Dear family and friends,
It has been a week of miracles in Quince Orchard. I have come from one of the largest areas in the mission (DC 2nd) to one of the smallest areas in the mission. It has been great to focus on such a small area. I feel like I can do so much good. I also feel that I can talk to EVERYONE because there aren't hundreds of people passing by (like in DC). It was always somewhat overwhelming to talk to everyone in the city, as it was often impossible.
Sister Mulford and I are loving life together. We are a lot alike and people say we even look alike. We are both blondes and often have our blonde moments together. She has been a wonderful example to me. I think there is great wisdom in putting an enthusiastic, younger missionary with an older missionary. It has given me great perspective and has helped me stay completely focused. With the new year comes greater resolve to do the Lord's work with singleness of mind and heart. I am learning so much from her and I am grateful that the Lord can teach me through my companions.
Last Wednesday we received a call from Rachel Floyd. She and her family moved to Maryland from Arizona. Rachel has been a member of the Church all her life, but has been inactive since she was a teenager. Just a few months ago she began coming back to church. She called us to tell us that her husband is not yet a member of the church, but would like to begin investigating. I think with the new year and the new move, the family wanted to start all over. We met with them the following Friday to get to know the family. Greg, her husband, has felt so much emptiness in his life and knew that investigating was the right thing to do. They have seen great improvements in their family life and marriage since he has humbled himself and realized his reliance on the Lord. On Monday night we taught him the first lesson for their FHE. They have two beautiful girls, Larissa (15) and Catalina (6). My heart is full of love for the Floyd family. I have really seen how the Lord allows us to feel a small portion of His love for His children. Sister Mulford and I love the Floyd family and want them to receive all the blessings of the restored gospel. Greg will be baptized and they will be able to be sealed together in the temple. This is just one of many miracles we have experience this past week.
We received permission to attend a sealing for some sisters in our ward. They were both converts and were being sealed to their parents. It was a beautiful event. Friday we went to the temple with the VC sisters and then again on Saturday for the ward. While we were waiting for some paper work in the sealing room, the sealer had the people in the room do some work for the dead. The sealer was President Schultz. After each sealing he would ask us questions about the sealing ceremony and then answer the questions in great detail. Sister Mulford and I were so excited to be learning so much about sealings from a sealer. It was a great experience. We also asked him questions. Never before in my life have I felt the great blessings of being born in the covenant as I did that day. There is great significance in being born to parents who have been sealed in the temple. I love temple work and I hope to work in the temple after my mission. I always feel so close to my family inside the temple, even though I'm many miles from home.
It was a bittersweet experience to hear of President Hinckley's death. He will be greatly missed, but he is with his beloved wife and I'm sure he is still working hard. I have grown up with President Hinckley. I think the prophet of your youth will always have a great impact on your testimony and conversion. I'm grateful for modern day revelation.
I love this area and I'm so grateful to have all day, every day to serve the Lord. I feel that this time is so precious and I want to do all I can to faithfully represent my Savior, Jesus Christ and to bring other back to Him. Hope all is well with all of you.
All my love, Sister Hogge
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
23 January 2008
Hello!!
Transfers are today and I have been transferred to a town northeast called Quince Orchard. I will be serving with Sister Mulford. We are two of a kind. We are so much alike, it will be a wonderful transfer. She is one of the sweetest people I have ever known and she came out the same time as Sister McEwan. It was difficult to say goodbye to the wonderful members, recent converts, and investigators of DC 2nd, but the Lord's will be done. It was difficult for me to say goodbye to Laura, Erica, Florence, and especially Lydia and Revi. There were some tears, but we will always be close. I'm so grateful to have served with the singles. I have felt my heart completely change as I have felt so much love for His children, the Lord is so good to me.
This last Sunday was the "Why I Believe" fireside. I was asked to sing "Via Dolorosa". It was beautiful. I have felt so grateful to be able to use my talents to share my love for my Savior and my testimony of Him. The Lord gives us gifts for the edifying of His children. Erica came to the fireside. She is doing well and will still be baptized March 2nd. I will be attending her baptism with Sister Baxter.
My 24th birthday was a great day. We had been grounded the day before because of snow and we were grounded into the morning of my birthday. For breakfast we had brownies and ice cream while I opened my birthday gifts from my fabulous family! Thank you family! I especially loved the Cinderella card from Sarah, you know me too well. Sister Mansell called and the assistants sang "Happy Birthday" to me, which was a real treat because they have the best voices in the mission! Then, to my surprise I was kidnapped by my companion and roommates. It was hilarious! They threw a blanket over me and carried me into the elevator, down the hall, into the car, and drove around for a while. When we finally got to our destination, they took the blanket off but I still had to close my eyes. The surprised me with lunch at Panera Bread. It was great and one of the senior couples met us there too. After lunch we had an appointment with Laura at the VC and then another appointment with Florence in DC. For dinner, Lydia and Brandon took us to downtown DC at the Hard Rock Cafe. It took me a while to remember that I had been to the restaurant 7 years ago when I came with Galena...good memories. I love spending time with Lydia and Brandon. I love them so much. I came home to some letters from my family and I espeically loved reading the letter from Elder Hogge. I am so proud of the missionary that he is becoming. It was a wonderful day, the best birthday yet!
Sacrament meeting this past Sunday was focused on missionary work. Laura and Raymond, two recent converts, spoke. Sister McEwan and I sang "Did You Think To Pray?" and our ward mission leader Eric Cragun, introduced our new ward mission plan for the new year. It was an exciting and spirit filled meeting. Revi, Erica, and Nick were all at church. I will miss everyone and during the meeting I knew that I would be leaving. Life was getting too good and too comfortable. Change always helps us grow and pushes us out of our comfort zones.
