Dear Family
First of all, CONGRATULATIONS! Lilly is such a beautiful baby. Lilly is such a beautiful name as well. (That is actually a name here in Russia (Лилия- or Lilia) It is wonderful to see these new spirits enter into the world, and see how close eternity is. The veil is very thin, and our families really do rejoice for us. I have felt sometimes that my ancestors have rejoiced when I have made the right decisions. These covenants that seal us for eternity are real, and though I am far away from you, I still feel close, and when I pray, I feel even closer. I have felt your prayers from time to time, and I know of your love for me. I also want to point out that Laura and Zack were also the witness couple when I took out my endowments. Maybe they can be the witness couple when my fiancee takes out hers. But that isn't for a LONG time, so let's just get on with the work here. :)
So what happened this week? First of all, Russian weather decided to pull a joke on us. I have told you it was getting warmer outside; well that didn't last too long. The weather took a turn for the cold, and it even snowed this Saturday. It was about twenty degrees Celcius on Monday, and was below freezing by Thursday. It is still cold. It just made us laugh, as it reminded me of the weather back at home. I forget if weather changed like that in Utah. I think it did. I have been in Russia for a long time. We are really trying to find new investigators, and so we have been meeting with recent converts and less-active members of the church, in order to strengthen them, and also to obtain any referrals. No immediate success yet, but I know that God will bless us for our efforts and labours. Hey, Michael, do you know any good finding activities that you did in Alaska? I am always open for new ideas. We are going to try having a group lesson, like what we did in Novokyznetsk. That was pretty successful, and we got some pretty good investigators from that effort. Also this week, I went on splits with Elder Rich. As a district leader, I am required to work with every missionary in my district for about 24 hours every transfer, in order to teach them, and to check on the work in other parts of the city. I had already served with Elder Smith for about a week, so I already knew he was working right. I have been blessed with an amazing district, and they are all hard workers. Elder Rich is not afraid to speak to people. He really has a strong testimony of the Restored Gospel, and his fire is catching. We were contacting in a different part of the city, and we did get lost for a while. Thankfully, I brought a map with me, and we were able to navigate back to the branch to meet the other elders.
This week actually has been a pretty difficult week for me. Anyone that has served a mission probably understands. We were working very hard, and there wasn't the success that should have come because of it. It can be very downing, and I couldn't understand why things were like that. In that moment, I could have just dwelled and tried to nurse my wounds myself, but that is when I turned to Heavenly Father for guidance. Whenever you feel down, hopless even, never close yourself off from divine help. In turning to Heavenly Father in prayer and through priesthood blessings, I was able to release all my frustrations, pains, stresses, fears, sadnesses, and even anger. He took those away from me, and left me with peace, love, and even joy. He literally healed me. I know that He can heal any wounds, thanks to the Atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It was through Him i received my Balm of Gilead. God loves, us, and understands us. He is always there to help you.
"Fear not, little flock, for I am with you." I love you all, and I pray for the health and safety of little Lilly. I pray for the comfort of the family during this trying time with Uncle Doug. I pray for the blessings of heaven to be with you all. I pray for the blessings of heaven to be with Michael and Rachelle, and I welcome her into our family. I pray, because I know He hears me, and He hears all of His children.
I love you all,
Elder Hoggan The Siberian Messenger
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