Family and Friends!!!
This is my last prep day here at the MTC. Excitement is HIGH!!! I am sooooo pumped to get out into the mission field!! Yesterday, all the missionaries departing next week had In Field Orientation. It was a 13 hour learning day full of workshops, missionary experiences, and a fun play at the end. I feel much more prepared for getting out into the field. Whenever we would do roleplays with other missionaries, they commented on how excited I was about the gospel. I cant help but to be enthusiastic when talkin about this wonderful gift from God!!! I hope I can keep this enthusiasm as I stutter to get the right words out in Spanish. But I know the Lord will bless me for my efforts. Yesterday I learned something really cool. Miracles are the natural result of the correct application of true, eternal principals. I know the Lord is going to use me as a tool to accomplish wonderful things. Theres no saying what will actually happen in New York, but I have faith that the work will continue.
Dad, I got your email. I'll try the Visa and if not I'll make a collect call to home. Hearing about the passing of Lari is very sad. I know its hard on the Smith family. I am so grateful for the plan of salvation!!! Having been able to learn about this marvelous plan and teach it to people has really strengthened my testimony on it. I know that she is definitely in a better place now.
Mom, thanks for sharing my music with Grandma West!! I'm so glad that she is proud of me. If she is still around when I get back, I'd LOVE to be able to play some music for her some day. I know she would just love that. About sending things to New York, for now just send everything to the mission office. By now i wouldnt recieve any "Dear Elders" sent to the MTC so dad If you could put my New York address up on the blog that would be great! For now on, send everything to NY cuz I'll only be here till early early monday morning. As far as a NY street address for where Im living, I still have no idea. So by next week I will be able to let you all know where I'll be. Mom, I dunno about the heated blanket yet. If I feel a severe need for one, Ill be sure to letcha know. As far as fast food, I will be more than glad to letcha know where all the fast food places are. I can imagine why you would want to know that mother :) Oh yeah, if you could send more of the Vitamin C gummies that would be fantastic. Theyre actually quite good. And they may have been eaten quicker than usual because others in my district knew how good they were....... Anyways yeah those would be awesome. Oh yeah, my laundry hamper bit the dust today. It just didnt handle the strain of laundry every week.... So ill take a picture and send it to mish mall as soon as possible. If you could send me the Mish mall address that would be great.
So I still have some time left on my email. Send me an email today and I could shoot a quick reply by tonight. Any questions or whatever you wanna know I can answer. Ill talk to you all soon!!
Love, Elder Hogge
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Some Pictures from the MTC
Elder Verhagen fell asleep in class. I couldn't help myself.
Holding the Provo sun.
Elder Bawden. He is serving in Sacramento now! One of the best elders I met.
The elders in my district. Yeah, we're awesome.
Elder Verhagen, me, Elder Chappell, Elder Moore
Monday, December 26, 2011
Spencer's New York Address
Spencer will be traveling to New York on Monday, January 2, 2012.
So it's about time to start sending letters to his mission.
The mission address is:
Elder Spencer Hogge
New York New York City South Mission
85-69 60th Dr
Elmhurst, NY 11373-5547
So it's about time to start sending letters to his mission.
The mission address is:
Elder Spencer Hogge
New York New York City South Mission
85-69 60th Dr
Elmhurst, NY 11373-5547
Surprise!!
Feliz Navidad!!!
Though I wont be able to call, I get to write a short email home on this Christmas evening. Today has been quite the day. Not a typical Christmas, and I miss being home very much, but all is well. Mother, I recieved your package Friday evening. Thank you so much for the wonderful tie, tie tack, stamps, tim tams, and most especially the photo albums. I've had the pictures close to my side all day, keeping my family and friends as near and dear as possible because I am spending this Christmas apart. Last night, the MTC presidency played the old "Christmas Carol" for all the missionaries. (The one with the old guy.... something Scott I think is the actor's name). Wasn't a Muppet's Christmas Carol, but it sufficed. Today has been good. We had a massive sacrament meeting, with the sacrament being passed to 2120 missionaries in about 15 minutes total. And then the presiding General Authority, Elder David A. Bednar, gave a marvelous talk on true conversion to the Lord. That has been my most favorite part of the day yet. The meals have been somewhat depressing, granted it is Christmas and most of the meal staff is home with family. So I completely understand. Just watched a 1 1/2 hour Motab broadcast featuring some singer named Sissel. It was good, but i had trouble staying awake because of the chronic exhaustion felt at the MTC. At 7 there will be a christmas devotional, followed by a film (I'm guessing they'll have us watch Mr. Kreuger's Christmas) and that'll be the day. I dearly hope you all have experienced a marvelous Christmas thusfar.
I will not lie, it has been rough being away from family on this occasion, but I will not feel sorry for myself. The reason I am here is to serve the Lord with all my heart, might, mind, and strength. As I endeavor to become truly converted to the Lord, I learn of how little this mission is about me, and how very much it is about completing the Savior's will. Though I do not fully understand the true nature of the Atonement of our Brother Jesus Christ, I do understand that my purpose is to bring souls unto him and help them apply the effects of this atonement in their lives. Elder Bednar said that I will be the greatest convert to the Savior on my mission, but only if I forget myself and lead others to Him. I tend to think of myself too much at the expense of missing chances to help others. I know that one of the greatest ways I or anyone can come unto the Lord is through true charity, turning outward when the natural man would turn inward. When circumstance aren't going my way, it can be so easy to just feel pity for myself. But my older Brother, Jesus Christ, never did that. He was always turning outward to help those in need. I know that one of the greatest gifts I can give Him for the duration of my mission and my life is to turn outward when I would so naturally turn inward. If I forget myself and go to work, I know the Lord will bless so many people in the New York area. I cant see the full extent of my actions, but Christ can. I have a firm testimony that He will guide me and comfort me as I seek to complete His will. Though even if I gave everything to Him, I know I would still not even come close to repaying Him for the greatest gift mankind has recieved. But that fact will not stop me from doing all I can to accomplish His will.
Family and Friends, I love you so very much. I exhort you to think of Christ in everything you do, even after the holiday season. This will lead you to outward actions that bless the lives of others. In doing so, the Lord will bless you because of your faithfulness and willingness to come unto Him. Never forget the Savior. If you dont have a testimony of His love and Atonement, actively do all you can to seek it. And if you do have a testimony of it, actively do all you can to apply it to your life. I promise that the Lord will pour out His blessings as we come unto Him. He love us so very much.
Thank you for being magnificent examples. I hope your Christmas has been fabulous and that this day has come unto Him even more. I will email on Saturday (being my final p-day in the MTC). I love you all, and talk to you soon :)
Love, Elder Hogge
Though I wont be able to call, I get to write a short email home on this Christmas evening. Today has been quite the day. Not a typical Christmas, and I miss being home very much, but all is well. Mother, I recieved your package Friday evening. Thank you so much for the wonderful tie, tie tack, stamps, tim tams, and most especially the photo albums. I've had the pictures close to my side all day, keeping my family and friends as near and dear as possible because I am spending this Christmas apart. Last night, the MTC presidency played the old "Christmas Carol" for all the missionaries. (The one with the old guy.... something Scott I think is the actor's name). Wasn't a Muppet's Christmas Carol, but it sufficed. Today has been good. We had a massive sacrament meeting, with the sacrament being passed to 2120 missionaries in about 15 minutes total. And then the presiding General Authority, Elder David A. Bednar, gave a marvelous talk on true conversion to the Lord. That has been my most favorite part of the day yet. The meals have been somewhat depressing, granted it is Christmas and most of the meal staff is home with family. So I completely understand. Just watched a 1 1/2 hour Motab broadcast featuring some singer named Sissel. It was good, but i had trouble staying awake because of the chronic exhaustion felt at the MTC. At 7 there will be a christmas devotional, followed by a film (I'm guessing they'll have us watch Mr. Kreuger's Christmas) and that'll be the day. I dearly hope you all have experienced a marvelous Christmas thusfar.
