Solid Week

Family and Friends,

This was a solid week. Not a ton happened, but its by the small things that great things come to pass. 

So I feel like for one of the first times in a long time I was the first to know some big news haha (props to Joe and Jules). It sounds like Mushi (think thats what dad penned as the womb name) is well anticipated by the family. Our family is getting much much bigger. By the time I get home, we will have three new additions (mushi, sean and trudy). Man that is so exciting!!! 

As said before, this week was semi-uneventful. We are working with some part member families right now and we are doing all we can to get the investigator families we have been working with to progress. It is so frustrating when the adversary gets in the way of eternal families. Satan has a huge grip on New York at this point. Almost everyone here is so devoted to work that they fear the immediate consequences of putting it off for God. But we know that powerful testimonies can rock their faith enough to effect a change within them.

The past couple days have been really cool. Saturday, Elder Heaps and a few other missionaries sang in an octet for an interfaith christian gathering over in Jamaica Queens. The meeting was held in a really cool episcopal cathedral. I definitely got some new cultural experience as different churches performed their pieces, of which included a senior gospel choir, an interpretive dance by children, and an amazing rendition of ode to joy on organ by a 15 year old. Our group sang I Believe in Christ. It was by far the most spirit-inviting part. After that they walked around with the plates for offerings (I was sitting on the edge so now I'm two bucks down haha) and then Elder Heaps and I had to go. What an interesting experience. I am not accustomed to hearing applause in a chapel (nor christian rock for that matter) but it was interesting nevertheless.

 The next day the octet of missionaries sang at the dedication of a new chapel in our mission. We got to head out to Long Island last night for that. President Calderwood gave a beautiful dedicatory prayer (because this area is still part of a district as opposed to a stake). I really enjoyed that. As we were heading back to the subway, Elder Heaps got owned by a pigeon and its poop (this is the third time on the mission that the person next to me has been pooped on). He got hit on his head, shoulder, collar, backpack, pant thigh, pant leg, and shoe. It was just amazing how evenly this bird nailed him. I came out unscathed, but unfortunately Elder Heaps was wearing his brand new suit. We will see how well the dry cleaners combat pigeon poo.

Well thats about it for this week. I am sooooo happy for all the super cool stuff that is going on back home. This thursday is my 18 month mark (goodbye sister mission). Time just gets faster and faster. Its pretty weird. But luckily all I have to worry about is working hard and being faithful. I love you all!! Have a great week!

Love, Elder Hogge

Missionary Work in Woodside

Dear Family and Friends,

 

Its great to hear the big news about Joe!! Its about time he graduated haha. That sure is a big step. Is it just me or does it seem like our family makes more trips back and forth between Utah and California than ever? Our family is so blessed to be able to stay so close though we may be  700 (or 2850) miles apart ;)

This week we have zone activity. All of us are headin over to Juniper Valley Park to play some sports. I have to inform yall that I could not resist and currently have my discs with me haha. There are a few other frolfers in the zone and we plan on making up our own course. Im stoked!!! Tonight we will be visiting the Patriarch of the stake. He is such a wonderful man and is fantastic to us missionaries. After that we will be visiting an investigator we found last week. It will be a great day!!

I'm so glad that my family is awesome with the missionaries. It seems like in every ward theres those few families that all of the missionaries love and It looks like my family is one of them :D Mom, you are a champ for going out with the sister missionaries. You dont know how much that means to me. Having those solid members come out with us to go proclaim the gospel is such a wonderful blessing.

Everything is going super well in the ward. It is a tad reminiscent of Dyker Heights because it is a big ward (for new york standards) and there is plenty of priesthood to work with. Also, just as with Dyker, the relationship with the bishop is on the upward slope of a big mountain to climb. The first couple weeks were a bit tough because we had very little contact with our bishop here. But I have done all I can to be a blessing to him, be it just a friendly hello every time I see him. Luckily all that work is really paying off because yesterday Elder Heaps and I were able to get into Bishop Yanez office and we had a great chat with him for 15 minutes. We were rewarded with 6 families to divvy up with the six missionaries here to go find and bring back to church. I feel like things are going really well right now. We get fed every day by the wonderful members (last night we had some fantastic enchiladas made by our correlator's wife) and we are really going to be pushing for every member being a missionary.

