Hello lovely family and friends,
Transfers have once again come and gone...they are just speeding by faster and faster! Sister Mukhlaash and I are staying in Quince Orchard! YEAH! Sweet Sister Mulford is going to Upper Marlboro in the southern part of the mission. Beginning in Janruary President Mansell began sending sisters down south as full proselyting sisters. It would break my heart if I ever had to leave the VC, but it's a wonderful experience for the sisters. President is very smart...when the sisters come back from full proselyting they appreciate the VC leaps and bounds more and they are more diligent missionaries. Anyway, we will miss our dear Sister Mulford. I have learned so much from her. She is pure charity. She has become one of my dearest friends. Sister Mukhlaash just cried and cried when she heard the news of Sister Mulford's departure. But the work continues to move forward.
I am excited for the new adventures ahead of us. Now with a duo again the work will require much patience on both sides. Sister Mukhlaash is very nervous to teach more and to have more responsibilites, but I know that the Lord will help her. She is prepared to grow and improve in her English and missionary skills. I love her so much. I pray that the Lord will help me COMMUNICATE! Communication is essential in every companionship, it is always needful, especially when your companion is foreign. I want to help her feel loved and supported in her calling as a missionary. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.
Within the next three transfters 19 sisters will be leaving. This is going to be a great hit to the mission and especially to the VC. Altogether 1/3 of the mission will be leaving these next three transfers. President wants to give as many sisters as he can the opportunity to be VC Trainers. Since January only one trainer stays and three new trainers are called. Whereas before if you were called a trainer, you were a trainer until you died! Three of us were released and President and Elder Child asked if I would stay as a VC Trainer. I was just so grateful to have more opportunities to serve the sisters. My love for them has grown and I know that it will only grow more.
Some sad news...a recent-convert, a man who was baptized in January in Quince Orchard, wants his records to be removed from the church. He was baptized just before I came into the area. He is so wonderful, but his intelligence and desires for answers to every doctrinal question has somewhat hindered his progress, especially about the nature of God. He has not be offended in any way, he loves the members of the church. He called us to tell us of his decision and to make a very long story short...we went and visited him before Sister Mulford had to leave. We testified boldy of the truthfulness of the church, the Book of Mormon, etc. Sister Mulkhlaash shared her testimony and it was beautiful and clear, the gift of tongues. The Spirit was strong, but he just didn't feel it! We all felt it and he could not, something is very wrong when you can't feel the Spirit in great spiritual experiences like the one we had. He would much rather run in his spiritual progression, but Heavenly Father desires for us to crawl. His pride is robbing him of his faith and he is not allowing himself to be humble. There is more detail that I won't get into now, but please pray for him. He has 30 days to make his decision and desires no contact with the chruch. All we can do is pray.
Brooke is still scheduled to be baptized on April 26th. She is doing well and feeling more and more comfortable with the thought of baptism. I think she may be scared with new experiences. She will be fine. We love her so much!
Last night President and Sister Clarke came to the VC for a fireside about BYU-Idaho! Elder Child asked me to sing and I was thrilled to do so. I sang "The King of Love My Shepherd Is" with Sister Maxwell with Sisters Hansen and Hamblin playing the harps. It was beautiful. I was able to talk with President and Sister Clarke for a while and my mind filled with so many beloved memories of BYUI. That place changed my life and is much of the reason why I'm serving the Lord as a missionary. I can't wait to return for a visit to go through the Rexburg Temple and to see the changes and old friends. BYUI will always be close to my heart.
I am healthy and happy and continue to see miracles every day!
With Love, Sister Hogge
Friday, April 18, 2008
9 April 2008
Dear family and friends,
Hello from yet another wonderful week in beautiful DC. The weather has been a bit bipolar, completely expected, but all in all has been beautiful. I’m just waiting for the Dogwoods to bloom!! I am enjoying the mild weather here. I’ve found that Sacramento has some of the most mild weather I have ever lived in…and I’m grateful for it!
