Dearest loved ones,
It's amazing how quickly June has flown by. I am grateful for the gift of time and I feel that the Lord is blessing me with opportunities to learn how to manage His time better. I love the many lessons learned as a missionary.
Not too much has happened this past week. We continue to find many new investigators and we are constantly being put in their paths. It's interesting to see and to feel how much the Lord loves His children. If only they could know how much He cares...that's why we're here to help them see their divine potential. I've been thinking a lot lately about divine potential. I know that with God all things are possible, just as the angel said to Mary when she found that she would be the earthly mother of Jesus Christ. Because we have a spark of divinity in us we can have hope to know that we can do anything!
Recently I have been studying the New Testament. I love learning of our Savior and reading of His example and His perfect patience and love. I have been especially impressed with what He has taught us about faith. He was constantly teaching His disciples about faith, to fear not, but believe only. I never understood until now the tangible power of faith. It amazes me how patient our Lord is with us when we don't have faith. He understands that in order to grow we must use our own agency and choose whether or not to have faith in Him. As I have had faith in the work it has set a pattern of the need for faith throughout all stages of my life. May we all have hope and faith in our Savior.
We plan for Jade to be baptized this coming Sunday. Please keep her in your prayers. The week before the baptism is always difficult. She is really struggling with her self worth, family issues, etc. but we continue to encourage her with love. I know that the Lord loves her and that she will be baptized. We just need to help her continue progressing.
As we have been continuing to find I have been humbled. Just yesterday we saw a group of younger men who looked less than welcoming. However, as we swallowed our pride we found them to be good guys who "are searching for the truth but they know not where to find it". One of them was named Mr. Pain and he had a bracelet on that said "kill". As we taught them on the grass of their apartment complex we found them to really have a love for God. I know that God loves ALL of His children and that is why we must talk to everyone. I am also grateful for the Spirit and how it helps us discern when we are in good and bad situations. I am grateful to feel a portion of God's love for all of His children that we meet...a very real blessing.
This past week I had somewhat of a disappointing experience that was also a great learning experience for me. I am learning that the purest form of love is sacrifice. I am also learning how to be a better member by being willing to sacrifice for those that I may not even know. We have covenanted to do so. I think of the Willie and Martin Handcart companies and how their brethren sacrificed their own lives to run to their rescue. I hope and pray that we can have the same perspective and attitude for those in our own wards who may be lost sheep. I love what I am learning.
Well, we are off to DC today to have a tour of the Capitol! We are so excited! I always love going to DC. We might even do some shopping in Union Station while we're down there. The weather has been perfect for a trip to DC. I hope all is well with you. My prayers are with you. May the Lord bless you as you continue to sacrifice to build the kingdom in whatever capacity the Lord sees fit to bless you with.
Love, Sister Hogge
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
18 June 2008
Dear family and friends,
Earlier today Sisters Baxter, Cardoso, and I along with a senior couple, the Worltons, went to Great Falls. It's a beautiful spot on the Potomac River where there are 80 foot falls. I felt like I was on vacation. It was so beautiful! I was in jeans, the air was fresh, the sky was blue, I could have been camping in Van Damme, complete paradise...pefect weather...which is a blessing with the crazy weather we've been having lately. These next few P-days are going to be packed with fun activities before Sister Baxter takes off back to England. We just have to live it up and have fun doing the Lord's work.
I have some exciting updates...
We found Joanna! We hadn't had contact with her for about 2 weeks, which can seem like an eternity for missionaries. Her phone hadn't been working. She is doing incredibly well. We met with her last night. She is still excited to be baptized and her family, especially her Grandma, has been supporting her. The support from her family is crucial because she really needs the family support. She is very close to her family. The spirit was so strong last night and we talked about remembering our Savior every day during sacrament meeting. We love her and we know that Heavenly Father needs us to stick with her.
Jade (pronounced Jaw-day) is also doing well. She continues to progress. When we last met with her we talked about the gospel of Jesus Christ. She mentioned that when she was baptized into her current church life was just the same, no peace. However, now she has already been feeling peace and comfort from her decision to be baptized. She talked about the importance of authority. She seems very hurt from things that have happened in the past. We continually try to help her stay positive and optimistic, it is a choice. We have already seen miraculous changes in Jade. One of the greatest joys of serving a mission is to see the Atonement mend wounds and heal hearts. She continues to prepare for her upcoming baptism.
