Dear family and friends,
It has been a whirlwind of events this past week. During our previous VC training meeting we were admonished to prepare ourselves for this Christmas season at the VC. I took that to heart and have seen the Lord's hand in my life every day. It is a blessing to be a light to the world this Christmas season. The VC is decorated beautifully with the many Christmas trees, lights, nativity scenes, and music, but at the center of it all is the Christus. I'm grateful that He is my focus this Christmas season. As a representative of Jesus Christ my gift to all is testifying that He lives and sharing His gospel. I can celebrate His birth by testifying of Him. It is a blessing and a privilege. I'm grateful to be serving the Lord this Christmas.
We had our Combined District Meeting this week. Sister McEwan and I were asked to give a workshop on how to recognize the promptings of the Spirit for ourselves and for those we teach. I have always found my leaders to be very inspired and they will often ask me to give workshops on the things that I'm struggling with most. So, as always, I felt that I learned the most. We are still the only sister missionaries in our zone. I really enjoy being with the elders because they are light-hearted, carefree, and fun. Funny story: We played jeopardy missionary style for the game of our meeting. One of the categories was companionship unity. Everyone loved this category and in order to answer a question we had to stand. It got to the point where everyone would stand before the question was asked. So, one of the companionship unity questions was "What is your companion's weight?" Sister McEwan was one of the first to stand along with all the elders. Well, the elders all decided they would sit down to let her answer the question. We were all rolling, laughing so hard. Sister McEwan answered the question and told everyone in the meeting how much I weigh. It was pretty funny, but I guess you had to be there.
Ambassador's Night was last night. It was a night I will never forget. We were all dressed in our missionary best and were assigned to different parts of the VC for the night. My assignment was "punch girl". I was encouraged to talk with everyone. Other assignments given were ushers, coat closet, trash, kitchen, etc. I felt pretty special to be serving drinks. hehe. I lost count of how many Ambassadors I met last night. They were all very gracious, lovely people. There were over 20 countries represented. Most of the name tags I read said "His Excellency...". I was having the time of my life! I've decided that I want to be a professional party hopper. I loved making small talk with these beautiful people, but I guess it would get tiring after a while. The lighting of the Christmas lights was so exciting I think I giggled. I love feeling like a kid during Christmas time. Although meeting all of the Ambassadors was wonderful, I think the highlight of my night was meeting President Packer and Elder Oaks and shaking their hands. They made a special trip to the Ambassador's Night. President Packer gave a beautiful speech on the Restoration, plan of salvation, missionary work, families, and Christmas. It was wonderful to listen to him speak to world leaders about the gospel. I will never forget the feelings I felt when they walked into the room. These feelings are the kind that no one can deny, a witness that these are Apostles of Jesus Christ, servants and special witnesses of Him. President Packer was walking slow with a cane and Elder Oaks was looking lively and well. I have always thought that Elder Oaks is so handsome and I love his strong voice...I think he just reminds me of Dad. My heart is full. What a wonderful way to begin the Christmas season.
"This Christmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and speak it again. Christmas is a celebration, and there is no celebration that compares with the realization of its true meaning - with the sudden stirring of the heart that has extended itself unselfishly in the things that matter most." - President Hunter, Ensign, Dec. 2002
I hope that we can all apply these things to our lives this Christmas. It is a beautiful time to be living. We are so blessed. I love you all and my thoughts and prayers are with you always.
All my love, Sister Hogge
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
22 November 2007
Happy Thanksgiving!
It has been a wonderful week. This past Sunday we had stake conference. Elder Wickman was the visiting general authority and it was great to hear from him again. We had met him previously during a zone conference earlier this year. His remarks changed my mission. The basis of his talk was a question,"How can I experience the Atonement in my life daily?" After many beautiful examples from the scriptures and some personal experiences, he explained that we can experience the Atonement daily through charity. We must pray to have Heavenly Father help us to love others as much as He loves us. This is something He is willing to give us, pure love. I am grateful for Elder Wickman's inspired remarks, they have really changed me. Sister Mansell spoke along with President Hammond (temple president) who mentioned that in DC we have two White Houses. In one, lives the President of the United States and in the other, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Bishop Richard Marriott also spoke. We are so blessed with great leadership. It was an edifying meeting because each talk was centered on our Savior.
The elders had a baptism on Sunday and we attended to support. Kyle was baptized. Kyle is currently in the army and stationed in Italy, but had to come back to the US for some possible cancer treatments. He finds out any day if he has brain tumors. I admire him for his faith, courage, and for his willingness to trust in the Lord's will.
