Hello!
Happy August! Transfers are this coming week. As always, I would love to stay in Olney, but the Lord knows best. I have come to love the people here so much. They are wonderful and I will miss them dearly if I have to leave. Transfers are this coming Wednesday.
Courtney's baptism was wonderful. I would love to share all of the details, but I recorded my thoughts on a tape the night of her baptism. The baptism was on Sunday night after church and about half of the ward was in attendance. We were so packed that we had to move into the chapel. I was so impressed with the support of the ward. Courtney's conversion has really united the members. It's wonderful to see the influence she has had on the lives of the members. President Mansell came to the baptism as well. We were excited and surprised for his visit. We love him and Sister Mansell.
The baptismal service went well. Courtney's friend Matt Lowe performed the baptism. He is the friend that will be leaving for Milan, Italy soon to serve his mission. He will probably be in the MTC the same time as Joey. The Lowe family along with many, many others have been so supportive of Courtney and her decision to be baptized. It's difficult because she doesn't have much support from her family. She is so strong despite the lack of support. She looked so beautiful all in white. We were all so happy. There were many tears of joy. When Courtney went into the waters my heart was full of peace and I said a silent prayer thanking Heavenly Father for the opportunity of being a part of Courtney's life and for helping her through her process of conversion. I think I was surprised at how much gratitude I felt that day. I surprised her by singing her favorite hymn "I Stand All Amazed" at the end of the service. It was a beautiful, humid, stormy day and I loved every minute of it! During the time that Courtney was getting dry and ready for the remaining portion of the service we had all who attended write notes of encouragement, their testimonies, or their thoughts of Courtney. Sister Lowe helped us compile the notes into a beautiful book that was given to Courtney after the service. She loved it!
After the baptism we made a quick stop at a member's home. We hadn't eaten since breakfast and we were starving! The delicious desserts at the baptism only satisfied my sweet tooth. The members made salmon for us!! I was in heaven. I think I could have died happy, but I know that the Lord has much more work for us to do. ; ) It was a wonderful and happy day!! Courtney will be confirmed this Sunday by Matt Lowe. Courtney and I will be friends forever.
At the V.C. yesterday just as we were leaving, a family from the Baltimore mission came with a friend and two sister missionaries, and were asking for me. I had given this family a tour three months ago and since then they had all been baptized! It was so wonderful to see them. I was so happy for all of them. We have no idea the impact we have on the lives that come into the V.C. I have been blessed to see some of the fruits of my labors and I am grateful. The family told me that they had brought a friend who would be baptized soon and that they were bringing another friend in three weeks. Hopefully I will be able to give them another tour when they visit again. Missions are all about the people!!
By the way, I attended the temple again a week ago. It was wonderful and beautiful. We are so blessed to be serving in the shadow of the house of the Lord. Also, two Sundays ago Sister Guimaraes and I taught sharing time in Primary. It was so much fun and it wore me out! We got all of the children excited about missionary work. We made them missionary tags and gave them missionary kits with pass-a-long cards for their friends. They loved it! We hope to keep the ward excited about missionary work.
I am loving the work and I am learning the importance of always enjoying the ride. I am also learning how to live simply and to be light-hearted. I hope that the Lord will continue to mold and shape me into the person he knows that I can be. I hope to be more diligent and faithful. I know that the Lord is always with me and I know that our Heavenly Father loves all of his children.
With Love, Sister Hogge
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Thursday, July 26, 2007
26 July 2007
Dearest Family and Friends,
Hello from beautiful Olney. I love my area. I love everything about my area. Courtney is doing well and is getting baptized on Sunday! We are so happy for her and she is getting the much needed support from friends in the Olney 1st ward. She had her baptismal interview this last Sunday and it went well...she passed! ; ) Yesterday she had her wisdom teeth pulled, poor thing. I remember how horrible it was and I prayed and prayed that all would go well, and it did! I called her last night and although she was drugged, she was feeling good and moving around. I know that the Lord answers our prayers, even the simple prayers. We have been working hard to get everything ready for the baptism. President Mansell is also planning to attend and we hope to have him speak. As a surprise I will be singing one of her favorite hymns, "I Stand All Amazed". Sister Guimaraes would like to get her a new quad for her scripture study, however with limited funds we will be getting her a journal and a Willow Tree gift. We are exhausted. I don't think I have ever been so tired. A few days ago I couldn't stay awake. I guess that's a sign that we are immersed in the Lord's work. I love it!!
