It's "Hump Day!!!!" 365 down, 365 to go!

Leighton helped make the purple drink.....you boil the corn for an hour, add cloves, cinnamon and pineapple peal, then strain it, add ice to cool it, add the juice of 2 lemons, add chunks of pineapple and apple, then chill it.  Quite the process!

Here's Tanner and his purple drink!
Austin says this is one of his favorite drinks so we had to try it tonight. 

Cheers to another great year in 2012! We celebrated with or new drink and ate Mexican food...of course!

When we talked with Austin on Christmas Day he told us that at 6 months they cut off a tie, at 12 months they cut up a white dress shirt, at 18 months they cut up some slacks, and at 24 months they burn a suit.....so Austin should be taking care of a dingy white shirt today!  We decided to have our own "Hump Day" party as well.  Austin sent Jolene some "Purple Corn" and chocolate for Christmas....the purple corn is an ingredient for one of Austin's favorite drinks since he's been living in the Spanish/Mexican communities of Ohio and Kentucky.  Anyways, here's a couple of photos.....hope Austin had a great day too!

Austin sounded great on the phone for our Christmas call.  We didn't talk about much, just normal every day stuff and he asked Tanner and Leighton lots of questions about what they've been doing.  He has a little Spanish twang in his voice, but not too bad since he also speaks English.  He says he sometimes dreams in Spanish, and he couldn't remember the word "tuxedo" in English, so that was kind of funny.  We talked about ward choir and our Sacrament Meeting Christmas program, the Dodge Challenger that he anticipates driving, his cousin Elder Zachary ipson who is serving in the West Indies mission and comes home in February 2012, dance recitals and choir concerts, piano lessons and parties, mexican food, and probably more stuff I can't recall now.  He was enjoying his day at the Avila's, the Branch President's home along with his companion, Elder Garner, and Elder Homewood and Elder Ramsey.  They were excited to be having a more traditional meal of roast beef for dinner that evening.  He says most of the food they eat is really hot and hard on your digestive system, but also good and he is surprised that he is able to eat it all now.  We could hear in his voice that serving a mission is hard, yes it is.  I've never heard a missionary come home to report their mission and say that it was easy, it just isn't.  And so Austin is working hard, finding joy as well as discouragement, but he knows that he is doing the work of the Lord.  We couldn't be any prouder of this great son of ours!  We really missed him on this Christmas Day, as we knew we would, but we also wouldn't want him to be anywhere else.  He's serving at the right time, and in the right place.  Our phone call only lasted a quick 45 minutes and before we knew it, it was time to say good-bye and hang up.  So now we will wait anxiously to hear from him again on Mother's Day 2012!

As Austin's mom, I am so grateful for all of our friends and family that have written to Austin and sent him items to encourage him and show him your love.  It's got to be so nice to know you are remembered, so thank you to you all.  Merry Christmas, Happy "Hump Day" and a Joyous New Year to all!

Remember, Cute and Cuddley, and Smile and Wave. "T-Larry"

La Pared de Gozo Navideno (The Wall of Christmas Joy)

My feet are big......

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, December 26, 2011 9:01 AM

I feel like I am cheating the system right now.  You got to hear me yesterday (uncensored), and now you get an email! 

Fortunately there still are a few things to report.  I don't know if I have ever mentioned our investigator Juan de Dios (John of God), but we had a sweet lesson with him.  This week was full of days where lessons fell through.  We kept trying to make the best of each situation by knocking, or seeing someone nearby.  This time the thought came to go see Juan.  It was around 8:10 when we got it, but the lesson lasted until 9:30.  It was an intense situation.  We hadn't taught the second half of the Plan of Salvation.  So, that was our game plan.  I must also preface that Juan has exceeded  my expectations thus far in his reading of the Book of Mormon.  He has read 1 Nephi Through Jacob, and he has also read the Book of Moroni.  He has told us that he loves The Book of Mormon, so he is certainly progressing, and willing to listen to the scriptures that come from the Book of Mormon.

We began the lesson by stepping back to the first part of the lesson.  Namely the Premortal-existance, Adam and Eve, and our purpose here on Earth.  Doing this was vital to what this lesson would lead into.  It led to him having questions, and us to invite the Spirit and answer them.  His first question was", If we are to have the Gospel how can it be fair to all.  Not all people will be able to hear it, right?"  That question, and the Scripture that Elder Garner would show him from Moroni 8:22.  That all children, and all without the law live in Christ.  We explain the spirit world, that people would be taught there.  That after the Savior's Death he himself would proselyte within that realm.  We then proceeded to the Kingdoms of Glory, and where we might be able to reside after we have passed on.  The countenance of his understanding intensified.  The Spirit was at its climax, and we extended the commitment of baptism.  He accepted!  Elder Garner, and I with the help of the Spirit hope to teach him again and give him his date for the 14th of January.  Getting to that point still had it's struggle though.  At the initial point of the invitation to be baptized, he gave us the "I was baptized as a Child" response.  We were rather bold, and asked if he had chose that, and if he knew the law, the Gospel, when he was baptized. 

These moments were the most crucial for Juan.  He looked back down at the Scripture in Moroni 8.  He read it out loud again, again, and again.  Then paused...  He, "replied, my baptism was not valid, was it?  Wow...."  Then silence...  That is where we extended again, and he accepted.  More and more I realize how much the Spirit is needed in teaching a person.  More than that, how the person must truly want to know what he must do.  It has been there with Cynthia, Alma, Daniel, and even Juan.  I'm learning more and more, that it's not a matter of how many doors you knock, how many lessons you teach, but rather who you teach.  To be a successful missionary you must be more in tune to find those who are ready to listen, not just those who "will" listen.  Now knowing that I pray, more and more to find people like Juan, who will listen to the promptings of the Spirit, and learn.

