My dearest family and friends,
It's so good to hear from many of you. I look forward to the emails and letters. They are a great strength to me.
As always, much has happened this past week. It is beginning to look more and more like Spring. We plan to take another trip to the city next week for the cherry blossom festival near the monuments. Sister Mukhlaash is doing much better. The medication has helped and she is in not as much pain. I can't imagine how scary it must be to come to a country that is so unfamiliar, new language, new food and culture, and develop shingles. She is so full of faith and we love her.
It has been a special week for many of us as we have celebrated the redemption and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I remember celebrating Easter last year as a missionary and how it changed my perspective completely. This year at the VC Lex de Azevedo came with two choirs, soloist, and a guest violinist (Jenny Oaks Baker) to perform an oratorio he had composed called "Hosanna". It depicts the last week of the life of our Savior, very beautiful. It was a huge ordeal and as a VC trainer I was involved in much of the organization at the VC. It was very exciting and we were very busy, which is always good. Many members attended along with their non-member friends. There was a great spirit in the VC this past weekend. On Saturday many of our hearts were touched as we viewed the performance and feelings were very tender. I had the opportunity to give many tours on Saturday and as I did so I was often moved to tears and felt so much love for the people I met. I felt my gratitude and love for my Savior in great abundance, as did many of the other sisters. As I have prayed to center my heart on Jesus Christ, to have charity, and to be selfless, I have felt my heart change, especially during this Easter season. Granted, the change doesn't always come quickly and the feelings of peace are not always present, but when they are there they are special and wonderful feelings that I will never forget. As VC trainers, we are working to help all the sisters center their hearts on Jesus Christ. The center of our VC is Jesus Christ and we much make Him the center of our lives to bring others to Him. This will be the focus of the training meeting tomorrow morning.
Easter Sunday was a beautiful day! Sacrament meeting was completely focused on our Savior and on the Atonement. I am always grateful when sacrament meetings focus on our Savior because we come to remember Him as we partake of the sacrament. The significance of sacrament meeting has meant much more to me on my mission. We ate a delicious Easter lunch with ham, real mashed potatoes, asparagus, jello, rolls, and topped with strawberry short cake. Yum! The members know how to take care of their missionaries! After lunch we drove straight to the VC to spend Easter night there. We were surprised by many, many visitors, more than we were expecting. It was a wonderful day. I love that we can celebrate Easter every Sunday as we partake of the sacrament...definitely something to think about.
Funny story: Easter morning was the best part of the day. Sister Mukhlaash has never celebrated Easter. The night before Easter we dyed Easter eggs. She thought it was odd, but jumped right in and loved it! Recently, I received an Easter package from Grandma Buck (Thank you Grandma, love you!). I opened the package to find a cute, yellow Easter bunny. I told Sister Mukhlaash to come see what my Grandma send me and she thought I told her that my Grandma had sent her an Easter bunny. She got really excited, picked up the bunny and began throwing it in the air. I didn't have the heart to tell her that my Grandma had sent it to me, so I just let her be. We told her that she needed to name the bunny and she decided on the name "Whopper" (we had given her a box of whoppers and she loved them!) Sweet Sister Mukhlaash fell in love with Whopper and would even sleep with Whopper, it was so cute! Easter morning Sister Mukhlaash woke up to an Easter basket and a note saying, "Sister Mukhlaash, I hope you like the Easter basket I brought you. I also enjoyed hiding all of your Easter eggs. Happy Easter! Love, Whopper (your Easter bunny)" She was so excited and so confused! She told me to come look and I told her that we needed to find the Easter eggs. She was tickled pink and began running around the apartment looking for all of the eggs. She told us that next year she is not going to sleep the night before Easter so she can see the Easter bunny. We told her that he will not come unless she is asleep. I have never had so much fun! We've decided that Sister Mukhlaash's new favorite holiday is Easter and her new best friend is Whopper.
