Week two in Novosibirsk...

Dear Family and Friends:
This is week two of my service in Novosibirsk. I am glad for one thing that this keyboard works. Last week, the keyboard on the computer had sticky keys that didn't work. This Internet club is pretty much a place where people go to play games. It is sad to see their eyes, blankly staring at a screen, while the gospel of  living with Heavenly Father is being preached.
What is there to say? Well, I am not used to the metro system. In Novokuznetsk, we usually walked to places, since it was shorter and easier to meet at the branch building. It is fun to ride buses and trains everywhere. I have NO idea how I will be able to navigate the maze of this city, but in time it will come.

We have lots of meetings, which is GREAT to me. The problem is that it takes time to get to their houses.
The language used to be a beast to me, but now it is a DEMON!!! Sorry if this isn't proper missionary conduct. This language is fun and I love speaking it. Elder Voronkov is a great missionary with a lot of patience. He speaks good English in which he can explain somewhat if I don't understand. He is from Moscow, and he was in the Kyiv Temple Cultural Celebration. If you look up the film on LDS.org, you can see him. He danced with those spoon things. I am so jealous that he got to dance for a temple dedication, but at least I got to dance for President Utchdorf in Leiderhosen. Just saying...
So in short, I am speaking 100% Russian everywhere. There is no break for me. I hope that I can study well enough to be able to communicate better. Something interesting, is that I think that Novosibirsk and Novokuznetsk have different ways of speaking. They use different words more often. Maybe it's just that I am paying better attention to what is being said.
On Sunday, there were youth speakers. They were awesome talks. This is a message to the youth: take advantage of every opportunity you can to speak. I don't care if it's scary or embarassing, gladly accept that assignment. I was entirely grateful for that day, because I received a miracle. Despite it being in a different language, I understood what was being said. I didn't understand every word, mind you, but I knew what they were talking about, and I could follow it. That is a testimony to me that the Gift of Tongues is real. I am in month 4, and I am conversing with people in Russian. I studied Spanish in school, with certified teachers for two years, and I could not even hold a simple conversation. No worldly certificates can compare with the certification of the Spirit.
I also know the power of the Priesthood. I have had opportunities to give blessings, and I feel the power of the Priesthood work through me to bless these people. Priesthood is real power.
Despite cultural differences between me and Elder Voronkov, we work together great. He is funny, he plays the piano, and is VERY knowledgeable in the gospel. There are some differences, such as he does NOT eat cold cereal. Cereal is a kid thing in Russia, but I still eat the good old cornflakes. There is a cereal which is called Podooshedjkee, or "little pillows" They are little pillow-shaped crispy cereal bits with frosting in the middle. Some are filled with fruit filling, like pear or apple. They are very yummy.
The best thing is herbal tea. We get herbal tea from members, home grown, such as mint, or camommile. All are very delicious. Don't worry mom, I am still brushing my teeth and wearing my retainers every night. I won't come home with rotted teeth.
Finally, I want to talk about the importance of the temple. We are teaching these people to prepare for the temple. These people have to leave the country to visit the temple, which is expensive. I lived 20 minutes from the temple, and I didn't go as much as I should. We have every opportunity to go to the temple. There is no excuse. Prepare now to regularly visit the temple. That is the greatest blessing.
No time. I love you all
The gospel is true.
Elder Hoggan (The Siberian Messenger)

First Visa trip to Finland.

This is the next edition of the Siberian Times!
First of all, when I was typing this e-mail last week, my time on the computer ran out, and it closed on me. I thought that my e-mail was lost, but it wasn't so you get TWO emails! *But no pictures. These computers are old, and they have no place to put flash drives in. I will try to find another way, maybe through an Elder Couple's computer. Stay tuned.

E-mail #1

First thing of all, I am glad to be back in Russia, and I am excited to serve in Novosibirsk. 

Last Monday, I took a train to Novosibirsk to wait for my plane to Moscow and then Finland. It was very long, but it was fun to see the other Elders I was in the MTC with. We have grown a lot since 3 months ago. Finland was like moving from Kansas to Oz. Everything was so green and clean, and EVERYONE spoke English!  That was so strange, and I even missed people speaking Russian, especially when they were speaking in Finnish. We had no idea how to get to where we needed to, but we asked people, and they were very friendly. We got to the temple, but it was closed for cleaning, so we weren't able to do a session. We had to go the temple to get our new Visas, and we met the temple president. He was very nice and very helpful.



