Tampa 4

Hey Family,

I finally left Apollo Beach, at the time I was so down and sad to leave all the people there. But now that I have gotten to know some of the people and have really concentrated on the blessings that I have received and am going to receive it is so easy to see that Heavenly father wanted me to be here. Elder Taylor is my companion, he is so cool I think that he is probably my most favorite companion ever. I think that every companion is my favorite companion ever at the time I am with them. A little about him, he is from Nebraska and lived in India for 5 years before coming on this mission. He is one of 9 kids in his family, he is a very great missionary I have never seen such an enthusiastic person on missionary work and he is just the most fun guy to be around.

The area I am in is very similar to the very first area I was in but there are no people in very horrible living situations. Mostly everyone here in Tampa 4 is upper class. Our apartment isn't as big as the last one but I like this one a lot better, it takes alot less effort to clean it. and we have a fresh view of the forest through our windows. My bed is the best thing that has happened in this transfer. My bed in Apollo Beach was as hard as a rock and this one is like sleeping on a cloud. I didn't notice that I wasn't getting enough sleep until I slept on the bed I have now.

I had my very first district meeting where I conducted everything. It was pretty interesting and weird to me that everyone was looking to me as the leader. I guess I just have to get used to it. The lesson was good and our district is the office Elders and the Tampa 1 Elders.

Elder Taylor and I had the weirdest experience a couple days ago. It was Saturday morning and we went with the Sisters to a place where a whole bunch of people were gathered to sell things for a very cheap price. It is called a Pulga. At the Pulga we talked to a lot of people about there beliefs in God and Christ and we were able to hand out some pass along cards to them. We had to be careful because if the people running the pulga saw that we were handing out stuff than they would kick us out. We were really good at talking to people with out making a big deal or bringing a lot of attention to ourselves but the sisters weren't and they ended getting kicked out. So we after the pulga we went with the Sisters again to help them with an investigator that they were teaching. Here is where it gets very weird and somewhat of a shock. while we were in a lesson with there investigator, who was a lady, she was pregnant and she started having contractions. The pain was bad but it was gone after a minute. But then as we were helping her to the couch she had another one that was even worse that made her faint from the pain. I checked her pulse and she was good and breathing. Then as we were about ready to leave she had a seizure. We found out later that this happened to her on a regular basis. She is alright now as far as I know.

We really had a good time at church. We had our investigator Miguel come and we also had a guy named Andrew who was very interested and searching for the right church. In Sacrament meeting the talks were great and they really were inspired for both our investigators. It was about the Holy ghost, how he guides us and lets us know when we are on the right path and when we need to make the right changes in our lives. Andrew sounded like he really liked it and he liked how we are very family oriented. He said that he was going to bring his girlfriend next time. I hope that she is alright with that.

I am doing good and I know that the lord is helping me in everything that I am doing. Thank you for your prayers and your efforts in your own personal example to bring about the work and glory of God. Let me know what things have worked for you in your own missionary work so I can be a more effective missionary. I love you all.

-Elder Spencer Larson