March 28, 2011 - My Name is Peggy! (silly family joke)

Como esteis?

Month number one is almost down.  It seemed terribly long, and short at the same time.  Crazy Paradox I know, but I'm sure Dad can fill you in on that!  With General Conference around the corner we're trying to get all of our investigators excited about it.  We will be down in the chapel in Grove City, even though the "Gateway" building (next to the temple) is closer.  The building down in Grove City houses the Franklin 1 Spanish Branch.

Speaking of which, our branch is small.  There are around 40 active(ish) people, and I would venture to guess that there are 3 times of that, that are inactive!  So this week, Elder Klein and I are devoting to get those inactive members to church.  After all, inactive members are "The Fountain" of referrals, as Elder Growe put it.

We haven't been able to get back with Jose' and Antonio.  We can get a hold of them, but they have been put to work on a new construction project.  So, getting a concrete appointment can be difficult.  We need to get in soon because of the unresolved tension. 

On a different note we are working with a pair of Hondurans.  They are both excited about the gospel and want to come to church so badly.  Although the night before Araceli had to go to the hospital.  Earlier in her life she had a miscarriage, and wondered if the abdominal pain she has is related to that.  Her boyfriend Roland is just as eager as his girlfriend, and wants to be baptized.  I may have mentioned in a past e-mail, that at one point he walked up to his calendar and wrote baptism on one of the days!  Unfortunately, these two haven't put a marriage together to meet that date, and haven't made it to church.  Which is a funny story all in itself!
Roland works odd construction jobs around the area, even up to New York.  So his Sunday schedule can vary.  Araceli had a job that had strict attendance policies, and was forced to work Sundays.  One lesson we prayed that she would be able to work it out, to not work on Sunday.  We kept her in our personal prayers, because they have a fire that our other investigators don't.
Well our prayers were answered.  Araceli lost her job!  As missionaries the prudent saint was saying "yes now she can come to church!"  Then we realized... Wait Roland isn't scheduled for another job for a while... Oh...  So we did our best to console her, and Roland.  She then replied, "Oh don't worry, I got another job just the other day! I won't have to work on Sunday either!"  Elder Klein and I inwardly rejoiced!

Things didn't work out for them to come to church, but they are progressing quite well!  In fact we set a date for them, and went over a few things that we were going to teach.  One of them was Chastity.  In an instant Araceli demanded that we teach that.  Meaning right now!  We weren't going to say no to this sassy Honduran, so we extended our stay another 15 minutes!

Needless to say the work is progressing!  It's amazing to be a part of it!
So, I've decided there's a whole new realm of cooking I've never seen before.  For example did you know that you can fry banana?  It's not necessarily banana, rather platano.  A very firm, and larger banana.  Just cut this up like you would your dutch oven potatoes, and toss them into grease.  Cook 'till a golden brown, and you're eating like a Dominican.  Also if you wrap your hot-dogs in bacon (salchichas con tocino) and put everything you can think of, on that hot-dog.  Meaning salsa, lettuce, sour cream, mayo, and whatever else.  You have a Mexican Hot-dog!  (Just use a normal hot-dog bun, or a tortilla)  It all sounds extremely unhealthy, but I have to say.  People know how to eat!

I failed to mention that Chilean food is extremely simple.  We had a meal of fish, rice, lettuce, and tomatoes.  Simple, but satisfying!  Really what it was was fish-sticks (family was saving time), and the rice, tomatoes, and lettuce, were mixed together.  They had Italian dressing that was a nice compliment. 

Now to make Leighton Jealous.  I made Churros yesterday!  Mwahahahahaha!  In-fact I made one of the infamous Ipson PB&J in a tortilla, battered that in Churro "dough", fried it up, covered it in cinnamon sugar, and.... It was amazing!  I will make one for Leighton when I come back!

Please don't let me infer that all I eat is detrimental to my health.  These are the entrees that I hope to remember.  There are some that either need an amendment to the recipe, or need to be repealed altogether!