Helsinki, Finland Temple

 On our journeyings to our rooms, we met an American member of the church, who served in Finland, and is now living in Finland!. What are the odds? Well, he showed us around and we bought chocolate, which is very expensive, but very delicious. We slept in what is known as a hostel. It was right next to the football fields, so we watched snatches of games. A hostel is like a college dorm, mixed with a locker room. It was fun, nevertheless. Finland was very beautiful, but it was windy and rainy both days. We walked around, and saw the inside of a cathedral-turned museum. It was very beautiful.

Then we returned to good old Novosibirsk, and went right to work. Novosibirsk is like the Russian equivalent of New York City. It is HUGE! It  was very shocking to me, but I love it all the same. Our district is about 12 missionaries, which is a LOT more than the 4 I was used to in Novokuznetsk. It was very cool to see such an army in this city. One of our first lessons, we were teaching about commandments, and I had the impression, "What kind of loving Father would give us commandments we can't follow? God doesn't want us to fail purposefully, so all things are possible." It was a good thought, because all is possible with Him on our side.

Kirill, from Novokuznetsk, was in Novosibirsk for some training, because he will be the institute teacher in Novokuznetsk. Sasha, who is the current institute teacher, got her mission call...to Moscow! It is so wonderful to see others receiving their calls, being able to enjoy the blessings of missionary service, one of the greatest works in God's kingdom.

Then Sunday, that was the greatest thing that I saw. The branch has about 80 people, and the best was seeing little children running about. Primary is one of the most special callings in the church. These children will grow up in the gospel, and become the strong leaders in Russia. I almost cried, seeing these children, knowing that they were on their way to become the future leaders, as all children will eventually be.

I have no time, but in short, my companion, Elder Voronkov is awesome! it is crazy to work with a native Russian, especially since we talk Russian 100%. It makes my brain hurt, but I am learning faster that I thought possible. He is an amazing teacher, and I think we will have a lot of success.


Elder Varankov

Here were some questions, and if you have any more, ask them! Tell me what you want to know about missionary work!

Did you get boots and gloves to go along with your coat? Not yet...

Will you get to watch/listen to conference? I believe so, because I know Brother Vladimir got to see conference when he was investigating the church.
Are you able to view the pictures that I attach each week? YES! and I love every single one of them!
 Have you gotten my package yet? I haven't yet, but I think it will be soon.
Is the picture you sent last week with just you and another Elder your new Russian companion? Nope, that's my brother Nikolai! I will try to send a picture of him in another e-mail, because this club I am unable to. The computer doesn't have a place for USB.
When are you going on your Visa trip? Already went, and enjoyed it.

Does your companion also speak English? He speaks English pretty good, but he talks to me in Russian. It's hard, but it is a GREAT help.

I love you all.

I pray for you individually every day.

Miracles are everywhere.

This gospel is true.

Love,

Elder Hoggan

I'm being transferred to Novosibirsk!

The next edition of the Siberian Messenger!

I got my transfer call on Thursday. I will be serving in Novosibirsk with Elder Varonkov, who is a native Russian. The first feeling I had was sadness, because I love Novokuznetsk, and I love the people so much!. But I know that there are people in Novosibirsk that I need to find and bring them to the knowledge of the gospel. I am also really excited to work with a native, because my skills in the language will explode! I am really grateful for the opportunity to increase my knowledge in the language, not just the missionary language, but hopefully being able to try to talk like a native!

New convert, Nikolai, with Elder Hoggan

Monday, I bought my coat! The big, fluffy, and furry-hooded coat! I hope you like the picture! It is very warm, so you don't need to worry about me freezing. For family home evening, we played Scrabble, but in Russian! It was pretty much the hardest game of Scrabble ever, and I want to buy it for when I come home. Let's see someone try to beat me at that game!

Tuesday, there was nothing special. I finally started that journal of my service for when I apply for college, and I write my lessons that I teach at English Club there. I taught them about how to call people on the phone, and the several million ways that you can say hello. (Hi, hey, howdy, yello, 'sup, yo, etc.)

Wednesday, we met with Vladimir, and he taught us some funny phrases in Russian. One of them, "oo matrosov, net vaprosov", which means "at sailors, no questions", and "tishe, mishe-kot ha krishe" which means "quiet, mouse. There's a cat on the roof' They are similar to like okey-dokey-artichokey, or see you later, alligator. I love it, and we say them all the time.