Last night we taught Neville. Neville is the non-member husband of Pauline. They are from Jamaica and Pauline has been a member for many years. Neville, bless his heart, is one of the most stubborn men that I know. We have been teaching him for about 3 months. He has had near death experiences which have created in him a greater urgency to be baptized. He has kidney problems and although he is doing much better, he is waitng for a transplant. We have struggled with him and his pride. However, last night his heart completely changed. Sister Mukhlaash softened him with her conversion experience and testimony. As she spoke the words were clear and the feelings of the spirit were strong and I knew that I was witnessing the gift of tongues. It was a beautiful lesson. We made a goal with Neville to be baptized April 26th. I have learned that one of the greatest ways to invite the spirit, even greater than testifying, is expressing sincere and heart felt love. I have seen hearts softened as our love for those we serve has been expressed. It is powerful.
The work continues to go on. I am having fun and I am heathy. I love you all and pray that you will continue to find ways to build the kingdom in whatever capacity you may be in...bloom where you're planted. There is much work to be done and the Lord is on our side!
Love, Sister Hogge
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
20 March 2008
Dear Family and Friends,
It has been a crazy and wonderful week! I am so grateful that I am a busy missionary. There is always so much work to be done. The work keeps my mind focused. When we work hard we forget about ourselves.
Yesterday was P-Day but because of technical problems my email didn't send to you lovely people...which is somewhat frustrating, but life goes on. It seems that most of the mission had technical problems and we have all been given permission today to write our families.
Yesterday we went to the city with Rachel Floyd (Greg's wife). We had planned on going to the Holocaust Museum. I have been looking forward to this trip for some time. The city was absolutely packed with buses full of students on spring break. There were also many families, many Mormon families. I enjoy the spring/summer time in D.C. because we seen to be much more liked and popular with all of the many members visitng town. The VC is also much more busy during these months. It was fun to see so many members in D.C. Anyway, we go to the Holocaust Museum and it was much different from what I remember. The security was much more strict, probably from the events of 9/11 and it seemed much bigger. They may have added onto the Museum since I attended 8 years ago. Free tickets need to be reserved to get up into the upper levels or more interesting parts of the Museum. Sadly, Rachel had to be home at a certain time to pick up Katharina and we didn't have enough time to go to the upper levels. But we made the best of a fun day in D.C. We did get to go to the Hall of Remembrance. As I walked through the hall with all of the beautiful candles memories came backAfter lunch in the Museum we walked around the Washington Monument and it began pouring rain, typical D.C. We had fun and took lots of pictures. Luckily, we can always visit the Holocaust Museum another time. I really enjoy being with Rachel. She is a dear friend and will be forever. She just received a new calling, young women's camp director. She is somewhat nervous, but the Lord always qualifies whom He calls.
Greg Floyd's baptism was this last Saturday. It was the most spiritual and exciting baptismal service I have attended. It was one of the sweetest experiences of my mission. He planned a beautiful baptismal service and asked me to sing one of his favorite hymns, "I Stand All Amazed". Rachel spoke on baptism. Her talk was heart felt. She has been waiting many years for Greg to be baptized. It was an exciting day for their family. Greg also asked Sister Mukhlaash to speak about the gift of the Holy Ghost. She did a great job and even memorized most of her talk. She was very nervous, but the spirit was strong and my heart was filled as I listened to her share her sincere testimony and love for the Floyds. Greg looked wonderful in his white shirt and tie and there was a great light in his eyes. He shared his thoughts during the baptismal service. He knows that the church is true and that although the road ahead will not be easy, it is the right path and the only way to eternal happiness with his family. He has never felt so much peace. After the baptism I talked with Greg. Many years ago Greg and Rachel lost a baby girl, only a few days old, named Hilary. Hilary would be 14 years old now. Greg told me that he knew that Hilary was waiting for him to be baptized and for their family to be sealed together forever. He didn't want Hilary to wait any longer. I'm sure that Hilary was very happy with her dad's righteous decision. We are so connected to our loved ones on the other side. I have never seen such a humble man change his life so quickly. He will be a better father and husband because of his choices. In one year they will be sealed in the Washington D.C. Temple. I can't wait for that day. The fruits of this work are so sweet. The Atonement changes hearts and lives.