I love this work and I'm excited for the growing experiences that will come this transfers. Quince Orchard is a wonderful area where I have always wanted to serve. Sister Mulford is the dream companion. My heart is so full.
All my love, Sister Hogge
Transfers are today and I have been transferred to a town northeast called Quince Orchard. I will be serving with Sister Mulford. We are two of a kind. We are so much alike, it will be a wonderful transfer. She is one of the sweetest people I have ever known and she came out the same time as Sister McEwan. It was difficult to say goodbye to the wonderful members, recent converts, and investigators of DC 2nd, but the Lord's will be done. It was difficult for me to say goodbye to Laura, Erica, Florence, and especially Lydia and Revi. There were some tears, but we will always be close. I'm so grateful to have served with the singles. I have felt my heart completely change as I have felt so much love for His children, the Lord is so good to me.
This last Sunday was the "Why I Believe" fireside. I was asked to sing "Via Dolorosa". It was beautiful. I have felt so grateful to be able to use my talents to share my love for my Savior and my testimony of Him. The Lord gives us gifts for the edifying of His children. Erica came to the fireside. She is doing well and will still be baptized March 2nd. I will be attending her baptism with Sister Baxter.
My 24th birthday was a great day. We had been grounded the day before because of snow and we were grounded into the morning of my birthday. For breakfast we had brownies and ice cream while I opened my birthday gifts from my fabulous family! Thank you family! I especially loved the Cinderella card from Sarah, you know me too well. Sister Mansell called and the assistants sang "Happy Birthday" to me, which was a real treat because they have the best voices in the mission! Then, to my surprise I was kidnapped by my companion and roommates. It was hilarious! They threw a blanket over me and carried me into the elevator, down the hall, into the car, and drove around for a while. When we finally got to our destination, they took the blanket off but I still had to close my eyes. The surprised me with lunch at Panera Bread. It was great and one of the senior couples met us there too. After lunch we had an appointment with Laura at the VC and then another appointment with Florence in DC. For dinner, Lydia and Brandon took us to downtown DC at the Hard Rock Cafe. It took me a while to remember that I had been to the restaurant 7 years ago when I came with Galena...good memories. I love spending time with Lydia and Brandon. I love them so much. I came home to some letters from my family and I espeically loved reading the letter from Elder Hogge. I am so proud of the missionary that he is becoming. It was a wonderful day, the best birthday yet!
Sacrament meeting this past Sunday was focused on missionary work. Laura and Raymond, two recent converts, spoke. Sister McEwan and I sang "Did You Think To Pray?" and our ward mission leader Eric Cragun, introduced our new ward mission plan for the new year. It was an exciting and spirit filled meeting. Revi, Erica, and Nick were all at church. I will miss everyone and during the meeting I knew that I would be leaving. Life was getting too good and too comfortable. Change always helps us grow and pushes us out of our comfort zones.
I love this work and I'm excited for the growing experiences that will come this transfers. Quince Orchard is a wonderful area where I have always wanted to serve. Sister Mulford is the dream companion. My heart is so full.
All my love, Sister Hogge
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
16 January 2008
My most lovely family and friends,
Hello, from a VERY cold day in DC. The cold is finally starting to kick in and I have a feeling that it will be getting much colder in weeks to come. It reminds me of when I first came into the field almost a year ago. It was very cold then, too. Once again, my toes feel like they might break off. I guess it's just something I will have to get used to. The funny story for this week happened this morning. Sister McEwan and I got up early to do our laundry and wash our car. After Sister McEwan sprayed the car I wanted to begin washing and realized that the water had all frozen to the car! We probably won't be able to wash the car today. It was pretty funny...the ground was also icy from the water sprayed. The joys of missionary service. I'm just grateful that we even have a car!
I feel like we're finally getting back into the normal routine of missionary life. I also feel that I finally feel rested from the days of Festival. Although I have learned that being a missionary is always tiring no matter how much sleep I get. Nevertheless, I am grateful for the eight hours of sleep we're given. Transfers are next week and I have a feeling that I will be leaving. I have been serving in the singles ward now for 6 months and if I leave I will miss it dearly. I love the singles and have grown close to many of them and I have had many special experiences with people I have grown to love. I am so grateful for the blessings the Lord has given me these past 6 months. I feel that I have grown closer to Him.
This week has been somewhat of a trying week. There have been a few down's, but many up's. I have learned the importance of communication and compromise, patience and perspective. We've had to let go of a few investigators, which is always difficult for me because I love them, but I know that the Lord will take care of them while we are away. We have also found many new investigators this week from checking on potential investigators, referrals, and contacting former investigators. It is exciting and if I leave this area I want to leave it thriving. Erica is still scheduled to be baptized and she is progressing well. Her parents have made hotel reservations to come to the baptism. We are grateful that her parents are so supportive of her decision. Not all parents are as supportive. This area truly is the best area to serve. It is somewhat a coveted area. All the missionaries want to serve in the DC 2nd singles ward.
Recently I read an article by President Eyring entitled, "This Day". I am so grateful for his counsel and guidance. I think that I may have mentioned this article in previous emails. I love the promise that President Eyring gives to those who may feel overwhelmed or complacent. "Hard as things seem today, they will be better in the next day, if you choose to serve the Lord this day with your whole heart." As I have made this a theme for how I live as a servant of the Lord, I have felt a greater peace come into my life. As I pray in the mornings I ask the Lord to help me serve Him "this day". At the end of the day I review my day with the Lord, I repent, feel peace, and know that the Lord is pleased with my work. I invite all of you to do the same and to read the article. I am grateful for the scriptures and for modern day revelation that helps me come to know my Savior through experiencing His Atonement.