I will not lie, it has been rough being away from family on this occasion, but I will not feel sorry for myself. The reason I am here is to serve the Lord with all my heart, might, mind, and strength. As I endeavor to become truly converted to the Lord, I learn of how little this mission is about me, and how very much it is about completing the Savior's will. Though I do not fully understand the true nature of the Atonement of our Brother Jesus Christ, I do understand that my purpose is to bring souls unto him and help them apply the effects of this atonement in their lives. Elder Bednar said that I will be the greatest convert to the Savior on my mission, but only if I forget myself and lead others to Him. I tend to think of myself too much at the expense of missing chances to help others. I know that one of the greatest ways I or anyone can come unto the Lord is through true charity, turning outward when the natural man would turn inward. When circumstance aren't going my way, it can be so easy to just feel pity for myself. But my older Brother, Jesus Christ, never did that. He was always turning outward to help those in need. I know that one of the greatest gifts I can give Him for the duration of my mission and my life is to turn outward when I would so naturally turn inward. If I forget myself and go to work, I know the Lord will bless so many people in the New York area. I cant see the full extent of my actions, but Christ can. I have a firm testimony that He will guide me and comfort me as I seek to complete His will. Though even if I gave everything to Him, I know I would still not even come close to repaying Him for the greatest gift mankind has recieved. But that fact will not stop me from doing all I can to accomplish His will.
Family and Friends, I love you so very much. I exhort you to think of Christ in everything you do, even after the holiday season. This will lead you to outward actions that bless the lives of others. In doing so, the Lord will bless you because of your faithfulness and willingness to come unto Him. Never forget the Savior. If you dont have a testimony of His love and Atonement, actively do all you can to seek it. And if you do have a testimony of it, actively do all you can to apply it to your life. I promise that the Lord will pour out His blessings as we come unto Him. He love us so very much.
Thank you for being magnificent examples. I hope your Christmas has been fabulous and that this day has come unto Him even more. I will email on Saturday (being my final p-day in the MTC). I love you all, and talk to you soon :)
Love, Elder Hogge
Friday, December 23, 2011
Christmas Time is Here!!
Hello family and friends!
How are yall doin? Its christmas time!! What a wonderful time of year! I am so grateful for this chance to be here to celebrate the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. Besides it being the season of giving, Not much has happened here in the past week. Only a little over a week till Im in the field. How Exciting!!!
Willie, thanks for the dear elder. Ill get a letter sent out asap. so no worries :)
Dad, I got my travel plans yesterday. I have a flight on the 2nd of January at 7:30 am from Salt lake to Detroit. ETA at Detroit will be 1:06 pm. I have a layover of about an hour then leave from Detroit at 2:20 pm to New York Laguardia at 4:22 pm. I'll be flying delta. Such an exciting thing to get travel plans! Ive been here for eight weeks and sometimes it has felt like im never getting out of here haha. But Im grateful for the MTC and the experience its brought me. I am also grateful that Hilly could make it home safe. Not everyday that you think you've landed in the wrong city or even state. It'll be weird not heading back home to be with the family on christmas day. I've been reading Jesus the Christ lately. What an amazing book!! I'm on page 286. So I read those chapters a couple weeks ago. Reading that book by Talmage has shed such a new light on the Life and Ministery of our Savior. It has helped me undersand what it might have been like living in the time of Christ. Thank you so much for your commentary on the relationship between Mary and Jesus. I have never really thought about that. This will definitely be a special Christmas for sure. It's weird to think that after this I only have one more Christmas in the field. Love you pops.
Mom, I haven't recieved the package yet. I know thats not what you wanted to hear but I'm sure I'll get it soon :) I hope you all have a marvelous experience at the temple. I really do miss going with you every week. That was a main highlight of my preparation for my mission. Later today, I have the opportunity to clean the Provo Temple! I am so excited to be doing this service and I cant think of a better place to be able to spend my time cleaning :) Thats so cool that you saw Brittany and Bethany at target!! Next time you see Britt be sure to give her a big hug for me :) she's been fantastic with writing me and making me feel appreciated on the mission. Its funny that Judge Nick didnt know I would be serving for two years. I guess it seems very different to people. Please tell him that I am so very excited for this awsome experience and that I know it will bless my life. Also, I know that the Lord is using me to bless the lives of others. Such a beautiful feeling. Tell Nick I say hi and that I invite him to come to church and experience the joy that we get to have on a weekly basis :) I'm so glad that your in contact with the Cahills. Having Hermana Cahill and her companion Hermana Madsen in our district is such a great blessing!!! Elders tend to be 19 year olds sometimes and its awesome having hermanas that bring up the maturity and focus level. They are the reason our district is so in line. Tell Hermana Cahill's mom that she has been a great example to everyone in the district. I will continually have the Nius in my prayers. It must be such a difficult time for them right now. But thats why being apart of the Lord's church is such a blessing. We will never, ever, ever be alone. He knows exactly what we have been through and He wants us to be happy in this life :)
All in all, life is fantastic!! I miss you all so much, and its tough being away from you at this time of year. Its a new experience for sure. But I know that what I'm doing is for the Lord and that He will use me to bring others unto him. For this I am so grateful!!! Remember to have a heart of giving, just as our Savior did. I know that He lived on this earth for us and that He loves us all so dearly!! Likewise, I love all of you so much!! Have a fantastic Navidad, and I'll talk to ya soon :)
Love, Elder Hogge
How are yall doin? Its christmas time!! What a wonderful time of year! I am so grateful for this chance to be here to celebrate the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. Besides it being the season of giving, Not much has happened here in the past week. Only a little over a week till Im in the field. How Exciting!!!
Willie, thanks for the dear elder. Ill get a letter sent out asap. so no worries :)
Dad, I got my travel plans yesterday. I have a flight on the 2nd of January at 7:30 am from Salt lake to Detroit. ETA at Detroit will be 1:06 pm. I have a layover of about an hour then leave from Detroit at 2:20 pm to New York Laguardia at 4:22 pm. I'll be flying delta. Such an exciting thing to get travel plans! Ive been here for eight weeks and sometimes it has felt like im never getting out of here haha. But Im grateful for the MTC and the experience its brought me. I am also grateful that Hilly could make it home safe. Not everyday that you think you've landed in the wrong city or even state. It'll be weird not heading back home to be with the family on christmas day. I've been reading Jesus the Christ lately. What an amazing book!! I'm on page 286. So I read those chapters a couple weeks ago. Reading that book by Talmage has shed such a new light on the Life and Ministery of our Savior. It has helped me undersand what it might have been like living in the time of Christ. Thank you so much for your commentary on the relationship between Mary and Jesus. I have never really thought about that. This will definitely be a special Christmas for sure. It's weird to think that after this I only have one more Christmas in the field. Love you pops.
