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
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