General Conference was absolutely wonderful! I had many favorite talks to list a few… I loved Elder Bednar’s talk on praying with faith. He gave me added courage and strength to ACT. When we sincerely pray for the desires of our hearts to be fulfilled and to align our will with God’s we must ACT after we get up off our knees. My prayers have been much different since. Elder Holland…WOW! He laid the smack down! I love the sweet boldness of Elder Holland. I was grateful that he did not apologize for our belief that we know that God STILL speaks to His children, and why not?! He is an unchanging God and the heavens are still open!! Elder Ballard with all the tenderness and love spoke to young mothers. His talk gave me hope for my future as a mother. It can be done even in such an evil world. There must be balance. Elder Christofferson spoke of the Atonement and answered my prayers as he told us that becoming the people we so desire to be takes time, but it is possible with the divine power of the Atonement. I enjoyed seeing Elders Steuer and Wickman, both brethren who visited the mission this past year. I know that they have been called of God. Hilary, Spencer, and Bradford, I hope that you listened carefully to Elder W. Craig Zwick’s talk. Take to heart what he said and apply it to your life. I loved hearing from President Monson. His closing remarks were my favorite part of the entire conference. He is hilarious! And from what the elders have told us he had them rolling in Priesthood session. My heart swelled within me as he spoke of his dear wife Frances. These brethren love their wives and this was so apparent in this conference. It is essential for women in the church to support their husbands in their callings. As President Monson spoke I knew that he was a prophet and as I sustained him in the Solemn Assembly I wanted to give my all to support him as I work to build the kingdom. We are blessed to have prophets on the earth today! My prayers are with them and I love them.
Well, it’s official, my body is completely exhausted!! I have never been so tired in my entire life…and still happy! A few days ago we found out that mono has been going around our apartment. Months ago one of the sisters who used to live in the apartment had a bad case of mono during Festival. She has recovered since, but another sister now has it too and has been through the worst of it, but is now also recovering. We think that many of us probably have had it or just having sympathy pains. Mom and Dad, don’t worry I’ll be fine. If it gets bad we have wonderful doctors in DC.
Sister Mukhlaash is doing well. Mom, she LOVED the package you sent. Thank you. I took pictures of her priceless excited face! She is a grateful person. She is feeling much better. I have never met such a hard worker, even through the shingles she would not stop working and it almost drove us crazy! We had to beg her to rest and to take her medicine…that Mongolian blood! She is an example of complete diligence in the work and I love her and Sister Mulford. I’m doing my best to keep up with these youngin’s. Transfers are coming up next week. As VC trainers we get together and plan a rough draft of transfers for President Mansell. I have a feeling that Sister Mulford is leaving our beloved trio. She will be greatly missed.
At the end of our P-Day we played golf with the Floyds. It was a blast! Sister Mukhlaash was a little hesitant, but once she started swinging she couldn’t stop. We went to a little driving range. We got to wear jeans! It felt pretty funny to be in jeans. By the way, President Mansell recently changed the rule on music in the cars. We are now allowed to listen to good arrangement of hymns in the car. So, wearing jeans combined with listening to music in the car = not a missionary. I felt so awkward, but it was fun.
I am doing well. I find myself praying for more physical strength. I am grateful to serve and hope that the Lord will continue to sustain me as I work to forget myself in this work. We are so blessed!
Love, Sister Hogge
Hello from yet another wonderful week in beautiful DC. The weather has been a bit bipolar, completely expected, but all in all has been beautiful. I’m just waiting for the Dogwoods to bloom!! I am enjoying the mild weather here. I’ve found that Sacramento has some of the most mild weather I have ever lived in…and I’m grateful for it!