Sunday night we had a "Why I Believe" fireside at the VC. The mission organizes a fireside each transfer and asks two recent converts to speak. We asked Lydia if she would share her thoughts and testimony at the fireside. She agreed, a little nervous and hesitant at first, but she was wonderful. She has a beautiful and simple testimony of the restored truths that we now enjoy. I am so happy for her and Brandon. They took us out to dinner again in DC. Another Friday night date. They took us to Rockland's BBQ (I had ribs!) and then on a short tour of downtown. It was beautiful! Lydia is currently working at the Chamber of Commerce directly across from the White House. Lydia and Brandon will be coming to Davis for Christmas and I mentioned that they should take a quick trip to Elk Grove while they're in town. They would be thrilled to meet my wonderful family. I'll keep you posted!
Festival of Lights is just around the corner. The people have been much more receptive lately. The holiday season definitely softens hearts. The lighting of the Christmas lights at the VC will be November 30th with Ambassadors Night. We just received word that the Ambassador from Italy will also be attending that night, how exciting! I LOVE this time of year and it is especially beautiful in Maryland. The colonial style homes and the falling, colorful leaves looks like a Pottery Barn catalog picture. I watched Mr. Krueger's Christmas the other day and I cried through the entire movie! I felt a little embarrassed; it was pretty funny. I love that movie and I love Jimmy Stewart.
Sister McEwan is doing well. We are open and honest with one another. I am grateful for her diligent example to me. I am learning so much. We are finding and teaching many new investigators; it's exciting. She and I are working hard together to become better servants and to make our weaknesses become strengths. It's difficult to train because you see your weaknesses magnified. Sometimes I feel like Nephi in 2 Nephi 4. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. I am grateful for repentance and for the Atonement. I am grateful for how we can be motivated by love; it's the most effective kind of motivation.
Funny story: I have two for this week. We raked leaves for three hours with our roommates this past week. It was wonderful and I mostly wanted to do it because it reminded me of family traditions on Thanksgiving Day and of course because service always makes me feel good. We borrowed some rakes from the senior couples and we also borrowed a leaf blower! It was the kind that you put on your back like a backpack. I put it on and almost fell over! It was hilarious. The sisters then tried to start it up and I almost fell over as they pulled the string thing. We were laughing so hard that we couldn't breathe. Don't worry I have pictures to prove it! The other story is that Sister McEwan's wallet was accidentally thrown into the laundry while it was washing. It was bad! We had pieces of check all over us and the laundry room as we shook each piece of clothing. A blue pen was also thrown in and luckily it only got onto a few items of clothing. I might need some new pieces of underclothing.
I hope that everyone has a beautiful and Happy Thanksgiving. I love you and my heart is especially full this day. We are so blessed. President and Sister Mansell invited us to eat Thanksgiving dinner with them because all of the singles have gone home and are not in town to feed us.
Have a beautiful day.
All my love, Sister Hogge
It has been a wonderful week. This past Sunday we had stake conference. Elder Wickman was the visiting general authority and it was great to hear from him again. We had met him previously during a zone conference earlier this year. His remarks changed my mission. The basis of his talk was a question,"How can I experience the Atonement in my life daily?" After many beautiful examples from the scriptures and some personal experiences, he explained that we can experience the Atonement daily through charity. We must pray to have Heavenly Father help us to love others as much as He loves us. This is something He is willing to give us, pure love. I am grateful for Elder Wickman's inspired remarks, they have really changed me. Sister Mansell spoke along with President Hammond (temple president) who mentioned that in DC we have two White Houses. In one, lives the President of the United States and in the other, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Bishop Richard Marriott also spoke. We are so blessed with great leadership. It was an edifying meeting because each talk was centered on our Savior.
The elders had a baptism on Sunday and we attended to support. Kyle was baptized. Kyle is currently in the army and stationed in Italy, but had to come back to the US for some possible cancer treatments. He finds out any day if he has brain tumors. I admire him for his faith, courage, and for his willingness to trust in the Lord's will.
