Metro Training

9-8-14

So, this last week was pretty steady for the most part, except for Monday and Tuesday.  On Monday evening, we drove up to central Tampa for our Metro training experience.  It is something that they do for all of the trainers and trainees to have some experience street contacting.  We worked up there for part of Monday and all of Tuesday.  We didn't get much done Monday because we had to take shelter at a nearby Presbyterian church for about 2 hours during a severe thunderstorm.  After the storm stopped, there was about five or so fire trucks that drove past us to a site where lightning struck and caused some major damage very close to us.  Tuesday felt extremely long because we were out from 10a.m.-9p.m.  talking to people all day long.  We got to go into the downtown area and see all of the massive buildings they have.  It was pretty easy to pass out cards to people who were passing by us, but difficult to stop them and talk to them for even a minute or two.  Everyone had somewhere to go and something to do it seemed like.  It got pretty hot during the early to mid-afternoon, so we planned our route to what the next place could be where we could stop for water.  Throughout our day, we met a lot of interesting individuals.  Not too many who were interested about the Gospel, but did know a thing or two about the church.  Something that was also going on there was the "Book of Mormon" play.  So, whenever we would tell anyone who we were, they would just start talking to us about the play.  It doesn't sound like a very accurate portrayal of the church or the Book.  Oh well.  Overall, it was a pretty fun experience.  I feel bad for all of my friends who are in missions where all they do is walk all day, everyday.  Haha.  I'm sure they are us to it, though.  I hope you have a great week and I will talk to you later.

Love,
Elder A. Whaley

I heard from Elder Swallow's mom.  Here's what she said:

Elder Swallow (Logan) loves Austin!  He says Austin is a great trainer and he learns new things everyday from him.  He really respects him.  He also said Austin is a super smart guy!  Logan told us a funny story.  He said they were in Tampa tracking and they were super hungry and there wasn't anywhere to eat.  They looked at a GPS and saw a McDonalds, but it was two miles in the wrong direction.  They were so hungry that they decided to walk to it anyway.  When they got there, it was the Ronald McDonald House.  Logan said he's pretty sure he cried.  But, they walked back to where they came from and 2 hours later, they got food at a store.  Logan said they sat down outside to eat and it started to pour down rain on them.  He said it was pretty funny! 
Austin is truly a blessing to Logan.  We are so thankful for him being trained by such an obedient, hard working young man!