2nd Week in Tampa

Elder Ellsworth and Elder Hale

Roasted from last weeks ward activity

Elder Hale, Donnell, and Elder Ellsworth before Donnell's baptism last Saturday

I promise I'll have pictures next week. I get to start using my iPad this week so I'll have plenty of things to send then. The people here are super kind. We're teaching more people then I can count so I won't list them all. One of them is named Vincent. We saw him riding across the street and contacted him. He got in a big car accident when he first got here so he's in a wheel chair. He came to church though and is making the steps necessary for baptism. There's several other investigators like that. People here are just super open to the message. I've also seen many, many miracles. Like not falling into oncoming somehow. That's a long story. And another instance was coming up to a woman who was outside her house. It was the first time she had been out for weeks because of a hip surgery. So the spirit definitely guided us to her. The people here are definitely super kind. There's a couple apartment complexes we can't go to because one of our really good investigators grandson got shot there. So we've been staying safe and away from those more violent neighborhoods. With the spirit guiding us though we haven't seen or heard of anything crazy since we've been biking. People love prayers here so we get to pray with a lot of people as we're riding to appointments.

The other day I got to go on exchange with our district leader. So I was in charge of the area for a day. It all went really well and I liked the experience a lot. I definitely learned how to be more bold and act as a leader during that exchange. This week is stake conference and we have someone from the 70 coming. The ZL's we see almost everyday said Elder Cook was coming but we haven't heard anything else about him so we'll see.

One last thing is my tendon is acting up again because of all the running we've been doing. So I've been told to just ride the bike and ice it as much as I can. I'm gonna go try and find some insoles for my shoes this week. It hasn't affected my ability to serve so I'm not too worried about it.

My address is 

4711 S. Himes Ave. #1904 Tampa Florida 33611

I realized I never sent that to you guys. I have a favor to ask. Could you send my slides? And then maybe some snacks like popcorn etc ;) 

The only reason I ask for my slides is the fact that Elder Ellsworth was in his bathroom this morning a cockroach crawled up on his foot. It was hilarious. We told the front office but I'm sure we'll see more. So slides would be much appreciated. Also an otter from our apartment complex's pond attacked a woman and her dog. She sent everyone a letter about it. I'll send you a copy later. 

But besides all the craziness I love the spirit here. It's always super strong. My testimony in Christ and his sacrifice for us has grown so much. It makes me sad when people use their agency to decide to not accept the gospel. But it makes it worth it when we find those investigators that were ready for the gospel before we knock on their door. I love serving so much. I love and miss you all. Have fun getting ready for school ;)

Love,

Elder Hale

P.S.

I forgot something else. The thunderstorms and lighting like I said are crazy so you know I love it. There was one day we were driving and couldn't see a foot in front of us with the windshields on high. And like I said Tampa is the lighting strike capitol of the world. So during that storm when we were walking and even driving the lighting and thunder shook the car. I jumped a couple times to Elder Ellsworths amusement. And the lighting is right there. There is no break in between the flash and the lighting. I LOVE it. Although it was scary where there was a huge flash and loud boom when we were walking to the car and the tree I was under had a large branch fall from it. It was pretty crazy. But the weather is getting better then it has been since hurricane season is ending. Still no gators. And otters in our apartment complex. And turtles. And crazy looking birds. I love it here. I don't know if I'll ever get used to the humidity. Final thing is I love and miss you guys. I pray for you every night. Again have a great week!!