We all have a safety line, which is the Holy Ghost

Dear family and friends:
This next transfer will probably be the most interesting one ever. The call has come, and I will be staying in Novosibirsk, and I will be training a new missionary fresh from the MTC. That's right, my fourth transfer, and I am training. But that's not all. The other elders are one transfer younger than me, and they are all training new missionaries. The sisters are only a couple of transfers older than me, but pretty much all of the new missionaries will be trained by fresh-out-of-training missionaries. I have no idea what my new companion's name is, what he looks like, or anything about him.
So mom, you will probably need to pray that we will not get lost. I am just joking, because all will be alright. This is a call from the Lord, not even from President Gibbons. I know that it is, and if we work hard, amazing things will happen. This will be a great time for Novosibirsk.

On Tuesday, we had a Halloween Party for English Club. We had games, language activities, and lots of food. We had root beer, which doesn't exist in Russia, Hot Dogs, which actually DO exist in Russia. A Lot of people came, and it was really fun! I was in charge of bobbing for apples, and we had donuts on a string, bingo, jeopardy, and Elder Huffaker did his lasso stuff. Everyone loves his cowboy stuff.

On Friday, I went on exchanges with Elder Walker, who is one transfer younger than me, and a soon-to-be trainer as well. We taught a recent convert how to hold onto the iron rod, or stay stay faithful through diligent study and prayer. He told us how he would carry scriptures in his  pocket so that he could study during breaks in his work. He found time to study. This just goes to show that anyone can find time for daily study. Heavenly Father gave us the scriptures for our benefit. We need to read them. I know that I couldn't teach people if I didn't have my personal study every day.

On Saturday, there were three baptisms: Banya, and a mother Olga with her son Daniel. They are in another branch in Novosibirsk, in a place known as Sniggery. It's about an hour away from the center of the mission. But seeing these people making these covenants to serve the Lord, keep his commandments, and take upon themselves His name, it made me so happy. I hope that I can do a lot of good for this area when I am in charge of it...whoah...

And now for the weather...snow, and cold. Right now it is below freezing. It is October, and right now I am thinking about Christmas. We have even been listening to Christmas Motab sometimes! It is so crazy how quickly things changed. It just seemed like yesterday, we were going about in short sleeves, because it was so hot, and now we are walking around like Eskimos. Don't worry, though, I am warm, as I have found a scarf and gloves. Laura, thanks for the earmuffs, they are awesome! I hope to be able to send you pictures in other e-mails. Russia is very beautiful in the snow. It's fun to bundle up, and to go walking around in the cold. Russian coats are so elegant, and they are just like in the movies.

In my personal studies, I have been memorizing scriptures, both in English and Russian. I have just recently memorized D & C 4 in Russian. It took me about two days. That just shows how the Lord blesses His missionaries with the gift of tongues. I highly recommend you to take Elder Scott's counsel to memorize scriptures, because they are really helpful in a trying time. I have learned so much in the language, and I have only been a missionary for about 5 months...wow, five months have passed already. It is scary how fast this mission has gone by.

I have this parable about missionary work. Missionary work is like riding on a roller coaster, and you aren't sitting down. You are hanging on for dear life on the bars. You have three choices: you can let go which spells disaster, you can hold on and just be screaming, or you can enjoy the ride. Missionary work is crazy, with unexpected loop-the-loops (such as training your 4th transfer) and you just have to enjoy the ride. You have to be so obedient, and have a great desire to love and serve these people. That is the only way to be successful as a missionary. Don't worry, though you are holding on for dear life, if you are faithful, you are completely safe. You have a safety line, which is the Holy Ghost. Why would Heavenly Father abandon us on a dangerous journey alone with nothing? He loves us so much, and He is always there to help us in times of need.

I ask for your prayers to be with us all, for this will be an interesting transfer.
I am excited to show my faithfulness to the Lord.
I am ready to work the hardest I have ever worked.
Elder Hoggan (The Siberian Messenger)

P.S.  I LOVED all the Halloween costumes!  The wolfman, the minions, Strawberry Shortcake, the ninja, Rapunzel, the witch, the skunk, the monkey and Nemo--they were all great!!