We have some fun birthday plans for Friday. Mostly, I will be doing missionary work, YEAH! but we will also be going to the city for dinner with Lydia and Brandon. They always spoil us and wanted to treat us for my birthday. I'm excited and I love being with them. They have become some of my closest friends. Lydia hopes to go through the Oakland Temple this October. The joys of missionary service are so sweet.
I love you all and I pray that the Lord will continue to bless you as you "bloom where you're planted" in the stage of life that you are in. I love the peace the gospel brings and I love my Savior.
All my love, Sister Hogge
Hello, from a VERY cold day in DC. The cold is finally starting to kick in and I have a feeling that it will be getting much colder in weeks to come. It reminds me of when I first came into the field almost a year ago. It was very cold then, too. Once again, my toes feel like they might break off. I guess it's just something I will have to get used to. The funny story for this week happened this morning. Sister McEwan and I got up early to do our laundry and wash our car. After Sister McEwan sprayed the car I wanted to begin washing and realized that the water had all frozen to the car! We probably won't be able to wash the car today. It was pretty funny...the ground was also icy from the water sprayed. The joys of missionary service. I'm just grateful that we even have a car!
I feel like we're finally getting back into the normal routine of missionary life. I also feel that I finally feel rested from the days of Festival. Although I have learned that being a missionary is always tiring no matter how much sleep I get. Nevertheless, I am grateful for the eight hours of sleep we're given. Transfers are next week and I have a feeling that I will be leaving. I have been serving in the singles ward now for 6 months and if I leave I will miss it dearly. I love the singles and have grown close to many of them and I have had many special experiences with people I have grown to love. I am so grateful for the blessings the Lord has given me these past 6 months. I feel that I have grown closer to Him.
This week has been somewhat of a trying week. There have been a few down's, but many up's. I have learned the importance of communication and compromise, patience and perspective. We've had to let go of a few investigators, which is always difficult for me because I love them, but I know that the Lord will take care of them while we are away. We have also found many new investigators this week from checking on potential investigators, referrals, and contacting former investigators. It is exciting and if I leave this area I want to leave it thriving. Erica is still scheduled to be baptized and she is progressing well. Her parents have made hotel reservations to come to the baptism. We are grateful that her parents are so supportive of her decision. Not all parents are as supportive. This area truly is the best area to serve. It is somewhat a coveted area. All the missionaries want to serve in the DC 2nd singles ward.
Recently I read an article by President Eyring entitled, "This Day". I am so grateful for his counsel and guidance. I think that I may have mentioned this article in previous emails. I love the promise that President Eyring gives to those who may feel overwhelmed or complacent. "Hard as things seem today, they will be better in the next day, if you choose to serve the Lord this day with your whole heart." As I have made this a theme for how I live as a servant of the Lord, I have felt a greater peace come into my life. As I pray in the mornings I ask the Lord to help me serve Him "this day". At the end of the day I review my day with the Lord, I repent, feel peace, and know that the Lord is pleased with my work. I invite all of you to do the same and to read the article. I am grateful for the scriptures and for modern day revelation that helps me come to know my Savior through experiencing His Atonement.
We have some fun birthday plans for Friday. Mostly, I will be doing missionary work, YEAH! but we will also be going to the city for dinner with Lydia and Brandon. They always spoil us and wanted to treat us for my birthday. I'm excited and I love being with them. They have become some of my closest friends. Lydia hopes to go through the Oakland Temple this October. The joys of missionary service are so sweet.
I love you all and I pray that the Lord will continue to bless you as you "bloom where you're planted" in the stage of life that you are in. I love the peace the gospel brings and I love my Savior.
All my love, Sister Hogge
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
9 January 2008
Hello my lovely family and friends,
There has been a great heat wave on the east coast. It has been beautiful, spring time weather. A few days ago we were freezing in the low 20's and now we are loving the low 70's. To celebrate we went to downtown DC today with some other missionaries. It was perfect weather, a little on the windy side, but beautiful! We went to the Botanical Gardens, the Space Museum, and the National Art Gallery. I really enjoy coming to DC. It was Sister McEwan's first time in the city as a "tourist" and of course she loved every bit of it. She is an energetic and spontaneous person. I just enjoy watching her. She is doing really well. I am so proud of the missionary that she is becoming. I feel that I am learning more from her than she is learning from me. I have learned how to be aware of my surroundings, how to better serve, and love people. I'm grateful for the growing experiences that I have had with her.
We had yet another Combined District Meeting this last week. CDM's are always my favorite meetings because I learn so much, they are fun, and we get to be interviewed by President Mansell. During my interview he talked about building the kingdom through helping young single adults be baptized and get married in the temple. He mentioned that it is one of the best ways we can build the kingdom. I guess I had never thought of it that way. I have a feeling that I won't be in the singles ward for much longer. I have been serving in the singles ward for almost 6 months now and I love the singles. I have made lasting friendships and I have learned from their examples and their love.
This past Sunday was the first Sunday back for all of the singles in the ward. It was great to see them, I had missed them during the holiday season. It was fast and testimony meeting. Florence (a recent convert that we see every week) bore her testimony and mentioned that it was her one-year anniversary of her baptism. I have seen her grow leaps and bounds in the past 6 months. She is preparing herself to enter the temple. I talked with her on Sunday and she told me that she was so full of joy, she absoultely beamed. I love her.