Life is good.  I have new socks and a new tie!  I'm grateful to be here!  I hope you all are having fun.  Especially with the Wienermobile, coming through San Jorge (St. George).  I should have sent my hot-dog recipe to you to share with Oscar Myer!

Once again my studies have taken off!  There isn't a day that goes by where I don't learn something new!  For example today, I was reading in Ether 12, where Moroni is talking about the Book of Mormon.  How he feels his writing is lacking, but the Lord promises that the Holy Ghost will speak through it.  It's true!  I came into the field with a love for the Bible.  I read St. John and had a love for reading about the Savior, and his ministry in Israel.  Over time that love has leveled out to the Book of Mormon.  The Lord's promise to Moroni is true!  There is a spirit to the Book of Mormon.  As Elder Holland put it in his last conference address.  To leave the church you must leave over, under, or around the Book of Mormon.  (rough quotation)  It's true.  That Book is our basis.  I for quite a while thought that our religion fell upon the first vision of Joseph Smith, but it falls on the evidence of it.  If the Book of Mormon is true, the church is true.  The only thing that would change my response to its validity is an answer from Our Heavenly Father Himself, that it was merely a novel.  I know it is not merely a novel.  A work from a man simply trying to establish a church.  This Book is words from God given to prophets, to be translated by a prophet, and to be preached by prophets until and beyond The Great Jehovah shall say "The work is done"!  I know these things are true, I cannot deny them!

I love you all, and hope to hear from you soon.  May God be with you 'till we meet again. Para Siempre.
Elder A. Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

March 21, 2011 - "I Need Socks"

To my family,

As mentioned in the subject line I need socks.  I'm pretty sure there is a gremlin out there that eats my left socks, and another one that eats the rest.  So my plea is for socks!  I remember you said you have an Adrian's gift card, well that's what I need.  Please get the thinnest pairs they have so my feet aren't frying in the summer.  If possible get the most annoying paisley tie you can find at Adrian's.  For some reason that's what's in style.  I also have a black paisley in my closet, and it would be awesome to add that to my facade.

I must also send my apologies about not sending back my photo card.  There really hasn't been much to take photos of.  There's a few at the mission home.  I'm yet to get one with Elder Klein, but I will get one!  So I come to this e-mail in repentance to the mama.

Now after the informal cordialalities, I will begin the email!  So after our study this morning we walked our to Verdito (the car).  It was humid.  Only 65 degrees & I thought I was going to die!  Well maybe not that extremity, but this good ol' dog town boy isn't used to this crazy weather.  On top of the climate I'm still not used to the lay of the land.  This "no-mountain" thing really isn't copacetic.  I'm so grateful Elder Klein has spent a good deal of time in this area (7 months).

The work keeps on progressing, that standard of truth has been erected, and it will not stop!  Although that doesn't mean that we haven't had our own difficulties.   Once again the topic of immigration has popped up.  Not in the form of true politics, but in the form of detrimental church members.  We are teaching a family of 4 brothers.  Jose', Antonio, Braulio, Hugo.  Most of our time has been with Jose' & Antonio (Should have mentioned they are Mexican) they are eating up what we have to say.  I don't recall if I have talked about them, but I will give a recap.  Elder Klein and Luna knocked on their doors  (first door of the day) & got in.  Jose' had a question relating to "God doesn't talk to man".  Well a verse in Exodus says otherwise, because the Lord talked to Moses like a friend! Blown away Jose' has been clinging to every word Missionaries have taught him.  He claimed missionaries have come to him before, but never answered his questions like this round has.  We talked about the Garden, & was blown away about this "new" part of the atonement.  More and more he and Antonio have been accepting the Book of Mormon, but their set-back has been a certain member.