General Conference was absolutely wonderful! I had many favorite talks to list a few… I loved Elder Bednar’s talk on praying with faith. He gave me added courage and strength to ACT. When we sincerely pray for the desires of our hearts to be fulfilled and to align our will with God’s we must ACT after we get up off our knees. My prayers have been much different since. Elder Holland…WOW! He laid the smack down! I love the sweet boldness of Elder Holland. I was grateful that he did not apologize for our belief that we know that God STILL speaks to His children, and why not?! He is an unchanging God and the heavens are still open!! Elder Ballard with all the tenderness and love spoke to young mothers. His talk gave me hope for my future as a mother. It can be done even in such an evil world. There must be balance. Elder Christofferson spoke of the Atonement and answered my prayers as he told us that becoming the people we so desire to be takes time, but it is possible with the divine power of the Atonement. I enjoyed seeing Elders Steuer and Wickman, both brethren who visited the mission this past year. I know that they have been called of God. Hilary, Spencer, and Bradford, I hope that you listened carefully to Elder W. Craig Zwick’s talk. Take to heart what he said and apply it to your life. I loved hearing from President Monson. His closing remarks were my favorite part of the entire conference. He is hilarious! And from what the elders have told us he had them rolling in Priesthood session. My heart swelled within me as he spoke of his dear wife Frances. These brethren love their wives and this was so apparent in this conference. It is essential for women in the church to support their husbands in their callings. As President Monson spoke I knew that he was a prophet and as I sustained him in the Solemn Assembly I wanted to give my all to support him as I work to build the kingdom. We are blessed to have prophets on the earth today! My prayers are with them and I love them.
Well, it’s official, my body is completely exhausted!! I have never been so tired in my entire life…and still happy! A few days ago we found out that mono has been going around our apartment. Months ago one of the sisters who used to live in the apartment had a bad case of mono during Festival. She has recovered since, but another sister now has it too and has been through the worst of it, but is now also recovering. We think that many of us probably have had it or just having sympathy pains. Mom and Dad, don’t worry I’ll be fine. If it gets bad we have wonderful doctors in DC.
Sister Mukhlaash is doing well. Mom, she LOVED the package you sent. Thank you. I took pictures of her priceless excited face! She is a grateful person. She is feeling much better. I have never met such a hard worker, even through the shingles she would not stop working and it almost drove us crazy! We had to beg her to rest and to take her medicine…that Mongolian blood! She is an example of complete diligence in the work and I love her and Sister Mulford. I’m doing my best to keep up with these youngin’s. Transfers are coming up next week. As VC trainers we get together and plan a rough draft of transfers for President Mansell. I have a feeling that Sister Mulford is leaving our beloved trio. She will be greatly missed.
At the end of our P-Day we played golf with the Floyds. It was a blast! Sister Mukhlaash was a little hesitant, but once she started swinging she couldn’t stop. We went to a little driving range. We got to wear jeans! It felt pretty funny to be in jeans. By the way, President Mansell recently changed the rule on music in the cars. We are now allowed to listen to good arrangement of hymns in the car. So, wearing jeans combined with listening to music in the car = not a missionary. I felt so awkward, but it was fun.
I am doing well. I find myself praying for more physical strength. I am grateful to serve and hope that the Lord will continue to sustain me as I work to forget myself in this work. We are so blessed!
Love, Sister Hogge
Thursday, April 3, 2008
3 April 2008
Happy April!!
We began our April and Spring celebration yesterday by going to downtown DC for the National Cherry Blossom Festival! I have never seen anything like it! It was absolutely beautiful! We went with one of our senior couples, the Woodheads. It was their first time in DC as missionaries. We also went with two other companionships, Sisters Baxter, Lanthier, McEwan, and Sisters Snelson and Bonderanko. We were somewhat surprised by how windy and chilly it was, but throughout the day it warmed up nicely. We walked the Tidal Basin by the Jefferson and on the Potomac River...the most beautiful cherry blossoms are there! We also walked to the Washington Monument and the Jefferson and then headed to the War Memorials and the Lincoln Memorial. It was a day of monuments, memorials, and cherry blossoms. I wouldn't be surprised if we walked 5 miles! We ended our day with a pizza lunch from the refreshments stand along the Mall and sat on some benches watching a huge group of missionaries play ultimate frisbee in the grass. The perfect day! Missionaries were pretty popular in DC yesterday. About half of the mission enjoyed a day in the city. We kept seeing very excited members from all over the country. I guess now is about the time when the members begin to come to DC for spring and summer vacations. It felt good to be so loved. I felt like an old missionary yesterday because all the other missionaries kept asking me for directions and where certain things were, etc. It was weird! I can't believe how much I've come to know DC. It's become my home away from home. I got a big of a tan/sunburn. It's been a LONG time since my skin has seen the sun, and surprisingly I'm completely okay with that! I always enjoy my time in DC. Hopefully we'll go to the Holocaust Museum next...guess we'll see. It was Sister Mukhlaash's first time in the city and she LOVED it!
