Conference is Coming!!!

Hello,

How are you all doing this lovely October? I sure love this time of year! The weather has been fresh and the Work is moving forward.

I've felt so loved, receiving three packages in the past couple weeks! I got grandma's dear elder package (those cookies are a HIT) and I got my birthday package. Score!! Mom sure knows how to put together a good package. See those frisbee golf discs brought me way back. There's a park in brooklyn so I'm gonna try to convince the elders to go out there with me some time. I've yet to open that wrapped gift in mom's package. I'll save that one for the 9th. I usually prefer not to talk about misson time, but as I'm about to complete my 20th birthday I realize my year mark is not to distant. A couple days ago in the mail I got a letter from the mission informing me that my annual temple trip will be on the 10th of October. Talk about belated birthday present!!! I am soooooo ecstatic! 

So I've reached the point in the mission where I feel pretty solid with my spanish. Its really entertaining at times to talk to hispanics because they've begun asking what country I'm from (as if it wasnt obvious that I'm American). I think one of the absolute best things about being a new york missionary is that I get to meet people from almost every hispanic country in the world. Up to this point I've met people from The Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Argentina, Chile, and Spain. I lack para- and uruguay, beliz and bolivia. Some of my favorite dishes so far are sopes from Mexico, Baleadas from Honduras, Papusas from El Salvador, and of course tostones and morir sonando from The Dominican Republic. I would absolutely LOVE to visit some of the places throughout the duration of my life. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to serve around these people. I LOVE the culture sooooo much. (even including the seemingly endless supply of beans). 

The work is going well here. At times tough, but well. Sergio is doing well (its been super tough to meet with him) and we've been able to pick up some new investigators along the way. Sad thing happened tho... Damaris texted us on saturday that she wanted to stop her investigation of the church. Thats the only news we've heard about her recently. Mega bummer. I really have no clue why. But I gotta keep my hopes up that one day she will come around.

My life is just so blessed its impossible not to see the work of the Master's hand. Things get tough, but life marches on. In Malachai 3:3 the Lord is spoken of as a refiner and purifier of silver. The way silver becomes refined and purified is if it is held in the hottest part of the flame by the Smith. Though the silver hurts, and it wants so badly to be removed from all trial and pain, the Purifier keeps on going. The only way the Smith knows that the silver has completed the refining process is when the silver is so pure that the The Maker can see his own face reflecting from the surface. That is the Lord's ultimate work and glory. To make us like Him. To give us the necessary heat to allow his own face to shine in our countenance. I know this work is real, that Joseph Smith is a prophet, and that this gospel is a gospel of peace and joy. I know that my Redeemer Lives!

Love, Elder Hogge

P.s. Willie this is a call out. Email me!!

Fresco

Hello all,

Sorry for the day late email once again. We got flu shots yesterday so Prez decided to move our P-day to today. It was sad to hear of the passing of Brother Shaffer. He was a truly great man. Even though I didn't know him very well, I know he loved me. I'm so happy for the Plan of Salvation. I guess you could say that this plan is the best Christ-mas present any of us could have ever received.

Mom, I did use the boots. It didnt snow nearly that much last winter as it had in the past, but I hear it will be pretty snowy this year. And I dont think I am in need of anything more as far as winter gear goes. What I had was plenty. I DID get that package from hilly and sarah. Wow that first picture sure surprised me (as well as Elder wilkinson). We have been having so much fun with those toys. The noisy putty gave us sooooo many laughs yesterday, we've been doing a lot of Star Wars mad libs, and the ho ho's were a delicious treat. Thank you sisters!!

Our week went very well. I have definitely seen the hand of the Lord in our work here in Ridgewood. Though Damaris wasnt able to make it to church on Sunday, we still had an investigator there! His name is Sergio. Cool story about him. We were walking down a busy street and this guy just walks up to us and introduces himself. He tells us he is from Puerto Rico and that his wife and children are members there. Then he invited us to come over and talk with him. Since then we have been teaching Sergio. He enjoyed church a lot and wants to come back next sunday. We have talked to him about baptism as well. He said that if he receives an answer that he would be baptized. So we are working really hard with him. On Saturday we had an exchange so Elder Wilkinson ran ridgewood with an other elder from the district as his companion. They found a really cool Dominican family that really enjoyed the message. I'm really excited for that.