 They were watching TV with their wives, and one of the news bulletins had an interview.  The man in the interview explained he was Mormon, and he was from Mexico.  Then something along the lines of the fact he served in America legally on a visa, then later in life moved back legally, and grants animosity to those that are here illegally.  Like I said last time the law is the law, but as Jose' put it, we are not just here to work.  We are here to make better lives for ourselves, and our families.  Sounds like the title of Liberty.  So by this arrogant plight Jose' & Antonio are having a hard time making it to church because they don't want to go to a church that has members like that.  Despite the fact that the church is a block away from them!  So we are trying all we can to get him to confrence, so we can have our real spokesman of the Lord speak to him.  As well as get a member in on this, and show that we mean well.

America truly is a refuge.  Elder Klein was telling me of a person he taught where one of the Mexican Mafias quite literally took everything from him.  His business & most everything he had.  There isn't law in some parts of Mexico, and if you have enough money, you make the laws.  So this mafia was at this man's last straw. His daughter.  Events played out, and now he is here in Ohio.  The law is the law, I keep emphasizing this, but I'm getting a new feeling as to why people hop the border.  I have a new perspective of these people to say the least....

So, the moral of the story is.  Don't speak in arrogance, until you truly know both sides of the story....

So this week was the Mission Tour.  We were graced with the presence of C. Scott Growe of the Seventy.  We really had a numbers game the whole day, and concluded that the most pivotal number we could have.  Is investigators to sacrament meeting.  This is probably the hardest one to accomplish.  People would sooner be baptized than go to church.  On top of that, latinos say they will do something, but not do it, if they don't feel like it.  So, you learn quickly that even though they said yes, they won't keep a commitment.  Welcome to the Mission!  Anyways after the numbers game he opened the floor to questions.  He shared an experience he had with the twelve how he asked the question, how does a man go from a man, to an Apostle (He asked because Elder Bednar was his Assistant when he was a mission President in Uruguay (I believe)).  President Packer (who was in charge of this past meeting) called on President Ucthdorf to answer.  It wasn't until our district leader Elder Mclellan asked what President Utchdorf's reply was.  Elder Growe replied to the extent that he couldn't give the full answer, but an overview would suffice for this group of missionaries.  "Apostles must go through rigorous study, prayer & anguish of the soul to know what they must feel to be an Apostle".  That remark alone shook us!  This has invigorated my studies.  I've been called to represent an Apostle, so to be a Representative.  I need to be like the Apostles.  My studies have taken on topics that should help me more fully help my investigators.  Because I am to do as our Savior would do if he were personally ministering among the very people I am.

I know this is the work of the Lord.  It may be hindered by arrogance, but it will not stop.

I love you all and hope to hear from you soon.  Para Siempre.

Elder A. Ipson

The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

"Back to the Ohio" Monday, March 14, 2011

To the family,

Week two is in the bag, and the work keeps on going!  There's so much to tell, but only enough space in my mind to fit it all.  (Yes I have been keeping a journal (I make an accounting for each day)).  Mom asked about the mundane details about life well here you go!

Our shopping is first at a Mexican Store about a mile away.  We get as much as we can, because somethings over there are a little cheaper, and we can do a bit of missionary work.  After that we head over to the Kroger to finish up our shopping.  So with our trips to the store you can obviously tell we eat a ton of Mexican.  On top of that  we usually can scrounge up a meal every other day, so it's not too bad on the pocket book.  The catch is, we're usually eating Mexican food.  It's all good untill they add "salt"  (jalapenos, chilis, etc.)  Don't get me wrong, the food is great, but it takes its toll on you.  On the bright side I am slowly acclimating to the heat it produces.

Our apartment is a bit older.  I'd venture a guess it was built late 80's early 90's.  So about as old as me, but it looks like it has seen a few more years than I have.  Needless to say it has become home, and I await that worn out Serta every-night.  We constantly have lessons to teach.

I made mention how we are teaching a variety of people.  That holds true still, but as we meet with more and more people, the majority of people we teach are... you guessed it!  Mexicanos!  They're an obvious majority out here, but you still get a few dominicans here and there.