Mom, I haven't recieved the package yet. I know thats not what you wanted to hear but I'm sure I'll get it soon :) I hope you all have a marvelous experience at the temple. I really do miss going with you every week. That was a main highlight of my preparation for my mission. Later today, I have the opportunity to clean the Provo Temple! I am so excited to be doing this service and I cant think of a better place to be able to spend my time cleaning :) Thats so cool that you saw Brittany and Bethany at target!! Next time you see Britt be sure to give her a big hug for me :) she's been fantastic with writing me and making me feel appreciated on the mission. Its funny that Judge Nick didnt know I would be serving for two years. I guess it seems very different to people. Please tell him that I am so very excited for this awsome experience and that I know it will bless my life. Also, I know that the Lord is using me to bless the lives of others. Such a beautiful feeling. Tell Nick I say hi and that I invite him to come to church and experience the joy that we get to have on a weekly basis :) I'm so glad that your in contact with the Cahills. Having Hermana Cahill and her companion Hermana Madsen in our district is such a great blessing!!! Elders tend to be 19 year olds sometimes and its awesome having hermanas that bring up the maturity and focus level. They are the reason our district is so in line. Tell Hermana Cahill's mom that she has been a great example to everyone in the district. I will continually have the Nius in my prayers. It must be such a difficult time for them right now. But thats why being apart of the Lord's church is such a blessing. We will never, ever, ever be alone. He knows exactly what we have been through and He wants us to be happy in this life :)
All in all, life is fantastic!! I miss you all so much, and its tough being away from you at this time of year. Its a new experience for sure. But I know that what I'm doing is for the Lord and that He will use me to bring others unto him. For this I am so grateful!!! Remember to have a heart of giving, just as our Savior did. I know that He lived on this earth for us and that He loves us all so dearly!! Likewise, I love all of you so much!! Have a fantastic Navidad, and I'll talk to ya soon :)
Love, Elder Hogge
Sunday, December 18, 2011
The Weeks Keep Rollin'
Family and Friends,
My how the days have started to pick up. Preparation days seem to be getting closer and closer to each other. Its so much fun here! Especially with Christmas around the corner. The MTC has even more of a spiritual feel to it. All is well and I am thoroughly enjoying life.
Bradford, I honestly dont remember who sent the last letter between us haha. Soooooo you should just send me a dear elder this week and we will call it good. Pops, thanks for that inspiring testimony. I always always ALWAYS love your updates. Keep them coming.
That story about Alice figuring out the truth behind the ornaments was so funny! Oh the joys of being a two year old. After nawing on so many inedible objects, this chocolate ornament must have been such a nice surprise for little Ally :) I got Sarah's family christmas card. The girls are so beautiful! Their mommy and daddy are doin so well. Oh tell Michael Smith I say congrats!! He had always been such a good example for me as I grew up and I am super excited for him. Mom, thank you so much for that email! I particularly loved Sister Hinckley's story. That is proof right there of how marvelous this work actually is.
The MTC had the very fortunate opportunity of hearing from the BYU Men's Choir on Sunday. That was super mega awesome! I thoroughly enjoyed their performance. This week was Elder Moore's birthday, and he got a nice package of glow-in-the-dark stars. This was quite the legit surprise, and now I can star gaze in my own room at night. What joy :)
I very much dislike to be the bearer of bad news, even if it is my own new, but I will not be calling home this Christmas Holiday. Somethin about there being over 2000 missionaries and not enough phones.... But unfortunately this is how it is.
Just yesterday, in the time between activities walking to a building, my district started chatting about fireplaces. I dunno how they got on the topic, but as they talked about them, I started reflecting on how often we had the fireplace goin when preparing for christmas. This year I will definitely miss a fireplace to sit by. But more importantly, I will miss my family at home who I would sit with watching movies and telling stories as the fireplace is going. (You all should put a picture of me on the couch as you watch A Muppet's Christmas Carol) This year will be a different Christmast for sure, but it will be an awesome Christmas. What is a better way to spend the celebration of our King's birth than dedicating all your time, energy, and talents to Him. Here at the MTC, I have begun to understand what it truly means to be a missionary. I always knew that through the mission I would become a better person, but this only happens by putting others as the focus. The Lord has called me on the mission to be His tool to bless the lives of those who are ready to recieve His blessings. As a tool for Him, my own life will be blessed significantly in ways I have never understood. I know I couldn't be in a better place this holiday season. Family and friends, I love you all so very much. I know that this Gospel is very real, and that it really is the Good News!!! Hope to hear from you all soon :)
Love,
Elder Hogge
My how the days have started to pick up. Preparation days seem to be getting closer and closer to each other. Its so much fun here! Especially with Christmas around the corner. The MTC has even more of a spiritual feel to it. All is well and I am thoroughly enjoying life.
Bradford, I honestly dont remember who sent the last letter between us haha. Soooooo you should just send me a dear elder this week and we will call it good. Pops, thanks for that inspiring testimony. I always always ALWAYS love your updates. Keep them coming.
That story about Alice figuring out the truth behind the ornaments was so funny! Oh the joys of being a two year old. After nawing on so many inedible objects, this chocolate ornament must have been such a nice surprise for little Ally :) I got Sarah's family christmas card. The girls are so beautiful! Their mommy and daddy are doin so well. Oh tell Michael Smith I say congrats!! He had always been such a good example for me as I grew up and I am super excited for him. Mom, thank you so much for that email! I particularly loved Sister Hinckley's story. That is proof right there of how marvelous this work actually is.
The MTC had the very fortunate opportunity of hearing from the BYU Men's Choir on Sunday. That was super mega awesome! I thoroughly enjoyed their performance. This week was Elder Moore's birthday, and he got a nice package of glow-in-the-dark stars. This was quite the legit surprise, and now I can star gaze in my own room at night. What joy :)
I very much dislike to be the bearer of bad news, even if it is my own new, but I will not be calling home this Christmas Holiday. Somethin about there being over 2000 missionaries and not enough phones.... But unfortunately this is how it is.
Just yesterday, in the time between activities walking to a building, my district started chatting about fireplaces. I dunno how they got on the topic, but as they talked about them, I started reflecting on how often we had the fireplace goin when preparing for christmas. This year I will definitely miss a fireplace to sit by. But more importantly, I will miss my family at home who I would sit with watching movies and telling stories as the fireplace is going. (You all should put a picture of me on the couch as you watch A Muppet's Christmas Carol) This year will be a different Christmast for sure, but it will be an awesome Christmas. What is a better way to spend the celebration of our King's birth than dedicating all your time, energy, and talents to Him. Here at the MTC, I have begun to understand what it truly means to be a missionary. I always knew that through the mission I would become a better person, but this only happens by putting others as the focus. The Lord has called me on the mission to be His tool to bless the lives of those who are ready to recieve His blessings. As a tool for Him, my own life will be blessed significantly in ways I have never understood. I know I couldn't be in a better place this holiday season. Family and friends, I love you all so very much. I know that this Gospel is very real, and that it really is the Good News!!! Hope to hear from you all soon :)
Love,
Elder Hogge
Friday, December 9, 2011
Hi!
Hey family and friends!
How goes it? I'm doin great! Everything is going well, no troubles, and its almost Christmas! What could be better?? How is life back home? What are you all doin? Whats new? Do I ask alot of questions? Probably.