Elder Heaps and I have been determined as ever to find those real growth families. We have a few appointments set up this week and we plan to bring some solid members to accompany us. The work is tough, but completely worth it. My plea to all of you is to be the members you would want me to be working with (Mom is a great example of that!). You all are in my prayers and I wish the best this week with all the traveling.

 

Love, Elder Hogge

Annuary

Dear family and friends,

 

This has been a wonder past week. Saturday and Sunday were especially important to me.

 

Its been great workin with Elder Heaps as the leaders over this area. We have great missionaries. Our calling is just another great way to be able to serve other missionaries and the Lord. When I first started in the mission I really looked up to the ZLs as the seasoned and successful missionaries. I hope that my example can be a blessing to the younger (and older) missionaries. Its really no different than being a regular missionary besides being able to train the missionaries in our zone and being able to work closer with President. (I have to admit being able to be around President is just wonderful, though it is kind of intimidating getting texts/calls from him every once in a while haha.) He is such an inspired man. I am thoroughly convinced that he would be more than capable of being a General Authority if the Lord saw fit. Seeing President's example has really helped me understand better my role as a leader.

 

Saturday morning, we had the baptismal service for Annaury. It was wonderful! Definitely the least stressful baptismal service of which I have been a part. Elder Heaps and I sang "In Humility, Our Savior". Elder Heaps has an absoluletly fantastic voice. I added my humble bass to the very reverent and beautiful song. Elder Heaps performed the ordinance and Annaury was all smiles. Annaury's non member mother was able to come to support him. I could tell that she felt the spirit. Hopefully in the future the missionaries in her area will be able to get in and help the family be united for forever. Sunday morning in the singles branch his confirmation took place. Elder Heaps and I stood in the circle as Camilo (the branch mission leader) confirmed him as a member of the church and gave him the Holy Ghost. It was such a great experience. Annaury is already being prepared to recieve the Aaronic priesthood in two weeks. The handoff from us to the branch has been fantastic. Since we are devoted solely to the Woodside spanish ward now, the YSA sister missionaries will be meeting with him from now on. He is going to be a great member.

 

As for the work in Woodside, slowly but surely we are gettin the ball rolling. Like always, we have been putting a strong emphasis in finding the families. We were able to meet with a family this week. Their names are Jorge and Marcia. They are really great people. Jorge is really attatched to his evangelical church at this point but we know that the power of the Holy Ghost can touch their hearts. We plan to have an appointment with them on Wednesday. Tonight we have an appointment with a less active member and his friend. We are really excited for that. Hopefully all will go well.

 

Well, the work goes on. I'm feeling older and older in the mission, but I'm working as hard as ever. My personal goals are being realized as I'm out here and the search to bring families together forever is thrilling. Till next week...

 

love, Elder Hogge

Woodside

::IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:: The church has offically allowed email correspondence between missionaries and any friends or family. QED All emails sent from any of you would be appreciated to the utmost esteem. spencer.hogge@myldsmail.net. Now back to our regularly scheduled email. ;)

Family and friends,

For the first time in a year, I have been transfered away from Brooklyn! I was beginning to think to I would be there until I was sent home haha. The Lord has called me to serve in Woodside, Queens. (or as I like to call it, the Goodside) It is a nice and big ward, with people from all over the world. (Many a Chilean and Argentinean, of which I haven't had too many experiences) Every time I meet someone from Buenos Aires or Santiago, I am sure to throw a shout out to my siblings-in-law. I feel that member work will play a very important role over these next few transfers and I will be sure to inquire of the Lord as to what His desire is for this area. My companion is fantastic. His name is Elder Danny Heaps. He is from Cedar City (yep, he did just about jump through the roof with that temple announcement) and has a very supportive family. Both of his parents support him dearly, though his father passed away on January 24th of this year. It was very unexpected for Elder Heaps, and he went home for a few days to participate in the funeral. I am absolutely amazed at Elder Heaps' perspective. He knows he will see his father again, and he speaks and acts accordingly. Elder Heaps goes home in three months, so I just might be his last companion. We are really excited for the work here.

Along with working with the Woodside Ward, the previous elders were working with the YSA branch in Queens. As a result, we are helping a young man named Annaury progress towards baptism. He will be receiving this ordinance next Sunday. It has been wonderful to work with Annaury this past week. He is readily accepting of the doctrine of Christ and is always sure to ask in prayer for the spiritual confirmation of truth. We are so very excited for Annaury. New YSA sisters were just called specifically to this branch, so after his baptism they will give him the new member lessons. At that point, Elder Heaps and I will be one hundred percent devoted to the Woodside Ward.