Because of my experience with the Floyd family, I have been thinking about the excitement and peace of living with our loved ones forever. I have felt my love for my own family grow tremendously as I have served. One of the greatest blessings of the Restoration is temples and the authority to be sealed to our loved ones.
Sweet Sister Mukhlaash has had a difficult week. The other day she was having pain in her side. We took her to see one of the medical students in the ward and he, as well as everyone we talked to, thought that she had kidney stones. However, a rash began to develop on her side. We took her to the doctor and she was diagnosed with shingles. Shingles are extremely painful. Sister Mukhlaash is one of the most dedicated, diligent, and hard working missionaries I have ever met. She refused to rest. We took her to the mission home to be with President and Sister Mansell, while Sister Mulford and I worked in the area. They couldn't get her to rest! Finally, the shingles got worse and sweet Sister Mukhlaash was convinced that she would get better faster if she would rest. It is difficult to see her in so much pain. Please keep her in your prayers. We love her so much and she is a wonderful servant of the Lord.
I am really enjoying my new calling as a VC trainer. Currently, I have been working with the MTC and headquarters in Salt Lake to update and fix our referral center. I'm not too great on the computers, but I can follow directions. I espeically love serving the sisters. I want to do all I can to help them be happy and feel effective and loved. I feel so blessed to serve with such wonderful sister missionaries. I have felt my heart fill with so much love for the sisters and senior couples. The Lord is blessing us (VC trainers) with much inspiration and guidance for the progress of the VC. I hope that the Lord will continually qualify me as His servant to step up my performance and be an example to the sisters. It's a wonderful calling!
As always, life is wonderful. I love serving the Lord and I wish I could extend for another year, but there is a time and a season for everything. I am grateful for my Savior, especially during this Easter season I have been able to reflect on His love and sacrifice for me. "Oh it is wonderful that He should care for me enough to die for me." I love this work and I love you!
With Love, Sister Hogge
It has been a crazy and wonderful week! I am so grateful that I am a busy missionary. There is always so much work to be done. The work keeps my mind focused. When we work hard we forget about ourselves.
Yesterday was P-Day but because of technical problems my email didn't send to you lovely people...which is somewhat frustrating, but life goes on. It seems that most of the mission had technical problems and we have all been given permission today to write our families.
Yesterday we went to the city with Rachel Floyd (Greg's wife). We had planned on going to the Holocaust Museum. I have been looking forward to this trip for some time. The city was absolutely packed with buses full of students on spring break. There were also many families, many Mormon families. I enjoy the spring/summer time in D.C. because we seen to be much more liked and popular with all of the many members visitng town. The VC is also much more busy during these months. It was fun to see so many members in D.C. Anyway, we go to the Holocaust Museum and it was much different from what I remember. The security was much more strict, probably from the events of 9/11 and it seemed much bigger. They may have added onto the Museum since I attended 8 years ago. Free tickets need to be reserved to get up into the upper levels or more interesting parts of the Museum. Sadly, Rachel had to be home at a certain time to pick up Katharina and we didn't have enough time to go to the upper levels. But we made the best of a fun day in D.C. We did get to go to the Hall of Remembrance. As I walked through the hall with all of the beautiful candles memories came backAfter lunch in the Museum we walked around the Washington Monument and it began pouring rain, typical D.C. We had fun and took lots of pictures. Luckily, we can always visit the Holocaust Museum another time. I really enjoy being with Rachel. She is a dear friend and will be forever. She just received a new calling, young women's camp director. She is somewhat nervous, but the Lord always qualifies whom He calls.
