Hello Family and Friends!
My heart is so full and I am happy. Last night as I prayed before going to bed, my heart felt full and overwhelmed with peace and happiness. Sister Baxter and I are loving life.
Kate and Abraham are doing well. Abraham is currently in San Fransisco and I told him to tell Cali "HI" for me. He called us last night from Cali. We were so excited to hear from him. He is really excited about his bapstim and asked what else we'd like him to read from the Book of Mormon. The sad news is that he won't be coming home until Sep. 8th. Please keep him in your prayers. He needs the strength to resist Satan while he is away from us for such a long period of time. It feels wonderful to help others repent and come unto Christ. Kate is fabulous and has her entire baptism planned. I will probably be singing and I am excited to do so. Kate is taking us to PF Changs tonight for dinner. I know...we are spoiled...and I LOVE it! Keep Kate in your prayers as well. She is happy and she is strong. We are excited for her baptism coming up Sep. 10th.
We have two new investigators. Teresa has been attending church all of her life, but was never baptized. She is progressing and will be baptized soon. Erica has been attending church with her boyfriend for two months and we just found out on Sunday that she is not a member YET. We are excited to get to know her and to help her in her progression. The Lord is truly blessing us in this work.
Lately we have been "GQ ing" or street contacting at the Wheaton Metro station. It's been a blast! I've totally been kicked outside of my comfort zone and I love it! Basically we separate and conquer. In the last two days we taught 95 lessons. It's amazing and it feels wonderful!! I have been working on my Spanish skills. We went GQing yesterday with Elder Cottrell and Elder Johnson and no one spoke Spanish except me (and I don't even speak Spanish!) I learned how to introduce myself and the Book of Mormon. I've also learned how to testify of Jesus Christ. Although we don't speak the same language I could see in their eyes that they felt the Spirit and that they understand. It's beautiful! I love being a missionary!!
The other day a Japanese group came into the VC. They were exchange students with their LDS American host families. It was fun to talk with them and give them pamphlets in Japanese. They filled out referral cards and we sent them to Temple Square. All I could think about was Joey and how excited I am for him to work with such wonderful people. It almost brought me to tears.
I have been feeling the battle with the natural man lately. I know that all spiritual things are "foolishness" to the natural man (1 Cor. 2:14). When I get tired or hungry or scared to talk with people the natural man would have me feel that I have done enough. As I have worked to overcome the natural man I have felt the greater power and strength of the Holy Ghost. Truly our goal in this second estate is to put off the natural man and become patient, humble, full of love, and willing to submit our will to the Lord's will.
I am studying "Jesus the Christ" outside of my regular study time. Whenever I get a chance I love reading about the life of my Savior. I feel that I am closer to him now more than ever. I love him.
This Friday we will be attending the temple and I'll be thinking of you while I am there. I am so grateful for the opportunity and blessing to attend the temple often and to feel refreshed and renewed to move forward in this great work.
I am grateful and happy. You are always in my prayers.
With Love, Sister Hogge
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
22 August 2007
Hello my lovely family and friends...
Sister Baxter always says "lovely" with her beauitful English accent and it's rubbing off on me. ; )
Life couldn't be better. I have never felt so much peace and happiness. Courtney went to the temple this past week with some friends to do some baptisms. She loved it and she had a friend do her father's work. I am so happy for her. She is leaving today for college. I hope to get her address soon to stay in contact with her. She has fallen in love with family history and she is progressing well.
I am currently living in Kensington House which is where all of the senior couples live and many other companionships. "K House" is located 2 minutes from the temple and the VC. It's wonderful! I am absoultely loving it! The senior couples spoil us with love and food. It's basically the ideal life for a missionary.
The Chevy Chase building which is where we attend church is just inside the Distirct. It's beautiful. I have never seen such a beautiful, colonial style church building. This area is wonderful and huge! Our leadership is amazing. The past 3 stake presidents have been Fortune 100 CEO's. They are wonderful men of God and well-respected. I am just amazed by the prestige and kindness of these men.