The weather here has been pretty nice. I'd say its in the low seventies with a nice breeze. I'm lovin it haha. I dunno when it is supposed to be snowing but I hope its soon. I miss the cold haha. I also miss General Conference. And its comin up soooooon! The longer I've been out on the mission, the more I absolutely love the words of the living prophets. I'm so excited for what it will bring to us this session. One or two new temple announcements is also nice as well :)

Well, I know this letter isnt very long but it is filled with tons of love! I hope you all are doing so well. I miss you and love you!!

Elder Hogge

Wow!

Dearest family and friends,

The subject explains it all. This week has been jam packed with new experiences. So, I bet you want to hear about my new companion. As noted last week, he is fresh from the MTC. His name is Elder Wilkinson and I love him!! Just to give you an idea, he is six foot two, two hundred fifteen pounds. He is a giant compared to me haha. He hails from Albuquerque, New Mexico (possibly the first person from new mexico that I've met) and he is supported by a great family. He has five siblings(sound familiar?). Two brothers and three sisters(sound familiar?). His dad is the second counselor in the stake presidency(sound familiar?). He plays college football for university of new mexico (redshirted last year) and we just found out that he is on the new NCAA Football videogame haha. But his physical stature doesn't compare to his spiritual. He is soooooooooo excited about the gospel. He always gets so pumped when we are fearlessing people. He's a fantastic teacher as well. We make an awesome team.

Going to Ridgewood has been amazing. I'm so humbled by the responsibility of a new missionary and a new area.  I'm so happy that the Lord and President Calderwood trust me with this sacred priviledge. Because we are both new, we have a fresh look on the area. We have been fearlessing a lot and knocking a lot of doors. We are just starting to get to know the members in the area, active as well as less active. Because we have both been mega-diligent, the Lord has seen it fit to bless us with someone who has accepted a baptismal commit. The second night we were here, we looked up some potentials. One of them told us to come back that saturday. So on saturday we brought a member to visit Damaris, a 17 year old Dominican girl that seems to be very prepared. As we were getting to know her, she mentioned that she was in the process of figuring out which church would bless her the most. We were glad to offer all that the gospel had in store. After a solid testimony by the member, we committed Damaris to the 14th of October. Now the true test is to see if she will start coming to church consistently. Once she shows the Lord that she is willing to commit to coming each week, He will bless her with a solid answer that this is the true church. I just know it.

The twelve week program has been absolutely amazing. I've been learning so much from it. Getting that extra hour each day to help Elder Wilkinson and our investigators has really helped me understand what more I can be doing as a missionary. We have great gospel discussions during this time. We also do a lot of practice teaching. Its very interesting how the Lord can provide us with revelation on specific needs of investigators when we are only practicing the lessons on each other.

I think last transfer prepared me a ton for what this transfer will bring. Because at times I wasnt able to work as hard as I would have liked to the past transfer, It gives me even more fire for just being able to get out there and do it with a ready and willing companion. Learning more about charity has only magnified my relationship with Elder Wilkinson. I can tell that the Lord has always had specific plans for me, even when It was tough. Reminds me of a certain currant bush at times. But the Lord knows what I can handle. 

Sounds like the family is doing great. That little Jackjack is a kick in the pants haha. Im excited that joe and jules have that new pad. Seems pretty legit. Oh, by the way how is brother Newton doing? please give him my regards.

I love you all! This gospel is the best, literally. There is so much counterfeit religion here in new york. I'm glad the Lord has revealed the truth to His prophet. Makes life so much easier to know the truth. Have a great week!!