Well, not much has happened since I last wrote. I think this has been the quickest week yet. Time is finally starting to pick up a bit. Its crazy to think that I have already been here for a month. All the support from back home definitely makes the MTC an even greater experience! I am so blessed :)
Maw and paw, thank you for the updates. I'm glad to hear that Jackie is finally out of the hospital. She is in my prayers. From what I hear, Trudy and Jack Jack are doin great. Im so glad that we have been blessed with these wonderful babies. It just makes life better eh? I am always looking forward to pictures of these darlings.
Being District Leader is cool. Because I am in the MTC I dont have much responsibility. Elder Taylor Craft is district leader in Colorado and he says its crazy. So I'm glad to have this position when it isnt so consuming. My main responsibilities as district leader are to get the mail everyday and to conduct all meetings for the district. Other than that, I dont really do much. But I know it is very different once I get out into the field.
Mom, I have been LOVING your advent calendar. I got the fruit snacks today :) What a nice little treat. Elder Moore and I have this game we play every night where I get out the present for the next day and we both try to guess what it is by the shape, size, squishyness, and whatnot. So much fun haha.
So yesterday Elder Verhagen and I had an interesting experience. After gym last night, we got back to the room and got ready to take showers. After we left the room to go right to the showers, I told Elder Verhagen he could close the door RIGHT before I realized that neither of us had a key. Well, he followed my instruction, and we successfully locked ourselves out of the room in towels only. I couldn't help but laugh at our unfortunate situation. After trying to breakin in with an elder's credit card, trying to peer thru a vent to get inside, and even some useless prying at the door, we finally just decided it'd be best to have someone call the front desk and get a key. The whole situation just made me laugh. Im glad Heavenly Father allows us to have fun here on the mission :)
Entonces, les amo mi familia y amigos. Ustedes son inspiraciónes para mi. Yo sé que estoy mucho bendicido. Yo testificó que Jesucristo vive y estoy predicando Su Evangelio. Mediante el Expiación, podremos vivir con nuestro Padre Celestial. Estoy muy agradecido por esta oportunidad a servir Jesucristo. Yo sé que a traves de Él, podemos hacer todo. Pues, necesito salir ahora. Yo escribiré en la semana proxima. Les amo.
Con Amor,
Elder Hogge
How goes it? I'm doin great! Everything is going well, no troubles, and its almost Christmas! What could be better?? How is life back home? What are you all doin? Whats new? Do I ask alot of questions? Probably.
Well, not much has happened since I last wrote. I think this has been the quickest week yet. Time is finally starting to pick up a bit. Its crazy to think that I have already been here for a month. All the support from back home definitely makes the MTC an even greater experience! I am so blessed :)
Maw and paw, thank you for the updates. I'm glad to hear that Jackie is finally out of the hospital. She is in my prayers. From what I hear, Trudy and Jack Jack are doin great. Im so glad that we have been blessed with these wonderful babies. It just makes life better eh? I am always looking forward to pictures of these darlings.
Being District Leader is cool. Because I am in the MTC I dont have much responsibility. Elder Taylor Craft is district leader in Colorado and he says its crazy. So I'm glad to have this position when it isnt so consuming. My main responsibilities as district leader are to get the mail everyday and to conduct all meetings for the district. Other than that, I dont really do much. But I know it is very different once I get out into the field.
Mom, I have been LOVING your advent calendar. I got the fruit snacks today :) What a nice little treat. Elder Moore and I have this game we play every night where I get out the present for the next day and we both try to guess what it is by the shape, size, squishyness, and whatnot. So much fun haha.
So yesterday Elder Verhagen and I had an interesting experience. After gym last night, we got back to the room and got ready to take showers. After we left the room to go right to the showers, I told Elder Verhagen he could close the door RIGHT before I realized that neither of us had a key. Well, he followed my instruction, and we successfully locked ourselves out of the room in towels only. I couldn't help but laugh at our unfortunate situation. After trying to breakin in with an elder's credit card, trying to peer thru a vent to get inside, and even some useless prying at the door, we finally just decided it'd be best to have someone call the front desk and get a key. The whole situation just made me laugh. Im glad Heavenly Father allows us to have fun here on the mission :)
Entonces, les amo mi familia y amigos. Ustedes son inspiraciónes para mi. Yo sé que estoy mucho bendicido. Yo testificó que Jesucristo vive y estoy predicando Su Evangelio. Mediante el Expiación, podremos vivir con nuestro Padre Celestial. Estoy muy agradecido por esta oportunidad a servir Jesucristo. Yo sé que a traves de Él, podemos hacer todo. Pues, necesito salir ahora. Yo escribiré en la semana proxima. Les amo.
Con Amor,
Elder Hogge
Friday, December 2, 2011
Hello!!
Why hello there family and friends,
It has been a week since I last spoke to y'all. And all is well. I continue to feel so much love from all the support you bring into my life. You are the Best!! Well I feel like I am finally getting into the groove here at the MTC. The language is going well, my testimony continues to be strengthened, and I am loving my zone. Elder Moore and Chappell were made zone leaders after the last district left so now I am the new district leader. I have never been one for leadership positions but if the Lord wants me to do it then I will do all I can to serve Him. Our district is fantastic! We have such unity. I thoroughly enjoy being with them.
Mom, I recieved your super mega awesome advent package. Elder Verhagen had no idea why i was getting so excited over a calendar till he realized theres goodies for everyday until Christmas. I am so excited! I just opened the little present with the lizard and caterpillar that expand in water. Im gonna have some good fun with that :) Ooohhh I got a priceless package from the Scotts this week. Pomegranates and liquid sunshine. Last night in the residence hall I had a pomegranate party. Though I'm a little stingy in letting people eat my oranges haha. I need to be more christlike in sharing my treasures :)
One of elders I became very, very close with at the MTC just left for his mission in Sacramento a couple days ago! His name is Elder Bawden and he is one of my favorite elders. If you ever see an Elder Bawden please please please say hello. He is awesome. With the arrival of new missionaries this week I have had the opportunity to see Sister Cox and Elder Allen. They are both doing great and I can tell they will have a fabulous time here in Provo. I as well am having a fabulous experience in the MTC. If there is ever any way I can help any of you out then please let me know :)
Yo se que esta experiencia me ayudara venir a Jesucristo. Yo amo todas las personas aqui en la CCM. Estoy muy animado por la oportunidad a servir a las personas de Nuevo York. Dios les bendicira. yo se que al orar y leer el Libro de Mormon, Veremos el Mano de Dios en nuestras vidas. Yo tratare siempre a llegar a ser un mejor persona. Yo testifico que Jesucristo vive y Dios nos ama. Yo amo a ustedes, y yo siento el amor de ustedes. Yo quiero que ustedes saben que yo tengo un testimonio de Jesucristo y su Expiacion. Deben mostrar siempre su amor por Jesucristo. El es todo. Yo amo a ustedes mucho :)
Con Amor,
Elder Hogge
It has been a week since I last spoke to y'all. And all is well. I continue to feel so much love from all the support you bring into my life. You are the Best!! Well I feel like I am finally getting into the groove here at the MTC. The language is going well, my testimony continues to be strengthened, and I am loving my zone. Elder Moore and Chappell were made zone leaders after the last district left so now I am the new district leader. I have never been one for leadership positions but if the Lord wants me to do it then I will do all I can to serve Him. Our district is fantastic! We have such unity. I thoroughly enjoy being with them.