Right now Elder Klein and I (he is actually 6'8 I lied, (there are a few taller missionaries as well)) are teaching Antonio, and Jose.  They grew up Evagelical, and have a good record of the Bible.  Elder Klein and his past companion Elder Luna taught them and there eyes were opened to other things the Bible says.  It's amazing to read something from the Book of Mormon then Solidifiy it with the Bible!  Elder Klein is giddy whenever we talk to them.

So the topic of Utah's immigration bill has made it's way into the armpits of Ohio.  There was a lesson with a less active member, who voiced her opinion of it.  Me, having at least some lick of sense.  Shut my mouth.  Coming from home I leave with preconcieved notions about politics, but when you teach these people you begin to have compassion.  That doesn't change law, but it reminds me of excerpts in Alma how we need a mediator to level the demands of Justice and Mercy.  I won't be getting involved in politics out here, (well too involved...) but this situtation made me think of our need for a Savior. 

Speaking of politics, I got Dad's email about is need for his outside catering service.  It's too bad they don't want his sledgehammer services!  Out here, I could really go for some sledgehammer cooking!  So if you could... I forgot my reciepe book at home... So could you fill it up with cheap/fast/tasty/etc.  meals that Elder Klein & I could use, so that I can have refuge from the fire known as Mexican food?  Please?

In addition, Pres. Jensen has said no go on Ipods.  We wonder if this will carry over with the next mission pres. here in a few months.  So, the green missionaries are holding on just in case. What I'm really getting at is... Will you send me CD's of Mo-Tab, The Rutter Requiem, My choir CD's. & my other classical music.  (Jazz is a noooooooooooo go (I am a sinner.....)).  I would love to see some shiny CD's in the mail.... Please?

Funny story.  Elder Klein and I were over in the Spanish East area studying (Dinner appointment in that area).  We were studying for one of our investigators.  We were tossing up ideas, because we didn't know where to go with this person.  I was looking out the window, paying attention to Elder Klein.  He asked me a question, and I was intelligently answering it until I saw... A squirrel.  So, midsentance I say hey look a squirrel, and continue on with my response.  Elder Klein with his sense of humor, ran to the window and said, "where!?"  We laughed for a moment, and concluded it was moments like that, that make it hard to plan.... After that break in the tension we actually got everthing worked out and figured out a lesson plan.  So maybe it wasn't us getting off track.  Maybe we just need a break in the tension!  So my advice, live happy, make jokes, and hop in the pool before it gets cold!

Probably not the mentality of a a missionary, but my personal studies show it!  So many things have opened up!  Today I studied "How to know the Mysteries of God".  This study took me to all ends of the scriptures, and the answer was rather simple.  Humble yourself, repent, humble yourself, pray, humble yourself, ponder, humble yourself, and tell other people.  Although you also need to heed the words of the Savior in Matthew, don't cast your pearls before swine.  Prayer is a powerful thing.  Testimonies are built on them.  Battles were won.  Races are started, all with prayer. If there's anything that you might need "if it be right" God will provide.

It's fun to hear from you all.  From Leighton taking up my mantle to Dad antagonizing T with Flyer Blue!  (BTW I got the Dear Elder, & letter the same day...) To answer your question T, the weather is scatterbrained.  It doesn't know if it wants to be cold, or spring!  Gooz, I'm waiting for Sophie...  & mom, get that hat off Dad's head around the house! I can understand it if he wants to stay alive outside of the house, because I have to do that down at Ohio State (P-days we can head over to the institute to play B-ball).  I love you all & hope to hear from you!

Much love Para Siempre,

Elder Ipson

The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

March 7, 2011 - Here I Am! (Elder Ipson's 1st e-mail from Ohio!)

