So we started English Club, which was pretty successful. The new program that we have is so wonderful, because we don't have to struggle to know what to discuss, because everything is planned for us. People really enjoyed the discussions. We talked about ourselves, and how to introduce ourselves, and how to introduce our families.
We didn't have many meetings this week, because we were so busy getting everything ready for English Club, and me leaving. We had one meeting with Zina, and we tried talking about repentance, and how we go about doing it, but we went off on different topics, but we got back to our purpose in the end. We invited her to be baptized, but she is unsure what her parents would think about it. I don't know yetwhat h as happened since then.
We had a culture night, gratefully before I left. We went to a dolphin show, and it was so much fun! I hope I can send some videos of what was there. It was in this giant inflatable dome, and a giant pool. It wasn't like Sea World, but it was still very fun.
Then I got here in Novosibirsk and met my new companion. Elder Harper is such a cool elder, and we are going to have a great time togetherf. We are really excited for our new callings, and our desires to further the work. He played football in high school, and he has a good singing voice as well. He is really kind to everyone, and easy to be friends with. I am so grateful to be his companion.
Well, though I am in Novosibirsk, I am in a different zone than I was in last time I served here. we go to a differnt branch, so I am glad to see new people, and be their friends. The branch here is so amazing, and the members have such strong testimonies. It was fast and testimony meeting, and all of the testimonies were so spiritual. The branch president, president Drachov, is such an amazing leader, and he just gives an aura of love. You can't but help to be his friend.
I am so glad that Briton got baptized! It is so wonderful to see those that I love take part in those ordinances that really do in fact save you. I wish to say some things to Britton. Now you have the Holy Ghost, and He will be your friend all the time if you do what is right. Try to listen to Him while you pray and read the scriptures, and He will help you know truth. The Gift of the Holy Ghost is one of the greatest gifts in our lives, and I am so grateful for all the times He helped me. I ask you now to pray to Heavenly Father, and ask for help to prepare to serve a mission. There are later steps that you need to take, such as receiving the priesthood, but a goal you should strive for now is to serve our Heavenly Father. He loves you so much, and I love you so much. I pray that all of my nephews will serve missions, so that they can bless Heavenly Father's children everywhere. I love you such much.
So this will be a new adventure for me and a new chapter in my mission. I love my mission so much. Even when the times were hard, I would not go back. I have never regretted serving a mission. The delaying of work, school, family, and friends, they aren't worth anything to the blessingss of a mission. The blessings of a mission are worth more than the sacrifices. All of my sacrifice, all of my trials, have become the greatest blessings in my life. This gospel is true. One of my best friends here in the mission told me a very comforting phrase. There is no greater joy than to see that you are staying faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I hope that all of you will stay faithful to the Gospel because there is in fact no greater joy than this Gospel.
I love you all so much, and I pray for you.
Elder Hoggan (The Siberian Messenger)
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