Mom, I recieved your super mega awesome advent package. Elder Verhagen had no idea why i was getting so excited over a calendar till he realized theres goodies for everyday until Christmas. I am so excited! I just opened the little present with the lizard and caterpillar that expand in water. Im gonna have some good fun with that :) Ooohhh I got a priceless package from the Scotts this week. Pomegranates and liquid sunshine. Last night in the residence hall I had a pomegranate party. Though I'm a little stingy in letting people eat my oranges haha. I need to be more christlike in sharing my treasures :)
One of elders I became very, very close with at the MTC just left for his mission in Sacramento a couple days ago! His name is Elder Bawden and he is one of my favorite elders. If you ever see an Elder Bawden please please please say hello. He is awesome. With the arrival of new missionaries this week I have had the opportunity to see Sister Cox and Elder Allen. They are both doing great and I can tell they will have a fabulous time here in Provo. I as well am having a fabulous experience in the MTC. If there is ever any way I can help any of you out then please let me know :)
Yo se que esta experiencia me ayudara venir a Jesucristo. Yo amo todas las personas aqui en la CCM. Estoy muy animado por la oportunidad a servir a las personas de Nuevo York. Dios les bendicira. yo se que al orar y leer el Libro de Mormon, Veremos el Mano de Dios en nuestras vidas. Yo tratare siempre a llegar a ser un mejor persona. Yo testifico que Jesucristo vive y Dios nos ama. Yo amo a ustedes, y yo siento el amor de ustedes. Yo quiero que ustedes saben que yo tengo un testimonio de Jesucristo y su Expiacion. Deben mostrar siempre su amor por Jesucristo. El es todo. Yo amo a ustedes mucho :)
Con Amor,
Elder Hogge
Friday, November 25, 2011
thanksgivings, apostles, and a new baby!!
Why Hello there my family and friends :)
This week has been AWESOME!! First off, I just wanna say sorry because the letters I sent last week probably never actually arrived at their destinations. I included pictures last week, and silly me forgot that pictures weigh more, and more weight requires more postage. So, hopefully the postal service will return them to me and I can get them back out before too long.
Trudy Kimberly Clift :) I already love that little girl. And that is quite a FANTASTIC name if I do say so myself. Family, I neeeeeeed pictures of this little darling! I'm not sure how much longer I can go without seeing her! I am so glad that Sarah and Trudy are doing well. If I were back home, I would buy Sarah a nice big Winco muffin :)
That was some scary news about Jackie. From what I was told, she is doing better now right?
Thank you momma and grand momma for the thanksgiving packages!! I feel so loved :) I kinda have the reputation in my district as the one that gets mail all the time. Which I am totally ok with because of how much love and support I have back home. What a wonderful feeling to know that my entire family and friends are supporting me. Makes the mission an easier experience for sure.
So I suppose ya'll wanna hear how my thanksgiving went. In a nutshell, it was absolutely fantastic!! Backtracking to tuesday, we had a devotional that night. Elder Christofferson spoke to us. What a wonderful man! He told of how he had seen the Lord's hand in his life. It was super cool. And yesterday was thanksgiving. I can suppose what you all did. Maybe some raking leaves, spending time with Trudy, having delicious turkey and probably awesome pie. I hope it was as wonderful as my day. Yesterday morning, we had a continental breakfast. Wasn't the best I've ever had but it was good. After, everyone went to the devotional. Elder Russell M. Nelson spoke on giving thanks and how much that concept appears in the scriptures. Really cool. Afterwards, we had our thanksgiving dinner for lunch. Now that was pretty good. Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing... mmmmmm... Good stuff. After lunch we had the opportunity to walk up to the temple and walk around for a bit. I thoroughly enjoyed that. Next, we had a special devotional on the service project we would do later that day. Not necessarily the highlight of my day but it was good to listen to. Next was a thanksgiving program. Ten elders sang this barbershopish version of Amazing Grace. Wow. Very impressive. Then one of the wives of the mission presidency put on an interactive thanksgiving skit. Then, a few people got up and told what they were thankful for and picked a hymn for everyone to sing. After that program was the service project. For about an hour everyone worked together to make these emergency kits for third world countries. That was a cool experience. Then afterwards, we all met in the big room and the Mission Presidency put on 17 Miracles for the entire MTC. My opinion on movies may be biased because I haven't seen one in about a month but that movie was so good!!! It was nice to be able to just sit back and relax for a couple hours. So thanksgiving was great :) I am sure I will always remember it.
Life keeps chugging along here at the MTC. I'm getting more comfortable with the language (Definitely understanding more than when I first started) and I love being able to teach the gospel. Teaching it has only strengthened my testimony. I have seen Elder Trent Lewis quite a few times already. He seems to be doing great! We always give each other a big hug when we meet. I am excited for next week because there will be quite a few people from the stake entering the MTC. I'm so excited for them!
Not that I wanna sound greedy or anything but if you are ever in doubt on what to send in packages or for Christmas, TIES! (especially of the paisley persuasion) And goodies of course :) Getting letters and packages are like manna from heaven. Well, I love you all and hope the best. Till next time.
Love,
Elder Hogge
This week has been AWESOME!! First off, I just wanna say sorry because the letters I sent last week probably never actually arrived at their destinations. I included pictures last week, and silly me forgot that pictures weigh more, and more weight requires more postage. So, hopefully the postal service will return them to me and I can get them back out before too long.
Trudy Kimberly Clift :) I already love that little girl. And that is quite a FANTASTIC name if I do say so myself. Family, I neeeeeeed pictures of this little darling! I'm not sure how much longer I can go without seeing her! I am so glad that Sarah and Trudy are doing well. If I were back home, I would buy Sarah a nice big Winco muffin :)
That was some scary news about Jackie. From what I was told, she is doing better now right?
Thank you momma and grand momma for the thanksgiving packages!! I feel so loved :) I kinda have the reputation in my district as the one that gets mail all the time. Which I am totally ok with because of how much love and support I have back home. What a wonderful feeling to know that my entire family and friends are supporting me. Makes the mission an easier experience for sure.
So I suppose ya'll wanna hear how my thanksgiving went. In a nutshell, it was absolutely fantastic!! Backtracking to tuesday, we had a devotional that night. Elder Christofferson spoke to us. What a wonderful man! He told of how he had seen the Lord's hand in his life. It was super cool. And yesterday was thanksgiving. I can suppose what you all did. Maybe some raking leaves, spending time with Trudy, having delicious turkey and probably awesome pie. I hope it was as wonderful as my day. Yesterday morning, we had a continental breakfast. Wasn't the best I've ever had but it was good. After, everyone went to the devotional. Elder Russell M. Nelson spoke on giving thanks and how much that concept appears in the scriptures. Really cool. Afterwards, we had our thanksgiving dinner for lunch. Now that was pretty good. Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing... mmmmmm... Good stuff. After lunch we had the opportunity to walk up to the temple and walk around for a bit. I thoroughly enjoyed that. Next, we had a special devotional on the service project we would do later that day. Not necessarily the highlight of my day but it was good to listen to. Next was a thanksgiving program. Ten elders sang this barbershopish version of Amazing Grace. Wow. Very impressive. Then one of the wives of the mission presidency put on an interactive thanksgiving skit. Then, a few people got up and told what they were thankful for and picked a hymn for everyone to sing. After that program was the service project. For about an hour everyone worked together to make these emergency kits for third world countries. That was a cool experience. Then afterwards, we all met in the big room and the Mission Presidency put on 17 Miracles for the entire MTC. My opinion on movies may be biased because I haven't seen one in about a month but that movie was so good!!! It was nice to be able to just sit back and relax for a couple hours. So thanksgiving was great :) I am sure I will always remember it.