Greg Floyd's baptism was this last Saturday. It was the most spiritual and exciting baptismal service I have attended. It was one of the sweetest experiences of my mission. He planned a beautiful baptismal service and asked me to sing one of his favorite hymns, "I Stand All Amazed". Rachel spoke on baptism. Her talk was heart felt. She has been waiting many years for Greg to be baptized. It was an exciting day for their family. Greg also asked Sister Mukhlaash to speak about the gift of the Holy Ghost. She did a great job and even memorized most of her talk. She was very nervous, but the spirit was strong and my heart was filled as I listened to her share her sincere testimony and love for the Floyds. Greg looked wonderful in his white shirt and tie and there was a great light in his eyes. He shared his thoughts during the baptismal service. He knows that the church is true and that although the road ahead will not be easy, it is the right path and the only way to eternal happiness with his family. He has never felt so much peace. After the baptism I talked with Greg. Many years ago Greg and Rachel lost a baby girl, only a few days old, named Hilary. Hilary would be 14 years old now. Greg told me that he knew that Hilary was waiting for him to be baptized and for their family to be sealed together forever. He didn't want Hilary to wait any longer. I'm sure that Hilary was very happy with her dad's righteous decision. We are so connected to our loved ones on the other side. I have never seen such a humble man change his life so quickly. He will be a better father and husband because of his choices. In one year they will be sealed in the Washington D.C. Temple. I can't wait for that day. The fruits of this work are so sweet. The Atonement changes hearts and lives.
Because of my experience with the Floyd family, I have been thinking about the excitement and peace of living with our loved ones forever. I have felt my love for my own family grow tremendously as I have served. One of the greatest blessings of the Restoration is temples and the authority to be sealed to our loved ones.
Sweet Sister Mukhlaash has had a difficult week. The other day she was having pain in her side. We took her to see one of the medical students in the ward and he, as well as everyone we talked to, thought that she had kidney stones. However, a rash began to develop on her side. We took her to the doctor and she was diagnosed with shingles. Shingles are extremely painful. Sister Mukhlaash is one of the most dedicated, diligent, and hard working missionaries I have ever met. She refused to rest. We took her to the mission home to be with President and Sister Mansell, while Sister Mulford and I worked in the area. They couldn't get her to rest! Finally, the shingles got worse and sweet Sister Mukhlaash was convinced that she would get better faster if she would rest. It is difficult to see her in so much pain. Please keep her in your prayers. We love her so much and she is a wonderful servant of the Lord.
I am really enjoying my new calling as a VC trainer. Currently, I have been working with the MTC and headquarters in Salt Lake to update and fix our referral center. I'm not too great on the computers, but I can follow directions. I espeically love serving the sisters. I want to do all I can to help them be happy and feel effective and loved. I feel so blessed to serve with such wonderful sister missionaries. I have felt my heart fill with so much love for the sisters and senior couples. The Lord is blessing us (VC trainers) with much inspiration and guidance for the progress of the VC. I hope that the Lord will continually qualify me as His servant to step up my performance and be an example to the sisters. It's a wonderful calling!
As always, life is wonderful. I love serving the Lord and I wish I could extend for another year, but there is a time and a season for everything. I am grateful for my Savior, especially during this Easter season I have been able to reflect on His love and sacrifice for me. "Oh it is wonderful that He should care for me enough to die for me." I love this work and I love you!
With Love, Sister Hogge
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
12 March 2008
Hello darlings! (I've been hanging around Sister Baxter more often now that we're trainers together and I love her beautiful English!)
It has been a week fun of fun! I was really sick and down for two days and I think it was mostly from fatigue and other things. I had absolutely no energy. It's wonderful to be serving in a trio because we can have one of the companions go out and work with a member while the other stays with the sickie. It's difficult to relax and to rest when you're a missionary. You feel lazy and ineffective, but now that I have rested I am good as new and can be much more effective! There is much wisdom in taking care of our bodies as servants of the Lord. I have also felt the Lord give me much strength. I have great respect for other missionaries, parents, and the early saints. They put so much into the lives of others and building the kingdom.