Thank You all for all you do!  I've never had so much candy to my name, and I never expected to have so much under a tree at Christmas.  Not to mention the tree, I was expecting a Charlie Brown sort of tree!  I thank you all so much for the love you send (in chocolaty Fudgey goodness), and I hope you can find my love in a glass of Chicha-Morada!

Con Amor
Para Siempre,

Elder A. Ipson

The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

Merry Christmas from Florence, Kentucky!

I wouldn't touch that with a.... Thrity-nine and a half foot pole!

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, December 19, 2011 8:56 AM

Christmas!  It's this Sunday!!!!  I can make a long distance phone call!  It's hard to believe it has been 7 months since the last call.  In some aspects it seems forever ago, in others it was a few weeks ago.  The plan so far for calls....

Normally we meet at 9 a.m. with the Spanish Branch, however this week we will meet with the Lakeside Park, Highland Heights Wards.  Now you are probably wondering, "how will the cute little Hispanics understand English".  Well that's why God called Spanish Speaking missionaries in Kentucky!  My new companion got a taste of that yesterday with High Council Sunday.

Anyways the Meeting will go from 10:30 to 11:30. Afterwords we have it set up to be with the Avila Family to make our calls!  For us it will be around 12:30-1:30, when you should be getting a call.  However if it works out that we can't be with the Avila family we will be with the Garcia Family, and the window of opportunity will be expanded from 12:30 ish to 3:30 ish.  Sorry I'm working with Hispanics, time isn't important.... :P.  I'm still kicking here in Florence Kentucky, so be expecting and "859" number.

So as the rumor went Elder Wheadon was supposed to become a Spanish Zone Leader.  Well...  He did!  So he is now up in Fairfield.  Also joined in Fairfield for a second round with the Branch there is Elder Ragan!  He made is was back to the Greater Cincinnatti area.

As for me here, I am "Greenie-Breaking" once again.  I have Elder Garner.  He is from the Northern Utah area, like 5/6 of my other companions..... More specifically he is from Hooper Utah.  Yep Hooper.  He is a more withdrawn Elder.  Almost a polar opposite of Elder Wheadon.  It will be a good change for me, and a chance to learn from him.

Right now in the area, we are doing "winter pruning".  Getting rid of all of the dead wood. Going out and finding more people to teach.  This past week we were able to pick up 6 new investigators.  Working at a good lick we can usually pick up 2. 

Now you can probably remember how I prune trees.  (basically to be a stick in the ground) that's how the area looks right now.  However if remeber what happened to the trees I pruned, they exploded with fruit!  I'm banking on this working with Missionary work!

We had our talk with Daniel, and he took it well.  Sure he's a little discouraged about what happened, but he is still a trooper!  Saturday we had our Christmas Party, and we saw him stroll on in.  It was great to see him there, and with his always pleasant personality!

Also of note; Elder Gonzalez became a Zone Leader!  Guess where he is serving?  Lakeside Park!  So Elder Gonzalez is now my Zone Leader.  This will not be a good combination if he ever goes to one of Elder Ramsey's district meetings!

I have to say thank you for the Christmas package.  It's nestled safely under the tree!  It's been hard not to peak and see what ther is but I've made it thus far!  I can make it 'till Christmas!

Much Love, talk to you on Christmas.

Para Siempre,

Elder A. Ipson

The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

Letter to Ipson's from Elder Wheaden

November 29, 2011

Dear Sister Ipson,
Thank you SO MUCH for having such a great son.  I love him so much.  He is a great missionary who is definitely lead by the Spirit.  Thank you also for the turkey and stuffing, and potatoes, and just everything.  I really loved helping Elder Ipson make the Thanksgiving dinner.  He is a great cook, you must have taught him well.  Our investigators also loved it.  I don't think they had ever seen a Thanksgiving dinner before!  Especially one as nice as the one you gave us.  Elder Ipson talks about you, your husband, his brother and sister a lot.  I hope your husband is enjoying his Challenger  :)  We see one every once in a while here and Elder Ipson drools a little thinking of the one that is back home.  We both wish we could have one as a mission car!  We'd probably make it earlier to appointments.  Anyway, thank you for supporting your son in serving a mission, his example and influence in this mission is very appreciated.  He's a spiritual Giant, he's fun, and he's an awesome missionary.

Love,
Elder Wheaden

P.S.  Also thank you very much for the Christmas tree and the decorations! 
Our apartment really feels good!

Probably are wondering if I've fallen off the face of the Earth, Right?

From: Austin Ipson, Florence KY
Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 8:04 AM

Well it's Tuesday, and I'm on the computer....  Feels like Monday....

Anyways here is my excuse!  Yesterday was our Christmas Devotional.  We were graced by the daunting presence of President Nilsen's friends Shawn Bradely.  Yes the 7'6 Center who played for the Mavericks.  You watch Basketball on TV, and you don't realize how big 7'6 is until you are right next to it!  Our tallest Elder is Elder Robbins, who actually plays Basketball for Dixie State is Dwarfed by him! 

He related to us the his life as a Missionary, and his Missionary experiences in the NBA.  To hear about his Missionary experiences in the Austraila was interesting.  He related a few experiences he had as a Zone Leader.

His wife actually served a mission as well.  Serving in Miami, she went in as a less active, but knew it was the right thing to do.  She spent three weeks in the MTC, and made her way out to the field.  In her entrance interview with her Mission President, on the spot he asked her if she'd be willing to make the switch to be a Spanish Missionary.  She accepted, and told us of the success she had on her mission.