Life keeps chugging along here at the MTC. I'm getting more comfortable with the language (Definitely understanding more than when I first started) and I love being able to teach the gospel. Teaching it has only strengthened my testimony. I have seen Elder Trent Lewis quite a few times already. He seems to be doing great! We always give each other a big hug when we meet. I am excited for next week because there will be quite a few people from the stake entering the MTC. I'm so excited for them!
Not that I wanna sound greedy or anything but if you are ever in doubt on what to send in packages or for Christmas, TIES! (especially of the paisley persuasion) And goodies of course :) Getting letters and packages are like manna from heaven. Well, I love you all and hope the best. Till next time.
Love,
Elder Hogge
Friday, November 18, 2011
Aloha from el CCM
Hola mi familia! (y amigos of course)
First off, thank you ALLLLLL for the support. You all are da best! I hardly go a day without a letter, or dear elder, or package or whatnot. These gifts from all of you always bring a smile to my face and brighten my day (speaking of which it looks like a storm is a'brewin.) I will always do my best to send a letter to those who write me or dear elder or send a package. (if I get it before friday i will most definitely be able to write somethin on friday to send back. :) ) Life at the MTC is great! I'm learning a lot, feeling the Spirit like crazy, and know that I am doing the Lord's work. Nothing better than that.
Dad I hope you are feeling better. Colds are no fun and I have been lucky to stay away from any such illness since being here. Thanks for getting me that thing to sign and i sent it off yesterday. Tell Coleen and Neal that I miss them dearly and that I hope that all is well with their moving adventures. I'm glad our family has so much support in what we do :) Thanks for your dear elder mucho. I love recieving treasures of wisdom from my old man ;)
It was sweet getting a letter from willie!! I'll be writing him later today so he can expect somethin from me by next week. (there will also be pictures included for all y'all.) (also I'll include my p-day schedule in it so that you all can know what im up to)
I am sooooooo excited for baby rogue to enter this world. I expect a letter with pictures ASAP when the little darling finally gets here. I pray for Sarah to be in good health and I know that the Lord will watch over her. Please please please give Mari and Alice a great big hug for me. Those two cuties are in my thoughts all the time and I want them to know that even though I cant be with them, I still love them immensly.
Mom, you did an amazing job in preparing me for the mission. I didn't need any shots at all. Its been really cool hearing what you've learned from the Missionary Moms. Please tell them I'm grateful for the support that they provide for all the missionaries :) Also, I am ECSTATIC to recieve the package soon!!! Theres almost nothing better in a day than getting a little slip in the mail that says a package is waiting for you in the post office. Its gonna be fantastic :)
Life here is good, but hard. Waking up at 6:30 is really starting to take its toll. I'm having absolutely no problem falling asleep at night though so thats cool. The spanish is coming, slowly but surely. I might have already said this but my english is deteriorating quicker than my spanish is picking up. My communications are starting to get all weird haha. But I absolutely LOVE my teachers. Hermano Harker and Hermano Lucero. They are really helping me develop an understanding of the spanish language. Its weird here at the MTC. Almost all study time is devoted to preparing to teach our investigators. I didn't realize how much time I would spend doing this. My expectations for the MTC were different than what actually happens here. I thought that we would be focusing on our own knowledge of the Gospel. But its all about learing how let the Spirit manifest the truth of our words to others. Our purpose here is to invite others to come unto Christ through faith in His Atonement and his Ministry, Repentance, Baptism, Gift of the Holy Spirit, and Enduring to the End. I think thats why one can never be fully prepared for the MTC. Because no one is perfect at knowing exactly how to bring others unto Christ. But thats where the Spirit kicks in. There's something about the experience of the Holy Ghost talking to one's own spirit that no earthly words can explain. I know that without the Spirit, I am nothing. I can teach all I want but if I'm not living a life that allows the Spirit to be my companion, then I will not be an effective missionary. It's not me that converts people, it's the spirit. Before the MTC I understood that concept, but now I live by that fact.
I love ALL of you and I am so glad that I have the support that I do. Yo se que nuestras familias son eternal. Yo se que a traves del Espiritu Santo, podemos ensenar con autoridad y amor. Yo se que con Jesucristo en nuestras vidas, podemos vivir feliz. Yo amo mis amigos y mi familia mucho. Ustedes son el mejor!! Mi espanol no es fantastico, pero con la ayuda del Espiritu Santo, puedo hacer muchas cosas.
amor,
Elder Hogge
First off, thank you ALLLLLL for the support. You all are da best! I hardly go a day without a letter, or dear elder, or package or whatnot. These gifts from all of you always bring a smile to my face and brighten my day (speaking of which it looks like a storm is a'brewin.) I will always do my best to send a letter to those who write me or dear elder or send a package. (if I get it before friday i will most definitely be able to write somethin on friday to send back. :) ) Life at the MTC is great! I'm learning a lot, feeling the Spirit like crazy, and know that I am doing the Lord's work. Nothing better than that.
Dad I hope you are feeling better. Colds are no fun and I have been lucky to stay away from any such illness since being here. Thanks for getting me that thing to sign and i sent it off yesterday. Tell Coleen and Neal that I miss them dearly and that I hope that all is well with their moving adventures. I'm glad our family has so much support in what we do :) Thanks for your dear elder mucho. I love recieving treasures of wisdom from my old man ;)
It was sweet getting a letter from willie!! I'll be writing him later today so he can expect somethin from me by next week. (there will also be pictures included for all y'all.) (also I'll include my p-day schedule in it so that you all can know what im up to)
I am sooooooo excited for baby rogue to enter this world. I expect a letter with pictures ASAP when the little darling finally gets here. I pray for Sarah to be in good health and I know that the Lord will watch over her. Please please please give Mari and Alice a great big hug for me. Those two cuties are in my thoughts all the time and I want them to know that even though I cant be with them, I still love them immensly.
Mom, you did an amazing job in preparing me for the mission. I didn't need any shots at all. Its been really cool hearing what you've learned from the Missionary Moms. Please tell them I'm grateful for the support that they provide for all the missionaries :) Also, I am ECSTATIC to recieve the package soon!!! Theres almost nothing better in a day than getting a little slip in the mail that says a package is waiting for you in the post office. Its gonna be fantastic :)
Life here is good, but hard. Waking up at 6:30 is really starting to take its toll. I'm having absolutely no problem falling asleep at night though so thats cool. The spanish is coming, slowly but surely. I might have already said this but my english is deteriorating quicker than my spanish is picking up. My communications are starting to get all weird haha. But I absolutely LOVE my teachers. Hermano Harker and Hermano Lucero. They are really helping me develop an understanding of the spanish language. Its weird here at the MTC. Almost all study time is devoted to preparing to teach our investigators. I didn't realize how much time I would spend doing this. My expectations for the MTC were different than what actually happens here. I thought that we would be focusing on our own knowledge of the Gospel. But its all about learing how let the Spirit manifest the truth of our words to others. Our purpose here is to invite others to come unto Christ through faith in His Atonement and his Ministry, Repentance, Baptism, Gift of the Holy Spirit, and Enduring to the End. I think thats why one can never be fully prepared for the MTC. Because no one is perfect at knowing exactly how to bring others unto Christ. But thats where the Spirit kicks in. There's something about the experience of the Holy Ghost talking to one's own spirit that no earthly words can explain. I know that without the Spirit, I am nothing. I can teach all I want but if I'm not living a life that allows the Spirit to be my companion, then I will not be an effective missionary. It's not me that converts people, it's the spirit. Before the MTC I understood that concept, but now I live by that fact.