Anyway, I really do have the best companions in the world! They are so patient with me and they took good care of me while I was sick. I love them so much and we all work so well together. The work is fun, as it should be! Sister Mukhlaash is blossoming into a diligent and wonderful missionary. We are so proud of her. I especially love watching her run after people to talk to people even though she can't speak the language. She has so much faith and she trusts that the Lord will give her the words to say as she opens her mouth to the benefitting of others. She has really come out of her shell and we are seeing much of her personality now. She is actually very funny and is beginning to pick up on our jokes and gives it right back. We love her.
Funny story: We were driving in the rain one night and Sister Mukhlaash was sitting in front with me. As we were driving we heard something hit our door, probably some branches or bushes. I jokingly told Sister Mukhlaash that it was elves knocking on our door and that she should open the door to let them in...so she did just that. She opened her door while I was driving!!! We quickly told her to close her door and that we were just kidding...we're still working on the jokes. She enjoys my humor, I didn't know that I even had humor, but sometimes she thinks we're serious. We have a good time and laugh nonetheless. I've never laughed so much as I have these past few weeks...it does good to the soul!
We had zone conference this past week. It was a wonderful conference, as always. Our mission has put much focus on Preach My Gospel. This transfer's training or study plan is Chapter 2, which teaches about effective study, Lesson 4, the commandment, and Chapter 10, improving teaching skills. I'm excited for the new training plan. It will really help our own personal worthiness and santification. I love President and Sister Mansell. They know how to have fun and they love us so much. President is a good man and I know that he has been called of God.
Greg's baptism is on Saturday!!! I am so excited! He has planned a beautiful baptismal service. Sister Mukhlaash will be speaking about the Holy Ghost, Rachel (his wife) will be speaking about baptism and I will be singing one of his favorite hymns, "I Stand All Amazed". I feel privileged to share my love and testimony of my Savior through song. It is so important to keep baptismal services focused on the Savior. I will be sure to let you know how it goes. We have seen such a beautiful change in the Floyd family. One of the greatest experiences of my mission.
The work continues to progress in Quince Orchard. Spring is coming and the trees will begin to look beautiful with the famous cherry blossoms. We are working with many less-actives, other investigators, and continue to find, find, find. I love this work!
I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and I have turned my thoughts to Him especially at this Easter season. I hope and pray that you all will do the same. It is a special time of year to remember what Jesus Christ overcame, sin and death, so that we could receive immortality and eternal life. I love you all.
Love, Sister Hogge
It has been a week fun of fun! I was really sick and down for two days and I think it was mostly from fatigue and other things. I had absolutely no energy. It's wonderful to be serving in a trio because we can have one of the companions go out and work with a member while the other stays with the sickie. It's difficult to relax and to rest when you're a missionary. You feel lazy and ineffective, but now that I have rested I am good as new and can be much more effective! There is much wisdom in taking care of our bodies as servants of the Lord. I have also felt the Lord give me much strength. I have great respect for other missionaries, parents, and the early saints. They put so much into the lives of others and building the kingdom.
Anyway, I really do have the best companions in the world! They are so patient with me and they took good care of me while I was sick. I love them so much and we all work so well together. The work is fun, as it should be! Sister Mukhlaash is blossoming into a diligent and wonderful missionary. We are so proud of her. I especially love watching her run after people to talk to people even though she can't speak the language. She has so much faith and she trusts that the Lord will give her the words to say as she opens her mouth to the benefitting of others. She has really come out of her shell and we are seeing much of her personality now. She is actually very funny and is beginning to pick up on our jokes and gives it right back. We love her.