The Christmas Devotional was a great one.  We got Cafe Rio.  However, at this point I'm sick of hearing those two words.  From here on out that place is called Cafe Taco. 

With Daniel coming so close to Baptism, the time came for interviews to happen.  An interview happened with Pres. Avila, and Daniel, more or less as a get to know you sort of setting.  Here we found out a small bit of information.  He's not married to his wife back home.  This snippet will make a tail-spin to the baptism that was to happen this Thursday. 

Pres. Avila felt fine about what was about to happen.  Now this information flew around until it came to the Stake President.  Then came the mandate to talk to President Nilsen about the situation.  If it was going up to him, the situation looked grim.

I caught Pres. Nilsen at one point during the Devotional, explained the situation, but he flat out told me no.  He cannot be baptized.  his answer shocked me!

Later Elder Wheadon and I called again to confirm the Verdict, and it held the same.  No.

The reasoning behind it.  Is that he has unresolved business in Mexico that needs to be taken care of,  Whether be marriage with the woman he was with, or a complete severing of their relationship.

No matter how you shape it.  Someone had to tell him what was going on.

We grabbed his new scriptures.  Wrote our testimonies, and headed off to the Days Inn, to his room.  We got in, gave him the scriptures, and said a prayer.  To try and soften the blow we read a few scriptures.  Scriptures to give him confidence that he could do what we were to ask.  (Moroni 7:33, and 1 Nephi 3:7).  Then, we broke it to him.    That he wouldn't be able to be baptized, until he fixes things in Mexico.  He took it well.  You could see the sadness in his face, but he understood what needed to be done.  To finish we had him tell us his testimony, and his experiences.  We did the same for him.  Gave him a blessing of counsel, and set it up to have a fast with him today.

That's where we are now.  Before coming here we opened a fast with him, and we go tonight to finish with him.  These moments are crucial for Daniel.  I believe the sooner he makes his way to Hidalgo Mexico the better chance he has of being baptized, and living the Gospel in the Fullest Capacity.  Please keep him in your prayers.

Rumors are out that transfers aren't done yet!  So I'm still awaiting "The Call".  There's also other rumors going around that Elder Wheadon might become a Spanish Zone Leader with his old companion Elder Luna.  In many instances I've heard the 2nd rumor to be true, so don't be surprised next week, that Elder Wheadon is in the Miami River Branch!

I await the calls with anticipation, and the call in two weeks.  With all of the Hispanics around I doubt I'll be able to Skype.  However if I have that chance I'll let you know.  So be expecting a call from an "859" number.  (Unless I get transferred)

Les amo Mucho, y tengan una buena semana.

Elder A. Ipson

The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

Letter handwritten to Mom....

Dear Mom,
So, Donnie made a "boo-Boo".  Well my debit card made a disappearing act.  So, could you please get the card deactivated to prevent any damage.  I'm sorry I have to put you through this.  Thank you so much for all you do!  I hope you and Dad have a Happy Anniversary!
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.  I hope this is an easy fix.
Happy Anniversary,
Elder Ipson

It's Wet!

From: Austin Ipson, Florence, KY
Sent: Monday, December 05, 2011 11:34 AM

Rain....  It's wet outside.  It might flood!  It's been raining for more than 5 minutes!  Besides being wet, I'm fine! 

The top news of this week is that Daniel will be baptized this coming Thursday!  The funny thing is, that's the day of Transfers!  So if anyone goes, the new guy will have a very nice welcome to the Area! 

It's crazy how this all came about.  We've been having a bit of trouble pinning Daniel down this week.  However, whenever you drop in on the Martinez, if you wait long enough, he comes!  That's what we did.  Went to the Martinez's to give them one of the 2008 March Liahona (The church sent in bulk this special edition a while back, and Pres. Avila found them, and gave them to us)  We went in and talked about the article by Elder Eyring.  By the time we were done, Daniel came in!  In the 5 minutes he was there he told us he wanted to be baptized on the 17th by Elder Wheadon.  This news blew us away!  As soon as he came in, he was gone.  Leaving us to realize what had just happened.

We got to see Daniel at church this week!  We were very excited to see him!  I'm sure the Uncles that have served the Hispanic missions can attest to the vilgilant worship that goes to the La Virgen Maria. Well we had an unplanned lesson on that Sunday.....One of our Recent Converts (Sis. Mandujano) asked us what the regard to La Virgen is in the church.  She had been reading in 1 Nephi 11 and caught the reference.  She asked the question, and put us on the spot.  So in that room with our two investigators, two recent converts, and less-active we had to carefully denounce the Hispanic Catholic belief in La Virgen Maria. :D  Fun stuff....  Fortunatly Daniel took it well!  He understood what our message was, and after this we moved his date sooner!

If you would have just been looking at us, it would look like we were disrupting Priesthood. Actually we we moving his date up!  Just how things would work out on Saturday and Friday, so he elected to move the date up to Thursday the 15th.  So right there in Priesthood meeting we had President Avila announce the baptism!

In a missionary's eyes he's cool, but he got even cooler after the meeting. I asked him for his full name, that way we could get going on getting programs etc. started.  We found out he's in cognito!  His real name is Aristeo Pontaza Mateos.  Yep, he won cool points!

Well that sums up our week!  This week will be making sure Daniel will be ready for his baptism next week!  Transfers will be next week, so we'll see what happens.  I have a feeling Elder Wheadon will be the one heading out.  He's been here for almost 6 months. So should be heading out soon to do more of the Lord's work!

Thank you for the Cocoa stuff!  Nights have been really good with it around!  Love you all, and have a good week!

Para Siempre,

Elder A. Ipson

The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

P.S. Tanner, get Mr. Sundin to teach you the Collie!  If you don't, I'll beat you in Chess when I get home!  Mwahahahahahaha!

