Happy December!

Hey family and friends!

First off, this is gonna be a quicky cuz the library is running slow so I only have 30 minutes.

I am sooooo excited for Megan Asregado!! She has been called to the best mission on earth :D When is her mtc date?

Service has been going fantastic! I'm sad to say that next saturday may be our very last day doing service :( I have grown to love the people of broad channel sooooo much (or as I like to call them, the Channelites.) We had some pretty fun experiences serving them. On Saturday we helped out this really cool guy named Chris. He has had to tear apart his whole house down to the bare bones. Its so tragic but we were so happy to help him. Our specific job was to take down a 30ft by 20ft deck out in the back yard. I'm getting more and more skilled with a crowbar haha. But he has been so greatful for all the help that we provided. I loved something that he told us. He said "Because of what you guys are doing for all of us here in broad channel, I am for the first time nice to all the people around that I usually hate. And you guys think I'm joking." That is soooooooo cool. The light of Christ is truly affecting these people.

The other story that really stood out to me was when we got to work for a man named Henry. He has been one of the most absolutely genuine people I've met on my mission. He is of Polish descent, was born in England, and grew up in America. We got to his house sunday morning right before he pulled up. I dont think he was expecting us to be coming because when he got out of his car he had tears in his eyes. He expresses to us that he felt absolutely overwhelmed by our presence. He noted that he could just see the glow of our yellow shirts radiate from down the block. He tells us that the thursday before the hurricane he had been laid off from his job that he had for 34 years and that when Sandy hit he felt completely hopeless. Once we were able to come over he poured out his heart in gratitude for our service and told us that he would be honored to have kids like us as his sons. (mom and dad he specifically told me to complement you two for raising me how you did :) )

I think there is something really funny going on in broad channel. We have physically torn down a ton of walls. Sheetrock, plywood, whatever. It makes me think of how through doing this simple service, we are also tearing down the spiritual walls in these peoples hearts. I do believe that the spiritual walls were many times stronger than the physical walls, but the Lord in his omnipotence has given us the way to overcome that. Like what dad told me, it may be ten years this field is harvested, but I know it will be great.

As for transfers, Elder Wilkinson and I are staying together for yet another transfer. This puts me at 3 in ridgewood, and a total of 7 transfers in bushwick so far. I might just end my mission here haha. 3 of my district members are going home, which is sad, but I am so excited for the newness that accompanies every new transfer. We are working hard. The transition from service back to proselyting is tough but it is happening. Next week I'll update yalls with how its going. I love you all so very much! Till next week!

Love, Elder Hogge

P.s. it occurred to me that today is the birthday of my dear friend courtney newbold. let her know I wish her a happy birthday.

P.s.s. Sorry no pics, but next week certainly!!