Sunday night we had a "Why I Believe" fireside at the VC. The mission organizes a fireside each transfer and asks two recent converts to speak. We asked Lydia if she would share her thoughts and testimony at the fireside. She agreed, a little nervous and hesitant at first, but she was wonderful. She has a beautiful and simple testimony of the restored truths that we now enjoy. I am so happy for her and Brandon. They took us out to dinner again in DC. Another Friday night date. They took us to Rockland's BBQ (I had ribs!) and then on a short tour of downtown. It was beautiful! Lydia is currently working at the Chamber of Commerce directly across from the White House. Lydia and Brandon will be coming to Davis for Christmas and I mentioned that they should take a quick trip to Elk Grove while they're in town. They would be thrilled to meet my wonderful family. I'll keep you posted!
Festival of Lights is just around the corner. The people have been much more receptive lately. The holiday season definitely softens hearts. The lighting of the Christmas lights at the VC will be November 30th with Ambassadors Night. We just received word that the Ambassador from Italy will also be attending that night, how exciting! I LOVE this time of year and it is especially beautiful in Maryland. The colonial style homes and the falling, colorful leaves looks like a Pottery Barn catalog picture. I watched Mr. Krueger's Christmas the other day and I cried through the entire movie! I felt a little embarrassed; it was pretty funny. I love that movie and I love Jimmy Stewart.
Sister McEwan is doing well. We are open and honest with one another. I am grateful for her diligent example to me. I am learning so much. We are finding and teaching many new investigators; it's exciting. She and I are working hard together to become better servants and to make our weaknesses become strengths. It's difficult to train because you see your weaknesses magnified. Sometimes I feel like Nephi in 2 Nephi 4. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. I am grateful for repentance and for the Atonement. I am grateful for how we can be motivated by love; it's the most effective kind of motivation.
Funny story: I have two for this week. We raked leaves for three hours with our roommates this past week. It was wonderful and I mostly wanted to do it because it reminded me of family traditions on Thanksgiving Day and of course because service always makes me feel good. We borrowed some rakes from the senior couples and we also borrowed a leaf blower! It was the kind that you put on your back like a backpack. I put it on and almost fell over! It was hilarious. The sisters then tried to start it up and I almost fell over as they pulled the string thing. We were laughing so hard that we couldn't breathe. Don't worry I have pictures to prove it! The other story is that Sister McEwan's wallet was accidentally thrown into the laundry while it was washing. It was bad! We had pieces of check all over us and the laundry room as we shook each piece of clothing. A blue pen was also thrown in and luckily it only got onto a few items of clothing. I might need some new pieces of underclothing.
I hope that everyone has a beautiful and Happy Thanksgiving. I love you and my heart is especially full this day. We are so blessed. President and Sister Mansell invited us to eat Thanksgiving dinner with them because all of the singles have gone home and are not in town to feed us.
Have a beautiful day.
All my love, Sister Hogge
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
14 November 2007
Hello my lovely family and friends,
Greetings from a beautiful, foggy and cold day in DC. This weather is great! It is completely and totally my kind of weather. Soon it will be getting very cold, which means Christmas! I love it! Speaking of Christmas, we are working hard to get ready for "Festival of Lights" at the VC. We recently received training for Ambassadors Night. We were taught the proper etiquette for example we must address them as Mister Ambassador and Madame Ambassador. Totally my kind of stuff! We were taught how to respond to the media that will be attending, whether to shake hands or bow etc. The young woman who trained us is a member of the church and she loves her job! Maybe this is something that I should look into after the mission... anyway, her name was Mari, which made me like her even more! We have also been training on floor positions, ushering, etc. It's so exciting! The musical number for this last training meeting was "When Mary Sang Her Lullaby". I've been helping organize the Christmas program and we will be singing it this Festival. When the music was sung memories of Galena and my beautiful sister and mom flushed back to my memory. I love Christmas music.
Now that my 9 months has passed I've been hearing less and less from my wonderful loved ones...I remember being warned that about half way through the mission letters would die off. Well, they were right! I'd love to hear how everyone is doing. Receiving letters and packages is like Christmas...wink, wink.
Sister McEwan and I are having a wonderful time serving together. We had zone conference this past week and discussed becoming a "Preach My Gospel" mission. I loved it! I firmly believe in reading both the Book of Mormon and PMG every day. I know that creating these essentials habits will and does help any missionary be an effective tool in the Lord's hands. As I have been focusing my studies on these things and on the needs of our people, I have seen miracles and the Lord's Spirit work through me. President has been emphasizing finding new investigators. Sister McEwan and I have been doing many finding activities and we are finding prepared souls. We are currently teaching many new investigators. We love working together.
