6th Week in Tampa

 And then that's my district from the last two weeks. South Tampa was sent into the North district so I didn't know them too long. Transfers weren't too crazy so it shouldn't be too much different.

 This was Metro. It was Wednesday. It's basically for new missionaries. We get to go out on USF campus and find people. Elder Ellsworth went with Elder Menlove one of the Assistants. We then came back and did several role plays, some more training and other things that help us grow as missionaries. It was all day and ended with a church tour and testimony meeting with President Cooper. It was an amazing experience and hope it can happen again.

 That's Angel before the baptism. He was really, really excited and just had surgery that week so not sure how he was so ready and able to do it.

 I tried to get a picture of the amazing storm clouds we see here.

Angel earlier before he got baptized. And then our other investigator named Angel next to him.

So this week was amazing. Like I said we had our final meeting as a district. We all thought the transfer would be much bigger since there's 18 missionaries coming in and zero leaving. I'm glad we get to stay here in Tampa though. This week was metro like I mentioned earlier. Metro is such an amazing experience and I'm so glad we have it. Something I gained from metro was that we don't need to ask if they want to hear about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We just need to start teaching them. They accepted it before we came here on this earth. So might as well start helping them remember why they're here in the first place. We had our miles cut so all the Zone leaders Sister Training Leaders can have more. So we'll be biking more often. Which is fine I've loved biking. We got to help one of our neighbors move a couch down a flight of stairs. There's a lot that's been going on. I've also gotten to participate and see many miracles through the Priesthood. How grateful I am for the faith of those who asked for those blessings. Another miracle this week was when we taught Deloris last night. She has five kids I believe. They're all very religious. The husband hasn't joined a lesson yet but last night all her kids joined except for the youngest. They were all really excited about learning more. They kept on asking the right questions too like "So if I read this book (The Book of Mormon) I can know Joseph Smith was a prophet?" " So I need to get baptized by someone who has the authority like Christ had?" It was amazing. And this was the kids asking the questions. They're all about Gavins age and younger. The youngest isn't baptismal age but the rest are and they all committed to baptism at the end of the month. It's such a blessing that we were able to meet them.

Let's see, we have another stake conference coming up. It's multi-stake and I guess it may have to be at a different venue then a church building because three stakes will be attending. And there's at least two general authorities coming. There's a lot of rumors about what might be happening. They're most likely making another stake which is really exciting. I'll keep you updated as time gets closer. We also have the primary program this Sunday. That's gonna be amazing. Our ward has 40 primary age kids I believe. There's so much going on I wish I could tell you more. I look forward to that package ;) I love all you guys and hope you're having an amazing time at school while I'm having to deal with the cold 80 to 90 degree weather ;)

You guys have a great week! 

Love Elder Hale

5th Week in Tampa

This week has been great!! Tell Linn and Capri thanks for the letter they sent. We got it right before lockdown two weeks ago so we were able to use the cash for pizza. This week there wasn't a Hurricane. We did have a Zone Training Meeting so now we are going by the Missionary Handbook when it comes to most rules. For now it's Service, Music, Study and Exercise that are going back to Missionary Handbook rules. President Cooper felt the change was necessary so we can have more agency and accountability. So he's more about the spirit of the law. He still expects exact obedience. It's been a good change and will lead to more growth. We have quite a few solid date sets we've been working with this past week. There is a baptism coming up this Saturday. The man getting baptized is named Angel or Angelino. He's most likely the most converted investigator I'll have the opportunity of meeting. He was prepared a long time ago for the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was in Utah for 30 days and has been looking for the missionaries ever since then. And that was years ago. We found him several weeks ago when he yelled he was ready to get baptized. I'm so grateful for his faith and testimony. He's been waiting a long time to get baptized and he's ready for it. (And no he isn't a member, we checked ;) ). That's something I think I've come to realize the most this first transfer. The Lord really has prepared people for the gospel. It's just a matter of being in tune with the spirit so we can be guided to them. Angel like I said is getting baptized this weekend. I'm so excited for him!!! It's hard working 24/7 but I've loved it.

Some other random things was my back tire got a flat so I had to get my tire patched up since it had a hole and then I had to get a new tube. It all worked out though. And then my back light fell off so I'll be getting a new light later today. We've been playing tennis for workouts this past week. There's a tennis court next to the park and YMCA next to our apartment complex. Also the minor league fields are right next to our apartment complex. So Gavin would love it. The fields are much nicer then the ones at home. They're sponsored by the Rays which is most likely the reason why.

I hope all of you are having a great week. I love and miss you all. Have an amazing week!!

Love Elder Hale

4th Week in Tampa

This week was crazy. We didn't get to proselyte as much because of Hurricane Hermine. We were on tornado and flood watch/warning for a couple days so I was loving it. We had to stay in several evenings and mornings and only got to proselyte a couple hours each of those days. The rest of the week was great though and it's heating up now that the storm is gone. And the Hurricane didn't hit until 2:00 Friday morning. When it did it was crazy. The wind was super strong. The thunder shook the apartment. And then our power went out but came back on that morning. We luckily missed most of it so it wasn't bad at all. We had 4 of our solid investigators make it to church this last sunday too. That was such a surprise with all the craziness that had been going on. One of these investigators that made it was one of those miracles. She just moved to Tampa and was praying for felllowship. She ended her prayer and we knocked on the door. Now she's going to church and wanting to learn more. There's so many stories like this I can tell. It just shows how much we are being watched over and guided by the spirit. I love every day I get to serve here. It's hard work but the miracles and people make it worth it. This last week we had our Ward Mission lead Brother Bluestar get back. He works on base so he's a busy guy. He is really, really good at getting the members involved so things are already picking up. And our bishop is just as devoted to missionary work. He makes sure to put our investigators first and makes sure he gets to meet each one individually. It's been a blessing how hard the ward is starting to work. Make sure the beavers win that next game. I saw Florida playing when we were riding by on Saturday. Crazy it's that time of year. Have a great week. I love you guys.

Love Elder Hale