Elder Hogge

Transfer to Ridgewood

Hey family and friends,

Mom, sounds like you had a blast with your children this week! You and Joey looked so happy in that picture. Man he's 24 now. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROSEPH!! Its sad having to miss all the family celebrations on the mission, but I'll get over it haha. I guess my birthday is next. So there :p As for birffday requests, some scripture cases or covers for my spanish scriptures would be great (In spanish theres the triple and the bible separate so it would be two separate covers. And spanish scriptures are bigger than english scriptures so its a different size for the covers.)  Fir the discs, I dont need the bag thingy. Thanks tho :)

Well, Saturday night I got the call from the District Leader. I'm out of Bushwick. After only one transfer!! Well, thats a partial truth. I'm out of the Bushwick area but I've moved only one area over to Ridgewood. Just so happens I'll be staying in the same branch. Wooh! Turns out that I'm actually going to be training too. Surprise!!! The funny thing is that I was only kind of surprised. For some reason I had a feeling that I'd be training so when President Calderwood called me on wednesday morning it was cool to recieve that confirmation. So the awesome thing is that I'll be showing a new missionary the ropes. The hard thing is that we are getting blinded in. (When both missionaries in the companionship are new to the area) Sooooooo this is going to be a fantastic learning experience. I'm really looking forward to it. This transfer was super tough for me, so I'm very excited to be able to work with someone who is just as ready to work as I am. Its almost a sure thing that we will be together for two transfers. While training, we follow something called the twelve week program. Its a super cool program designed by the church to get new missionaries up to speed with missionary work as quick as possible. There have been great results in the mission so far. One of the objectives of this program is to allow new missionaries to gain enough experience as to be able to train after their own first twelve weeks. And thats actually happened in the mission already. The thing is that companionship study becomes two hours tho. So that means with personal study, comp study, language study, and lunch we sometimes wont get out of the house until 1 o'clock in the afternoon. Its pretty intense but I'm really looking forward to it.

The work has been reaaaaaaaally slow here. I feel really bad cuz I've been trying so hard but I can only do so much. This transfer the comp unity wasn't all there. I really did my best to make things work out but its super tough when people aren't willing to compromise and work things out. This has probably been the toughest six weeks of my life. Most of the time I just had a really uncomfortable anxious feeling in my chest. I really learned a lot about Charity this transfer. And its so funny cuz mindy mentioned my very thoughts in her email to me. It is sooooooo important to make your charity unconditional on the actions of others. Because of this transfer, I now understand how truly important it is that both missionaries are both diligently trying their very hardest to love each other and work hard. Thats when the purposes of God are truly accomplished. Which is why I'm so excited for this new missionary. I just know that after being stuck in the MTC he is just pumped to get out there and fearless and teach and just be awesome! Its going to be the bomb. I just really hope that the area I'm leaving can see success. Its been really hard contacting Naylynn. Lots of family problems. But we actually found a super cool investigator on saturday in brownsville. She was from Panama! The first person from panama I've met on the mission. I really hope that she accepts the gospel.

Transfer meeting is tomorrow. I find out who I will be training. I'm kinda nervous because the Lord has entrusted me with this great responsibility. But I'm beginning to recognize how good responsibility is for me. I love this work. Its so hard, but awesome! I just know that this next transfer we will begin seeing a lot of success. I love you all!!!

Elder Hogge

One Week to Transfers

Hi everyone.

Transfers are quickly approaching. I've already been back in Bushwick for almost 6 weeks. Crazy huh? Transfer meeting is next Tuesday. We'll find out on Saturday if either of us are leaving. I wouldn't be surprised if we both stayed because this is both our first transfer here. But I guess we will see what the Lord has in store for us.

Mom and Mindy, thank you for those awesome pictures. My little nieces and nephew are becoming not so little as of late. Even If I cant be there, its great to be able to see their growth.

This week was a quite normal week. Nothing really extreme or out of the ordinary to report. We were able to teach Naylynn the Plan of Salvation last week. It surprised her that instead of heaven and hell, there's actually the different kingdoms. But she was ready and willing to accept it. She's doing well. The only problem is that we haven't been able to contact her for a while. She wasn't able to make it to church. That was a real bummer. Its looking like her baptismal date will have to be pushed back a little while so that we can make sure she is fully committed to all of this. We weren't able to meet with the lady and her son this week. She was busy I guess.