Meet the Thanksgiving Turkey....it has a name!

Habia un Monton de Pavo!

In the Photo Going left to right There is Daniel, Karla Martinez, Eric, Sis. Martinez, Hno Victor, Hna. Luz (Those are first names...), and Ismael Martinez.  There's some bum in the back...  Must have been the Cook...



Elder Ipson making the Thanksgiving Pies.




Beautiful Apple Pie!



Austin's 20th Birthday Cake!

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, November 28, 2011 8:54 AM
So the Picture of the Turkey won't upload.  I'll just have to send this card home....  Now it's story time I guess.  This whole week was dedicated to getting this Thanksgiving Dinner ready.  A good chunk of Tuesday was spent getting 3 Pies done, 2 Pumpkin and 1 Apple.  Flour flew everywhere as I put on the apron, and got to work.  Wednesday was district meeting, and it was then that I made the cake.  For those of you who do speak Spanish, yes that does say Porque Ano.  Our English Zone leaders thought they knew Spanish, and they went around saying that, until they realized it means Because Year?, or Why Year?  Depending how your space the Porque (por que)  So I thought it would be fitting to put on a birthday cake!  After the District Meeting we busted out the other good stuff.  We played pin the tail on the donkey, but The Highlight, was when we played "The Globo Game".  We tied balloons to our shoes, and the object of the game was to stomp on the other peoples' balloons.  We've been cleared for video on our mission, and that clip will come home with the rest of the camera card so you can see our Turkey.  The Turkey's name is Jose Porque Ano Diego del Marcado.  He was delicious!

Speaking of Jose we were able to have dinner with the Parks.  They stuffed us!  In the zone we had a competition to see who could put down the most food.  I didn't win, but I had the spirit of competition as we ate! So I was stuffed even before our Thanksgiving dinner with the Hispanics!  (BTW the winner was Elder Galiher who put on 14lbs on Thanksgiving Day)

Our Dinner didn't come without it's hiccups.  We got to the church, and realized that there was a Thanksgiving reunion going on.  So, the gym was taken...  We took refuge in our Gospel Principles/ Elder's Quorum/ Relief Society Room to have our Dinner.  I have to say... This is the first time I"ve had Pina Colada, and Tortillas for Thanksgiving dinner.  Not to mention duck! 

Everything worked out just fine.  Now I wonder if Kenny Chesney could somehow make a song out of what happened?

In the Photo Going left to right There is Daniel, Karla Martinez, Eric, Sis. Martinez, Hno Victor, Hna. Luz (Those are first names...), and Ismael Martinez.  There's some bum in the back...  Must have been the Cook...

Daniel is the one we've been working with for baptism.  This past Sunday we were able see him for the first time at church!  He is excited for his baptism.  He doesn't show it like most.  He's a rather quiet person, but, he will let you how he feels, in the most polite way possible.  Right now we've left him to think and pray about his date,  (We are hoping that he will be planning for the 24th of December) but whatever he chooses is between him and the Lord.

This next experience I had on my birthday.  We were at the Library working on a Geographical Project in the future, would help us save miles.  While I was waiting for Elder Wheadon to finish up a 24 year old Nicholas approached me and struck up a gospel conversation.  To start he asked me if I had read the book of Jude.  I replied I had once, and we basically read it together.  He told us experiences of his life.  His conversion to Christianity.  At one point he made a comment that he had read the Book of Mormon.  Felt the Spirit Strongly, but felt impressed that he was not, at that time, to continue reading.  Odd thought.  I thought The Spirit would tell us to continue...  We listened more.  He talked of the Missionaries who had passed by once.  He said they were great guys, and liked to be around them.  However he knew, that something was amiss spiritually with one of the Elders. 

The Apostles and Prophets have always taught that your actions dictate your spiritual power while on the mission.  I didn't realize it could have such a far reaching effect as this.  To have the Holy Ghost tell someone to wait to read the Book of Mormon, because the Missionary is not ready to teach.  This is a testament to all, that we must be spiritually clean to all if we want to do the Lord's work.  Not only that, but we must be clean if we want to "be an example".  Actions have far reaching effects.  It may not be the visible chain reaction, but a wrong act before the mission, could effect the Salvation of a man living in Kentucky.

I'm grateful for the Atonement that we have to clean ourselves of that.  To helps us overcome the mistakes we've made.  To make all things right. 

We were able to hand off the number to Elder Galiher and Whiting.  If I hear any more about Nicholas. I will let you know.

Things are still great in the Great Ohio Columbus Mission.  Even if Ohio State got beat by Michigan....

Les Quiero mucho.  Paz Fuera.

Para Siempre,

Elder A. Ipson

The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

Tendre' pavo este Jueves?

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, November 21, 2011 9:22 AM

Florence, KY

That is the question, will I have Turkey this Thanksgiving.? The answer.... Yes!  The Bishop from the Lakeside Park Ward will have the Zone Leaders, and all four Spanish Missionaries over at their house this Thanksgiving.  Don't worry, there will be no watching of football.  Why?  We are putting together a Thanksgiving Dinner with our investigators.  Thanks to the surplus coupons, and cash surplus from the coming birthday.  The Dinner should work out fairly smooth.  However, that leaves one variable.  Who's going to cook it all....  Well, I made a poor choice at the beginning of the mission.  I showed that I could cook decently.  It doesn't help when I whip out my Mandil (Apron) every time I move into a new apartment.  So, even if I follow the reciepe, who know's how this turkey is going to turn out for our investigators.