Dorothy is one of three siblings from Ghana that we've been teaching. Dorothy, Alfred, and Cecilia are siblings and they love us! Dorothy seems to be progressing much faster than her siblings. She came to church this past Sunday and loved it! She said that this church really helps her know how to apply the gospel to her life. She feels that this church will help her progress, how true. She is so sweet and good to us. We feel at home whenever we visit and teach. Africans are courteous people. We gave her a baptismal date for July 6th.
I received news this past weekend that Asetia was baptized on Sunday. I began teaching Asetia with Sister Mukhlaash in Quince Orchard. I was so happy to hear that everything worked out! It's fun to be united in the Lord's work and as missionaries to just help each other along.
My feelings have been somewhat tender as I have thought about the many, many blessings the Lord has given us. He just pours and pours blessings upon us. I love my companions. We are so united and it makes the work fun and life happy. There is great power in unity. We also feel a great unity in our district. We have a large district of 5 companionships. We all have great respect and love for one another and we've set high goals that we know we can achieve. When we've out all day working hard and feeling exhuasted I just think of the other missionaries in our district and it gives me strength.
I am loving life!
"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." Phil. 4:11
With Love, Sister Hogge
Earlier today Sisters Baxter, Cardoso, and I along with a senior couple, the Worltons, went to Great Falls. It's a beautiful spot on the Potomac River where there are 80 foot falls. I felt like I was on vacation. It was so beautiful! I was in jeans, the air was fresh, the sky was blue, I could have been camping in Van Damme, complete paradise...pefect weather...which is a blessing with the crazy weather we've been having lately. These next few P-days are going to be packed with fun activities before Sister Baxter takes off back to England. We just have to live it up and have fun doing the Lord's work.
I have some exciting updates...
We found Joanna! We hadn't had contact with her for about 2 weeks, which can seem like an eternity for missionaries. Her phone hadn't been working. She is doing incredibly well. We met with her last night. She is still excited to be baptized and her family, especially her Grandma, has been supporting her. The support from her family is crucial because she really needs the family support. She is very close to her family. The spirit was so strong last night and we talked about remembering our Savior every day during sacrament meeting. We love her and we know that Heavenly Father needs us to stick with her.
Jade (pronounced Jaw-day) is also doing well. She continues to progress. When we last met with her we talked about the gospel of Jesus Christ. She mentioned that when she was baptized into her current church life was just the same, no peace. However, now she has already been feeling peace and comfort from her decision to be baptized. She talked about the importance of authority. She seems very hurt from things that have happened in the past. We continually try to help her stay positive and optimistic, it is a choice. We have already seen miraculous changes in Jade. One of the greatest joys of serving a mission is to see the Atonement mend wounds and heal hearts. She continues to prepare for her upcoming baptism.
Dorothy is one of three siblings from Ghana that we've been teaching. Dorothy, Alfred, and Cecilia are siblings and they love us! Dorothy seems to be progressing much faster than her siblings. She came to church this past Sunday and loved it! She said that this church really helps her know how to apply the gospel to her life. She feels that this church will help her progress, how true. She is so sweet and good to us. We feel at home whenever we visit and teach. Africans are courteous people. We gave her a baptismal date for July 6th.
I received news this past weekend that Asetia was baptized on Sunday. I began teaching Asetia with Sister Mukhlaash in Quince Orchard. I was so happy to hear that everything worked out! It's fun to be united in the Lord's work and as missionaries to just help each other along.
My feelings have been somewhat tender as I have thought about the many, many blessings the Lord has given us. He just pours and pours blessings upon us. I love my companions. We are so united and it makes the work fun and life happy. There is great power in unity. We also feel a great unity in our district. We have a large district of 5 companionships. We all have great respect and love for one another and we've set high goals that we know we can achieve. When we've out all day working hard and feeling exhuasted I just think of the other missionaries in our district and it gives me strength.
I am loving life!