Sister McEwan has the gift of being humble and teachable. She is learning quickly, but she does feel overwhelmed. It reminds me of my beginning months as a missionary. She feels like working in the area and at the VC is like having two full time jobs...she's right, but we are so blessed! She is learning patience with herself and thankfully she has much patience with me. Something that really helped me early on in my mission is to focus on one hour at a time. Being the queen of worriers, I am grateful to say that this habit has helped me become calm and effective. We have a blast together. She is such a ham and I love serving with her. I feel blessed and privileged to have this time with her as a new missionary. I pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen her as she learns to have patience with herself.
Funny story: While we were on our way to the zoo last week, we soon found that it was Sister McEwan's first time on the Metro. She was taking pictures left and right. It was hilarious to see her so excited about the Metro. We all piled into the Metro and just as it was about to leave I noticed that Sister McEwan was not on the Metro!! We looked through the window and saw her taking pictures of the Metro signs. We yelled through the doors for her to hurry in and she got stuck between the doors. She pulled herself through, but her bag was still stuck. Sister Snelson and I just sat and watched, not even thinking that we should help her pull her bag through...but sweet Sister Maxwell quickly came to the rescue, ripped open the Metro doors and pulled her bag through. It was amazing!! It has been quite the experience to watch Sister McEwan, she knows how to have a good time and hopefully she won't get herself killed in the process.
Last week at the VC the White Oak ward came for a ward night. It warmed my heart to see the people I love dearly from my first area. I was able to visit with Sister Moormon and Maylek. They are both doing very well. Sister Moormon recently went through the temple to receive her own endowment and Maylek was just as excited about church as ever. Sister Moormon told me of the happiness that she has experienced this past year that has completely changed her life. It's wonderful to see the people I love so happy.
Well the work is moving forward. I love it and I love you.
All my love, Sister Hogge
Greetings from a beautiful, foggy and cold day in DC. This weather is great! It is completely and totally my kind of weather. Soon it will be getting very cold, which means Christmas! I love it! Speaking of Christmas, we are working hard to get ready for "Festival of Lights" at the VC. We recently received training for Ambassadors Night. We were taught the proper etiquette for example we must address them as Mister Ambassador and Madame Ambassador. Totally my kind of stuff! We were taught how to respond to the media that will be attending, whether to shake hands or bow etc. The young woman who trained us is a member of the church and she loves her job! Maybe this is something that I should look into after the mission... anyway, her name was Mari, which made me like her even more! We have also been training on floor positions, ushering, etc. It's so exciting! The musical number for this last training meeting was "When Mary Sang Her Lullaby". I've been helping organize the Christmas program and we will be singing it this Festival. When the music was sung memories of Galena and my beautiful sister and mom flushed back to my memory. I love Christmas music.
Now that my 9 months has passed I've been hearing less and less from my wonderful loved ones...I remember being warned that about half way through the mission letters would die off. Well, they were right! I'd love to hear how everyone is doing. Receiving letters and packages is like Christmas...wink, wink.
Sister McEwan and I are having a wonderful time serving together. We had zone conference this past week and discussed becoming a "Preach My Gospel" mission. I loved it! I firmly believe in reading both the Book of Mormon and PMG every day. I know that creating these essentials habits will and does help any missionary be an effective tool in the Lord's hands. As I have been focusing my studies on these things and on the needs of our people, I have seen miracles and the Lord's Spirit work through me. President has been emphasizing finding new investigators. Sister McEwan and I have been doing many finding activities and we are finding prepared souls. We are currently teaching many new investigators. We love working together.
Sister McEwan has the gift of being humble and teachable. She is learning quickly, but she does feel overwhelmed. It reminds me of my beginning months as a missionary. She feels like working in the area and at the VC is like having two full time jobs...she's right, but we are so blessed! She is learning patience with herself and thankfully she has much patience with me. Something that really helped me early on in my mission is to focus on one hour at a time. Being the queen of worriers, I am grateful to say that this habit has helped me become calm and effective. We have a blast together. She is such a ham and I love serving with her. I feel blessed and privileged to have this time with her as a new missionary. I pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen her as she learns to have patience with herself.
Funny story: While we were on our way to the zoo last week, we soon found that it was Sister McEwan's first time on the Metro. She was taking pictures left and right. It was hilarious to see her so excited about the Metro. We all piled into the Metro and just as it was about to leave I noticed that Sister McEwan was not on the Metro!! We looked through the window and saw her taking pictures of the Metro signs. We yelled through the doors for her to hurry in and she got stuck between the doors. She pulled herself through, but her bag was still stuck. Sister Snelson and I just sat and watched, not even thinking that we should help her pull her bag through...but sweet Sister Maxwell quickly came to the rescue, ripped open the Metro doors and pulled her bag through. It was amazing!! It has been quite the experience to watch Sister McEwan, she knows how to have a good time and hopefully she won't get herself killed in the process.