President Mansell's first zone conference was this last week. Most of the zone conference we discussed schedule changes and attitude changes. It was great. I am excited for all of the changes. I have learned that change is good. I would never admit that I liked change before my mission, but I guess I'm changing too. We are working to create well-rounded transfers where we are finding, teaching, and baptizing throughout the entire transfer. Instead of finding in the beginning, teaching in the middle, and baptizing at the end. President calls this curve the selfish curve. I love his boldness! I love President and Sister Mansell. They have so much love for us.
We have a new car...a 2005 silver Toyota Corolla. I love it! At zone conference we had cleanest car awards. They separated it into two categories, elders and sisters. The elders that received the cleanest car award were the elders that switched with us, the ones that got the truck! I couldn't believe it. However, the sisters that got the cleanest car award was me and Sister Guimaraes. We thought it was pretty funny. All we received as our reward was an autographed picture of the office elders in a really nice red car. We have fun!
Sister Guimaraes and I are working hard to find new investigators. Charity is truly golden, but her husband's pride is costing them their salvation. It's sad that we cannot teach her anymore, but she is in our prayers and our thoughts. She knows it's true and will have the opportunity someday to act on what she knows to be true.
The other night we were at a member's home for dinner. One of their sons, Alex, looked so much like Bradford! He is 10 years old and LOVES to talk. We became buddies and I just wanted to hug him! He was a great missionary, giving us three names and phone humbers of friends he wanted us to meet. I love children and I love their honesty and pure love for Jesus Christ.
I am learning that "happiness does not depend on what happens outside of you, but on what happens inside of you. It is measured but the Spirit with which you meet the problems of life." (President Lee) I KNOW that this is true. I am grateful for the inner peace that I can feel everyday. I know that living the gospel gives me this peace.
With Love, Sister Hogge
Hello from beautiful Olney. I love my area. I love everything about my area. Courtney is doing well and is getting baptized on Sunday! We are so happy for her and she is getting the much needed support from friends in the Olney 1st ward. She had her baptismal interview this last Sunday and it went well...she passed! ; ) Yesterday she had her wisdom teeth pulled, poor thing. I remember how horrible it was and I prayed and prayed that all would go well, and it did! I called her last night and although she was drugged, she was feeling good and moving around. I know that the Lord answers our prayers, even the simple prayers. We have been working hard to get everything ready for the baptism. President Mansell is also planning to attend and we hope to have him speak. As a surprise I will be singing one of her favorite hymns, "I Stand All Amazed". Sister Guimaraes would like to get her a new quad for her scripture study, however with limited funds we will be getting her a journal and a Willow Tree gift. We are exhausted. I don't think I have ever been so tired. A few days ago I couldn't stay awake. I guess that's a sign that we are immersed in the Lord's work. I love it!!
President Mansell's first zone conference was this last week. Most of the zone conference we discussed schedule changes and attitude changes. It was great. I am excited for all of the changes. I have learned that change is good. I would never admit that I liked change before my mission, but I guess I'm changing too. We are working to create well-rounded transfers where we are finding, teaching, and baptizing throughout the entire transfer. Instead of finding in the beginning, teaching in the middle, and baptizing at the end. President calls this curve the selfish curve. I love his boldness! I love President and Sister Mansell. They have so much love for us.
We have a new car...a 2005 silver Toyota Corolla. I love it! At zone conference we had cleanest car awards. They separated it into two categories, elders and sisters. The elders that received the cleanest car award were the elders that switched with us, the ones that got the truck! I couldn't believe it. However, the sisters that got the cleanest car award was me and Sister Guimaraes. We thought it was pretty funny. All we received as our reward was an autographed picture of the office elders in a really nice red car. We have fun!
Sister Guimaraes and I are working hard to find new investigators. Charity is truly golden, but her husband's pride is costing them their salvation. It's sad that we cannot teach her anymore, but she is in our prayers and our thoughts. She knows it's true and will have the opportunity someday to act on what she knows to be true.
