White Wash

Last week was a roller coaster ride for Elder Hoggan. He was sick Monday and Tuesday which wasn't fun at all. The positive thing about that  is being able to sleep on the new couches before being kicked off to his new area. Elder harvey did a good job of taking care of him. Goodbyes were said on Wednesday and visits were made to some member families.

President Kohler called Tuesday night and informed Elder Hoggan that two missionaries serving in Waiblingen were going to Munich for hernia surgeries. Originally, only one was diagnosed, but the companion realized he was experiencing similar pains and has one as well. It's kind of a funny story. So now instead of opening a new area in Ellwangen, Elder Hoggan will be taking over Waiblingen and whitewashing.

Elder Jensen is Steve's newest companion. He is from Wisconsin and is a fan of baseball and football. He loves the Green Bay Packers, his family owns their own business selling tools, and renting out tractors plus other vehicles. Elder Jensen worked there before his mission and will hopefully, take over the family business one day. He is a hard worker :)

Now these two live outside of Stuttgard, a pretty large city. A tender mercy occurred their first day together as the Elders got off the train. They had a map of how to get to their house, but neither one really knew the way. As they were discussing this, a man walked up and asked if they were lost. "Yeah, a little bit." After talking for a while, the gentleman asked them to wait there while he got his car and said that he would take them and their many bags to their new apartment. This older man did a good job of driving. He only drove on the wrong side of the road once, after Elder Hoggan pointed out that three cars were coming their way. It was pretty funny. The missionaries got this kind guy's phone number and were very grateful for his help!

The location of their apartment is pretty good. Only five minutes from the church and eight minutes from the train station. Across the street is a place that sells horse meat. Sometimes a horse is heard off in the distance. The missionaries are curious and can't get over the weirdness of the factory across from where they live.

Sunday brought introductions to the ward, the Bishop, and Ward Mission Leader. The search is on for people to teach as well as other names of those to go by on and work with. Things should pick up in the next couple of weeks.

Elder Hoggan's new address is:

Elder Steven Hoggan
Kirche Jesu Christi HLT
Benzstrasse 10
Waiblingen 71332
Deutschland