Flooding & Training

Today there were some famous Oklahoma thunder storms! For some reason I decided to take a run this morning in the heaviest rain and lightning storm I have ever seen. I probably won't do that again! The rain is still going on right now! It is cool. We have been driving around with Sister W____ (an awesome member who takes us places on p-days) and looking at the flooded streets. It is so flat in OK that when it pours cats and dogs, it just floods all of the low areas like little creek beds and roads and the bottom of  hills. It is awesome!There was a tornado in my old area, Elk City. I REALLY want to see a tornado!

   Training is the coolest job ever! It has been so fun showing a new missionary how to do work. My son is such a good missionary and is really starting to get the hang of things. I've had tons of fun with him. Training has not been as hard as I thought is was going to be. Elder Lott came pre-trained. He is a hard worker and strives to be 100% obiedent. I just have to awnser his questions about different situations. Training is a blast. He is a leadership missionary---I can already tell.

I have also learned a lot since I've become District Leader. I have to study alot more and work alot harder to find what the district needs help with, then I try to figure out how I can influence them and uplift them to strengthen their weaknesses. It is fun and satisfying as I learn more about leadership and missionary work.

 There are seven missionaries, including three sisters in my district.  It is hard to minister to sisters because they take things a little different than most boys. That's why it is so important to let the spirit help you minister to others. Somtimes it is very hard for me because I've realized ithe I go into a football coach mode when missionaries aren't doing what they're supposed to. But I hold myself back.

 I have gone to a couple meetings for trainers and new missionarys and I love listening to President Taylor! He is the smartest person and is very inspired. Being a mission president would be such a hard and stressfull job.   Being trainer and DL has helped me learn a LOT! It feels like I'm being trained again. It is fun going on exchanges with the Zone Leaders and learning tons from them. They are so cool, but they always give me homework. haha!
   We did have one baptism three weeks ago. I don't know if I told you or not. I've had one baptism in each area I've served in so far.
                             
  All is well and I'm having a great time.

         --Elder Shumway

Leadership!

Last Wednesday I was made a Trainer AND the District Leader!

High School NEVER stressed me out like this! We also had a baptism last Sunday and I had to give one of the talks in front of lots of missionaries and a large crowd. Talk about a stressful week!

 Being a district leader is hectic sometimes. My little desk is covered with papers and forms. I have to do weekly training and I am now responsible for all the missionaries in my district. That includes a set of sister missionaries. It is a little bit different making sure the sister missionaries are taken care of.....a lot different than elders. My responsibilities at District Leader makes going out and working seem like a relief!

It is super fun training a new missionary. He is from Cash Valley UT. He likes football and we have alot in common. I can already tell that he will be a good missionary. It is funny listening to him try to get used to talking to people on the streets though. It kinda reminds me of when I was being trained.

I'm working extra hard now, and still having a great time!

Luv,
Elder Shumway