Funny story: We were driving in the rain one night and Sister Mukhlaash was sitting in front with me. As we were driving we heard something hit our door, probably some branches or bushes. I jokingly told Sister Mukhlaash that it was elves knocking on our door and that she should open the door to let them in...so she did just that. She opened her door while I was driving!!! We quickly told her to close her door and that we were just kidding...we're still working on the jokes. She enjoys my humor, I didn't know that I even had humor, but sometimes she thinks we're serious. We have a good time and laugh nonetheless. I've never laughed so much as I have these past few weeks...it does good to the soul!
We had zone conference this past week. It was a wonderful conference, as always. Our mission has put much focus on Preach My Gospel. This transfer's training or study plan is Chapter 2, which teaches about effective study, Lesson 4, the commandment, and Chapter 10, improving teaching skills. I'm excited for the new training plan. It will really help our own personal worthiness and santification. I love President and Sister Mansell. They know how to have fun and they love us so much. President is a good man and I know that he has been called of God.
Greg's baptism is on Saturday!!! I am so excited! He has planned a beautiful baptismal service. Sister Mukhlaash will be speaking about the Holy Ghost, Rachel (his wife) will be speaking about baptism and I will be singing one of his favorite hymns, "I Stand All Amazed". I feel privileged to share my love and testimony of my Savior through song. It is so important to keep baptismal services focused on the Savior. I will be sure to let you know how it goes. We have seen such a beautiful change in the Floyd family. One of the greatest experiences of my mission.
The work continues to progress in Quince Orchard. Spring is coming and the trees will begin to look beautiful with the famous cherry blossoms. We are working with many less-actives, other investigators, and continue to find, find, find. I love this work!
I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and I have turned my thoughts to Him especially at this Easter season. I hope and pray that you all will do the same. It is a special time of year to remember what Jesus Christ overcame, sin and death, so that we could receive immortality and eternal life. I love you all.
Love, Sister Hogge
Thursday, March 6, 2008
5 March 2008
Happy March and Happy Spring!
Spring is in the air! The past few days have been surprisingly warm and humid and have brought back many wonderful memories from the beginning of my mission. Spring weather is beautiful in DC and is usually accompanied with rain! I love the rain! Soon the cherry blossoms and Dogwoods will bloom. It is a glorious sight!
Well, transfers have come and gone. I have prayed hard to stay with both Sister Mukhlaash and Mulford and thankfully the Lord graciously gave us all what we desired. Transfers are always somewhat intense, but the Lord helps us grow through change. I think that the Lord knew that I not only needed my sweet companions, but that Sister Mukhlaash especially needs us. Her English is coming along, slowly, but surely. I often try to put myself in her shoes, especially when she seems frustrated or confused. Sister Mulford is the perfect example of patience and love. I am learning much from her. I have been impressed that throughout everything that Sister Mukhlaash is experiencing she has great patience with herself. We are often our own worst critic, but not so with Sister Mukhlaash. She has so much faith and trusts in the Lord.
As always, much has happened within the past week. President Mansell and Elder Child recently called me to be a Visitor's Center trainer. There are four VC trainers (Sisters Baxter, Coyle, Rogers, and myself) that train the sisters at the VC. We also plan the weekly training meetings. We work hard together to encourage and love the sisters and think of ways to improve our effectiveness as a Visitor's Center. We also do much of the work along with the senior couples to run the VC. I am surprised by the call, but very excited. I have always loved the VC and have desired to really step up my performance there. I feel that this is a great opportunity to forget myself and be completely immersed in helping others. I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve such wonderful sisters. I love them and many of them have become my dearest friends.
This past Sunday was an exciting day. Sister Baxter and I received permission from President Mansell to attend Erica's baptism. It was a beautiful baptism and I felt like I was coming home as I saw the familiar faces of the singles. I have a great love for the DC 2nd singles ward. Erica asked me to sing at her baptism and I sang a simple and beautiful arrangement of "The Lord Is My Shepherd". Before I had left the single's ward we had taught Erica everything! All she needed was a baptismal interview. I was grateful that the day finally came when she was able to make such special promises with her Heavenly Father. She is rock solid and will be a great leader in the church.