"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." Phil. 4:11
With Love, Sister Hogge
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
11 June 2008
Dear famiy and friends,
It has been a week full of crazy weather and I LOVE IT!! Lately the weather has been incredibly HOT with high's in the 100's. It's hilarious, we'll be out for 20 minutes and be completely wet and then get into our air conditioned car saying, "That was tough!" sacrifice? I think not...but Heavenly Father always cools us down with a massive thunderstorm. I have never seen thunderstorms like I've seen recently. We've had to drive home from the VC in the horrible weather, but it's fun to watch the lightning...BIG lightning. The thunder shakes the ground! We have decided that thunderstorms are our form of entertainment. Just last night we were driving home from the VC watching the beautiful "light show" and a few miles from our apartment every where we looked was black! We had a huge black out miles around. It was an adventure. Luckily we had one flashlight, one candle, and a book light. I always look forward to the thunderstorms and the adventures they bring. It's exciting for us sheltered missionaries.
Many, many miracles this week...one of which is Jadesola from Nigeria. Her best friend was recently baptized in Sister Baxter's previous area and now Jadesola wants some peace, direction, and change in her own life. She came to church on Sunday and we had our first lesson with her yesterday. She also quit her job yesterday because they wanted her to work on Sundays and she knew that if she wanted to stay close to God she would need to attend church...if only all people had faith such as Jadesola. We gave her a baptismal date yesterday for June 28th. She has had a rough life. Her older brother was recently murdered in DC, very sad. We're excited for her progression. She is humble and "ready to receive".
This past week Eric Steinberg came to the VC for a performance. He was the YSA that I gave a first lesson tour to over a year ago and he was then baptized (in the Baltimore mission) less than two months later, very prepared. (I don't know if you remember his story) It was so good to see him again and to see that he was happy and progressing. I had hoped that he would serve a mission...but he had a beautiful girl on his arm and told me the good news that he was getting married in the temple August 16th and he invited me to the sealing. I was so happy I almost cried...complete joy! My heart is so full. The fruits of this work truly are so sweet. Lydia will be married this month to Brandon and Laura is almost engaged to a member in the DC 2nd singles ward. I am so happy that they are progressing and that they have found true joy.
A few fun stories...The other day we had a Maryland blue crab feast! I was in heaven! I have never eaten such amazing crab! One of the members in the singles' ward wanted to spoil Sister Cardoso for her birthday and decided to give her the complete Maryland experience. We each ate about 10 crabs. I bet it was hilarious for anyone who saw use completely destroying these crabs. I have never been full after eating crab meat, but I was filled! YUM! It was a fun experience and I'm grateful that the members spoil us! We are so blessed! (Mom and Dad you have to try the crab here, it's amazing!) Another story...just yesterday we had our district meeting and we had a guest speaker. He is a YSA and RM from the singles' ward and he is also selling pest control this summer. He came to give us tips on tracting. He gave some really good tips and "techniques." I never thought that I would receive tracting tips from a "bug boy". It was pretty funny.
We are having the time of our lives. It's the perfect trio, a beautiful Brazilian, English woman, and Californian...how could you resist such a trio?! We have seen the hand of the Lord in our lives more than ever. Our faith, hope and optimism has brought many miracles into the work. The Lord is so good to us. We rely on Him and we work hard. Isn't life wonderful?! Recently, I have felt much peace and hope about my future. I have learned that when we are fearful we have no faith. We must always have faith and the Lord will grant us the desires of our hearts. When our desires are purified and when we are full of charity we will want what He wants for us. I know that this is true. Hope all is well with you.
All my love, Sister Hogge
It has been a week full of crazy weather and I LOVE IT!! Lately the weather has been incredibly HOT with high's in the 100's. It's hilarious, we'll be out for 20 minutes and be completely wet and then get into our air conditioned car saying, "That was tough!" sacrifice? I think not...but Heavenly Father always cools us down with a massive thunderstorm. I have never seen thunderstorms like I've seen recently. We've had to drive home from the VC in the horrible weather, but it's fun to watch the lightning...BIG lightning. The thunder shakes the ground! We have decided that thunderstorms are our form of entertainment. Just last night we were driving home from the VC watching the beautiful "light show" and a few miles from our apartment every where we looked was black! We had a huge black out miles around. It was an adventure. Luckily we had one flashlight, one candle, and a book light. I always look forward to the thunderstorms and the adventures they bring. It's exciting for us sheltered missionaries.
Many, many miracles this week...one of which is Jadesola from Nigeria. Her best friend was recently baptized in Sister Baxter's previous area and now Jadesola wants some peace, direction, and change in her own life. She came to church on Sunday and we had our first lesson with her yesterday. She also quit her job yesterday because they wanted her to work on Sundays and she knew that if she wanted to stay close to God she would need to attend church...if only all people had faith such as Jadesola. We gave her a baptismal date yesterday for June 28th. She has had a rough life. Her older brother was recently murdered in DC, very sad. We're excited for her progression. She is humble and "ready to receive".