How the idea of this dinner got started was through some service we did for some of our investigators.  They had a car up in the Nasty Natty, and they needed some way to be guided there, inconspicously.  So we whipped out the GPS (heh-peh-ess-eh), piled into the 08 Malibu (Definatly doesn't compare to the Kurt Busch Radio Sweetheart) & paved the way for a pair of paperless Mexicans!  The operation went smoothly, and they got their car sitution "figured out".  (We popped the hood and there was a timing chain, and piston heads showing).  I don't know what's going to go down at this point but they feel more at ease on what surgery their car is going through.

The two that we guided in the truck were Cristhian, and Misael.  Misael happens to work at the local Mexi-mart, and was able to get some "carne asada" for us.  So when we finished our duty up in the Natty they invited us over for some tacos.  While talking with Misael, we found out he hadn't ever heard of Thanksgiving in his ten years in the States, so we wanted to return the favor.  So I'm making them Thanksgiving Dinner!

This past Sunday it finally fell my turn to translate for a high council sunday.  I was a bit nervous to get started, but it was a fun experience.  I found out where my weak areas are in the language.  However I realized that I don't have much for grammar problems, now it is just a matter of expanding the vocab.  That's the difficult part of serving stateside spanish, but it has really forced me to learn Spanish.   In fact I don't just learn one Spanish.  I learn several.  I have to talk to Guatemalens, Mexicans, Dominicans, Cubans, Columbians, El Salvadoranians,  etc.  Each one of them has different nuances that you learn and pick up.  It's been a blessing to be able to experience the Cornucopia of the Hispanic world!

With Elder Z. Ipson with less then a 100 days, I now have hope that I'll reach my year mark.  Time has kind of made a little slump just before the Holiday Season, but it's picking up!  The help really came when President Nilsen talked about "clipping in".  He talked about when he was training for Lotoja with Shawn Bradley.  Immediately I was all ears.  Basketball and biking!  He made an example though.  He put a missionary up on his Cannondale without clips, and had them peddle.  He messed with the brakes, and proved you need something more.  He had the missionary put on the shoes, and try again.  This time being commited he had more power to push through the brakes that President applied.  That impacted me.  I need to clip in, and just pound my way to the top of the hill!  After that, I can use my downhill drafting techniques!

Thank you for remembering my birthday, and sending me something as odd as Christmas Decorations!  They will be well appricated.  Not only by me, but the other missionaries.

Muchas Gracias por todo, y les amo.

Para Siempre,

Elder A. Ipson

The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

And it came to pass, The Great Ohio Columbus Mission had Transfers

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, November 14, 2011 10:01 AM,

Florence, Kentucky



This is on Scott Street in Covington.  I DO NOT recommend that anyone move to Covington.  I've never felt like I've been surrounded by so much sin!  However I found a cool looking sign!  So to save you the trip, I just sent you a picture!



With transfers this last week I found out something that wasn't a shock... I'm staying!  Elder Wheadon and I will be here for this short 5 week transfer.  That's right it'll be shorter this time.  They want to give the Elders some time before Christmas to be with their families.  So in five weeks from now I'll be stressing the transfer, while Elder Klein will be packing to go home!

This week was simply full of good news.  Elder Wheadon, and his trainer Elder Luna had had been working with a family by the last name of Mandujano.  They had a date set for a few weeks to come.  However the father Alfredo wasn't sure if he was up to what he was about to do.  Elder Ramsey and I on exchanges were able to give a lesson to the Pantaleon family on how to recieve an answer from God about these sorts of things.  The Pantaleons being good friends with the Mandujanos were able to relay our family evening to them.  Elder Ramsey the brains behind that lesson didn't realize the ripple effect that his preparation would do!  It turns out that was an answer for Alfredo, and instead of the family being baptized this Saturday, their dates was moved to last Saturday!

We weren't able to go to the baptism, because they had actually moved into the Miami River Spanish area.  We also had appointments that needed to be kept.  So Saturday was a no go.  However luck smiled on Elder Wheadon, and he was able to go and see this family be confirmed up in Fairfield.  I was in heaven to be back at that branch!  To see all of the members I had once worked with.  The best part was seeing Alma!  She's still coming to church, with her kids!  How it turned out, Alma's ex changed the custody of the children, and now they are able to go to church on Sunday with Alma.  To top it all off, they will be baptized the 3rd of December!  I'm truly excited for all of them.  I just hope that Alma keeps faithful with going to church.

Back on the Ranch.... We were able to continue finding people.  With the predicament we have, missionary work has seemed to be the solution.  Elder Wheadon, and Homewood were able to hit up a few old investigators and see if they still had interest, and they do!  Roman, Sylvia, and Denice accepted a Book of Mormon, and a Conditional Baptismal invitation.  Since they had taken the lessons before Roman teased us by bringing out a few beers after a lesson.  Obvious problem, but at least he's got a sense of humor!

To top of this whole week, this is the best news.  The Pantaleon, and Garcia family are staying in Kentucky!  We're all very excited about this.  Seeing President Avila's face when they broke him the news, well, it was good!  All is well in Zion... For now.  It just needs a few more members!

Things are moving along quite nicely here.  We are seeing the fruits of our past labors.  We hope to work hard and see the fruits of our present labors.

I love you all!  Clean the Kennel, don't drive too fast.  And Go Carl Edwards!

Para Siempre,

Elder A. Ipson

The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

Finally Moved In! (And Transfers are this week...)

New apartment in Florence, KY!

Can you guess which bed belongs to Elder Ipson?

That's right, take a photo of the bathroom while it's still clean!

Study Area.....looks like Elder Ipson on the left,
and Elder Wheadon on the right.