Kate is doing well. Her baptism is scheduled for September 2nd. Please keep her in your prayers. She is strong and I love her. We taught her about the law of chastity and the word of wisdom (the two big commandments). During relief society on Sunday we discussed reverence. She commented that she understands now why she must follow these commandments...to show her reverence and devotion to God. She is amazing! She began classes for law school this past week. She is very busy and Satan loves to work on her, but she is solid and I admire her for her humility and diligence. This past Sunday we taught her about prayer, scripture study, and obedience. These commandments always bring peace and comfort to our investigators. It gave Kate the "how" of living the commandments. It's by small and simple things in which great things come to pass. I know this is true in all of our lives.
Abraham is doing well. We gave him a baptismal date for September 16th. He is amazing and also very humble. Last night we taught an investigator at the church and afterwards went upstairs to have her meet some of the YSA's attending Institute. To our surprise Abraham was there! We were so excited to see him involved in the ward. The ward does a wonderful job of fellowshipping. He leaves for California for one week on Saturday. Keep him in your prayers because we know Satan will try to work as hard as he can on Abraham. We love Abraham.
Sister Baxter and I are loving life together...it's the perfect companionship. We are progressing so much together and we are working hard to help others progress. When a companionship doesn't have any problems, it's much easier to focus on others. The Lord is blessing us and we are so grateful. I have never felt such peace. She will be a friend forever. I am so grateful for her and for the love and example she gives me. It's simply lovely.
We have been enjoying some cool "Mendocino" weather. It's refreshing! Both Sister Baxter and I love the weather because it reminds us of wonderful memories. It reminds her of England and it reminds me of my heaven on earth, Mendocino and the northern Cali beaches. We hope that the weather will continue to be beautiful.
We are currently working with some amazing elders. In the ward there are two sets of missionaries, us and the elders, who are also our zone leaders. We work well together. We will be starting a Bible class within the next few weeks. We hope that this class will bring many YSA non-members. We will be strictly teaching from the Bible...I need to brush up on my Bible knowledge. I'm excited for the challenge. One of the zone leaders is Elder Cottrell. The other day I found out that he is cousins with Stacy Rogers!! He has been to Elk Grove many times. His mom and Stacy's dad are siblings. Crazy, huh! We thought that was a pretty funny connection. I am impressed by all of my leaders. We are very blessed. We have been invited to a brunch at the mission home with President and Sister Mansell. They are so wonderful and I have never felt so much love from my leaders.
Funny story: During our planning session the other night the phone rang and it was a telemarketer. After getting to know him we made a deal. If he gave me his phone number and address to receive a Book of Mormon, I would take his two minute survey. It was great! The Lord puts people in our path all the time!
Well, I love this work. I love serving the YSA's of the DC area. I am so blessed to be serving in half of the mission. We have been privileged with such great knowledge and it's our responsibility to share it with everyone! My heart is full.
With Love, Sister Hogge
Sister Baxter always says "lovely" with her beauitful English accent and it's rubbing off on me. ; )
Life couldn't be better. I have never felt so much peace and happiness. Courtney went to the temple this past week with some friends to do some baptisms. She loved it and she had a friend do her father's work. I am so happy for her. She is leaving today for college. I hope to get her address soon to stay in contact with her. She has fallen in love with family history and she is progressing well.
I am currently living in Kensington House which is where all of the senior couples live and many other companionships. "K House" is located 2 minutes from the temple and the VC. It's wonderful! I am absoultely loving it! The senior couples spoil us with love and food. It's basically the ideal life for a missionary.
The Chevy Chase building which is where we attend church is just inside the Distirct. It's beautiful. I have never seen such a beautiful, colonial style church building. This area is wonderful and huge! Our leadership is amazing. The past 3 stake presidents have been Fortune 100 CEO's. They are wonderful men of God and well-respected. I am just amazed by the prestige and kindness of these men.
Kate is doing well. Her baptism is scheduled for September 2nd. Please keep her in your prayers. She is strong and I love her. We taught her about the law of chastity and the word of wisdom (the two big commandments). During relief society on Sunday we discussed reverence. She commented that she understands now why she must follow these commandments...to show her reverence and devotion to God. She is amazing! She began classes for law school this past week. She is very busy and Satan loves to work on her, but she is solid and I admire her for her humility and diligence. This past Sunday we taught her about prayer, scripture study, and obedience. These commandments always bring peace and comfort to our investigators. It gave Kate the "how" of living the commandments. It's by small and simple things in which great things come to pass. I know this is true in all of our lives.