This past week Eric Steinberg came to the VC for a performance. He was the YSA that I gave a first lesson tour to over a year ago and he was then baptized (in the Baltimore mission) less than two months later, very prepared. (I don't know if you remember his story) It was so good to see him again and to see that he was happy and progressing. I had hoped that he would serve a mission...but he had a beautiful girl on his arm and told me the good news that he was getting married in the temple August 16th and he invited me to the sealing. I was so happy I almost cried...complete joy! My heart is so full. The fruits of this work truly are so sweet. Lydia will be married this month to Brandon and Laura is almost engaged to a member in the DC 2nd singles ward. I am so happy that they are progressing and that they have found true joy.
A few fun stories...The other day we had a Maryland blue crab feast! I was in heaven! I have never eaten such amazing crab! One of the members in the singles' ward wanted to spoil Sister Cardoso for her birthday and decided to give her the complete Maryland experience. We each ate about 10 crabs. I bet it was hilarious for anyone who saw use completely destroying these crabs. I have never been full after eating crab meat, but I was filled! YUM! It was a fun experience and I'm grateful that the members spoil us! We are so blessed! (Mom and Dad you have to try the crab here, it's amazing!) Another story...just yesterday we had our district meeting and we had a guest speaker. He is a YSA and RM from the singles' ward and he is also selling pest control this summer. He came to give us tips on tracting. He gave some really good tips and "techniques." I never thought that I would receive tracting tips from a "bug boy". It was pretty funny.
We are having the time of our lives. It's the perfect trio, a beautiful Brazilian, English woman, and Californian...how could you resist such a trio?! We have seen the hand of the Lord in our lives more than ever. Our faith, hope and optimism has brought many miracles into the work. The Lord is so good to us. We rely on Him and we work hard. Isn't life wonderful?! Recently, I have felt much peace and hope about my future. I have learned that when we are fearful we have no faith. We must always have faith and the Lord will grant us the desires of our hearts. When our desires are purified and when we are full of charity we will want what He wants for us. I know that this is true. Hope all is well with you.
All my love, Sister Hogge
Friday, June 6, 2008
6 June 2008
Hello dearest family and friends,
I'm sorry that's it's taken me so long to write this week. Myldsmail wasn't working on P-day and we weren't at the VC until today, Friday. I have so much to tell you!
Happy June = welcome humidity! We have been experiencing some crazy weather! Three days in a row we had awful thunderstorms. The rain was so heavy we couldn't see as we drove or as we walked...it was so fun! Walking around in the rain getting soaked from head to foot was my favorite part of the whole experience. We loved it! The lightning was beautiful and huge! The thunder was loud. We also had a tornado warning for a while, it was crazy! I love storms and people feel bad for us when they see us soaked, so it's usually easier to get into the homes.
Recently, Sister Baxter and I began running with Sister Snelson. We want to get in shape. There is a track next to the apartment. After I ran the first day I was dead! I'm definitely not a runner, but it must be done! The next day we did lunges around the track. I have never been so sore in my entire life...it's somewhat embarrassing.
Serving with Sisters Cardoso and Baxter has been heaven for me! Our first day in the new area we went to Institute and I have never felt so awkward in my life! I guess that awkwardness really is a choice. Anyway, Sister Baxter and I had a bit of a breakdown, we're really just overly dramatic. Once we went to church on Sunday we felt much better. I love serving in singles' wards...YSA's are the best missionaries. I feel that finishing my service as a full-time missionary in a singles' ward is a tender mercy from the Lord.
A few details about the area...I am completely surrounded by Africans (and many other different nationalities)!! AND I LOVE IT! Serving in PG County is completely different from where I have previously served. I am definitely the only white girl around, besides Sister Baxter. The Africans are amazing people, they love God and they have a sincere desire to follow Him, which makes missionary work much easier. Coming into the area we had basically no investigators. I remember how difficult it was to find in the singles' ward. In DC 2nd we found through the members. Other missionaries have asked us what we're doing to find...and we're just doing it the old fashioned way TALK TO EVERYONE and ask for referrals because so many people know of YSA friends who need purpose and direction, and that's what we're prepared to give! In this area the missionaries usually find 1 to 3 new investigators every week, whereas this past week we found 13!! The Lord is truly blessing us. We trust in the Lord because we know that we cannot find on our own and He always puts someone in our path to talk to and to invite. I have never seen so many finding miracles in one week, it has been an incredible experience.