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, November 07, 2011 9:21

New Address:

8635 Preakness Drive
Florence, KY 41042

That's right, we've finally gotten moved in!  It took us 5 weeks to move out, but we are absolutely spoiled in our new apartment!  It's nice to be able to have my own study space that isn't right next to the run-down pool table.  (Yes, there was a pool table in the last apartment, and by no means was it a Brunswick!)

The work accelerated this week! We were able to put 4 people on date!  It was truly miraculous to see!  Elder Wheadon just keeps going and he doesn't stop!  In fact right now, he's contacting a Hispanic here in the Library!  He has an energy that just keeps everything going!

Lately we've been working with a less-active named Sister Martinez.  (I can't remember what I've talked about in past letters)  Sister Martinez seems to be the constant source of our work.  We constantly have lessons with her, and one of our investigators on date named Daniel. Us working with her and her friends has gotten her back to church, and gotten a future priesthood holder on date!  Elder Wheadon and I are really excited about her and Daniel. 

Daniel is a good Hispanic man.  Very soft-spoken, and constantly searching for the truth!  We had a lesson with him last Monday to get him started in his Book of Mormon reading.  We also extended to him the invitation to ask for Sundays off from work.  Both he is doing!  Our last lesson we were able to teach lesson 3 from Preach my Gospel.  We prefaced it by reading the first paragraph of the Book of Mormon stating that the Book of Mormon contained the plentitude of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Doing it this way we were able to connect the dots for him with the Book of Mormon, Baptism, and if he persevered, he would be able to be in the Celestial Kingdom!  There was an amazing spirit during the lesson as Elder Wheadon extended the big missionary commitment.  Baptism. He accepted, and he now has a date for the 10th of December!  I do see this man being baptized, and I feel that we have been guided to find him. 

I thank you all for your love!  Especially for your packages!  Today we are going to make a key-lime pie to celebrate Elder Wheadon's 6 month mark!  You are all always in my prayers.

Para Siempre,

Elder A. Ipson

The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

More photos of their apartment.....

Boohumbug



Thanks for the Boo-Berry!
(Notice the Elder on the left with 2 spoons!...and are they really eating from a pool table?)
Missionary apartment lighting isn't the best, but you can get the 'jist of it!

 From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, October 31, 2011 1:32 PM

I apologize for the tardiness of this letter.  Halloween calls for a little bit different of protocol.  We started out today by doing service at the Pantaleon's house.  To combat the complexity of trick-r-treaters going out at night, missionaries have been asked to take the 2 final hours of the day they would use, to move it to service hours in the morning.  So that's what we did.  Rake the leaves in the trailer park of the Pantaleon!

With the change of the season, has come a big change in the Branch.  I don't know if I've said anything, but this cute little branch is losing 3 big families.  All holding priesthood callings...  The Branch has been concerned about this, and the outcome.  During the one of the stake meetings this past week Pres. Nilsen made a Cameo, and much was said about our little branch.  There was talk of combining with the Lakeside park branch, merging with Miami River, or the East Cherry unit.  Even stocking the branch with transplant "Gringos" was considered, however none of these ideas pulled through.  The decision was made by President Rockwood to keep the branch going.  For this to happen the branch would have to pull off a feat.  They are going to be under survey these next couple of months to see what happens.

After this meeting Pres. Nilsen gave all of us a call during companionship study, we put it on speakerphone to hear.  He told us what is going to be done here, and it will take a lot of work to pull off.  He also gave us guidance to coordinate a meeting with President Rockwood.  That's exactly what we did.  Yesterday we had our meeting with Pres. Rockwood.  He explained that he is ready to move forward with this.  The very fact that there were four missionaries sent to the branch at this time, registered with him.  We planned through a few things.  We are hoping to get a 40-day fast put together with the Spanish Speakers in the stake.  There will be missionary activities (parties) every two weeks to boost missionary work.  To top this all off, on the 13th of November there will be a special broadcast from the Conference Center just for Latinos!  President Rockwood compared what is going on, to Apollo 13.  A severe situation, but will be one of the greatest miracles.  I'm truly excited to be here, and see what the Lord as promised to this branch!

With all of that said, we are ready to buckle down, and go to work.  Word is at this point, that the Elders may become counselors to President Avila.  Elder Homewood has already been roped in to be a ward Clerk!  At this point if there is a name to put into the temple, it would be Andrew Avila and his family.  He is invested in this branch, and I hope he has every fiber of support possible!  (Why he doesn't have counselors now:  One of them past away, and another is moving to Arkansas for business opportunities.)

There is a lot that is going down right now, and in my interview, even before the stake meetings President Nilsen amply reassured me.

Thank you for your love, support, and Boo Berry!

Boohumbug,

Elder A. Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

P.S.S.  The move should happen, this week!  You should be getting a Florence KY address next week!

Why is there a Dodge parked, where there should be a good GM product?

From: Austin Ipson, Fort Mitchell KY
Sent: Monday, October 24, 2011 8:59 AM

Crazy week!  Definitely one to remember!

This week one of our investigators named Nio (Knee-Oh) called us and told us that she was getting evicted from her apartment.  Kind of odd that I prefaced the situation this way...  It had been a couple of weeks since we had made contact with her.  We had only taught her the Restoration, but she seemed interested with that first lesson we had with her.  We called off and on, to no response for two weeks straight.  Finally, during weekly planning we gave her another try, lo and behold she picked up!  She told us she had read the section we had given her, but was getting evicted.  She had a place set-up to live, so the least we could do is offer to help move her stuff.  Good thing I was son-of-a truck driver/ Elders Quorum President!  We went over and loaded up her stuff into the cute little U-haul, and muddled down to Independece KY.  (Just a side note we had to take "Turkeyfoot Road" to get there. Bienvenidos a Kentucky!)  The unload went smoother than we thought it would... When we got to the town-home she was going to live in, there was still furniture....  She was actually going to be moving into the town-home of her ex-husband, and he would be picking up a studio apartment.  Well as it turns out the husband left a note, saying he'd left, and to take all of the furniture!  Nio didn't know what to think, just cry.  We  don't know why things happened the way they did, but we will be heading back Tuesday to go see her.

