1st Week in Tampa

 First night in Tampa at President and Sister Cooper's home.

 Hunter, President and Sister Cooper

 Meeting up with their trainers

 The luggage from all the new missionaries.

 Elder Hale is in the background

All the bikes for the new missionaries

Elder Ellsworth and Elder Hale

Things have been crazy! Dad said to just respond to one email so that's what I'll do. Tuesday was crazy. Our big group made it to Atlanta but the 29 people going to Tampa all missed their flight because of the delta flight delays. I was fortunate to be one of the 5 that made it on a flight to Tampa that evening. There were 20 others who were left at the airport overnight. By some miracle though the next day they all got on standby for the remaining 20 seats of a flight that left around 10:00AM. That was a big blessing for President and Sister Cooper since this is their first transfer of missionaries. They're very, very kind. They're both amazing people. 

That Tuesday the 5 of us got to stay with President and Sister Cooper for a couple hours and then we went and stayed with the Assistants. Here we go to bed at 10:00 and wake up at 6:00 so we can do an hour long workout. It's a lot different with the humidity. The assistant's workouts are much harder then the ones I've been doing with my companion. It's a weight loss mission apparently so I'm getting ready for that six-pack ;) 

My companion is Elder Ellsworth, he's been out for over a year. I'm currently serving in South Tampa (Tampa's 1st ward). He's a very good trainer and he's been answering all my questions. I don't get to use my iPad for two weeks and I can only email on library computers so you won't hear from me much. 

Biking has been fun in 95 or hotter. It's very, very tiring but I love all the people I've met. I've already seen so many miracles because of exact obedience. There was a ward Luau on Saturday so I got to meet most of the ward that day. It was a giant pig roast. We got to help set up in the morning since we ran by the building on our morning run. Bishop Addison is the only one who knows I'm a new missionary. This mission doesn't like you telling how long you've been out so I had to be careful and say things like "I've been out less then a year". 

I also got to speak in sacrament with my companion. Apparently it was convincing enough that everyone thinks I've been out for awhile so it worked ;) It was all because the spirit was with me though. 

Also I got to participate in my first baptism yesterday, Donnell Street was the one being baptized. Things just magically worked out so I was able to baptize him. Just one of the many miracles I've seen. They should be posting a picture of us on facebook. 

President Cooper was there so no pressure right? ;) Afterwards he was very suprised when I told him that was the first time I baptized him. I said it quick prayer beforehand so it was all Heavenly Father helping me. And Donnell is 3 times my weight so no idea how I was able to keep my arm dry and pull him up with ease. Again one of the many miracles I've seen. There are so many things I want to say. It's been so crazy. I love this gospel. I hope everything is going great with you guys. I love you guys so much. I have you in my prayers every night. I'll hear from you guys next week. I'll try and type less next time ;) 

Love,

Elder Hale

P.S. Tampa is the worlds city for most lightning strikes so its crazy and I love it. I've seen some otters no gators. The otters are in the pond in our apartment complex. We have nice apartments here. But yeah it's amazing!