the elders, I have seen them become powerful missionaries. It is wonderful to see their growth within one week.
The planning and scheduling of missionary life is great and it's important to being an effective missionary. In fact, there is an entire chapter in PMG (Preach My Gospel) about using time wisely. Family, I hope you're reading PMG; it is wonderful!!
I have a testimony that this great work of proclaiming the truth to all nations must roll forth quickly and it is! I know that the Lord has called me to preach His gospel and I feel privileged for the opportunity.
I pray for you every day and think of you usually when I'm praying or about to go to sleep. The MTC keeps me busy and I rarely have a moment to get homesick. I love you and miss you all. I can't wait to hear from you, family. It is a great blessing to be a family in the gospel and true church of Jesus Christ. We are examples to the world!
I love you,
Sister Hogge
P.S. Family or anyone, you can send letters through www.dearelder.com and they will get to me the same day you send them.
I have been so excited to write! I have P-days on Thursdays and last Thursday was not a P-day. This past week has been the longest week of my life! My first day at the MTC was difficult. The first three days were especially difficult. I am only beginning to understand what missionaries mean when they say that on your mission you will experience your lowest lows and your highest highs. Missionary work, becoming a missionary is a humbling process. You feel the lows and highs altogether in one day for days or weeks at a time! The Lord completely humbles you to your knees so He can mold you to be an instrument in His hands. He molds you into a trusting and faithful missionary who has learned to conform to His will. I love it!
My two companions are Sister Coyle (the sister I met in the Sacramento Temple) and Sister Snelson. They are wonderful companions! We are all so different from one another, but we love each other. We have learned how to trust in the Lord together and we work well together. I am grateful for their love and example. We also know how to have fun together and we laugh often. We have found that laughing is stress relief. In our teaching and as we have stopped thinking of ourselves and begun thinking of our investigators, we have been more successful in our teaching. It's great!
As I have been working through the process of becoming a missionary I have had to be patient with myself and with the Lord. When I teach the gospel I always have to remember that I am not in control. The gospel must be taught simply, clearly, with love, and most importantly with the Spirit. I have never felt so weak in my teaching.
D&C 11:21: "Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men."
I have memorized this and have applied it every day!
Alma 26:12: "Yea, I know I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore, I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in His strength I can do all things . . . ."
I have also memorized this one!
I know that this is true! I am nothing without the help of the Lord. I imagine that the Lord will humble me many, many more times on my mission.
Recently my branch president called me to be the "Coordinating Sister" for our branch/zone. My responsibilities are basically to take care of all the sisters. I was a bit overwhelmed with the call when I received it last Sunday because I had just arrived at the MTC. I was unsure if it would add to the struggles of MTC life. We just received five more sisters yesterday, which makes for a total of 10 sisters in our branch (and that's a lot!). It's just making sure that they are following the rules, dressing and looking appropriate, behaving, and I love them and help them with any needs they have emotionally. I know that the Lord has His reasons when He calls people to positions in the church. Receiving the new calling has been a humbling experience and I am grateful.
I know that Satan's power is very real. He knows how to make me feel unworthy and inadequate. I have never felt Satan's influence like I have this past week. He knows that I have the potential to be a powerful instrument in the Lord's hands. Before I came to the MTC I decided to be exactly obedient. Now that I am here I am glad that exact obedience is a priority for me and my companions. Satan will take any opportunity to have power over the missionaries. Although I have been struggling with feelings of inadequacy I know that the Lord is on my side. When you feel fear and doubt it is a key indicator that you are on the right track and that the adversary is afraid of you.
My companions and I go to the TEC (Teacher Evaluation Center) at least three times a week. This place is where we can do many things to improve our teaching including practice teaching lessons. Last night we had our first visit to the TRC (Teaching Resource Center). This is where companionships go to practice teaching lessons with "investigators" or volunteers. As we taught the first lesson last night I knew that the things we were teaching were true. During the lesson I had the opportunity to commit the investigator to reading passages of the Book of Mormon and to being baptized. It was awesome! Scary, but awesome. We will be teaching the second lesson in the TEC tomorrow and in the TRC Saturday. The Spirit, who is a testifier of truth, testifies to me of the truthfulness of the things I teach every day!
My teachers are Brother Bradshaw and Brother Ash. They are great teachers that push me to be better and to work hard. Our district has three companionships of elders and two companionships of sisters. We have grown to love each other and respect each other. As I have watched the people in our district, especially the elders, I have seen them become powerful missionaries. It is wonderful to see their growth within one week.
The planning and scheduling of missionary life is great and it's important to being an effective missionary. In fact, there is an entire chapter in PMG (Preach My Gospel) about using time wisely. Family, I hope you're reading PMG; it is wonderful!!
I have a testimony that this great work of proclaiming the truth to all nations must roll forth quickly and it is! I know that the Lord has called me to preach His gospel and I feel privileged for the opportunity.
I pray for you every day and think of you usually when I'm praying or about to go to sleep. The MTC keeps me busy and I rarely have a moment to get homesick. I love you and miss you all. I can't wait to hear from you, family. It is a great blessing to be a family in the gospel and true church of Jesus Christ. We are examples to the world!
I love you,
Sister Hogge
P.S. Family or anyone, you can send letters through www.dearelder.com and they will get to me the same day you send them.
Friday, February 2, 2007
24 January 2007
Dear Family,
I survived my first day at the MTC. I have never been so overwhelmed in my entire life! Throughout the day I would feel the Spirit so strong that my entire body would be overfilled with warmth and love, from head to toe. The Spirit is incredibly strong here.
I have two companions, Sister Coyle and Sister Snelson. I will be sure to write more about them later. My district contains 5 sisters all going to the DC Visitors' Center and 6 elders going to Little Rock, Arkansas. We will be learning and growing with them our entire time here. Alma 26:12.
All is well here in the MTC. I am excited to learn. Mom and Dad, thank you for your support and love. My P-days are Thursday. I will write more next week (on P-day) when I have time. The church is true!
Love, Sister Hogge
I survived my first day at the MTC. I have never been so overwhelmed in my entire life! Throughout the day I would feel the Spirit so strong that my entire body would be overfilled with warmth and love, from head to toe. The Spirit is incredibly strong here.
I have two companions, Sister Coyle and Sister Snelson. I will be sure to write more about them later. My district contains 5 sisters all going to the DC Visitors' Center and 6 elders going to Little Rock, Arkansas. We will be learning and growing with them our entire time here. Alma 26:12.
All is well here in the MTC. I am excited to learn. Mom and Dad, thank you for your support and love. My P-days are Thursday. I will write more next week (on P-day) when I have time. The church is true!
Love, Sister Hogge
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