Revi was supposed to be baptized on Sunday, but the baptism fell through. I love Revi so much my heart just aches for her happiness. We met with her yesterday and she basically told us that she wasn't ready for baptism and she didn't even know if she wanted to be baptized. She wants an answer from the Lord and she is putting so much energy into receiving a confirmation that this is Jesus Christ's ONLY true church, but she feels that all the answers she has received have been contrary to her joining the church. She was in tears and my heart broke for her. I want her to have this joy. After much prayer and thought we told her that we would give her her space and keep in touch with her. As we ended our appointment with her I felt peace and I knew that the Lord would take care of Revi and that everything would be okay. I know that she had a strong relationship with Heavenly Father in the pre-existence and I know that He loves her and knows her better than we do. I am grateful that I know that this is Jesus Christ's church and I'm excited for the day that Revi will be baptized.
Courtney came into the VC with her friend, also named Courtney, who was recently baptized. It was wonderful to sit and talk with Courtney. I have missed her. She will be receving her patriarchal blessing at the beginning of February. She loves working with the missionaries in her ward in Salisburg, Maryland. She hopes to be able to transfer to BYU soon with her friend. I hope to spend some more time with her this month before she leaves to go back to school. It is always a blessing to know that those you love are still strong in the church and are building great and solid testimonies.
We went to Macaroni Grill last night, one of my favorite resturants. It was delicious! I will miss eating out all the time with the singles. They really know how to spoil missionaries because they are all returned missionaries.
Funny story: Sister McEwan and I along with Sisters Maxwell and Snelson decided to do a finding activity together. We decided to do "chalk talk". With chalk talk you draw out the plan of salvation and GQ people who walk by. The pictures are a great teaching tool. We found a part of the sidewalk that we thought would be perfect for our finding. We were just about finished drawing a huge plan of salvation when a cop drove by and stopped with his lights on. My heart sank. I hate getting in trouble. I thought it was pretty hilarious watching the people watch us. Four cute, little, sister missionaries getting in trouble for drawing a plan of salvation on the sidewalk with chalk. It turns out that the cop was just a park cop and he had no idea if what we were doing was legal or not. So, we invited him to the VC and decided that next time we do chalk talk we would make sure that we weren't doing anything illegal.
Well, life keeps going. I am happy and healthy. I love the Lord and I pray that He will fill me with pure love as I serve.
Love, Sister Hogge
p.s. Melanie!!! Happy 21st Birthday!! I am so proud of you. I love you.
There has been a great heat wave on the east coast. It has been beautiful, spring time weather. A few days ago we were freezing in the low 20's and now we are loving the low 70's. To celebrate we went to downtown DC today with some other missionaries. It was perfect weather, a little on the windy side, but beautiful! We went to the Botanical Gardens, the Space Museum, and the National Art Gallery. I really enjoy coming to DC. It was Sister McEwan's first time in the city as a "tourist" and of course she loved every bit of it. She is an energetic and spontaneous person. I just enjoy watching her. She is doing really well. I am so proud of the missionary that she is becoming. I feel that I am learning more from her than she is learning from me. I have learned how to be aware of my surroundings, how to better serve, and love people. I'm grateful for the growing experiences that I have had with her.
We had yet another Combined District Meeting this last week. CDM's are always my favorite meetings because I learn so much, they are fun, and we get to be interviewed by President Mansell. During my interview he talked about building the kingdom through helping young single adults be baptized and get married in the temple. He mentioned that it is one of the best ways we can build the kingdom. I guess I had never thought of it that way. I have a feeling that I won't be in the singles ward for much longer. I have been serving in the singles ward for almost 6 months now and I love the singles. I have made lasting friendships and I have learned from their examples and their love.
This past Sunday was the first Sunday back for all of the singles in the ward. It was great to see them, I had missed them during the holiday season. It was fast and testimony meeting. Florence (a recent convert that we see every week) bore her testimony and mentioned that it was her one-year anniversary of her baptism. I have seen her grow leaps and bounds in the past 6 months. She is preparing herself to enter the temple. I talked with her on Sunday and she told me that she was so full of joy, she absoultely beamed. I love her.
Revi was supposed to be baptized on Sunday, but the baptism fell through. I love Revi so much my heart just aches for her happiness. We met with her yesterday and she basically told us that she wasn't ready for baptism and she didn't even know if she wanted to be baptized. She wants an answer from the Lord and she is putting so much energy into receiving a confirmation that this is Jesus Christ's ONLY true church, but she feels that all the answers she has received have been contrary to her joining the church. She was in tears and my heart broke for her. I want her to have this joy. After much prayer and thought we told her that we would give her her space and keep in touch with her. As we ended our appointment with her I felt peace and I knew that the Lord would take care of Revi and that everything would be okay. I know that she had a strong relationship with Heavenly Father in the pre-existence and I know that He loves her and knows her better than we do. I am grateful that I know that this is Jesus Christ's church and I'm excited for the day that Revi will be baptized.
Courtney came into the VC with her friend, also named Courtney, who was recently baptized. It was wonderful to sit and talk with Courtney. I have missed her. She will be receving her patriarchal blessing at the beginning of February. She loves working with the missionaries in her ward in Salisburg, Maryland. She hopes to be able to transfer to BYU soon with her friend. I hope to spend some more time with her this month before she leaves to go back to school. It is always a blessing to know that those you love are still strong in the church and are building great and solid testimonies.
We went to Macaroni Grill last night, one of my favorite resturants. It was delicious! I will miss eating out all the time with the singles. They really know how to spoil missionaries because they are all returned missionaries.
Funny story: Sister McEwan and I along with Sisters Maxwell and Snelson decided to do a finding activity together. We decided to do "chalk talk". With chalk talk you draw out the plan of salvation and GQ people who walk by. The pictures are a great teaching tool. We found a part of the sidewalk that we thought would be perfect for our finding. We were just about finished drawing a huge plan of salvation when a cop drove by and stopped with his lights on. My heart sank. I hate getting in trouble. I thought it was pretty hilarious watching the people watch us. Four cute, little, sister missionaries getting in trouble for drawing a plan of salvation on the sidewalk with chalk. It turns out that the cop was just a park cop and he had no idea if what we were doing was legal or not. So, we invited him to the VC and decided that next time we do chalk talk we would make sure that we weren't doing anything illegal.