Abraham is doing well. We gave him a baptismal date for September 16th. He is amazing and also very humble. Last night we taught an investigator at the church and afterwards went upstairs to have her meet some of the YSA's attending Institute. To our surprise Abraham was there! We were so excited to see him involved in the ward. The ward does a wonderful job of fellowshipping. He leaves for California for one week on Saturday. Keep him in your prayers because we know Satan will try to work as hard as he can on Abraham. We love Abraham.
Sister Baxter and I are loving life together...it's the perfect companionship. We are progressing so much together and we are working hard to help others progress. When a companionship doesn't have any problems, it's much easier to focus on others. The Lord is blessing us and we are so grateful. I have never felt such peace. She will be a friend forever. I am so grateful for her and for the love and example she gives me. It's simply lovely.
We have been enjoying some cool "Mendocino" weather. It's refreshing! Both Sister Baxter and I love the weather because it reminds us of wonderful memories. It reminds her of England and it reminds me of my heaven on earth, Mendocino and the northern Cali beaches. We hope that the weather will continue to be beautiful.
We are currently working with some amazing elders. In the ward there are two sets of missionaries, us and the elders, who are also our zone leaders. We work well together. We will be starting a Bible class within the next few weeks. We hope that this class will bring many YSA non-members. We will be strictly teaching from the Bible...I need to brush up on my Bible knowledge. I'm excited for the challenge. One of the zone leaders is Elder Cottrell. The other day I found out that he is cousins with Stacy Rogers!! He has been to Elk Grove many times. His mom and Stacy's dad are siblings. Crazy, huh! We thought that was a pretty funny connection. I am impressed by all of my leaders. We are very blessed. We have been invited to a brunch at the mission home with President and Sister Mansell. They are so wonderful and I have never felt so much love from my leaders.
Funny story: During our planning session the other night the phone rang and it was a telemarketer. After getting to know him we made a deal. If he gave me his phone number and address to receive a Book of Mormon, I would take his two minute survey. It was great! The Lord puts people in our path all the time!
Well, I love this work. I love serving the YSA's of the DC area. I am so blessed to be serving in half of the mission. We have been privileged with such great knowledge and it's our responsibility to share it with everyone! My heart is full.
With Love, Sister Hogge
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
15 August 2007
Hello wonderful family and friends...
Where to begin?! I am absolutely loving my new area. It covers all of DC and most of the northern part of our mission...yes, it is huge! I've driven twice now in the city and both times we got lost...pretty scary, especially when our map just stopped and we had no idea where we were going. We also accidently left the mission and drove into Virginia which will be my second time leaving the mission, on "accident." Sister Baxter truly is a wonderful navigator and we have learned the fact that we truly do rely on the Lord...especially when we get lost. The other night we drove through the city...by all of the monuments and museums, it was beautiful. I LOVE my area!!
The people of the ward are AMAZING! I have never met so many beautiful, accomplished and spiritual people. It is definitely inspiring and it has helped me see my own potential. I love the singles and I've totally gotten over the awkwardness. We already been taken out to eat twice by the guys...On the Border and Cheesecake Factory...yeah, we're spoiled and I love it! They know how to take care of us and they are wonderful missionaries. We just had dinner the other night at a member's home. He lives on Capitol Hill. Most of the members are attending law or medical school or they are already successful in their career. It's amazing! I have never felt so loved as a missionary. It just keeps getting better and better.
We are teaching many, many people. Kate is one investigator who will be baptized early in September. We hope to give Abraham a baptismal date this week and we hope that many more will follow. Sister Baxter and I work really, really well together and we want to make the most of our time together. We hope to bring many souls to Christ. It's exciting! I am learning so much from Sister Baxter. I have never felt so at peace and I have never seen such perspective. The way she lives is beautiful and I am excited for the changes that the Lord has in store for my own personality. I desire to grow in patience, perspective, and light-heartedness. We compliment each other well and we respect and love each other.
I saw Wendy Astle and her family at the VC the other day. It took her a while to recognize me. We took pictures together and she is doing well. Thank you family for all of the pictures from the camping trip. You brought me with you with all of the pictures and it was as if I could smell the ocean and hear the waves...I loved it!
