The new beginning

I'm sorry I ran out of time last week. Sad story but anyways...
I'm leaving for Japan next Monday!
I am so grateful for all that I have learned here and am ready to help the people of Japan. There have been a couple of talks about charity over the last two weeks so I am trying to strengthen my love for the Japanese people. I have decided I need to have four things to be successful when I get to Japan: obedience to all of God's commandments, love for the people I serve, faith is God's promises, and be able to express my sincere testimony.
If I am obedient I am promised so many blessings. I also have to have faith that God will fulfill His blessings to me. I also need to have faith in myself because sometimes I'm too hard on myself. I need to love the people. If they can't understand my words they need to be able to feel my love and desire to help and serve them. I have something they need and they need to know that I want them to have it, not out of duty but rather because I love them that much. I have been thinking about those who are back home that need this gospel too. I love them and want to share what I know with them. Jesus is my Savior. He suffered for my sins so that I don't have to suffer for them. He restored His perfect gospel and church through Joseph Smith. He loves all of us.
Lots of love
Elder Hogewoning

Just so you know...

I got a letter from Corey today, which said,

"After I finished e-mailing you and Dad, I was writing my general e-mail. I had one minute and was wrapping it up when the computer logged me out saying the session is timed out. I logged back in and only had a minute. It was only time to write down your address, but I didn't have any time to send an explanatory e-mail. Tell everyone I'm sorry. It was a really good e-mail for only having 10 minutes too."

Anyway, I thought you might enjoy that. I've heard of that happening, although for Corey it was a first. Until next Tuesday...

No E-mail :(

I just thought I'd let you know I didn't get an e-mail from Corey today. I'm not sure why. He did send me a personal e-mail, but he didn't send one for me to forward like usual. I'll have to ask why. Maybe he didn't send it in time. Who knows! But he's alive and well! Less than 2 more weeks in the MTC!

MTC, General Conference Edition

Hooray for general conference. I wrote so many notes and wish I had more time to review them all. I couldn't help but notice how much was talked about having faith and staying positive through the tough times. It's weird how many times the economy was referenced and I have no idea how bad it actually is. You don't need to tell me; I rather not know. It doesn't really matter what the conditions in the world are. Everyone needs the gospel in times of prosperity or scarcity. The Sunday morning session of conference was so powerful. Elder Holland and Elder Monson's talks had so much power.
Last week Elder Hoffman and I taught a real investigator at our teaching appointment. I could feel the Spirit helping us teach. I wish I could have explained thing better, but I did my best and that is all I can do.
I can't believe I have less than 3 more weeks here in the MTC. I try not to think about it so I can stay focused on what I am learning. At the same time, that is what I am learning everything for, so it helps when I focus on it too. I hope everyone is doing well. Sorry I don't write more. Everything happens so fast and I can't remember it all. Happy Easter!
Lots of love,
Elder Hogewoning