Later Sunday night we went to the Mansell's for an FHE. We invited the Floyds and Whit (a recent convert). Greg and Rachel really connected with the Mansells and Sister Mansell instantly fell in love with their daughter, Katharina. By the end of the night Katharina was calling Sister Mansell Grandma Mansell, very cute. The Floyds are doing well. Greg is continuall progressing. We recently taught him about tithing, which can be difficult to teach to those who enjoy material things. Greg willingly committed to pay his tithing and I know that he will see great blessings. I am grateful for Rachel's example to Greg. They are very blessed to have one another. He is still scheduled to be baptized March 15th, which is coming very soon!
The work is going well. I have learned that instead of praying for the Lord to help me overcome my natural man tendencies and weaknesses, I must pray to know how I can serve others, and in doing so, the weaknesses will become strengths. I love the Lord and I love you.
Always, Sister Hogge
Spring is in the air! The past few days have been surprisingly warm and humid and have brought back many wonderful memories from the beginning of my mission. Spring weather is beautiful in DC and is usually accompanied with rain! I love the rain! Soon the cherry blossoms and Dogwoods will bloom. It is a glorious sight!
Well, transfers have come and gone. I have prayed hard to stay with both Sister Mukhlaash and Mulford and thankfully the Lord graciously gave us all what we desired. Transfers are always somewhat intense, but the Lord helps us grow through change. I think that the Lord knew that I not only needed my sweet companions, but that Sister Mukhlaash especially needs us. Her English is coming along, slowly, but surely. I often try to put myself in her shoes, especially when she seems frustrated or confused. Sister Mulford is the perfect example of patience and love. I am learning much from her. I have been impressed that throughout everything that Sister Mukhlaash is experiencing she has great patience with herself. We are often our own worst critic, but not so with Sister Mukhlaash. She has so much faith and trusts in the Lord.
As always, much has happened within the past week. President Mansell and Elder Child recently called me to be a Visitor's Center trainer. There are four VC trainers (Sisters Baxter, Coyle, Rogers, and myself) that train the sisters at the VC. We also plan the weekly training meetings. We work hard together to encourage and love the sisters and think of ways to improve our effectiveness as a Visitor's Center. We also do much of the work along with the senior couples to run the VC. I am surprised by the call, but very excited. I have always loved the VC and have desired to really step up my performance there. I feel that this is a great opportunity to forget myself and be completely immersed in helping others. I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve such wonderful sisters. I love them and many of them have become my dearest friends.
This past Sunday was an exciting day. Sister Baxter and I received permission from President Mansell to attend Erica's baptism. It was a beautiful baptism and I felt like I was coming home as I saw the familiar faces of the singles. I have a great love for the DC 2nd singles ward. Erica asked me to sing at her baptism and I sang a simple and beautiful arrangement of "The Lord Is My Shepherd". Before I had left the single's ward we had taught Erica everything! All she needed was a baptismal interview. I was grateful that the day finally came when she was able to make such special promises with her Heavenly Father. She is rock solid and will be a great leader in the church.
Later Sunday night we went to the Mansell's for an FHE. We invited the Floyds and Whit (a recent convert). Greg and Rachel really connected with the Mansells and Sister Mansell instantly fell in love with their daughter, Katharina. By the end of the night Katharina was calling Sister Mansell Grandma Mansell, very cute. The Floyds are doing well. Greg is continuall progressing. We recently taught him about tithing, which can be difficult to teach to those who enjoy material things. Greg willingly committed to pay his tithing and I know that he will see great blessings. I am grateful for Rachel's example to Greg. They are very blessed to have one another. He is still scheduled to be baptized March 15th, which is coming very soon!
The work is going well. I have learned that instead of praying for the Lord to help me overcome my natural man tendencies and weaknesses, I must pray to know how I can serve others, and in doing so, the weaknesses will become strengths. I love the Lord and I love you.
Always, Sister Hogge
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