We are currently teaching a former investigator named Joanna. Sister Baxter taught Joanna when she served in this same area over a year ago. Joanna has been progressing incredibly fast and has a baptismal date for June 28th. She is a sweetheart and her heart has been softened and is now prepared, a year later, to make and keep her commitments. We are excited for her progress. We are working to get our new investigators also progressing...cross your fingers.
Serving again with Sister Baxter has been the greatest joy of my mission. When we first served together I felt the Lord shaping me and my heart truly changed. I learned about perspective, patience, pure motives, and love. Now I feel that I am being shaped even more into the missionary that I have always wanted to be. Together as a companionship we are learing about faith, diligence, sacrifice, service and charity. My heart is so full. The Lord has been so good to Sister Cardoso, Sister Baxter, and me.
I am happy and having the time of my life! Hope all is well with you. My prayers are always with you. Thank you for the continued support and love... even this old missionary needs it!
All my love, Sister Hogge
I'm sorry that's it's taken me so long to write this week. Myldsmail wasn't working on P-day and we weren't at the VC until today, Friday. I have so much to tell you!
Happy June = welcome humidity! We have been experiencing some crazy weather! Three days in a row we had awful thunderstorms. The rain was so heavy we couldn't see as we drove or as we walked...it was so fun! Walking around in the rain getting soaked from head to foot was my favorite part of the whole experience. We loved it! The lightning was beautiful and huge! The thunder was loud. We also had a tornado warning for a while, it was crazy! I love storms and people feel bad for us when they see us soaked, so it's usually easier to get into the homes.
Recently, Sister Baxter and I began running with Sister Snelson. We want to get in shape. There is a track next to the apartment. After I ran the first day I was dead! I'm definitely not a runner, but it must be done! The next day we did lunges around the track. I have never been so sore in my entire life...it's somewhat embarrassing.
Serving with Sisters Cardoso and Baxter has been heaven for me! Our first day in the new area we went to Institute and I have never felt so awkward in my life! I guess that awkwardness really is a choice. Anyway, Sister Baxter and I had a bit of a breakdown, we're really just overly dramatic. Once we went to church on Sunday we felt much better. I love serving in singles' wards...YSA's are the best missionaries. I feel that finishing my service as a full-time missionary in a singles' ward is a tender mercy from the Lord.
A few details about the area...I am completely surrounded by Africans (and many other different nationalities)!! AND I LOVE IT! Serving in PG County is completely different from where I have previously served. I am definitely the only white girl around, besides Sister Baxter. The Africans are amazing people, they love God and they have a sincere desire to follow Him, which makes missionary work much easier. Coming into the area we had basically no investigators. I remember how difficult it was to find in the singles' ward. In DC 2nd we found through the members. Other missionaries have asked us what we're doing to find...and we're just doing it the old fashioned way TALK TO EVERYONE and ask for referrals because so many people know of YSA friends who need purpose and direction, and that's what we're prepared to give! In this area the missionaries usually find 1 to 3 new investigators every week, whereas this past week we found 13!! The Lord is truly blessing us. We trust in the Lord because we know that we cannot find on our own and He always puts someone in our path to talk to and to invite. I have never seen so many finding miracles in one week, it has been an incredible experience.
We are currently teaching a former investigator named Joanna. Sister Baxter taught Joanna when she served in this same area over a year ago. Joanna has been progressing incredibly fast and has a baptismal date for June 28th. She is a sweetheart and her heart has been softened and is now prepared, a year later, to make and keep her commitments. We are excited for her progress. We are working to get our new investigators also progressing...cross your fingers.
Serving again with Sister Baxter has been the greatest joy of my mission. When we first served together I felt the Lord shaping me and my heart truly changed. I learned about perspective, patience, pure motives, and love. Now I feel that I am being shaped even more into the missionary that I have always wanted to be. Together as a companionship we are learing about faith, diligence, sacrifice, service and charity. My heart is so full. The Lord has been so good to Sister Cardoso, Sister Baxter, and me.
I am happy and having the time of my life! Hope all is well with you. My prayers are always with you. Thank you for the continued support and love... even this old missionary needs it!
All my love, Sister Hogge
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