We have two other companionships in our district. Elder Van Mondfrans (our district leader) and his brand new trainee Elder Neilson, and Sister Van Langen and her brand new trainee Sister Franklin. This is my twelfth transfer, and the combined total of those four other missionaries is also twelve. I am starting to feel a wee bit old haha. The zone is really great. We have a bunch of solid district leaders who are really motivated to achieve goals. I believe we will be seeing great miracles in this area.

General Conference was absolutely wonderful. I am truly beginning to appreciate the counsel given from these wise spiritual giants. I was really able to gain some great spiritual guidance. Like Mom, Elder Holland's discourse really spoke to me. That simple act of believing has so much power behind it. I plan to be able to use that in my own life, and take advantage of that belief in others to bring them closer to Christ.

Sounds like the family is doing well and everything is fine. I am pleased to announce that me and my yellow beanie made the cover of Deseret News haha. Just ask Mom where it is. President provided a copy for every missionary in the mission so I have my own personal memento of the wonderful parade. Well, I love you all. I hope all is well and that the wellness is sustained.

Love, Elder Hogge

Transfer

Family and Friends,

Sounds like all of you had a fantastic Easter week. It was soooooo cool seeing the pictures of all my family together. Kinda weird not being in them but that's ok :) Its funny, I saw one picture of all you guys sitting at the table making easter eggs and I thought, who in the world is that random fellow!!! Then I realized, "oh yeah! thats my future brother in law!" The wedding isn't too far off now is it. I was excited to hear that you guys still keep in contact with Kam Logan. Be sure to tell him I say hi!!

This weekend has been full of crazy emotions. Saturday night we got transfer calls. Elder Ibarra is out (of course) but they told me that I am out of this area too! The mission lingo for that is being "blinded out". So two new missionaries are going to be "blinded in" to the area on Tuesday. I am so sad to be leaving this area. It seems like whenever I really can get the ball rolling somewhere the Lord just sends me off somewhere else haha. But luckily I have faith that He knows better than I do and that all will be well. I really have no idea where I will be going, but I'm pretty sure I'll be with a great missionary. When I had to tell the members yesterday that I was leaving they were pretty mad haha. Some told me to call President Calderwood to see if I could stay longer. I wouldn't dare trying that but its nice that they all wanted me to stay longer. We had a great dinner last night at the familia Espana's house. They made Pupusas (the traditional dish of El Salvador). They were delicious!!!!! It was tough having to say goodbye to everyone but I'm sure I'll get to see them again.

The area is going great right now. We have been working with some really cool people. There was an experience yesterday that just blew my mind. So Elder Ibarra and I went early to practice with our district for a couple of songs we were going to sing for sacrament meeting. While waiting, a member tells us that there is a fellow waiting in the foyer for some missionaries. We head over to the other side of the church and we meet this guy named Sergio. He tells us that he is very interested in the church and he wants to sit down with us for a bit to explain his story and ask questions. So we get talking with Sergio (Elder Ibarra and I at this point are kind of bewildered because this stuff only happens in movies) and he tells us whats been going on in his life. Turns out he had put himself in a sort of seclusion for a few months so that he could really try to come to know God. Through this process he came into contact with the Book of Mormon so he started reading it online. Later, he made a really good friend from Miami who happened to be Mormon so she sent him a hard copy. He was just amazed with this because he felt that all the religious books he had read in the past weren't very complete and wouldn't bring him as close to God as he needed to be. I could have literally had my jaw gaping this entire time because I was just shocked with how Sergio felt about all of this. So we kept talking with him and explained how the church services work and all that jazz. He absolutely loved church. He said that this was the best atmosphere at a church that he ever felt. In gospel principles we were learning about priesthood. He understood priesthood keys right off the bat. He is coming to all the church activities and General Conference this week. I feel so blessed to have gotten to know Sergio, be it just one Sunday. The new missionaries that are coming in have no idea what they have in store for them haha.

Well, as you can see this has been a pretty special week. I know that the hand of the Lord has been guiding the work here. I don't know where I am headed, but I do know that I am a servant of God and he will be able to accomplish his purposes through me. I love you all so very much! Have a great week!!

Love, Elder Hogge