The other night we were at a member's home for dinner. One of their sons, Alex, looked so much like Bradford! He is 10 years old and LOVES to talk. We became buddies and I just wanted to hug him! He was a great missionary, giving us three names and phone humbers of friends he wanted us to meet. I love children and I love their honesty and pure love for Jesus Christ.
I am learning that "happiness does not depend on what happens outside of you, but on what happens inside of you. It is measured but the Spirit with which you meet the problems of life." (President Lee) I KNOW that this is true. I am grateful for the inner peace that I can feel everyday. I know that living the gospel gives me this peace.
With Love, Sister Hogge
Thursday, July 19, 2007
19 July 2007
Dearest Family and Friends,
Life is wonderful here in beautiful Olney. Courtney is getting baptized!!! This is the third baptism date we have given her, but I know that this is it! She WILL be baptized on July 29th. We are so happy for her. She has much support from many of the members of the ward, other missionaries, and from many, many others. Keep praying for her to be strengthened at this critical time in her spiritual progression and salvation! She is grateful for your prayers and she feels strengthened by them. I admire Courtney for her dedication to the Lord. She is an example to Sister Guimaraies and me. We love her.
We met Charity this past week and we taught her the second lesson about the plan of salvation. She had ordered a "Together Forever" DVD from the commericals because of her father's recent death in March. The lesson was amazing and the Spirit was strong. We read the Book of Mormon and talked about forever families. She had many, many great questions. She is truly searching for truth and she has a pure desire to do what the Lord would have her do. By the end of the lesson she was ready to change EVERYTHING to do the Lord's will. She said, "So basically you're telling me that all other churches are wrong except yours and that if I want to be with my family forever I need to be sealed to them in the temple? That makes sense." Wow! She has so much faith!! She told us how her father was searching for the true church before his death and never found it and we continued to teach her about the Spirit World and missionary work and temples etc. We could see a light turn on; she understood everything. Her only struggle is her husband's bad feelings towards the church, only because of what others have said. We are now praying for her husband's heart to be softened. She is so incredibly prepared. I know that the Lord prepares people; I know it! We are excited to see her progression and pray that we may be the best instruments in the Lord's hands to help her and her family be baptized.
I have a solid testimony of the Book of Mormon. In my studies this past week I have put together a list of all the characters. I am studying to understand each character's place in the book. As I have done so, the Spirit has testified to me that these people existed! Their stories, experiences, hardships, and joys truly happened! I love reading the Book of Mormon and I crave the time when I can be spiritually fed by its words. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that it was written for us. I know that it is another testament of our Savior and testifies of him on every page. I pray that the Lord will quicken my understanding and help me retain the knowledge that I receive so I can teach others. I am so grateful for such a precious record.
I have some sad news...our zone leaders are taking our truck. It will save miles for the mission because our area is one of the largest areas in the mission. I will miss Victoria, but the elders will take good care of her and the work must move forward.
I love this work. Even when the work is sooo hard, I feel the Lord's love and I am grateful to be his representative.
With Love,
Sister Hogge
Life is wonderful here in beautiful Olney. Courtney is getting baptized!!! This is the third baptism date we have given her, but I know that this is it! She WILL be baptized on July 29th. We are so happy for her. She has much support from many of the members of the ward, other missionaries, and from many, many others. Keep praying for her to be strengthened at this critical time in her spiritual progression and salvation! She is grateful for your prayers and she feels strengthened by them. I admire Courtney for her dedication to the Lord. She is an example to Sister Guimaraies and me. We love her.
We met Charity this past week and we taught her the second lesson about the plan of salvation. She had ordered a "Together Forever" DVD from the commericals because of her father's recent death in March. The lesson was amazing and the Spirit was strong. We read the Book of Mormon and talked about forever families. She had many, many great questions. She is truly searching for truth and she has a pure desire to do what the Lord would have her do. By the end of the lesson she was ready to change EVERYTHING to do the Lord's will. She said, "So basically you're telling me that all other churches are wrong except yours and that if I want to be with my family forever I need to be sealed to them in the temple? That makes sense." Wow! She has so much faith!! She told us how her father was searching for the true church before his death and never found it and we continued to teach her about the Spirit World and missionary work and temples etc. We could see a light turn on; she understood everything. Her only struggle is her husband's bad feelings towards the church, only because of what others have said. We are now praying for her husband's heart to be softened. She is so incredibly prepared. I know that the Lord prepares people; I know it! We are excited to see her progression and pray that we may be the best instruments in the Lord's hands to help her and her family be baptized.