So mom to answer your question, here at this library they rent out laptops for a couple hours. On these laptops they have a little place to put your SD card so thats how I do it. But there's also another way to do it with just a USB port. There's this nifty little thing that you can put your SD card into that then plugs into a USB port. I bought one at best buy for ten dollars I think.  You can put up pictures on any computer with that thing.

Mom thats so cool that you got to talk to Sister Petersen. I'll be sure to talk to Elder Petersen at transfer meeting. I can understand why she may be overwhelmed that she has a son serving here. Sometimes I take a step back and realize that I am serving here too. Really, most people here respect what we do. Just a couple days ago, I walked up to three black guys (obviously from the hood) and just started bearing my testimony on Jesus Christ. After a quick little chat, they wished me a great rest of the night. It is absolutely amazing how many people here believe in Jesus. The only problem is that they dont act on their belief. Most people understand what we do. Countless people tell us "God Bless" as we walk by them. More and more I feel like we are being recognized as servants of the Lord.

The work has been tough lately. Salvation was never easy. But I know that I am out here for a purpose. Thank you all for the support you provide for me. I love you all so very much.

love, Elder Hogge

From your loving son

Hey Yall!

So, sorry for doing a day later email, but I have a valid excuse haha.

Mom, First off I wanna say that I loved that story about Alice. That was so adorable to read. Its nice to know that my little loved ones still love me back! This week brought some very awesome experiences. I'm glad you saw that entry in the news about the street sweep. That was part of my first area (except we never went there because theres hardly any hispanics haha). I was talking to Elder Cabanilla and McEwen (our AP's) about it yesterday. They were super excited to have that opportunity to help spread the gospel a bit more through the Net. (Just as a side note for all you BYU fans, Elder McEwen redshirted last year at BYU in the quarterback position.) Whats going on in the field right now is really cool. Prez Calderwood is really getting things movin.

Anyways, my excuse for being late on the email is that we had our zone activity yesterday! By the time elder Holbrook and I got to the library that afternoon, there was a two hour wait for the computers... But the activity was so much fun! We went to Far Rockaway Beach and just chilled for a few hours. (We didn't swim, of course.)  I'll shoot yall some pictures at the end of this email. We played a really fun game of pickup beach football. (Once again, for football fans, the last play of the game I ran a post route and grabbed a perfect spiral behind the secondary for a touchdown that was thrown by Elder McEwen. My claim to fame!!! haha) We had a blast.

I want so share a really special experience I had yesterday. Mom mentioned that she wanted to hear how I saw the Lord's hands in the work so here ya go. Elder Holbrook and I had just finished laundry and we were walking back out to the street to head home. I noticed a hispanic lady chillin on one of those parking lot cinder blocks but I didn't think much of it. (It was p-day ok! cut me some slack) We had walked a bit further when I got this distinct impression: Turn back. A few more steps forward and I realized "I'm gonna feel sooooo guilty if I dont follow this". The spirit was pretty loud on this occasion haha. So I silently turned around (probably at the bewilderment of elder Holbrook) and I made the long, awkward walk over to that lady, with her just staring at me the entire time. I finally get close to her, she pulls out her earbuds, and I tell her who we are and how we want to help her. Turns out, she has a very rambunctious 13 year old boy and she is a single mom. The first thing she inquired is if my church had some sort of youth program. With a big smile on my face, I answered to the affirmative. After talking a bit more, we were able to set up an appointment for us to come over on Thursday to teach her and her kid. I'm so grateful that I tuned in to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. I know that the Lord has given us this amazing blessing and I plan on using it to its fullest extent.

Naylynn is doing very, very well right now but last week was a very hard week for her. Her mother had a Multiple Sclerosis attack friday morning so she spent the entire weekend in the hospital with her mom. But she is definitely progressing really well. She loves the book of mormon. (even more so than the bible) And she reads every assignment that we give her. She has accepted a baptismal date for the 23rd of September. Now Satan is going to work even harder to hinder her progression. But this experience feels very similar to how it was teaching Angelo and Rosa. Theres investigators when you feel like you have to do everything in your power to get them to progress, but then there are others, such as this circumstance,  when you know its between them and the Lord and you've recieved the blessing of seeing their progression to conversion. She still needs to start coming to church, but she is so excited to come this week. We have a appointment with her today at three.  We will be teaching the Plan of Salvation and Sabbath day observance. Please pray that she will be able to overcome the temptations of the adversary as she prepares to be baptized.