Yesterday was zone conference. It was amazing, as usual. Before the conference I prayed to know what the Lord would have me learn and, of course, throughout the conference I was given many answers. I am excited to apply the things learned such as, finding through members and bringing happiness to all. After the conference we were given permission to watch President Faust's funeral. I know that God has a plan for each of us and I am grateful. I know that it is my responsibility to bring happiness and peace to others by helping them see God's love in the specific plans he has made for them.
I am loving this work more and more. I pray that all is well with you. I pray that the Lord will bless you. I pray that the Lord will continue to mold me and help me find his elect.
With Love, Sister Hogge
Where to begin?! I am absolutely loving my new area. It covers all of DC and most of the northern part of our mission...yes, it is huge! I've driven twice now in the city and both times we got lost...pretty scary, especially when our map just stopped and we had no idea where we were going. We also accidently left the mission and drove into Virginia which will be my second time leaving the mission, on "accident." Sister Baxter truly is a wonderful navigator and we have learned the fact that we truly do rely on the Lord...especially when we get lost. The other night we drove through the city...by all of the monuments and museums, it was beautiful. I LOVE my area!!
The people of the ward are AMAZING! I have never met so many beautiful, accomplished and spiritual people. It is definitely inspiring and it has helped me see my own potential. I love the singles and I've totally gotten over the awkwardness. We already been taken out to eat twice by the guys...On the Border and Cheesecake Factory...yeah, we're spoiled and I love it! They know how to take care of us and they are wonderful missionaries. We just had dinner the other night at a member's home. He lives on Capitol Hill. Most of the members are attending law or medical school or they are already successful in their career. It's amazing! I have never felt so loved as a missionary. It just keeps getting better and better.
We are teaching many, many people. Kate is one investigator who will be baptized early in September. We hope to give Abraham a baptismal date this week and we hope that many more will follow. Sister Baxter and I work really, really well together and we want to make the most of our time together. We hope to bring many souls to Christ. It's exciting! I am learning so much from Sister Baxter. I have never felt so at peace and I have never seen such perspective. The way she lives is beautiful and I am excited for the changes that the Lord has in store for my own personality. I desire to grow in patience, perspective, and light-heartedness. We compliment each other well and we respect and love each other.
I saw Wendy Astle and her family at the VC the other day. It took her a while to recognize me. We took pictures together and she is doing well. Thank you family for all of the pictures from the camping trip. You brought me with you with all of the pictures and it was as if I could smell the ocean and hear the waves...I loved it!
Yesterday was zone conference. It was amazing, as usual. Before the conference I prayed to know what the Lord would have me learn and, of course, throughout the conference I was given many answers. I am excited to apply the things learned such as, finding through members and bringing happiness to all. After the conference we were given permission to watch President Faust's funeral. I know that God has a plan for each of us and I am grateful. I know that it is my responsibility to bring happiness and peace to others by helping them see God's love in the specific plans he has made for them.
I am loving this work more and more. I pray that all is well with you. I pray that the Lord will bless you. I pray that the Lord will continue to mold me and help me find his elect.
With Love, Sister Hogge
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
8 August 2007
Hello Family and Friends...
Transfers and come and gone today and I have been transferred! My P-Day is now on Wednesdays. I will miss Olney terribly. Courtney was confirmed on Sunday. Bishop Hill did the confirmation and it was beautiful. She is strong and I am so proud of her. This past week we taught her all of the member lessons. She especially enjoyed learning about temples and family history work. She should be receiving her temple recommend today to attend the temple for baptisms this week. It will hard to not see her as often, but the Lord always knows best. I am glad that I can trust Him. Thank heavens that I work at the VC as well. Courtney comes to the VC often and I will enjoy seeing her as well as many of the less-actives and members of the Olney 1st ward. As I looked around watching everyone before and after sacrament meeting my heart filled with so much love. I know and love these people so much. It's usually about that time that the Lord changes things up to help us grow. I knew I would be transferred. I could feel it. Beautiful Olney was simply heaven on earth.