I love ALL of you and I am so glad that I have the support that I do. Yo se que nuestras familias son eternal. Yo se que a traves del Espiritu Santo, podemos ensenar con autoridad y amor. Yo se que con Jesucristo en nuestras vidas, podemos vivir feliz. Yo amo mis amigos y mi familia mucho. Ustedes son el mejor!! Mi espanol no es fantastico, pero con la ayuda del Espiritu Santo, puedo hacer muchas cosas.
amor,
Elder Hogge
Saturday, November 12, 2011
I Made It
Week one, done!!
Not nearly as hard as I thought it would be. But dont get me wrong, Its hard. I just read your email Mindy. Thank you so much for the support and I am SOOO excited that you guys get to move into your new home soon. :) Be sure to send lotsa pictures of lil jak jak. I sure miss that kid.
The Spanish language is going well. Line upon line, precept upon precept. Its not going to come all at once but I KNOW that with the Spirit and the Lord's help, I can do anything He wants me to do. I LOVE my teachers. Hermano Lucero and Hermano Harker. I feel such a great spirit when they teach. I think I'm starting to get the hang of this MTC deal. A new district came in on wednesday and it was really cool being able to help them out and give em little hints and tricks for making your time at the MTC more valuable.
Willie is the MAN! I really wish I could have been at Cumorah and seen him and Bubs perform. I'm stoked that willie is doing so well in spanish. I fully expect to be able to have conversations with him in spanish by the time i get back. im just going to stop capitalizing my letters because this shift key is being mean to me. anyways im sorry that he feels so alone at home with no one to watch evening stuff with. i definitely miss that greatly. life is sure different without netflix a remote away haha. but time is a strange thing here at the mtc. the days have been going by very slow but the week just zoomed by. the Lord really knows what he's doing. its getting so much easier just jumping in bed and falling asleep. i had so much trouble with that back home but here i have a chronic exhaustion. but its good cuz i know that its for an amazing purpose. though waking up at 6:30 is in no way shape or form easy. im just getting used to feeling sleepy all the time.
Im soooo excited for the new baby that will soon be in the family :) im glad to hear that sarah is doing well and that she will be able to have giant costco muffins after rogue enters the world. i dont remember when the freezer stocking party was going to be, but hopefully it will be a success! i miss my nieces so much. make sure that mari and alice know how much i miss them and that i know that they are such great little girls.
Dad thanks for the dear elder. its great to hear from you and i'll take all the advice i can get. i sincerely hope that all is well in the elk grove stake. tell president williams and president taylor that they have been such a great example to me and that i am glad i can have them not only as leaders but as friends. i'll have you know that i've built up a little reputation as being a decent volleyball player. gym time is waaay fun. its definitely a very fun point in my day. last night my entire zone went out to the missionary fields for gym time and played futbol (soccer for all you americans). i have never been a futbol player, but with all my zone it was fantastically fun!! i actually made some pretty cool plays haha. Father, thank you for the example you set for me. because of you i know that this mtc experience has been much easier than what it might have been. i just feel so prepared here.
Mother, dont think i could forget about you. thank you for the addresses!!! when i find time i will send those thank you letters. time is a very valuable thing here at the mtc. i just cant get enough of it here. so there are a few things that i would like from home in the next package you send. ive noticed that on p-days i dont really have good shoes to just walk around in so if you could send my grey plaid airwalks that would be fantastico. also, any pictures of the family and friends would just make my day. :) i know you were planning on doing that album and i wasnt sure when you were gonna send it but having that here would just make my life. also, if you could send my green and blue beanie that would be great. i didnt think i could miss a certain piece of headware so much. anyways, enough of the asking... thank you for being such an amazing influence to me mother :) i know it must be hard for you to have your child so far away and not a phonecall away. but i KNOW that you love me and that always makes me happy here. i miss your hugs, your food, and your loves but i know that this is where the Lord wants me to be and I wouldnt have it any other way. love you mom :D
well i only have a couple minutes left before i get off. i bear my testimony that this gospel of Jesus Christ will make everyone happy who wants to take it into their life. everyday my testimony on the Spirit is strengthened. i know that i cant do anything without it. i can teach and teach all i want but its not me who manifests the truth of the gospel, its the Holy Ghost. i know that God lives and that Jesus Christ is our brother and our Savior. we are NEVER alone. because of Him, everyone can be happy. I love you all and pray for you all every single day. May the Lord keep you and bless you.
love,
elder hogge :)
Not nearly as hard as I thought it would be. But dont get me wrong, Its hard. I just read your email Mindy. Thank you so much for the support and I am SOOO excited that you guys get to move into your new home soon. :) Be sure to send lotsa pictures of lil jak jak. I sure miss that kid.
The Spanish language is going well. Line upon line, precept upon precept. Its not going to come all at once but I KNOW that with the Spirit and the Lord's help, I can do anything He wants me to do. I LOVE my teachers. Hermano Lucero and Hermano Harker. I feel such a great spirit when they teach. I think I'm starting to get the hang of this MTC deal. A new district came in on wednesday and it was really cool being able to help them out and give em little hints and tricks for making your time at the MTC more valuable.
Willie is the MAN! I really wish I could have been at Cumorah and seen him and Bubs perform. I'm stoked that willie is doing so well in spanish. I fully expect to be able to have conversations with him in spanish by the time i get back. im just going to stop capitalizing my letters because this shift key is being mean to me. anyways im sorry that he feels so alone at home with no one to watch evening stuff with. i definitely miss that greatly. life is sure different without netflix a remote away haha. but time is a strange thing here at the mtc. the days have been going by very slow but the week just zoomed by. the Lord really knows what he's doing. its getting so much easier just jumping in bed and falling asleep. i had so much trouble with that back home but here i have a chronic exhaustion. but its good cuz i know that its for an amazing purpose. though waking up at 6:30 is in no way shape or form easy. im just getting used to feeling sleepy all the time.
Im soooo excited for the new baby that will soon be in the family :) im glad to hear that sarah is doing well and that she will be able to have giant costco muffins after rogue enters the world. i dont remember when the freezer stocking party was going to be, but hopefully it will be a success! i miss my nieces so much. make sure that mari and alice know how much i miss them and that i know that they are such great little girls.
Dad thanks for the dear elder. its great to hear from you and i'll take all the advice i can get. i sincerely hope that all is well in the elk grove stake. tell president williams and president taylor that they have been such a great example to me and that i am glad i can have them not only as leaders but as friends. i'll have you know that i've built up a little reputation as being a decent volleyball player. gym time is waaay fun. its definitely a very fun point in my day. last night my entire zone went out to the missionary fields for gym time and played futbol (soccer for all you americans). i have never been a futbol player, but with all my zone it was fantastically fun!! i actually made some pretty cool plays haha. Father, thank you for the example you set for me. because of you i know that this mtc experience has been much easier than what it might have been. i just feel so prepared here.