Well, life keeps going. I am happy and healthy. I love the Lord and I pray that He will fill me with pure love as I serve.
Love, Sister Hogge
p.s. Melanie!!! Happy 21st Birthday!! I am so proud of you. I love you.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
1 January 2008
Happy New Year!!
The weather has taken a turn on us suddenly and I can't feel my hands...hoping I can type. I am excited for the new year. A new year always means new goals and exciting things to come. To celebrate the new year Sister McEwan and I along with our roommates went to the Spanish sisters apartment in our apartment building and counted down to 11:15pm. Because of Festival we get home later and have to be in bed by 11:30pm instead of 10:30pm. We brought over New Year's hats and the senior couples who heard about our 11:15pm celebration brought us some Martinelli's to celebrate with. I have learned that missionaries are the best at amusing themselves...we do it so well. At 11:29pm we ran back to the apartment to say prayers and go to bed. I guess I had a really long prayer because by the time I was done it was 11:59pm after which I sat and looked at the clock until it said 12:00am. HAPPY NEW YEAR! A very exciting evening indeed.
The Festival of Lights is officially done. We ended last night. I will miss it. I have never seen so many miracles in one month. We were blessed with over 4,000 people who said "Yes" to a missionary visit along with a Book of Mormon or other gift, like a DVD. I have decided that I love people!! I loved being with so many people whose hearts were softened because of the Christmas season and who came to us! I have never felt so close to my Savior during the holiday season. The Lord definitely knew what He was doing when He sent me to the VC. I love serving as a VC sister. Never in my life have I felt so exhausted and so happy. My body is completely done! The Lord has been so merciful in giving us not only spiritual strength, but physical as well. Last night as everyone was leaving the VC I spent the last minute of Festival looking at our beautiful temple through our temple window. The temple and the Christmas lights are beautiful together, but even more beautiful is the reflection of the Christus in the middle of it all. It is always a reminder to me that because of Jesus Christ we can feel joy and peace.
It's time to get back to our area. We had our first appointment in two weeks this last week. Our area is pretty dead, but as we are ready and willing to work and trust in the Lord, He will help us. People are beginning to trickle back into town. We saw Erica this last week. She is happy and excited to be baptized. We talked about her conversion and I was amazed with her level of conversion to following Jesus Christ. I am happy for her and I love her. Revi is supposed to be baptized this Sunday, but isn't sure when she'll be back into town. Please keep her in your prayers.
My heart is full. I am healthy (for the most part) and happy and I love being a servant of the Lord! Hope you all have a beautiful week. We are so blessed.
With love, Sister Hogge
The weather has taken a turn on us suddenly and I can't feel my hands...hoping I can type. I am excited for the new year. A new year always means new goals and exciting things to come. To celebrate the new year Sister McEwan and I along with our roommates went to the Spanish sisters apartment in our apartment building and counted down to 11:15pm. Because of Festival we get home later and have to be in bed by 11:30pm instead of 10:30pm. We brought over New Year's hats and the senior couples who heard about our 11:15pm celebration brought us some Martinelli's to celebrate with. I have learned that missionaries are the best at amusing themselves...we do it so well. At 11:29pm we ran back to the apartment to say prayers and go to bed. I guess I had a really long prayer because by the time I was done it was 11:59pm after which I sat and looked at the clock until it said 12:00am. HAPPY NEW YEAR! A very exciting evening indeed.
The Festival of Lights is officially done. We ended last night. I will miss it. I have never seen so many miracles in one month. We were blessed with over 4,000 people who said "Yes" to a missionary visit along with a Book of Mormon or other gift, like a DVD. I have decided that I love people!! I loved being with so many people whose hearts were softened because of the Christmas season and who came to us! I have never felt so close to my Savior during the holiday season. The Lord definitely knew what He was doing when He sent me to the VC. I love serving as a VC sister. Never in my life have I felt so exhausted and so happy. My body is completely done! The Lord has been so merciful in giving us not only spiritual strength, but physical as well. Last night as everyone was leaving the VC I spent the last minute of Festival looking at our beautiful temple through our temple window. The temple and the Christmas lights are beautiful together, but even more beautiful is the reflection of the Christus in the middle of it all. It is always a reminder to me that because of Jesus Christ we can feel joy and peace.
It's time to get back to our area. We had our first appointment in two weeks this last week. Our area is pretty dead, but as we are ready and willing to work and trust in the Lord, He will help us. People are beginning to trickle back into town. We saw Erica this last week. She is happy and excited to be baptized. We talked about her conversion and I was amazed with her level of conversion to following Jesus Christ. I am happy for her and I love her. Revi is supposed to be baptized this Sunday, but isn't sure when she'll be back into town. Please keep her in your prayers.
My heart is full. I am healthy (for the most part) and happy and I love being a servant of the Lord! Hope you all have a beautiful week. We are so blessed.
With love, Sister Hogge
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
26 December 2007
Merry Christmas!
The day after Christmas has always been hard for me... but there is still so much to look forward to with Festival of Lights. We still have an entire week to work hard and to celebrate the birth of our Savior. I'm grateful that we can always celebrate His birth by the way we live and by how we do our best to become more like Him.
I love my family! Talking with them made my day. I am so grateful that I am so close with my family. They are my best friends. After I got off the phone last night I thanked my Heavenly Father for sending me to such a wonderful family. I feel so blessed to have a family who love one another and most importantly who love the Lord and desire to put Him first in their lives. We have a great responsibility to uplift those around us and to emulate the love of our Savior to our brothers and sisters. Where much is given, much is required.
