A Fantabulismatic Week!

Dearest All,

That was a fantabulismatic week! I dont even know what that means, but thats the only word I could think of to describe our excitement haha.

We've been working a ton with Fernando and Karla right now. And their son, Patrick, is fully in the equation right now. We were able to visit their house a few times this week. They are so willing to let us come and share our message with them. That is the sign of a family that will progress. They are like Rosa and Angelo, the two I baptized in Bushwick, in that they absolutely love having us come over. So just a summary of what happened this week: We taught them on Wednesday and Friday. On Wednesday, we taught the Plan of Salvation to all of them. It was a very good lesson. They loved it and it made perfect sense to them. On Friday, we discussed two of the commandments, the word of wisdom and Sabbath day. They told us that the only problems they had with the word of wisdom was coffee, but they all quickly committed to stop drinking it. Also, they really understood the reasoning for the Sabbath day and I know the Spirit was able to touch their hearts. Fernando and Patrick agreed to come to church, but Karla still needs to find someone to replace her. So the lessons went really well. At the end of the lesson on Friday, we talked to them about Patrick getting baptized. Right now, he is only seven years old, but his birthday is on the 29th of this month. We talked about it with them, and Patrick wants to get baptized on his birthday!!! So we will see how that goes. The parents need to get married before their baptism, so we are still working with them on that. Yesterday was the real test though. Fernando and Patrick had committed to come to church, but it had been a couple months since the last time I had an investigator at church. Sure enough, five minutes before the service starts, Patrick and Fernando both walk into the chapel with nicely groomed hair and white polos. That was such an amazing feeling!!! They stayed all three hours. When Fernando was asked to introduce himself in Priesthood, he said, "Hello, my name is Fernando and this is where my family is going to go to church from now on." Elder Verhagen and I both did silent fist pumps haha. After church, Patrick walked out of primary with some crafts, a cookie, and a huge smile. He asked us, "so i get to come back next week right?" All in all, that was one of my best church experiences yet. Their family is coming to the branch sports night on thursday, the branch barbecue on friday, and most importantly church next sunday. I'm so excited for them!!! The spirit of the Lord has truly touched their hearts and now they are beginning to see the blessings of the Restored Gospel.

Mom, to answer your question, (and I see you have finally made the switch to gmail) we were able to find six new people to teach. I'm not sure how much they will progress, but we will work hard and diligently. My favorite part about the work right now is seeing the progress of Fernando and his family. It is so amazing and fills me with such happyness :) Elder Verhagen is doing great! He is such an awesome example to me. He is always pushing me to work harder and more effectively. We wouldnt be seeing the blessings we have without him. On Friday, I had my interview with President Calderwood. Wow... he is a powerful man. He is also one of the most loving, caring men I have ever met. He was so focused on me and my needs during the interview. Though this had been only the second time I met him, I could already feel his love beaming toward me. He is going to be so good for this mission. Elder Verhagen made a good point the other day. In any big corporation, the higher up you go in the pyramid of power, the ones in charge become more greedy and more prideful. But it is just the opposite in the church. The most humble and selfless men in the church are the Twelve and the First Presidency. I love with all my heart how amazingly well God's church is organized. No other church on earth has the blessings that we have. That is one testimony to me of the veracity of this church. No where else do I feel this much love and care. I love this gospel. It changes people. And it has changed me. For that reason, I share it with everyone I meet. I love you all!

Love, Elder Hogge