Well here I am in... (drum roll) Columbus!  They have me working inside Columbus.  I'm in Columbus West, so this takes up quite a bit of space.  I go from Dublin to Grove City.  I even stretch into Downtown Columbus.  (Haven't made it that far yet)  But most of our work is done in about a 10 mile radius.  Because we are in a more impoverished area, it's easier to find Hispanic, Dominican People.  I can't even say we are teaching a specific group of people.  We've already taught a Honduran, Puerto Rican, Mexicans, etc.  There is so much culture here.

I met my mission president immediately after getting off the plane.  (He was just past security)  The AP's were really cool, although one of them (Elder Walker) has made his way home.  So I get to meet a new AP pretty soon!  We made our way to the mission home in Powell, it is a beautiful home, and the Senior Missionaries are beautes! 

By now I'm sure you're wondering who my trainer is.  Well, Elder Ragan got sent down to Cincinnati, with my trainer's old companion, it will be interesting to hear about his experiences as compared to mine.  From what I've heard Cincinnati is a litter harder of a place.   Which is probably fitting that Elder Ragan is down there.  He has a personality to cope with it.

Anyways I'll quit playing mind games & tell you my trainer is Elder Klein.  He is from Logan Utah, & he was a swimmer!  So immediately we had something to talk about!  He also was an alto sax player, and sang Bass for his Logan School choirs.  In other words you could call him a 6'5 version of me!  I really dwarf the people I teach, but Elder Klein makes me look superfluous!

Now I bet dad is wondering what we have for transportation.  The Spanish Elders get cars, because our areas are so much bigger, but that doesn't mean I've escaped dorkiness.  Our car is a fairly new Mazda 3.  Not too bad until you find out the color.  (Calf-scours green)  Other than that it gets the job done, but I've yet to break in my new Trek, because the weather has been a bit foul lately.

Coming in I've had some shoes to fill.  Elder Luna, Elder Klein's last companion, worked really well with him, and the people they taught.  So I need to figure out how to love like he did (with my own flair of course) and work with Elder Klein to bring people unto Christ. 

Right now we are teaching quite a few different people.  Pedro & Carlos have been taking the lessons from the missionaries for quite a while now, but they haven't been reading the Book of Mormon to find out for themselves if baptism & church is the right thing.  We know as members that through The Book that we can know these things.  They just can't see that.  Gah!  (Sorry for my outburst)

We've had other success as well.  We have been teaching a Honduran (forgive me for guessing) about the gospel, and he asked when he could be baptized!  Taken aback, Elder Klein explained the prerequisites to baptism.  That he needed to go to church three times to be baptized.  He didn't make it to Church this time around, and that will move him back to another date.  The real catch is that he is moving within a month, and we don't want him to slip through the cracks.  We are going to try hard to get Roland to church.

Overall there is quite a bit of work to do, but I would love to hear from all of you at home.  President Jensen has asked that we keep emailing to a half-hour.  (We get a bit of grace, but it's what he's asked) So, to have time to reply I would ask that you send mail to the field.

Elder Austin Ipson

2709 Abbot's Loop Ct.

Columbus, OH 43204

So there you go!  I will be here for the next three months as I train with Elder Klein.  (I am his third born in the wilderness)(Hopefully someone will get the joke).  But once I got here I was immediately given a new name.  I am no longer Elder Ipson I am Elder Eepson.  (I=ee).  So when I get home if I call the family, the Eepson family I am sorry.  The mission does things to you!

All in all I'm loving it out here & wish you the best.  Para Siempre.

Elder A. Ipson

The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

P.S. Write on Cody's wall and tell him congrats from me.  South Africa will be amazing!

P.S.S. Time is short; I love you all, & hope to hear from you soon.   Para Siempre.

Photo Card - received on March 2, 2011




We all got Lava-lava's!!!  How cool is that?!?!

 




Elder Foster, Elder Reid, Elder Ipson, Elder Ragan
Sister Taylor, Sister Powell, Sister Ricks

 

Elder Ipsons Lava-lava and cute friend from ???