Last week at the VC the White Oak ward came for a ward night. It warmed my heart to see the people I love dearly from my first area. I was able to visit with Sister Moormon and Maylek. They are both doing very well. Sister Moormon recently went through the temple to receive her own endowment and Maylek was just as excited about church as ever. Sister Moormon told me of the happiness that she has experienced this past year that has completely changed her life. It's wonderful to see the people I love so happy.
Well the work is moving forward. I love it and I love you.
All my love, Sister Hogge
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
7 November 2007
Hello!
Sister McEwan and I (and our roommates, Sisters Maxwell and Snelson) just got back from the zoo. We decided that it would be fun to take a trip to the zoo early this afternoon. We had a wonderful time. I was impressed that it was as big as it was and it was FREE which is always a plus. My favorite animals were the tigers and lions and the Madagascar spiders. It's amazing how a simple trip to the zoo can make me so tired! I am exhausted, but hopefully will have some time to rest later today.
Sister McEwan is doing well. She works hard and she is willing to try any techniques or role plays etc. She is wonderful and I enjoy working with her. Working with her has brought back memories of my first transfer. The other night I read my journal entries from those first few months to help me remember what it felt like to be a new missionary. I remember feeling very overwhelmed and inadequate. Sister McEwan feels the same. I want her to feel my love for her and to trust me with any concerns or questions. She really relies on my example. The Lord has really strengthened us as a companionship. I am grateful for this experience.
We had a joyous time celebrating Halloween last P-Day. After getting Sister McEwan settled in we (along with our roommates) ate soup and made carmel apples. We weren't allowed to be outside after 6pm. After discussing some mission rules and investigators, we dressed us with our roommates and visited the senior couples in the apartment complex. We dressed up as elders, fun stuff.
The other night we had a teaching appointment in downtown DC. After the appointment I took her through the monuments, not telling her what she'd be seeing. This is her first time to the east coast. When she saw the Washington Monument, the Capitol and the White House she screamed and just about jumped out of the car. I thought it was so cute. It's fun to see her so excited, not just about the area or the people, but about the work. She loves it!
Sunday was Elder Cottrell's last day in DC before heading back to Utah. He came to the DC 2nd ward with his mom. I got to talk with Sister Cottrell for a while and it turns out that Grandpa Hogge used to be her bishop and stake president, small world. It's always really hard to see excellent missionaries leave, but it's all part of progression.
Sunday night we had a fireside at the VC with the 5 Browns. They each shared their testimonies and played a few piano pieces. I was in heaven! After the fireside we got to talk with them for a while. I think it would be really hard for me to devote my life to performing and touring. I'd much rather settle down and raise a family. I admire them for their strength in the entertainment world.
Later tonight, Lydia, Laura, and Abraham will be performing baptisms for the dead for their first time at the DC temple. They are all doing well. They are studying their scriptures and praying daily. They love their Heavenly Father and their Savior and they desire to put Them first in their lives. My heart is so full of love for them. I am excited for the lives they will live as dedicated members of the church.
Some updates...
Revi - She is doing much better than a week ago. Last week she felt that God was ignoring her prayers and she began doubting if He even existed. Last night she made us dinner and we had a wonderful discussion with her and Lydia. After receiving some wise counsel from her close member friends, Revi has seen great improvement in recognizing the Lord's answers to her prays. When she told us how well she is doing I wanted to cry. My love for Revi has really grown the past few weeks. She wants to do God's will, but she struggles and often complicates things too much. She reminds me a lot of myself. She wants to get baptized and her new baptismal date is December 5th. She still needs to work on her testimony of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. We know that as she stays close to the Lord through sincere prayer, as she continues to read the Book of Mormon, and as we help her have spiritual experiences, she will receive the answers that she is searching for. The Lord is simple and He will answer her simply if she listens. I am excited for the weeks to come. Please keep her in your prayers.
Erica - She is set on being baptized on March 2nd. She knows that we believe it is too dangerous to wait so long, but she has her agency and has made up her mind. She wants to meet with us every week. I love Erica and I know that after all we can do, we must support her and love her.