I have a solid testimony of the Book of Mormon. In my studies this past week I have put together a list of all the characters. I am studying to understand each character's place in the book. As I have done so, the Spirit has testified to me that these people existed! Their stories, experiences, hardships, and joys truly happened! I love reading the Book of Mormon and I crave the time when I can be spiritually fed by its words. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that it was written for us. I know that it is another testament of our Savior and testifies of him on every page. I pray that the Lord will quicken my understanding and help me retain the knowledge that I receive so I can teach others. I am so grateful for such a precious record.
I have some sad news...our zone leaders are taking our truck. It will save miles for the mission because our area is one of the largest areas in the mission. I will miss Victoria, but the elders will take good care of her and the work must move forward.
I love this work. Even when the work is sooo hard, I feel the Lord's love and I am grateful to be his representative.
With Love,
Sister Hogge
Thursday, July 12, 2007
12 July 2007
Hello from beautiful (and not humid today) Olney!
I was so excited when I walked outside and it wasn't humid! Guess what...I'm getting a farmer's tan. It's very attractive.
Joey I am soooooooo EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!! Wow! Japan!!! I am so happy for you. I totally know what you mean about feeling inadequate and unworthy to serve the Lord. Satan pokes at every weakness you have and he NEVER sleeps! Just know that the Lord is pleased with you. Enjoy your time at the temple. You will feel the Spirit in great abundance...always remember those feelings, especially when you feel inadequate. The Lord only allows us to be humbled so low so that He can lift us higher than we could ever imagine. We must allow Him to lift us and we must allow the sanctification and purification process to take its course. It's a beautiful, yet difficult experience. In my 40-day fast of all of the things that drive the Spirit away I have often returned to the words of Elder Eyring, from his recent address entitled "This Day." He says, "For those who are discouraged by their circumstances and are therefore tempted to feel they cannot serve the Lord this day, I make you two promises. Hard as things seem today, they will be better in the next day if you choose to serve the Lord this day with your whole heart. Your circumstances may not be improved in all the ways which you desire. But you will have been given new strength to carry your burdens and new confidence that when your burdens become too heavy, the Lord, whom you have served, will carry what you cannot. He knows how. He prepared long ago...." I know that this is true!
Because of this purification process that I am experiencing, I have seen many, many miracles. I understand the importance of recognizing the simple, small miraces. The Lord is intimately and personally involved in His work!! I have felt the Lord work through me by His Spirit. This past week I have seen the Lord direct me through His Spirit to do and say what He would do and say. I have seen countless blessings and I am truly grateful for them...too many to list. I am learning that rejection builds character. ; ) I am understanding why Jesus Christ desired to surround himself with the publicans and sinners and not the self-righteous Pharisees. The humble are teachable. We strive to find the children of our Heavenly Father whom He has prepared and who are humbled and meek. These are they that are most teachable. I have been greatly humbled by the many experiences of these past two weeks. I am grateful that the Lord humbles me so often because I need it.
The work is going well in Olney. I am very happy. Courtney is doing well and is becoming stronger and stronger every day. She is wonderufl and I love her. I saw Bishop Mullen and his family yesterday at the VC. It was good to see them. As I bore testimony to them of my love for this work I felt overwhelmed with love and appreciation for my service to the Lord.
I love you and I know that this work is true and I love it with ALL my heart. Be happy!
With Love, Sister Hogge
I was so excited when I walked outside and it wasn't humid! Guess what...I'm getting a farmer's tan. It's very attractive.