I have been transferred to the DC 2nd Singles Ward. When I began my mission the thought of serving in a singles ward terrified me. However, these past few weeks I've had a feeling that the Lord would send me to serve in a singles ward, so I began preparing myself for the possibility. The awkwardness is something I've just choosen to get over fast. The DC 2nd ward has about 400 members, most of which are active. The missionary work is booming! I am so excited! I have heard wonderful things about the ward. I've met many of the members who have come into the VC. We have a HUGE area and once again, I get to drive. Part of our area includes the city. I am learning to love change, I guess I really have no choice. Change is good espeically in the mission field. My new companion is Sister Baxter. She is from England and she is adorable. We came out into the field together and I love her!!! Her dad is Elder Baxter of the Seventy. We are both so excited and I know that I will learn so much from her. She is a happy and cheerful sister missionary, a complete delight. Tonight we have dinner with one of the male members at a restaurant. The dinner rules are that we cannot be in a single male member's home with another woman, but public places are okay! Welcome to the singles ward! ; )
Life is wonderful and I will finally have roommates!! I am so happy. I love being a missionary! I have learned much about the Atonement this past transfer. I am grateful for my Savior and I love him. We cannot deny the power of the Atonement and we must apply the Atonement to our lives. It's only through Jesus Christ that we can become the people we want to become. I know that the Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ. I know that the people and the stories really did happen. I know that we need prophets. I know that Joseph Smith was the prophet to restore truths to its fulness. We now enjoy many blessing because of the Restoration. I know that I have a Father in heaven who loves me and knows me. He is involved in the details of my life. I know that this church is the ONLY church on the earth that contains the fulness and espeically the authority. How blessed we are to enjoy these things.
With Love, Sister Hogge
Transfers and come and gone today and I have been transferred! My P-Day is now on Wednesdays. I will miss Olney terribly. Courtney was confirmed on Sunday. Bishop Hill did the confirmation and it was beautiful. She is strong and I am so proud of her. This past week we taught her all of the member lessons. She especially enjoyed learning about temples and family history work. She should be receiving her temple recommend today to attend the temple for baptisms this week. It will hard to not see her as often, but the Lord always knows best. I am glad that I can trust Him. Thank heavens that I work at the VC as well. Courtney comes to the VC often and I will enjoy seeing her as well as many of the less-actives and members of the Olney 1st ward. As I looked around watching everyone before and after sacrament meeting my heart filled with so much love. I know and love these people so much. It's usually about that time that the Lord changes things up to help us grow. I knew I would be transferred. I could feel it. Beautiful Olney was simply heaven on earth.
I have been transferred to the DC 2nd Singles Ward. When I began my mission the thought of serving in a singles ward terrified me. However, these past few weeks I've had a feeling that the Lord would send me to serve in a singles ward, so I began preparing myself for the possibility. The awkwardness is something I've just choosen to get over fast. The DC 2nd ward has about 400 members, most of which are active. The missionary work is booming! I am so excited! I have heard wonderful things about the ward. I've met many of the members who have come into the VC. We have a HUGE area and once again, I get to drive. Part of our area includes the city. I am learning to love change, I guess I really have no choice. Change is good espeically in the mission field. My new companion is Sister Baxter. She is from England and she is adorable. We came out into the field together and I love her!!! Her dad is Elder Baxter of the Seventy. We are both so excited and I know that I will learn so much from her. She is a happy and cheerful sister missionary, a complete delight. Tonight we have dinner with one of the male members at a restaurant. The dinner rules are that we cannot be in a single male member's home with another woman, but public places are okay! Welcome to the singles ward! ; )
Life is wonderful and I will finally have roommates!! I am so happy. I love being a missionary! I have learned much about the Atonement this past transfer. I am grateful for my Savior and I love him. We cannot deny the power of the Atonement and we must apply the Atonement to our lives. It's only through Jesus Christ that we can become the people we want to become. I know that the Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ. I know that the people and the stories really did happen. I know that we need prophets. I know that Joseph Smith was the prophet to restore truths to its fulness. We now enjoy many blessing because of the Restoration. I know that I have a Father in heaven who loves me and knows me. He is involved in the details of my life. I know that this church is the ONLY church on the earth that contains the fulness and espeically the authority. How blessed we are to enjoy these things.
With Love, Sister Hogge
Thursday, August 2, 2007
2 August 2007
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
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, 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
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