Thursday, we taught Nikolai about the priesthood, because he received it this Sunday. He is a great member, and a great friend. Then we had English Club, and I gave both the story and spiritual thought. I told a story about 2 fighting wolves, one good, the other evil, and the one you feed will win the battle. Then I testified of Joseph Smith. I really felt the Spirit, as I said that I would not want to fly thousands of miles to a foreign land, speaking a foriegn tongue, just to tell a lie, but that I knew it was true.

Friday, we had a meeting with my good friend Vecheslav. We told him about the prophet, and how we can know it is true. One thing he told me was "Why is your face so serious?" I never realized that my face turns very red and serious when I teach. It was a little embarassing to me, because this gospel is happiness! Fortunately, Vecheslav knows that I am happy, and that is why I love teaching people. I am just serious, because the gospel is serious to me. There is no other way to live eternally with our Father in Heaven than through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Saturday, we received a senior couple group Elder and Sister Holbrook, who will be serving in Novokuznetsk for a year. Elder Holbrook will be the branch president, as Elder Sperry will be an AP for President Gibbons. Elder Terry will be a trainer for Elder Harrison, and an Elder Kapps and a new elder will take the place of Elder Sperry and I. It is a great blessing to have senior couples in Novokuznetsk, and I think a lot of good will happen in that city. That is why when I am old, I want to serve a mission with my wife, especially in Russia again, so that I can bless the people even more. Senior couples have a different spirit about them that even young missionaries don't have.

But I saved the greatest news for last. Sunday, President Gibbons and Sister Gibbons and Elder and Sister Huffaker were there. The Huffakers were there to clean out their apartment. They would come to Novokuznetsk once every month or so, but with senior couples there, they will be staying in Novosibirsk. President Gibbons is an amazing mission president. He does everything that he can in Russian all on his own, which is very deserving of respect. I think that amazing things will happen in the Novosibirsk mission. But the best for me was when we ordained Nikolai to the Aaronic Priesthood. He chose me to ordain him. At first I was so honored, but then a little nervous, because there are some words I didn't know. But I quickly learned them, and I performed the ordination. Throughout the entire ordination, I felt peace and love. I have never felt the Spirit work through me in that way before. I know that Heavenly Father was ordaining His son through me. I was not even nervous, and the words just filled my mouth.

 Just think about it. I have been on a mission about 5-6 months, and I am able to ordain members to the priesthood. This is definitely the Lord's work. President Gibbons wanted me to say to you that the blessing was beautiful and without flaw. He also said that my line of priesthood authority includes Nikolai now. He can trace his authority through me, through Dad, through Grandpa Petersen, though Joseph Smith, Peter, James, and John, all the way to Jesus Christ. So Dad, you now have roots in Russia along with me. You have helped bring the Priesthood to a son in Russia. Nikolai is literally my brother in the Priesthood. I will never forget that moment.

Here is something to tell the Primary. Read the Scriptures every day. Keep a journal of your thoughts and impressions while you read. I like drawing pictures of what I read in my journal. Pray every day and night. Have Family Home Evening. Be nice to everyone, and find opportunities to share the gospel with your friends. All you need to be a missionary is a testimony of Jesus Christ. If you have that, you are already a missionary. You can help in this work. Be excited to serve a mission now, because missionary work is so much fun! (you can even give some excerpts from my blog to the children Mom. I think they would like to see pictures as well) This is Elder Hoggan, saying to the primary children, you too can serve a mission, and write to me how you a being a missionary where you live, as I am a missionary in Russia.

Finally, I love this mission,

I love you all, and I pray for you.

This gospel brings happiness to everyone.

Read the scriptures, in them are the words of God.

Elder Hoggan

Stay tuned--big things are happening in our mission!

I still haven't received the package, but maybe it's at the mission office. Mail goes to the mission office, and missionaries who are going into the city bring the mail and packages with them as they travel. It is cheaper and faster than sending them by mail. So I will probably have to wait until the end of this transfer, which will be this week, because I will be going to Finland to renew my visa.
For my Christmas package, I would just like family traditional Christmas goodies. You translate that to what you think it means, because I really don't know what I would want...wait, scratch that. I want LOTS of pictures, drawings, and stories from the family and kiddies. I miss getting drawings, and I still have every single one from the MTC...isn't it weird to think that I was there 3 months ago, and that I have been on a mission for 6 months?I DO want to know who I have for the Christmas Exchange. I would like to send something, and I still will send the soda nativity. It would be too hard to make a nativity set out of a vodka bottle, and I don't want to buy one. We stand out enough in our white shirts and ties, I don't want to give a wrong impression.

