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