For those of you who I did not talk with yesterday here are a few details of my week... We have been busier than I have ever been with Festival of Lights. I feel it a blessing to be so busy during the Christmas season. It keeps me focused. Christmas Eve was a beautiful day. We had district meeting in the morning. Our district now consists of 6 elders and 2 sisters. We are grateful for our elders and they are successful and happy missionaries. After district meeting we went caroling with two zones. We went to downtown DC and sang at the Friendship Heights Metro entrance. I have never seen so many people smile at missionaries in downtown DC. They really loved us. It's amazing what the Christmas spirit and a little music can do for the soul. We passed out Christmas VHS copies and flyers for Festival. There were about 20-30 missionaries.
After caroling we went straight to the VC for Festival. There were eight of us VC sisters who are a part of the Christmas program. We have been practicing for two months! The music consisted of a Spanish piece, "I Wonder As I Wander", "When Mary Sang Her Lullaby", "Psalm 100", and "What Child is This?". We also included a violin part for one of the pieces and two harps accompanied our last piece. It was a beautiful program. We had two sisters also write a Christmas narration. Sister Baxter was the narrator and everyone loved her English accent. Our main focus of the program was the Savior and there was a beautiful spirit that was felt by all. We had only planned on performing twice, but there were so many people that we had a third performance. Everyone loved it! We had people asking Elder Child if we have to participate in musical auditions to be a missionary at the VC and if we were going to be making a CD. It was cute. The Lord definitely qualifies those He calls. After everyone left the VC, we closed the VC and we performed once more for all of the sisters. After the performance we went upstairs to the Christus where we listened to a Christmas story and were given Christmas gifts from the VC trainers. We also listened to the Christus narration and never before had the words touched my heart like they did Christmas Eve. I am grateful for my Savior. By the time we got to bed it was almost 12:30 a.m. We were completely exhausted, but grateful for a great night.
Christmas day was also beautiful. I had hoped for snow, but it felt more like a California Christmas. Waking up on Christmas day was just as magical as it was when we were kids. Santa made a visit to our apartment. He doesn't forget the missionaries. We opened some gifts and got ready for the day. Sister McEwan and I had breakfast at the Miller's home and opened our remaining gifts at their house. I love the Millers...they now how to take care of missionaries. We then had lunch at Bishop Bryan's home with the elders in our ward. Bishop lives in Potomac in a beautiful countryside home. Sister Bryan made a delicious lunch and we talked about Christmas memories and watched the Christmas program by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. We had my favorite dessert, cheesecake! Yummy! I love Bishop Bryan and his family. They are good people and they love the Lord.
After lunch we hurried back to the VC and I skipped dinner and took a nap on the floor in a room by the main theater. It was the best nap I have ever had! We got ready for our remaining performances and were surprised to get two more full crowds. It was great! Most of the people who came on Christmas day were foreign. It was great to see so many people at the VC. I feel so grateful to have Festival of Lights for Christmas.
Just as the night was winding down Courtney came into the VC to surprise me! Courtney was baptized in Olney. She is doing so well and has even helped her friend be baptized! She will be in town until the end of January. It was so good to see her.
I hope that you all had a beautiful Christmas. We are so blessed with the knowledge of a plan of happiness and we are especially blessed to have a Savior. May His love fill your hearts not just during the Christmas season, but through the new year.
All my love, Sister Hogge
p.s. I LOVE MY FAMILY!!!
The day after Christmas has always been hard for me... but there is still so much to look forward to with Festival of Lights. We still have an entire week to work hard and to celebrate the birth of our Savior. I'm grateful that we can always celebrate His birth by the way we live and by how we do our best to become more like Him.
I love my family! Talking with them made my day. I am so grateful that I am so close with my family. They are my best friends. After I got off the phone last night I thanked my Heavenly Father for sending me to such a wonderful family. I feel so blessed to have a family who love one another and most importantly who love the Lord and desire to put Him first in their lives. We have a great responsibility to uplift those around us and to emulate the love of our Savior to our brothers and sisters. Where much is given, much is required.
For those of you who I did not talk with yesterday here are a few details of my week... We have been busier than I have ever been with Festival of Lights. I feel it a blessing to be so busy during the Christmas season. It keeps me focused. Christmas Eve was a beautiful day. We had district meeting in the morning. Our district now consists of 6 elders and 2 sisters. We are grateful for our elders and they are successful and happy missionaries. After district meeting we went caroling with two zones. We went to downtown DC and sang at the Friendship Heights Metro entrance. I have never seen so many people smile at missionaries in downtown DC. They really loved us. It's amazing what the Christmas spirit and a little music can do for the soul. We passed out Christmas VHS copies and flyers for Festival. There were about 20-30 missionaries.
After caroling we went straight to the VC for Festival. There were eight of us VC sisters who are a part of the Christmas program. We have been practicing for two months! The music consisted of a Spanish piece, "I Wonder As I Wander", "When Mary Sang Her Lullaby", "Psalm 100", and "What Child is This?". We also included a violin part for one of the pieces and two harps accompanied our last piece. It was a beautiful program. We had two sisters also write a Christmas narration. Sister Baxter was the narrator and everyone loved her English accent. Our main focus of the program was the Savior and there was a beautiful spirit that was felt by all. We had only planned on performing twice, but there were so many people that we had a third performance. Everyone loved it! We had people asking Elder Child if we have to participate in musical auditions to be a missionary at the VC and if we were going to be making a CD. It was cute. The Lord definitely qualifies those He calls. After everyone left the VC, we closed the VC and we performed once more for all of the sisters. After the performance we went upstairs to the Christus where we listened to a Christmas story and were given Christmas gifts from the VC trainers. We also listened to the Christus narration and never before had the words touched my heart like they did Christmas Eve. I am grateful for my Savior. By the time we got to bed it was almost 12:30 a.m. We were completely exhausted, but grateful for a great night.