The humidity is coming already! There was one day the other week that brought back great memories from the humidity last summer. I never thought I would enjoy humidity. I think I like it just for the memories it brings and nothing else!
Last Sunday all the missionaries in our ward spoke during sacrament meeting. Elder Jeppeson gave a talk on faith, I gave my talk on repentance, Sister Mulford gave her talk on baptism, Sister Mukhlaash gave a talk on the gift of the Holy Ghost, and Elder Johnsen was enduring to the end. It was a wonderful sacrament meeting and the spirit was very strong. I felt such a deep love for the Quince Orchard members as I looked out at the congregation on the stand. Just when you don't think you could love a ward or an area like the last one, your heart expands and is filled with love for the next ward and area. I love serving these people! We have the best job in the world, full-time service! I was grateful to speak about repentace. I love teaching about repentance, that program of progress, as Elder Maxwell would say. We are so blessed to be given a way to return to Heavenly Father and to have Jesus Christ as our Savior and Exemplar. Speaking in sacrament meeting really developed our relationships with the members.
We gave a baptismal date to Brooke Ripely this week. She was somewhat hesitant to commit, but we will prepare her and she will be fine. She will be baptized April 26th. She is the most beautiful 9 year old I have met. She wants to do whats right, but is nervous to do so. The Lord will touch her heart and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost will help her in her struggles as a teen. She needs the Holy Ghost! I love her and I love her parents.
Miracle of the week: There was a baptism two weeks ago. The French elders had been teaching a lady from Haiti for over a month. We saw her every week at church and at first I thought I recognized her, but just brushed the thought aside. About two months ago Sister Mulford and I were checking on a potential investigator, Maria. When we got to the home Maria wasn't home, but Maria's sister was there. We began talking to her when we realized that she couldn't speak any English. So, we got her information and referred her to the French elders. This last Sunday we were in Maria's area again. When we saw Maria's sister again and realized that it was the lady who had just been baptized in our ward! I couldn't believe it, everything came together. This truly is the Lord's work and when we understand that we, as missionaries and members, can be united in the work to bring many souls back to Him.
Well, I am so happy and I'm grateful for agency. I am learning how important it is to choose to be happy. It really is a choice. We are SO EXCITED for General Conference this weekend. Every time I think about it I get butterflies in my stomach. I feel like a little girl on Christmas Eve. I feel that it's time to receive a spiritual boost and to hear from our beloved prophet, apostles and other leaders of the church. Today I was thinking about how I know that these are men called of God. I know because when I live their teachings I feel the peace and joy from the spirit when I see the good changes in my life. I hope that we will all take this time to seriously evaluate our relationship with our Heavenly Father and our Savior and write down questions of which we WILL receive answers to this weekend.
I love you all, I love serving. I can't imagine my life without this time to serve. I know Jesus is the Christ and that He lives and loves us all.