If you happen to be a Bengals fan you are in luck!  Fenene one of the Defensive Linemen is a member of the Highland Heights Ward.  His wife who has been a long time investigator got baptized!  It was a simple service for this well to do family, but more beautiful than one can imagine!  You could see a stark difference, just with there Vehicles.  Fenene drove in with a Chevy that more resembled a Kenworth than a Silverado.  It, was huge...  However with that difference you could see the spirit work in it's small simple means.

The story of Fenene was interesting.  He grew up a member in American Samoa.  He'd played football in high school, but he never claimed to be that good. His parents sent him off to the Mainland to get and education, and send home money to help them.  That's what he did.  He got picked up at a Jr. College to play football, because his grades weren't UCLA worthy.  He worked as a bouncer, and a factory worker, trying to get his crazy life in place to help himself, and his family back home.

Finally it came mission time.  He went home to begin to prepare for the mission, until life threw a crazy turn at him.  Coach Meyers from the University of Utah went all of the way to Samoa a to throw a deal at him.  Brother Fenene said he had one of the hardest decisions ever.  It didn't help that his mom said, "Mission", and his dad said, "Go play Football, God knows our circumstances".  To make the decision harder the dad was a 1st Counselor in the Bishopric. 

Well he chose Football.  He didn't tell us why he made that decision, the regrets, or the joy, but he commenced to tell me about how family, how he now has a brother who will be able to serve a mission. His story was quite remarkable.  I now see NFL players in the a different light.  Especially when he made the comment "Ben" (Rothesberger) is hard to take down!

This week has been great!  Just hope we can keep plugging away!  As for my birthday, I'm stumped as to what I want.  I will get the birthday order by Halloween! (That way I can actually look forward to Halloween).

Love you all and have a good week,

Para Siempre,

Elder A. Ipson

The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

The Fruits of Labor

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, October 17, 2011 9:06 AM

Alright, for this email open the picture first.  That is Alma on the left.  Now imagine her in white.  That's right, she got baptized!

I honestly don't know what to type this time...  I didn't get to see her baptism, but knowing that she got baptized means so much to me.

How it all worked out, is that the Miami River Branch was having their annual Noche de Latina, their event of presenting one thing or another from each of the Latino Countries in the Branch to try and bring in Investigators.  Just before that, was Alma's baptism.  We scrambled for a ride to Fairfield.  We finally got one.  Abraham, one of the youth in the word elected to take us up there, in hope of getting free food!  We all piled into his Cavalier (All 4 Missionaries, and Abraham) and took I-71 up to Fairfield.  I kept checking my watch, and we kept running out of time...  The baptism started at 5, but we got there around 5:30.  Soon enough to see people filed back in from the font room to the Relief Society Room.  My heart sunk a little, but it satisfied me to know that I was there.

By teaching Hispanics you'd think you'd be reaping in "Success".  That is not the Case in Ohio, but to sit there and see the one person you've ever worked with to walk into a room, clean from sin.  Makes you appreciate so many things all at once.  The opportunity to teach them.  Experiences with them.  The sweat and bike repairs to go and see them.  Not to mention the tender mercies that over come you when you see step into the waters of baptism.

I never knew what 9 months away from home could do for one person.  I understand more fully what our Heavenly father wants us to do in this life.  To bring to pass the immortality and Eternal Life of others.  Words can't describe, what I'm even trying to say.  Rather, I am perplexed about everything.  The time I've been out, that my birthday is next month, and that I actually get to ask for something for my birthday!  More than that, what is my missionary purpose.  Every day I wonder to myself  why I am I in the Mission I am in.  The area I am in, with the companion I'm with. 

I'm sorry if this is just a scatterbrained e-mail.  Finally seeing someone I've come to love go to the waters of baptism, has me a little shaken up.

It's difficult at times to be a missionary, but I know, I am, doing God's work.  Why he calls me, a 19 year old boy, to talk to some 50 year old in Nararit Mexico, I haven't the slightest clue, but he wouldn't have it any other way.  I am called of God to declare his message.  The Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ, and the Atonement of Christ.  As I've taught these two things, I have come to know their validity.  These words of God I'm proud to bear.  At times nervous to share, but willing to give to those will act on his words!  I know things things to be true for myself.

Thank you so much for all of your support.  Letters every week truly do help.  By the time Friday comes around I could use a letter, and there usually is one!  As for my birthday... No idea... I'm going to have to sleep on that...  I do believe there were some copies of Jesus the Christ in the Italian Leather at the Distubution center...

Love you all, and have a good week,

Para Siempre,

Elder A. Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

The Sovereign Nation of Kentucky

Cristina's Baptism Day
Elder Wheadon - Cristina - Kaitlyn - Elder Ipson

From: Austin Ipson, Fort Mitchell, KY
Sent: Monday, October 10, 2011 9:20 AM

Kentucky, wow....