Christmas day was also beautiful. I had hoped for snow, but it felt more like a California Christmas. Waking up on Christmas day was just as magical as it was when we were kids. Santa made a visit to our apartment. He doesn't forget the missionaries. We opened some gifts and got ready for the day. Sister McEwan and I had breakfast at the Miller's home and opened our remaining gifts at their house. I love the Millers...they now how to take care of missionaries. We then had lunch at Bishop Bryan's home with the elders in our ward. Bishop lives in Potomac in a beautiful countryside home. Sister Bryan made a delicious lunch and we talked about Christmas memories and watched the Christmas program by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. We had my favorite dessert, cheesecake! Yummy! I love Bishop Bryan and his family. They are good people and they love the Lord.
After lunch we hurried back to the VC and I skipped dinner and took a nap on the floor in a room by the main theater. It was the best nap I have ever had! We got ready for our remaining performances and were surprised to get two more full crowds. It was great! Most of the people who came on Christmas day were foreign. It was great to see so many people at the VC. I feel so grateful to have Festival of Lights for Christmas.
Just as the night was winding down Courtney came into the VC to surprise me! Courtney was baptized in Olney. She is doing so well and has even helped her friend be baptized! She will be in town until the end of January. It was so good to see her.
I hope that you all had a beautiful Christmas. We are so blessed with the knowledge of a plan of happiness and we are especially blessed to have a Savior. May His love fill your hearts not just during the Christmas season, but through the new year.
All my love, Sister Hogge
p.s. I LOVE MY FAMILY!!!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
19 December 2007
Merry Christmas!
Although I am very far from the many friends and family that I love so dearly, I am grateful to be serving the Lord this Christmas. It has already been a wonderful and beautiful experience for me, one which I will never forget.
This past week I have felt many of my highest highs and my lowest lows. I have been thinking about what Christmas means to me now as a missionary. I was reading in the Ensign, an article by Elder Maxwell entitled, "Jesus of Nazareth, Savior and King". As I read the article everything clicked for me. It's as if I had never understood the true meaning of Christmas before, even though I thought I understood, now I really understand. This is such a wonderful time of year because we are remembering the greatest gift that has ever been given to us, the gift of our Heavenly Father's Son, Jesus Christ. Never before has this hit me as it did this past week. I feel that I finally know why I feel so wonderful at Christmas time because I now understand why I desperately need this gift from my Heavenly Father. I need my Savior because without Him I cannot progress, I cannot live with my loved ones and my future loved ones forever, and I cannot become what I desire to be. Without this gift I am nothing! Mosiah 4:11-12. I am so grateful for the gift of our Heavenly Father's Son. I am grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ. May we all remember Him this Christmas and resolve to better ourselves and center our lives around Him.
Everyone has gone home! All of our investigators, recent converts, and most members! We will be combining with a family ward for the next two Sundays. We are blessed to have the VC and we are loving our time there. I feel with my new perspective on Christmas, I am a more effective missionary. Erica and Abraham are both doing well. Erica is still scheduled to be baptized on March 2nd. She told me on Sunday that she wants to be married and sealed in the temple. She also told me how excited she is for me to attend the baptisms of her own children. Abraham is blessing his family. They are seeing the changes in him and they are very pleased with his dedication to the Lord. Abraham also told me that he wants to begin preparing himself to serve the Lord as a missionary. He loves teaching others about the gospel and he loves the Lord. He will be a wonderful missionary. The joys of this work are so sweet and beautiful. I am grateful.
Revi is also doing well. We had a wonderful lesson with her this past week. Adam, her boyfriend, was also present for the lesson. He is the friend that currently attends Harvard and is a faithful member of the church who also worked in the MTC teaching. It was wonderful to have him there. We really appreciate him and how he faithfully supports Revi. I shared with Revi part of Dad's letter that he recently sent about his love for Christmas and his testimony. I shared my own new thoughts about Christmas and our Savior. We set a new baptismal date with her for January 6th. I have never felt such love as I did for Revi that day. I feel that the Lord blessed me with an incredibly small portion of the love that He feels for her. Please keep her in your prayers as she has already left town for the holidays with her family in southern California and will be away for some time. We have invited her to read the entire Book of Mormon while she is gone and Adam will be doing the same. She also came with us to the VC that night and loved it! I love her so much and only desire for her happiness.
We had zone conference yesterday. It was a conference full of Christmas music and the spoken word. It was a beautiful program and I was grateful to be able to share my testimony through song. I have really felt the impact of this gift that Heavenly Father has given me recently. One of the pieces I sang was a duet called "Christ Child". I love singing about Christmas and I especially love singing about our Savior. The spoken word was also wonderful. President Mansell shared his thoughts of Christmas and the importance of beginning Christmas traditions within our own families that will enable our children to become stronger disciples of Jesus Christ. They shared a Christmas tradition of love with us. They are wonderful. I will always be grateful for the impact that the Mansells have had on my life, I love them. Food after the conference was a delicious Christmas feast, all catered. We had ribs! I was so excited that we were fulfilling a family tradition of my own. President also had peppermint ice cream made from Cold Stone just for us! It was delicious! We are so spoiled and most importantly we are very blessed.