Mother, dont think i could forget about you. thank you for the addresses!!! when i find time i will send those thank you letters. time is a very valuable thing here at the mtc. i just cant get enough of it here. so there are a few things that i would like from home in the next package you send. ive noticed that on p-days i dont really have good shoes to just walk around in so if you could send my grey plaid airwalks that would be fantastico. also, any pictures of the family and friends would just make my day. :) i know you were planning on doing that album and i wasnt sure when you were gonna send it but having that here would just make my life. also, if you could send my green and blue beanie that would be great. i didnt think i could miss a certain piece of headware so much. anyways, enough of the asking... thank you for being such an amazing influence to me mother :) i know it must be hard for you to have your child so far away and not a phonecall away. but i KNOW that you love me and that always makes me happy here. i miss your hugs, your food, and your loves but i know that this is where the Lord wants me to be and I wouldnt have it any other way. love you mom :D
well i only have a couple minutes left before i get off. i bear my testimony that this gospel of Jesus Christ will make everyone happy who wants to take it into their life. everyday my testimony on the Spirit is strengthened. i know that i cant do anything without it. i can teach and teach all i want but its not me who manifests the truth of the gospel, its the Holy Ghost. i know that God lives and that Jesus Christ is our brother and our Savior. we are NEVER alone. because of Him, everyone can be happy. I love you all and pray for you all every single day. May the Lord keep you and bless you.
love,
elder hogge :)
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Spencer's First Email
Dear Familia,
I guess you guys wanna know a lot about how my past few days have been. Mind you that I only have 30 minutes a week to email haha. Dad its perfectly fine if you forward this to everyone. Well, the MTC has been fabulous. I've heard horror stories about how awfully hard the first week is but I have experienced none of that. I absolutely LOVE it here. I do miss home a bunch, but I know that this is where I am supposed to be.
Ok now for the specifics. I am serving in District 17C with three other elderes and four hermanas. My companion's name is Elder Verhagen (Vur-Hay-Gen). I know that we were meant to be MTC companions. Though we are still very new to this experience, I feel that we have gained a ton from what we have been introduced to. We still dont know how to study together very effectively, but that will come. Mom he has plenty of support from home (Fairbanks, Alaska) and all his family are members of the church. He is a very hard worker and is obedient as I am. We will make this MTC experience very worth while.
Elder Verhagen and I live in a room with another companionship (in Building 13M in case anyone was interested). The other companionship is going to Dallas, Texas spanish speaking. Their names are Elder Chapell (Shuh-Pel) (also the district leader) and Elder Moore (Moore). The four of us are having a fantastic time together! We hardly ever split up. The four of us have been going and doing everything together. I can already feel a strong sense of unity. About the four sister. Mom, Hermana Cahill is in my district! She and Hermana Madsen are also serving in New York South. The other sisters are Hermana Walden and Hermana Nielson. They are serving in Guatemala. All eight of us are having a very fun time learning the Gospel and the language.
Elder Verhagen and I taught our first investigator yesterday! Yes the lesson was completely in spanish. And no, we did not understand very much. But we taught him that familias son eternas. We will be teaching him today about prophets and the Book of Mormon. I absolutely LOVE learning spanish. Though I currently have only a simple understanding of the language, I believe that with the spirit I can have el don de lenguas (gift of tongues.) But yes, MTC life is fantastic and very fulfilling. A companionship in my zone will be serving in Sacramento!!! Their names are Elder Bawden and Elder Fullwood. I really enjoy speaking with Elder Bawden. Besides my district, he is probably one of my closest friends. Our zone leaders are completely awesome!! Elders Cummins y Hallenburg are extremely helpful and fun to be with. They only have ten days left till they leave for Mexico but I know I will learn a lot from them.
Jon Niu. I met brother Caywood(?) last night. He said he was from Springville so I asked if he knew the Nius. I do believe that you are good friends with his son. Small world eh?
Well, I love you all. Yo se que Jesucristo es nuestro Salvador y Redemptor. Yo testifiico que el Libro de Mormon es el verdadero y de Dios. Yo se que nuestro familia es eterna.
May God be with all of you and I will email next friday (my preparation day).
Love,
Elder Hogge
Elder Spencer Jeffery Hogge
MTC Mailbox #237
NY-NYCS 0102
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT84604-1793
P.S. Thank you Joey and Julie for that package!!! I love it! And thank you mom for the dear elder. I will try to get some snail mail done today but because its the first week its a very weird and short P-day. We will have pdays every friday after today.
I guess you guys wanna know a lot about how my past few days have been. Mind you that I only have 30 minutes a week to email haha. Dad its perfectly fine if you forward this to everyone. Well, the MTC has been fabulous. I've heard horror stories about how awfully hard the first week is but I have experienced none of that. I absolutely LOVE it here. I do miss home a bunch, but I know that this is where I am supposed to be.
Ok now for the specifics. I am serving in District 17C with three other elderes and four hermanas. My companion's name is Elder Verhagen (Vur-Hay-Gen). I know that we were meant to be MTC companions. Though we are still very new to this experience, I feel that we have gained a ton from what we have been introduced to. We still dont know how to study together very effectively, but that will come. Mom he has plenty of support from home (Fairbanks, Alaska) and all his family are members of the church. He is a very hard worker and is obedient as I am. We will make this MTC experience very worth while.
Elder Verhagen and I live in a room with another companionship (in Building 13M in case anyone was interested). The other companionship is going to Dallas, Texas spanish speaking. Their names are Elder Chapell (Shuh-Pel) (also the district leader) and Elder Moore (Moore). The four of us are having a fantastic time together! We hardly ever split up. The four of us have been going and doing everything together. I can already feel a strong sense of unity. About the four sister. Mom, Hermana Cahill is in my district! She and Hermana Madsen are also serving in New York South. The other sisters are Hermana Walden and Hermana Nielson. They are serving in Guatemala. All eight of us are having a very fun time learning the Gospel and the language.
Elder Verhagen and I taught our first investigator yesterday! Yes the lesson was completely in spanish. And no, we did not understand very much. But we taught him that familias son eternas. We will be teaching him today about prophets and the Book of Mormon. I absolutely LOVE learning spanish. Though I currently have only a simple understanding of the language, I believe that with the spirit I can have el don de lenguas (gift of tongues.) But yes, MTC life is fantastic and very fulfilling. A companionship in my zone will be serving in Sacramento!!! Their names are Elder Bawden and Elder Fullwood. I really enjoy speaking with Elder Bawden. Besides my district, he is probably one of my closest friends. Our zone leaders are completely awesome!! Elders Cummins y Hallenburg are extremely helpful and fun to be with. They only have ten days left till they leave for Mexico but I know I will learn a lot from them.
Jon Niu. I met brother Caywood(?) last night. He said he was from Springville so I asked if he knew the Nius. I do believe that you are good friends with his son. Small world eh?
Well, I love you all. Yo se que Jesucristo es nuestro Salvador y Redemptor. Yo testifiico que el Libro de Mormon es el verdadero y de Dios. Yo se que nuestro familia es eterna.
May God be with all of you and I will email next friday (my preparation day).
Love,
Elder Hogge
Elder Spencer Jeffery Hogge
MTC Mailbox #237
NY-NYCS 0102
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT84604-1793
P.S. Thank you Joey and Julie for that package!!! I love it! And thank you mom for the dear elder. I will try to get some snail mail done today but because its the first week its a very weird and short P-day. We will have pdays every friday after today.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)