We are working to find new investigators. With December approaching, we will be mostly confined to the VC. Every sister's area dies during festival. I am absolutely thrilled with all of the "Festival of Lights" preparations. Christmas trees are up in the VC and are being decorated. We're beginning to practice for the Musical event that we do Christmas Eve and Chirstmas Day. The weather is quickly changing and is very, very cold. I love it! You all know how much I love Christmas.
Life is great and I love this work!
All my love, Sister Hogge
Sister McEwan and I (and our roommates, Sisters Maxwell and Snelson) just got back from the zoo. We decided that it would be fun to take a trip to the zoo early this afternoon. We had a wonderful time. I was impressed that it was as big as it was and it was FREE which is always a plus. My favorite animals were the tigers and lions and the Madagascar spiders. It's amazing how a simple trip to the zoo can make me so tired! I am exhausted, but hopefully will have some time to rest later today.
Sister McEwan is doing well. She works hard and she is willing to try any techniques or role plays etc. She is wonderful and I enjoy working with her. Working with her has brought back memories of my first transfer. The other night I read my journal entries from those first few months to help me remember what it felt like to be a new missionary. I remember feeling very overwhelmed and inadequate. Sister McEwan feels the same. I want her to feel my love for her and to trust me with any concerns or questions. She really relies on my example. The Lord has really strengthened us as a companionship. I am grateful for this experience.
We had a joyous time celebrating Halloween last P-Day. After getting Sister McEwan settled in we (along with our roommates) ate soup and made carmel apples. We weren't allowed to be outside after 6pm. After discussing some mission rules and investigators, we dressed us with our roommates and visited the senior couples in the apartment complex. We dressed up as elders, fun stuff.
The other night we had a teaching appointment in downtown DC. After the appointment I took her through the monuments, not telling her what she'd be seeing. This is her first time to the east coast. When she saw the Washington Monument, the Capitol and the White House she screamed and just about jumped out of the car. I thought it was so cute. It's fun to see her so excited, not just about the area or the people, but about the work. She loves it!
Sunday was Elder Cottrell's last day in DC before heading back to Utah. He came to the DC 2nd ward with his mom. I got to talk with Sister Cottrell for a while and it turns out that Grandpa Hogge used to be her bishop and stake president, small world. It's always really hard to see excellent missionaries leave, but it's all part of progression.
Sunday night we had a fireside at the VC with the 5 Browns. They each shared their testimonies and played a few piano pieces. I was in heaven! After the fireside we got to talk with them for a while. I think it would be really hard for me to devote my life to performing and touring. I'd much rather settle down and raise a family. I admire them for their strength in the entertainment world.
Later tonight, Lydia, Laura, and Abraham will be performing baptisms for the dead for their first time at the DC temple. They are all doing well. They are studying their scriptures and praying daily. They love their Heavenly Father and their Savior and they desire to put Them first in their lives. My heart is so full of love for them. I am excited for the lives they will live as dedicated members of the church.
Some updates...
Revi - She is doing much better than a week ago. Last week she felt that God was ignoring her prayers and she began doubting if He even existed. Last night she made us dinner and we had a wonderful discussion with her and Lydia. After receiving some wise counsel from her close member friends, Revi has seen great improvement in recognizing the Lord's answers to her prays. When she told us how well she is doing I wanted to cry. My love for Revi has really grown the past few weeks. She wants to do God's will, but she struggles and often complicates things too much. She reminds me a lot of myself. She wants to get baptized and her new baptismal date is December 5th. She still needs to work on her testimony of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. We know that as she stays close to the Lord through sincere prayer, as she continues to read the Book of Mormon, and as we help her have spiritual experiences, she will receive the answers that she is searching for. The Lord is simple and He will answer her simply if she listens. I am excited for the weeks to come. Please keep her in your prayers.
Erica - She is set on being baptized on March 2nd. She knows that we believe it is too dangerous to wait so long, but she has her agency and has made up her mind. She wants to meet with us every week. I love Erica and I know that after all we can do, we must support her and love her.
We are working to find new investigators. With December approaching, we will be mostly confined to the VC. Every sister's area dies during festival. I am absolutely thrilled with all of the "Festival of Lights" preparations. Christmas trees are up in the VC and are being decorated. We're beginning to practice for the Musical event that we do Christmas Eve and Chirstmas Day. The weather is quickly changing and is very, very cold. I love it! You all know how much I love Christmas.
Life is great and I love this work!
All my love, Sister Hogge
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