So, guess what happens my first week here in Kentucky!?  I get a baptism!  Yeah, I kind-of robbed the cradle on this one, but this doesn't mean I didn't have my stress getting this baptism set up!  Everything was crunched up to the last minute to get set up.  We were making the program 3 hours away from the baptism, and filling the font 2 hours away!  To top things off the hot water heater needs to rest every five minutes to build up more hot water.  With these variables going on the stars were aligning for a "memorable" baptism.  So with those two hours of filling the font we were trying to do everything else to get ready for the baptism.  Hoping that the font would be filled on time.  We were running hysterically turning water on, setting up chairs, turning off the water, copying programs, turning on the water, throwing refreshments together, turning of the water, realizing there was twenty minutes left, turning the water back on, and hurrying up and waiting.  When 1 P.M. the time of the baptism came around the fount could hold a baptism.  Comfortable by any means, no, but it could be done!

Fortunately for us Hispanic members run on "Hispanic Mormon Standard Time".  Thus giving us 20 more minutes until the baptism actually started.  With this luck we kept the font filling with water.  After twenty minutes the font room was full of people ready to see the baptism of Cristina.  However there was a problem...  Cristina wasn't there....  She had spent the night up in Fairfield with her Sister Angela and was coming down for the baptism when they got lost in the freeway system of Cincinnati.  (If there's anything I have a hatred for it's any road in Cincinnati.  Next to that it's the $10 dollar parking you get swindled into.)  So we were another 40 minutes till the start of the Baptism.  A detail I forgot is that Hermano Wilson, an old Army Colonel was there to baptize Cristina.  (He was my last ward Mission Leader)  I had a hard time telling him that she was going to be late, especially when he needed to be to work by three.

You thought the stars were aligned for disaster, but to top it off,  the level of the water in the font started to go down!  So here's this full room of people waiting for a baptism, a half full font, a stern Army man, and two hay-wire missionaries trying to coordinate this all!  Insanity!

Finally Cristina came, and quickly got dressed, and took her seat.  The font finished filling and was Luke-warm.  And the baptism played out perfectly!  There truly was no flaw to the actual baptism.  There was a great Spirit, and I hope Cristina's husband Luiz felt it.  We have been working hard to get him on-date.  He keeps all of the Commandments, pays his tithing, but he wants to know for a surety he is ready.  He just doesn't know that he is...  If you could, could you please put Luiz Servin's name in the temple.  That would be glorious!

Life here in this branch is crazy.  We are a small branch, we are barely big enough to fill the Relief Society Room. (That's where we meet for Sacrament)  To top it all off 3 solid families are picking up and heading out to Texas!  We going to try and brace ourselves for this by hitting up the Prospective Elders and try and fill the Priesthood spots that will be left vacant.  It'll be crazy, but the Lord is on our side!

Love you all, and hope you have recovered from the Marathon!

Para Siempre,


Elder A. Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

Welcome to Kentucky!

Here is the Address:
(I just don't know how long I'll be here.)
2224 Grace Ave. Apt.1
Fort Mitchell, KY 41017-2040

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, October 03, 2011 9:10 AM
Subject: Welcome to Kentucky

Never thought that I'd be in Kentucky did ya'?  Well that's where we got shot into!  It's crazy how it all worked out.  We were all waiting for calls Tuesday night, and Elder Ballard our old Zone Leader gave Elder Ramsey the call.  He toyed with us for a second, knowing that something big was going down.  Then the beans spilled.  All four in the 4-pad were getting doubled-out!  So, you are probably wondering, "what did they do to need to get quadrupled out".  I'm still figuring that out... 

It was a mad dash to get everything figured out.  Rides, clean apartment.  What's going, what's getting thrown out, which members to see before we head out.  It was an all out mess!  Fortunately Elder Gonzalez knew a few Jeff Gordon fans, and we all piled into a  Mitsubishi Eclipse, and had a nauseating ride to Columbus.  We threw our stuff to the side, and stumbled into the transfer meeting. 

It was a big transfer;  All over the place people were doubled out and in!  As mission gossip goes people heard about our "quad-out"  so we were rather notorious.  I still don't know what for...  The transfer took a while, and it wasn't until the end I knew my fate.  I was called Designated Driver, and Senior Companion to be with.................. Elder Wheadon! 

I am Elder Wheadon's "Greenie-Breaker"  he just got finished training with Elder Luna.  (If you look at the last transfer Photo he is to my left)  Elder Luna was another Elder Klein Trainee, and Elder Luna is a sweet missionary.  I can see a lot of Luna traits in Elder Wheadon, and a bit of Klein garnished here and there!

Elder Wheadon is from Layton Ut.  He's pretty sick with a soccerball.  So, Spanish work is Ideal for him!  He was the Kicker for his High School Football team, and he also played on his High School Soccer team.  His has a contagiously charismatic personality, which is going to be great because of our new circumstances.

How this all worked out, is that Elder Ramsey and his Trainee, also came down to Kentucky.  So the area is now split between the two Companionships.  Our areas are split by the "275" (interstate), and Elder Wheadon and I take the south side, while Elder Ramsey and Homewood take the North.  How it worked out Elder Wheadon and I have the car ('08 Malibu) and the other Elders are on bikes, but to sweeten the deal for them the Cincinnati bus system stretches into Northern Kentucky.  Right now we are all in one apartment.  Elder Wheadon and I are sleeping on Air Mattresses, and hoping to get a new apartment figured out for our area.

Big changes this transfer! It's crazy!  (Deep Breath)

Good job to all running the marathon! Especially for Super Poob for doing it 10 times!  I can't say "my dad can beat up your dad", but I can say my dad can run a marathon... 10 times!  (Not including Boston)  I love you all, and don't forget the stuff you learned at Conference!

Para Siempre,

Elder A. Ipson

The Great Ohio Columbus Mission...... In Kentucky.....

P.S. You should be getting a package with stuff I couldn't fit.  The Jersey is for T, The glass is for all of you.  And, I think you'll all get a kick out of the "Brown Book".

Sorry I don't have photos this week, but presents make things better right!?