They're starting to get packed up....luggage
and space bags, sheets and ties...

Elder Ipson's desk space...



Elder Ipson & Elder Ragan are helping Elder Reid and Elder Foster
pack for Argentina.  They leave two days before.






Ready to get these shoes dirty and worn out!

 



Elder Ragan, Elder Ipson, Hermano Airmet, Elder Reid, Elder Foster
Sister Taylor, Sister Powell, Sister Ricks

 


Elder Ipson and Hermano Airmet (Teacher)





Elder Ipson, Elder Reid, Elder Foster, Elder Ragan
Hermana Taylor, Hermana Ricks, Hermana Sandoval, Hermana Powell

 



The Grand Map Picture:
LtoR back:  President and Sister Neilson, Elder Austin Ipson, Elder Nathan Reid,
Elder Ragan, Elder Quade Foster, Sister & Hermano (Brother) Sancho.
L to R front:  Hermana Melanie Powell, Hermana Alyssa Taylor, Hermana Merlene Ricks

 



Elder Ragan, Elder Ipson, Hermana Sandoval (teacher), Elder Reid, Elder Foster

 

February 23, 2011 - Last MTC P-day

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2011 6:43 AM
To: Jolene Ipson
Subject: Last MTC P-day

To my family, Here I am!

To start things off, I'm going to say that I've gotten the thumbs up from my branch presidency to call home!  Obviously I'm going to make that attempt in Salt Lake, because I remember going through the expansive Minni.. Airport. Please don't be too let down if I can't get to a phone.  The schedule they've given us doesn't leave much for error, or leisure. Remember that I love you!

Entonces, it's crazy to hear what's going on back home!  Washington isn't the cute little town it used to be.  With what's been going on, to the new airport.  Life sure is different down there!  Well my life really is going to change here in a week.  For the longest time I've thought the MTC to be a spiritual school.  I've grown so much, don't get me wrong.  Now I'm heading off to the armpit of America, and I'm going to figure out what life is!  It is daunting and exciting at the same time. 

On that topic I’ve been speculating were Elder Ragan and I are going to go.  I feel that I am going to be heading to Cincinnati, and Elder Ragan will be heading of to the Dayton area.  If my blasphemous prophecy comes true....  I'll let you know!

Hi Austin, Leighton and Mom here.  Tanner in the shower, and Dad is downstairs all sweaty after his run.  Ewww!  So, it’s your last week at the MTC.  WOW!  Bet you can hardly believe it.  So what’s on your agenda for today? 

Today is a ton of letter writing.  I've got to get a few notes sent off.  Elder Parker a Hawaiian took an order of lava-lavas for the zone (I have a flashy orange one!)  So I need to send a note thanking her for her time.  Then I have a couple of letters I need to send off to other missionaries, and other priests in the ward.  After that it's a trip to the temple, a lesson, and study time!

Sounds like a great plan.  So I was on FB yesterday, and Tara Prince says she’s getting her mission call this week.  I didn’t even know she was planning on a mission, did you?  We’ll have to let you know when we find out.  OK, so you’ll have to send a photo of the lava-lava.

Yesterday we had Elder Kearon speak to us.  This U.K. native kept us all entranced with the words he spoke.  (Gave the talk about the scorpion at the last conference).  It was a nice change from the spiritual beat down we had last week.  He really put our arm around us and let us know how much we are capable of, even as 19 year old boys.  I've been given the Mel. Priesthood.  I have every key at my disposal to get the message across.  Now my job is to be the message.  Look like I'm joyful, so my message has the effect it will truly have.

Dad remembers the story, says it was a good one.  Maybe we can review is for FHE or something.  I’m glad you enjoyed that.  I could tell you didn’t get too many warm and fuzzy feelings from last weeks’ talk.  Yes, you 19 year old MEN have everything you need.  You’ve been working on this your whole life, and now is your chance to be the message.  I like that!  You’ve always been joyful, and a pleasure to be around.  Others will feel this from you and will want to listen to what you have to share.  Oops, Leighton just missed her bus!  Guess I will be driving her to school this morning!  (Just don’t miss your bus next week!!!!)

