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