Saturday, July 25, 2009

Letter and Pictures!

If you click on the letters, they will get bigger so you can read them.

Captions by Elder Hogewoning.
6-6-09 Here another pictures at the groundbreaking. From left to right: Sister Tsutsui, Sister Yamamoto, Brother ??? (I should know that by now. How lame!), Kaoru, Asagi Konomi, Elder Young, Me, Takemori Tatsuya. They let us and our investigators, Fujimara Kaoru and Takemori Tutsuya, get in on the fun. The three on the far left are Marugame Branch members. Everyone is really excited about the new building which should be done Feb. '10.
6-6-09 Raw fish and avocado...It really wasn't that bad. Elder and Sister Naka made us a lot of good food that night. I ate it all by the way if you were wondering.
6-6-09 From left to right: Sister Naka, Elder Naka, Me, Arai Yuka, Elder Young. We had a lesson with Yuka (first name) Arai (last name) in Takamatsu (about 30 mins by train from Marugame). We talked to her about baptism and showed her the font in the Takamatsu building. Afterwards, the Nakas, senior missionaries working with less actives in Takamatsu, graciously hosted us all for a lovely dinner.

We just made a baptismal date with Yuka last Thurs 7/16 for her birthday 12/13/09. Yay! (7/20/09)
5-12-09 The field is white...

*Where it is italicized, Corey wrote some Japanese characters, which I'm guessing mean "me" because I know what Elder Hogewoning looks like in Japanese, and the characters he wrote are too short.

Friday, July 10, 2009

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.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

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!

Monday, June 15, 2009

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

Monday, June 8, 2009

No time!

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

Sunday, May 31, 2009

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

Monday, May 25, 2009

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