Joey I am soooooooo EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!! Wow! Japan!!! I am so happy for you. I totally know what you mean about feeling inadequate and unworthy to serve the Lord. Satan pokes at every weakness you have and he NEVER sleeps! Just know that the Lord is pleased with you. Enjoy your time at the temple. You will feel the Spirit in great abundance...always remember those feelings, especially when you feel inadequate. The Lord only allows us to be humbled so low so that He can lift us higher than we could ever imagine. We must allow Him to lift us and we must allow the sanctification and purification process to take its course. It's a beautiful, yet difficult experience. In my 40-day fast of all of the things that drive the Spirit away I have often returned to the words of Elder Eyring, from his recent address entitled "This Day." He says, "For those who are discouraged by their circumstances and are therefore tempted to feel they cannot serve the Lord this day, I make you two promises. Hard as things seem today, they will be better in the next day if you choose to serve the Lord this day with your whole heart. Your circumstances may not be improved in all the ways which you desire. But you will have been given new strength to carry your burdens and new confidence that when your burdens become too heavy, the Lord, whom you have served, will carry what you cannot. He knows how. He prepared long ago...." I know that this is true!
Because of this purification process that I am experiencing, I have seen many, many miracles. I understand the importance of recognizing the simple, small miraces. The Lord is intimately and personally involved in His work!! I have felt the Lord work through me by His Spirit. This past week I have seen the Lord direct me through His Spirit to do and say what He would do and say. I have seen countless blessings and I am truly grateful for them...too many to list. I am learning that rejection builds character. ; ) I am understanding why Jesus Christ desired to surround himself with the publicans and sinners and not the self-righteous Pharisees. The humble are teachable. We strive to find the children of our Heavenly Father whom He has prepared and who are humbled and meek. These are they that are most teachable. I have been greatly humbled by the many experiences of these past two weeks. I am grateful that the Lord humbles me so often because I need it.
The work is going well in Olney. I am very happy. Courtney is doing well and is becoming stronger and stronger every day. She is wonderufl and I love her. I saw Bishop Mullen and his family yesterday at the VC. It was good to see them. As I bore testimony to them of my love for this work I felt overwhelmed with love and appreciation for my service to the Lord.
I love you and I know that this work is true and I love it with ALL my heart. Be happy!
With Love, Sister Hogge
Thursday, July 5, 2007
5 July 2007
Hello and Happy 4th of July from the Nation's Capitol!
I forgot that the libraries would be closed on the 4th...so I get to email today. 4th of July was much like any other day. We wanted to go to the city, but we were tired from the events of the week and didn't want to deal with all of the people!... maybe next year. We had dinner with a family from the ward and it was delicious! It poured and we tracted. It was fun. We heard fireworks at night. Pretty normal day.
On Sunday a man walked into church interested in learning about the Mormons. He had had friends who were members growing up and already knew much about our church. He attended all three hours. We gave him our phone number. He didn't want to make an appointment or give us his personal information, but we pray that he will come back to church or contact us. We think he will. I was especially impressed by the fellowshipping he received from the members of the ward. I love the Olney 1st ward. I am learning how to be a better member from their examples. Gospel Essentials was amazing!! We had three investigators to church, one being a friend of a member, Courtney, and our new friend who walked into church. The lesson was on the priesthood. It was a powerful lesson!! My testimony of the priesthood was strengthened. One of the member families attending the class was the family that just experience their father/husband having a heart attack. The mom testified that although her son had just received the Melchizedek Priesthood, his blessing for his father (just after he had had the heart attack) was just as valid and powerful as if the prophet were blessing him. I am grateful that the men in my family have always honored their priesthood. I know that the priesthood had to be restored by John the Baptist and Peter, James, and John, because they were the last to hold it while on the earth. My prayer is that my husband will always honor his priesthood and realize the profound privilege it is to hold the power of God.
Later Sunday night we went to the mission home with Courtney for a FHE with President and Sister Mansell. I love them!! They are wonderful! They have so much love for us. We also had Combined District Meeting (CDM) with them on Tuesday. It was a powerful CDM. The assistants gave a workshop "Go hard or go home"! It was great! I was also asked to give a workshop on resolving concerns. I was sooo nervous! I have taught many gospel related classes and yet I was terrified to teach 30 missionaries. I was grateful for the experience and of course I learned more than any missionary being taught. I am learning the importance of centering my prayers, studies, and love around my investigators. I think that the Lord especially wanted me to learn what I could do to help Courtney with her concerns. I am learning how important it is to love those you teach. As a representative of Jesus Christ I am called to say and do what He would say and do. (read "My Mission Commission" by Bruce R. McConkie, I love it!) Courtney is doing well. We are praying to know what the Lord would have us do. He will help us and her. Keep praying for her! She will be baptized.