Love, Sister Hogge
We began our April and Spring celebration yesterday by going to downtown DC for the National Cherry Blossom Festival! I have never seen anything like it! It was absolutely beautiful! We went with one of our senior couples, the Woodheads. It was their first time in DC as missionaries. We also went with two other companionships, Sisters Baxter, Lanthier, McEwan, and Sisters Snelson and Bonderanko. We were somewhat surprised by how windy and chilly it was, but throughout the day it warmed up nicely. We walked the Tidal Basin by the Jefferson and on the Potomac River...the most beautiful cherry blossoms are there! We also walked to the Washington Monument and the Jefferson and then headed to the War Memorials and the Lincoln Memorial. It was a day of monuments, memorials, and cherry blossoms. I wouldn't be surprised if we walked 5 miles! We ended our day with a pizza lunch from the refreshments stand along the Mall and sat on some benches watching a huge group of missionaries play ultimate frisbee in the grass. The perfect day! Missionaries were pretty popular in DC yesterday. About half of the mission enjoyed a day in the city. We kept seeing very excited members from all over the country. I guess now is about the time when the members begin to come to DC for spring and summer vacations. It felt good to be so loved. I felt like an old missionary yesterday because all the other missionaries kept asking me for directions and where certain things were, etc. It was weird! I can't believe how much I've come to know DC. It's become my home away from home. I got a big of a tan/sunburn. It's been a LONG time since my skin has seen the sun, and surprisingly I'm completely okay with that! I always enjoy my time in DC. Hopefully we'll go to the Holocaust Museum next...guess we'll see. It was Sister Mukhlaash's first time in the city and she LOVED it!
The humidity is coming already! There was one day the other week that brought back great memories from the humidity last summer. I never thought I would enjoy humidity. I think I like it just for the memories it brings and nothing else!
Last Sunday all the missionaries in our ward spoke during sacrament meeting. Elder Jeppeson gave a talk on faith, I gave my talk on repentance, Sister Mulford gave her talk on baptism, Sister Mukhlaash gave a talk on the gift of the Holy Ghost, and Elder Johnsen was enduring to the end. It was a wonderful sacrament meeting and the spirit was very strong. I felt such a deep love for the Quince Orchard members as I looked out at the congregation on the stand. Just when you don't think you could love a ward or an area like the last one, your heart expands and is filled with love for the next ward and area. I love serving these people! We have the best job in the world, full-time service! I was grateful to speak about repentace. I love teaching about repentance, that program of progress, as Elder Maxwell would say. We are so blessed to be given a way to return to Heavenly Father and to have Jesus Christ as our Savior and Exemplar. Speaking in sacrament meeting really developed our relationships with the members.
We gave a baptismal date to Brooke Ripely this week. She was somewhat hesitant to commit, but we will prepare her and she will be fine. She will be baptized April 26th. She is the most beautiful 9 year old I have met. She wants to do whats right, but is nervous to do so. The Lord will touch her heart and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost will help her in her struggles as a teen. She needs the Holy Ghost! I love her and I love her parents.
Miracle of the week: There was a baptism two weeks ago. The French elders had been teaching a lady from Haiti for over a month. We saw her every week at church and at first I thought I recognized her, but just brushed the thought aside. About two months ago Sister Mulford and I were checking on a potential investigator, Maria. When we got to the home Maria wasn't home, but Maria's sister was there. We began talking to her when we realized that she couldn't speak any English. So, we got her information and referred her to the French elders. This last Sunday we were in Maria's area again. When we saw Maria's sister again and realized that it was the lady who had just been baptized in our ward! I couldn't believe it, everything came together. This truly is the Lord's work and when we understand that we, as missionaries and members, can be united in the work to bring many souls back to Him.
Well, I am so happy and I'm grateful for agency. I am learning how important it is to choose to be happy. It really is a choice. We are SO EXCITED for General Conference this weekend. Every time I think about it I get butterflies in my stomach. I feel like a little girl on Christmas Eve. I feel that it's time to receive a spiritual boost and to hear from our beloved prophet, apostles and other leaders of the church. Today I was thinking about how I know that these are men called of God. I know because when I live their teachings I feel the peace and joy from the spirit when I see the good changes in my life. I hope that we will all take this time to seriously evaluate our relationship with our Heavenly Father and our Savior and write down questions of which we WILL receive answers to this weekend.
I love you all, I love serving. I can't imagine my life without this time to serve. I know Jesus is the Christ and that He lives and loves us all.
Love, Sister Hogge
Thursday, March 27, 2008
27 March 2008
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
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
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
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