Here is the latest edition of the Siberian Times!!

Salon of Salvation

It is starting to get cold in Russia. It is about fall weather, so I am not dying of the cold...yet. It will be exciting when winter hits, and you have to bundle up. I haven't bought my coat yet, but today, I will. We have been looking around, viewing the selection, and I finally found my coat. With the fur...
This week I got my first haircut...and I am still alive. It is funny, because people in Russia rarely have short hair like the missionary style. The mullet is very in. I had to take my glasses off for my haircut, so I had no idea what my hair looked like. Afterwards, I put my glasses on, and had to tell the stylist I wanted it REALLY short. As you can tell from the pictures, it looks pretty good.

I have also been doing a new thing to study the language. I read the Book of Mormon in Russian, and any words I don't know, I underline and write the translation above. Then when I read it again and I remember the word, I can erase it. Yeah, I don't know a LOT of words.

This is the last week of the transfer, and I have no idea where the Lord will send me. I could be staying in Novokuznetsk, or I may be going to another city. I don't know, but I know BIG things are happening in our mission. Elder Sperry, the Zone Leader of Novokuznetsk, has received calls from President GIbbons about changes to our mission, and we aren't allowed to know what they are, until transfer calls this Friday, so stay put until then.
We found a new investigator by the name of Anatoli, who is an old professor of religion. He was a former investigator, who the missionaries lost contact with. We needed new investigators, so we browsed through the area book, and called him. He met with us, and he even came to institute! In the area book it said that the missionaries tried calling him, but they could never reach him. This was about two years ago. So I don't know what changed, but I am glad we found him. We had Brother Vladimir in on the lesson, and he later invited Anatoli to institute, all on his own accord. That is wonderful when members invite others to activities, instead of missionaries.
Brother Vladimir has become one of our greatest helps in the work. He is very good to explain and in a way interpret for us. I don't know why but Russian is easier to understand from members than it is from investigators. Maybe because they know our lack of understanding, and they dumb things down for us.
Brother Vladimir received his first call, to prepare the sacrament. He calls on people to bless and pass the sacrament, and he prepares the sacramental table. That is why I love this church. This is a church of activity. Everyone in this church is involved in some way in the building of the Kingdom of God. There is no one on the sidelines just lounging about. Everyone is doing their part. It is very important that new members receive callings, so they know that they are needed in the church, and that they can contribute.
With the baptism of Nikolai, he will be able to receive the Aaronic Priesthood next week. That is what will give the branch strength. Priesthood power is strength, and I can't wait for the time when I hear that these men, Brothers Vladimir and Nikolai, receive the Melchezidek priesthood. That is what gives this church such strength. This literal power and authority from God makes everything sturdy. That is why the priesthood is so important, and that men need to worthily hold it, to support the church, and the members.
We usually have Sports Night on Saturday, where we play with investigators, members of English club, and members. But with the change of the weather, we now have Game Night. This Saturday, we made origami, which was very fun. It is crazy to see what talents you have forgotten, and the Lord brings them to your remembrance. I forgot about my love for cooking, even the recipe for No-bake cookies. For some reason, I remember them, and I will use all of my talents to bring people to a knowledge of the gospel. I don't know how origami could do that, but I will try.

Did I ever tell you about Uri Ivanovich? He is the oldest member of the branch, and a recent convert. His mind was greatly affected by alcohol, so he has the understanding of a child. We have to remind him a couple times about when family home evening or church is. One thing he does without fail, is ask about this picture of Jesus Christ in his apartment every Sunday. Just out of the blue, he would say, " Можно вапрос? Почему Иисус Христос в моей Квартира?" I am not entirely sure about the proper grammar, but he says, "Can I ask a question, why is Jesus Christ in my apartment? All the members laugh, because every single Sunday he does this. I think Elder Washburn, now Trevor Washburn gave him that picture, but I can't remember.
It is like one of our investigators, Nikolai. This is a different one than the new member. He is very old, maybe as old as Uri Ivanovich. He doesn't work, but he sells apples on the side of the street. You see a lot of Babooshki and Dedooshki (Old ladies and Old men) sell produce from their gardens on the street. He is always concerned about his apples, and so we secretly nicknamed him Яблочний Человек or "Apple Man" Say anything about apples, and he goes on for ten minutes, about all his apples and how there are so many apples, and that all you need to do is wash them. Delicious! It makes us smile.
So that just covers all this week, and be in tune for some BIG news next week.
I love the work.
I love the people I teach
This gospel is true.
Elder Hoggan