Tuesday night was the musical fireside and it went well. We had a full crowd and it was a wonderful, spiritual experience. President Mansell spoke at the end of the fireside and the Spirit was sweet. I sang "Joseph Smith's First Prayer" to the tune "Homeward Bound". My friend Sister Maxwell (another VC sister) wrote a beautiful piano arrangement and it went well. She is going to give me a copy of the arrangement. I love music and I am so grateful that I can use music throughout my mission. Music brings the Spirit and the Spirit converts!
I love this work and I am loving how the Lord is stretching me. I can feel His love and guidance every day. I desire to be purified and sanctified (Helaman 3:35). I know that this is the Lord's work and that He is personally involved. I love you all so much. I feel so blessed to be a missionary.
With Love, Sister Hogge
I forgot that the libraries would be closed on the 4th...so I get to email today. 4th of July was much like any other day. We wanted to go to the city, but we were tired from the events of the week and didn't want to deal with all of the people!... maybe next year. We had dinner with a family from the ward and it was delicious! It poured and we tracted. It was fun. We heard fireworks at night. Pretty normal day.
On Sunday a man walked into church interested in learning about the Mormons. He had had friends who were members growing up and already knew much about our church. He attended all three hours. We gave him our phone number. He didn't want to make an appointment or give us his personal information, but we pray that he will come back to church or contact us. We think he will. I was especially impressed by the fellowshipping he received from the members of the ward. I love the Olney 1st ward. I am learning how to be a better member from their examples. Gospel Essentials was amazing!! We had three investigators to church, one being a friend of a member, Courtney, and our new friend who walked into church. The lesson was on the priesthood. It was a powerful lesson!! My testimony of the priesthood was strengthened. One of the member families attending the class was the family that just experience their father/husband having a heart attack. The mom testified that although her son had just received the Melchizedek Priesthood, his blessing for his father (just after he had had the heart attack) was just as valid and powerful as if the prophet were blessing him. I am grateful that the men in my family have always honored their priesthood. I know that the priesthood had to be restored by John the Baptist and Peter, James, and John, because they were the last to hold it while on the earth. My prayer is that my husband will always honor his priesthood and realize the profound privilege it is to hold the power of God.
Later Sunday night we went to the mission home with Courtney for a FHE with President and Sister Mansell. I love them!! They are wonderful! They have so much love for us. We also had Combined District Meeting (CDM) with them on Tuesday. It was a powerful CDM. The assistants gave a workshop "Go hard or go home"! It was great! I was also asked to give a workshop on resolving concerns. I was sooo nervous! I have taught many gospel related classes and yet I was terrified to teach 30 missionaries. I was grateful for the experience and of course I learned more than any missionary being taught. I am learning the importance of centering my prayers, studies, and love around my investigators. I think that the Lord especially wanted me to learn what I could do to help Courtney with her concerns. I am learning how important it is to love those you teach. As a representative of Jesus Christ I am called to say and do what He would say and do. (read "My Mission Commission" by Bruce R. McConkie, I love it!) Courtney is doing well. We are praying to know what the Lord would have us do. He will help us and her. Keep praying for her! She will be baptized.
Tuesday night was the musical fireside and it went well. We had a full crowd and it was a wonderful, spiritual experience. President Mansell spoke at the end of the fireside and the Spirit was sweet. I sang "Joseph Smith's First Prayer" to the tune "Homeward Bound". My friend Sister Maxwell (another VC sister) wrote a beautiful piano arrangement and it went well. She is going to give me a copy of the arrangement. I love music and I am so grateful that I can use music throughout my mission. Music brings the Spirit and the Spirit converts!
I love this work and I am loving how the Lord is stretching me. I can feel His love and guidance every day. I desire to be purified and sanctified (Helaman 3:35). I know that this is the Lord's work and that He is personally involved. I love you all so much. I feel so blessed to be a missionary.
With Love, Sister Hogge
Kim and Hilly with Mindy at the Visitors Center
Kim and Hilly, on tour with Galena Street East, visited Mindy at the Visitors Center of the Washington, D.C. Temple. Hilary and the group did a show there before continuing on to New York and then a cruise to the Bahamas.
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