Pictures from Elder Hogewoning

My dad got a letter from Corey today, and there were some pictures. Hope you enjoy! (Captions are by Elder Hogewoning.)

4-29-09 This is at the mission home. President Isa just told me I was going to be serving in Marugame with Elder Young. What a night?!?
6-1-09 The Marugame castle is a really beautiful place.

6-7-09 This is me at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Marugame chapel. It should be done early next year.

No time, again!

Just wanted to let you know, I did get a very short e-mail from Corey at the beginning of the week, which basically said something like, "Yes, no, yes, yes..." answering a couple of my questions, but that was it.  Sounds like he's pretty busy as am I.  This is my last week of EFY though, so after this I might have more time to update this willing that Corey writes more.  

Thank you all for your support, love, and prayers.  We both really appreciate it!

6 weeks in

Well I'm over 6 weeks in and every 6 weeks is transfers.  I'm still in Marugame but Elder Barrus replaced Elder Young.  They are both great and I'm so fortunate to be able to learn from both of them.  It's also nice to have kind of a fresh start with a new companion with new ideas.

I gave my first talk in sacrament on Sunday.  It was really nerveracking but I got through it all right.  I had to speak for 10 mins but it flew by.  I stumbled through the scriptures I shared but everyone was quick to praise me afterwards anyway.

Lots of love,

Elder Hogewoning

No time!

Corey didn't have time to write an e-mail this week, and I'm super busy at EFY.  Til next week...

I have already been here for a month?!?

It's weird to think I have been in Japan for over a month now.  I have learned a lot but there is still so much to learn about being a missionary.  I ate some sushi for the first time yesterday at lunch after our branch's block.  It was pretty okay.  Our branch is about 40 to 50 attending members.  There are about 10 people from the states too.  Sorry I'm out of time again. :{  I wish I could write more.  There is so much to say but I don't even know where to start sometimes.  Anyway lots of love, Elder Hogewoning

This week...

This week was pretty hard.  We had some appointments fall through but I know Heavenly Father is helping us and will provide a way to do what He has asked of us.  I am excited that Christina decided on going on a mission.  It will be fun to swap stories.  I got my first haircut in Japan today.  It took a long time but it was free so I can't complain.  I hope all is going well but I took a lot of time writing family so now I don't have any more time. Sorry.  I know everyone is dying to hear from me and see pictures.  Sorry I'm so busy.  Thank you for your prayers and support.  Lots of love, Elder Hogewoning

I only have five more minutes.  I think I'll just write about this buffet that we went to today.  It was really cool.  There is a grill right in the middle of your table and all of this meat you can choose from.  You pick what you want and then grill it yourself at your table.  They also have salad, fruit, sushi, rice, soup, noodle, soda, ice cream, slushies (kind of like slurpies),  cheesecake and soft serve.  There cotton candy machine was broken today though.  (Yes they really do have a cotton candy machine. That wasn'ｔ a joke.)  I liked the melon slushies the best. No I didn't try any sushi.  Maybe some other time.  Sorry I couldn't write more.  Thanks for all the love and support. Things are going well.

Lots of love,

Elder Hogewoning