That was really hard to hear about Bro Newton. The next time you see him please tell him that I love him and am praying for him. I never really understood where he always came up with those kind words for me, but having someone that views me in those regards has always been a great blessing to me. I know the Lord has given him this illness not to punish him, but to refine him.

The one thing thats hardest, but most rewarding, about life is the presence of trials. Being a missionary, I am often reminded of the talk about the currant bush. (by hugh b. brown I believe?) I have plans for what I want to do and who I want to be. The Lord, most of the time, has different plans for me. But they are always better, whether I understand why or not. It appears to me that trials are those change of plans that put a hardship on my life. At that point, I have one of two choices to make: to succumb to the weight of the trial and cave, or apply the everlasting power of the atonement to overcome the trial and come out conquer and stronger. Its hard, but the strengthening and enabling power of the Atonement will always help, if we permit it. I have such a deep testimony of the love of God. That he allows us to confront trials so we can endure and improve. Though not always easy, trials teach us how to apply the sacrifice of Christ in our life.

I'm so excited for the my future in the mission. Although it isnt easy, its rewarding. Thank you for your support and I love you all so very much.

Love, Elder Hogge

You are Awesome Tambien

Hello Family and Friends

Well, another week has gone by. Is it true that baby Jackjack is almost one??? I hardly believe that haha. Time sure is an odd thing.

Mom, thanks for that fabulous email. I was very happy to hear that Willie is magnifying his priesthood duties. Going that long without the temple must've been tough. I understand how saints must feel in the areas where temples arent very accessible. I haven't had the opportunity to go to the temple in eight months. At least I'll be getting to go in November. Speaking of the temple, Rosa and Angelo are both being prepared to go to the temple and do baptisms! They're doing great. Its weird seeing them at church and knowing I'm not the one serving in their area. As for what we will be doing for P-day... probably basketball or handball or somethin of that nature. I thought that I got the absentee ballot in a package you sent when I was in Riverhead. Soooo I would assume that I am registered. And thanks for taking care of my license. I should probably cash that check in soon. Its been sitting in my wallet for some time now that I think of it haha. I am so very grateful for Brother Bolton's thoughtfulness. It was such a delight getting a "dinner appointment through the mail" I guess you could say. Congrats on your new calling! It must be quite something knowing that the Lord trusts you to take care of the relief efforts of the saints in our stake.

This was a very interesting week. With the departure of Elder Roberts, it is now Elder Holbrook and I taking on Bushwick. And Elder Holbrook and I work differently. I've never really worked with someone like him before. There have been many times this week when I would ask him a question and he would take five to ten minutes before he would even say one word. I'm not very used to that. I feel like most of the time I have to take the initiative in situations. It can be very frustrating at times. But I know the Lord has put us together for very specific reasons. Still trying to figure those out, but I know I can learn alot from this. 

This week we were able to get in contact with an investigator that Elder Roberts and his other companion had been working with. Her name is Naylynn. She's nineteen and from Puerto Rico. She has family in Arizona that are members so thats how she came in contact with the church. She really likes the church. We have an appointment with her tomorrow actually. We are excited to be able to work with her. I really think that she is going to progress very well because she has one of those self-motivated personalities. So we will see where that goes.

Both being new to the area, Elder Holbrook and I have decided to focus most of our efforts on meeting with and working with members. Especially less-active members. We all know that every new convert needs a calling, a friend, and to be nurtured by the word of God so we've decided to try to get that friend into the conversion process as quickly as possible by working around members. We are starting to see some things come out of it. Nothing super specific, but we have some potentials that we are excited to work with.

Well, thats about it for this week. Just know that I love you all so very dearly. I know that God is our loving Heavenly Father and that the gospel blesses families. Two of the greatest knowledges that we posses as members of the church. The church is so true!!!

Love, Elder Hogge

p.s. mom, what are your views on perhaps making some ties skinny for me? :D