First Prep. Day

Dear Family,

I am so glad to receive an e-mail.  I thought that Dad may have suprised you with a cruise as he celebrates you two being empty nesters. If you received my letter, then you would know that my companion is Elder Fitzgerald. He is from Pleasant Grove. He is a really funny guy. He studies and writes his letters on his bed, and we nicknamed his bunk "the cave" since that is the first place he goes when we enter our room. My prep day is Tuesday, and I can receive letters and packages any day. Just send whatever you can! One thing I would LOVE for you to send me is a cushion for my chair. Sitting for hours leaves your posterior sore. PLEASE SEND ME A CUSHION!!! The food is awesome! They have a lot of variety, so I can still make healthy choices. Something that would make you sad is that I have lost weight...but it has only been a pound. I feel great and happy. I am eating well.

The work here at the MTC is amazing. I thought that the Spirit would automatically be here every single day...but I was wrong. You have to work at having the spirit, which is a great learning tool. I have learned how important it is to have the Spirit when you teach, with your companion, and even with your district. I strive to have His Spirit to be with me whenever I can.

Just so you know, the language is coming along great! Our teacher, Sister Kuznitsova (she is a native Russian) is an amazing teacher, and she has a lot of faith in us. I don't even think that Rosetta Stone could teach me as much as I have learned. I already can bear my testimony and pray "PA RUSKI". That's how you would say "in Russian".

I was amazed at hearing how you were reading about Abinadi, as I was reading about him yesterday. He is my hero. He was willing to lay down his life to what may seem a lost cause to teach an unwilling people just because the Lord sent him. He never knew that Alma would be converted and in turn convert an entire people, just because of Abinadi's example. It's a testimony to me that no matter how small a difference I might make in Russia, the effects will be exponential! But I know that if I work hard, I WILL make a difference in Russia.

One thing that was so awesome this week is that I was called to be the Branch Music Coordinator! I already have a calling, and for the whole branch of about 25ish elders and three sisters. I plan the GEEMS, that's how to say hymns in Russain, pianists, conductors, and any musical numbers for sacrament meetings. I am extremely humbled to have this calling so early in my MTC experience. I have already been working to set up the music.

I am glad to hear that Laura is okay. Tell all the grandchildren that Uncle Elder loves them all and thinks about them. Every time I think about Jesus Christ coming again, I always picture myself there with all the family, holding Claire's hand as she points to Christ and tells me, "That's Jesus" As tears would fill my eyes, I would reply, "Yes, that is Jesus." All the grandchildren have such strong spirits, and they are an example to me. Please have their parents teach them about missionary work, the gospel, and the temple. It is SO crucial that they have a testimony of these things.

On P-days, we go to the temple, and today I came with a concern of my heart. This was the first time I came to the temple with a guestion. During the prayer, my answer was given to me through the prayer, and my burdens were lifted. The temple is an amazing place. Take the grandchildren to the temple if you can. Have them see the beauty of the temple, and tell them that families can be together forever, sealed in the temple.

I love you all, and I feel your prayers in my behalf. Please pray for the people of Russia, that they may be prepared to receive the gospel.

God lives.

Jesus does live.

He is our Savior.

This gopel is true.

Joseph Smith restored the Gospel on the earth.

The Book of Mormon is the Word of God.

I love you all,

Elder Hoggan