Funny story: This past Sunday a jazz band came to perform at the VC. They played Big Band Christmas music, my absolute favorite! I was able to usher for the performance and I loved every minute of it. They also had guest singers, one of which was Sam Warren, an original member of The Drifters. I had met Brother Warren before and wanted to take a picture with him after the concert. I thanked him for his performance that really made my Christmas season wonderful and before I knew it he gave me a big hug. I was so excited I didn't know what to do, so I hugged him back. It was hilarious! He is a cute, old man, completely harmless. Never in my life would I have thought that the one man who would hug me on my mission would be Sam Warren!
Christmas has always been a special time for me. I have always loved Christmas, however, now I will love it in a different way. I am so grateful for my testimony of my Savior. I love Him and hope that I can bring the gift of the restored gospel to prepared souls, my brothers and sisters. May the Lord bless all of you, my loved ones, during this beautiful Christmas season. May our focus remain on Him throughout the year. I know that the joy, peace, and happiness of Christmas comes from within and only comes because there was One greater than us all who was willing to sacrifice His perfect life to redeem us. I love Him and I love you.
Merry Christmas!
With love, Sister Hogge
Although I am very far from the many friends and family that I love so dearly, I am grateful to be serving the Lord this Christmas. It has already been a wonderful and beautiful experience for me, one which I will never forget.
This past week I have felt many of my highest highs and my lowest lows. I have been thinking about what Christmas means to me now as a missionary. I was reading in the Ensign, an article by Elder Maxwell entitled, "Jesus of Nazareth, Savior and King". As I read the article everything clicked for me. It's as if I had never understood the true meaning of Christmas before, even though I thought I understood, now I really understand. This is such a wonderful time of year because we are remembering the greatest gift that has ever been given to us, the gift of our Heavenly Father's Son, Jesus Christ. Never before has this hit me as it did this past week. I feel that I finally know why I feel so wonderful at Christmas time because I now understand why I desperately need this gift from my Heavenly Father. I need my Savior because without Him I cannot progress, I cannot live with my loved ones and my future loved ones forever, and I cannot become what I desire to be. Without this gift I am nothing! Mosiah 4:11-12. I am so grateful for the gift of our Heavenly Father's Son. I am grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ. May we all remember Him this Christmas and resolve to better ourselves and center our lives around Him.
Everyone has gone home! All of our investigators, recent converts, and most members! We will be combining with a family ward for the next two Sundays. We are blessed to have the VC and we are loving our time there. I feel with my new perspective on Christmas, I am a more effective missionary. Erica and Abraham are both doing well. Erica is still scheduled to be baptized on March 2nd. She told me on Sunday that she wants to be married and sealed in the temple. She also told me how excited she is for me to attend the baptisms of her own children. Abraham is blessing his family. They are seeing the changes in him and they are very pleased with his dedication to the Lord. Abraham also told me that he wants to begin preparing himself to serve the Lord as a missionary. He loves teaching others about the gospel and he loves the Lord. He will be a wonderful missionary. The joys of this work are so sweet and beautiful. I am grateful.
Revi is also doing well. We had a wonderful lesson with her this past week. Adam, her boyfriend, was also present for the lesson. He is the friend that currently attends Harvard and is a faithful member of the church who also worked in the MTC teaching. It was wonderful to have him there. We really appreciate him and how he faithfully supports Revi. I shared with Revi part of Dad's letter that he recently sent about his love for Christmas and his testimony. I shared my own new thoughts about Christmas and our Savior. We set a new baptismal date with her for January 6th. I have never felt such love as I did for Revi that day. I feel that the Lord blessed me with an incredibly small portion of the love that He feels for her. Please keep her in your prayers as she has already left town for the holidays with her family in southern California and will be away for some time. We have invited her to read the entire Book of Mormon while she is gone and Adam will be doing the same. She also came with us to the VC that night and loved it! I love her so much and only desire for her happiness.
We had zone conference yesterday. It was a conference full of Christmas music and the spoken word. It was a beautiful program and I was grateful to be able to share my testimony through song. I have really felt the impact of this gift that Heavenly Father has given me recently. One of the pieces I sang was a duet called "Christ Child". I love singing about Christmas and I especially love singing about our Savior. The spoken word was also wonderful. President Mansell shared his thoughts of Christmas and the importance of beginning Christmas traditions within our own families that will enable our children to become stronger disciples of Jesus Christ. They shared a Christmas tradition of love with us. They are wonderful. I will always be grateful for the impact that the Mansells have had on my life, I love them. Food after the conference was a delicious Christmas feast, all catered. We had ribs! I was so excited that we were fulfilling a family tradition of my own. President also had peppermint ice cream made from Cold Stone just for us! It was delicious! We are so spoiled and most importantly we are very blessed.
Funny story: This past Sunday a jazz band came to perform at the VC. They played Big Band Christmas music, my absolute favorite! I was able to usher for the performance and I loved every minute of it. They also had guest singers, one of which was Sam Warren, an original member of The Drifters. I had met Brother Warren before and wanted to take a picture with him after the concert. I thanked him for his performance that really made my Christmas season wonderful and before I knew it he gave me a big hug. I was so excited I didn't know what to do, so I hugged him back. It was hilarious! He is a cute, old man, completely harmless. Never in my life would I have thought that the one man who would hug me on my mission would be Sam Warren!
Christmas has always been a special time for me. I have always loved Christmas, however, now I will love it in a different way. I am so grateful for my testimony of my Savior. I love Him and hope that I can bring the gift of the restored gospel to prepared souls, my brothers and sisters. May the Lord bless all of you, my loved ones, during this beautiful Christmas season. May our focus remain on Him throughout the year. I know that the joy, peace, and happiness of Christmas comes from within and only comes because there was One greater than us all who was willing to sacrifice His perfect life to redeem us. I love Him and I love you.
Merry Christmas!
With love, Sister Hogge
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