Do your home teaching!

Dear family:

It is crazy to think that in about 19 days I will be on an airplane heading for Russia. No I don't have my flight plans yet, but I got my nametag that I will wear out there. It looks like this:

Старейшина Хогган

       Церковь

  Иисуса Христа

       Святых

Последних Дней

I know that you have no idea how to pronounce it, or maybe some can, but I think it looks pretty cool.

And Mom, thanks for the package! I love the music, and I hope I can use it in Russia. We'll see. Also, this following Sunday will be my last Sunday as Branch Music Coordinator. I have really been blessed by this calling, and it is especially a blessing since I was called not a week into my MTC experience. Music is such a powerful tool, and I am grateful for the talents God has given me so that I can share my testimony through music.

And thank you for the pictures! The kids are growing up so much! Tell all of them that I love them and that I am praying for them, as I know that they are praying for me.

We had a little celebration for Memorial Day, as we had "fireworks" of poprocks, drank sparkling cider, and ate doritoes and oreos. Missionaries know how to party. It was fun, but i was really thinking about our own traditions and the importance of remembering. I don't just think that Memorial Day should be limited to those who fought for our country and our rights, but to remember the people before us, and the sacrifices they made in our behalf. That is what's so important about teaching children young about the gospel, because your actions will influence generations to come, and you want your posterity to honor your name and to carry the legacy of faith. Our pioneer ancestors sacrificed their lives in order that we could have the gospel. It would be selfishness and ingratitude towards our ancestors if we were lax on our service and faithfulness in the church.

And about faithfulness, Anyone who is reading this...DO YOUR HOME TEACHING!!! Last Sunday, we were talking about the priesthood, and how to be faithful in obtaining it. You can read it in D&C 84. It says that only if we are faithful in obtaining the priesthood, AND magnify our calling, THEN will you receive all that the Father has. Home teaching is a priesthood duty, and it shouldn't be taken lightly. Michael even taught me the importance of home teaching. So tell the ward that Elder Hoggan challenges them to have 100% home teaching and visiting teaching for this month. (Please notify me of the results) I am going to make home teaching a first priority when I come back home. 

One of the greatest things I have been learning here is about the Atonement, and what it means to me. Back home, I only had to worry about myself, and my progression in the gospel. Out here, I realize that I will be responsible for many people and their progression in the gospel. I hope that through me people will learn who to come unto in order to repent of their sins and because of my personal conversion in this gospel, it will affect the conversion of others. This is why there's an MTC. It's a place where you realize that you are going to be responsible for so many people's salvation, and you need to prepare yourself. I have learned so much about the Atonement, and that it is only though this that I can receive forgiveness for my sins. No other power in this Universe can forgive sin. The Atonement allows us to progress, and become more who we are meant to be. This gospel is progression and perfection. Only through Jesus Christ can we receive exaltation. There is no other way.

I love you all, and I love this gospel.

Elder Hoggan (The Siberian Messenger)

P.S. Do your home teaching!