Yesh, that would be bad, especially the air-bus.  It was so much nicer to listen to this Elder than the one prior.  But yeah, he really built me up.  On top of that KSL is still running around, and doing their thing.  So that MTC special hasn't hit the air yet.  So you won't see my face (if the put my footage on) for a little while longer.

Dad is driving (couldn’t get a flight home late tonight) to SLC today to get their bill passed through the Senate Committee.  Will be a long day by the time he gets home tonight (or tomorrow in the wee hours).  We’re all very hopeful that it will pass, then on to the Senate Floor.

Yeah the airport (from Dad's letter) sounds like it has a few things to be figured out.  Hopefully they have it figured out before I head home in two years.  Speaking of Grandpa is the House still in Session, how did those few bills play out on the house floor?  It's funny just the other day I remembered that we have a new congress, it was an odd thought...

Yes, Grandpa is still in session for a few more weeks, I think.  Dad says 3 more weeks.  They’ve covered a lot of ground, trying to figure out the budget, and immigration has been a big issue, as you can imagine.  Some fingers have even been pointed at our Church, that we are against immigration.  But we’re not against it; in fact we’re happy for LEGAL immigration.  That’s the difference.

Oh, the airport will be ready for you!  Dad says, “The Poob is in the home stretch!”  Dad will be filling you in on his spin of the Daytona 500.  You won’t want to miss it, it’s a good one.

Good!  Although I won't discuss it with Elder Ragan.  He is a closet NASCAR fan.  He has publically denounced Jimmie Johnson (and just about every other driver... That's another story)  So, I will enjoy that letter for myself! :D  That's good to hear!  It's just too bad that Dad has to drive up!  Tara, I remember that she wanted to go on a mission, but I thought she was getting wrapped around the finger!  Could you somehow get me her address?  Tara is one of my favorite people I would love to hear where she is heading off too!  It's weird to think she is going on a mission, and her younger sister is going to be married.  Wonder who will be going to the temple first...

Bet they share their temple endowment day….maybe?  I will snoop around and see if I can come up with an address for Tara. 

Gracias!  (About Tara)  Just flipping through yesterdays dear Elders I saw the excerpt where you mentioned T.  It's great to know he wants to do something for the Lord.  Even here at the MTC, there are things that people with different capacities can do!  It's truly amazing how the work moves on with all of these hands! 

Time is short, and I love you all hope to talk to you next Wednesday,

Elder A. Ipson

Dear Austin - from Tanner and Leighton

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Donny,

It's me again, and I hope that you are doing well. We got your package for mom she had a big smile. I hope you are starting to get ready to leave to Ohio remember to take us pictures. Your dog is doing fine. Mom, Dad, and I have been keeping care of him. The cat same old same old. do you know the Spanish word for senorita FuzzyBunns? Oh I have an interesting scripture for you. Revelations 12:17. I'm not going to tell you what it's about case I want you to read it. that really all I have done this weak. remember that Wednesday we'll come faster than you think.

Love your little sister

GOOZZ

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Dear Austin,

Guess what, you'll love who just had just won at Phoenix. It was Jeff Gordon, man. Gordon punted Kyle Busch out of the way with nine to go to win. I have to tell you, I was at the edge of my seat when he was passing Busch for the lead. In fact, it was his first win in 66 races! It's about time he won. But, the bad news is that I got busted by Mom and Dad (but mostly Mom) for going all night on video games last night, so I got bombarded with a 2-week video game ban. At least the win with Gordon made up for my day. Well, see ya.

Your bro.,

Tanner

(Just had to post these priceless letters!  We giggled about Tanner's letter for days!  Tanner and Leighton sure do love their big brother, Austin, Elder Ipson.  They've been good letter writers too.)