Sent: Monday, July 25, 2011 9:32 AM
Well another week down, and I can barely believe I am behind the computer again! This week Elder Gonzalez & I really hit the pavement hard. We racked up a good 15 lessons. Elder Whittingham had a hard time reaching this goal even before the trunky papers came. So already the diligence has stepped itself up! Our real pitfall is that we set-up return appointments, and nearly every single one we've set up has fallen through. So our ability to conjure up new investigators has been rather weak. However the Members love the Natives, and even though my Cuban companion was born in Anaheim, and raised in Miami, he passes off as a native.
Elder Gonzalez's story is interesting. As I implied earlier he was born in California, and Moved to Miami and lived a Majority of his life there. Living in North Cuba! His mother is Cuban, and that's where the implied native comes in. Now his story gets crazy when I tell you he lived the preluding 4 years to the mission, in Korea! He has been everywhere! He's even told us of a time he snuck into Tokyo. He has a twin brother that is serving in the Chicago Mission right now (He is a White Sox fan, so you can use the logistics to figure out his general area). The funny thing is, that both were called to English speaking, but at some point moved to Spanish.
Elder Gonzalez has been all around the southern part of the mission. He hasn't made his way past Columbus. Although he has had a variety in his areas. From rural areas, to serving over the Rhine (Spelling?). It's been fun to hear some of his stories of the mission.
Now, this week I was able to give my first two priesthood blessings. Up to this point I've always anointed. Both of them were two less actives. The first one was Lorena. I had never seen her up to this point in the mission. We dropped by one day, and asked for a blessing, we said we'd come back the next day when her husband was home so we could do it inside. Next day rolls around, and no husband, but she was adamant to receive on anyways. She informed us of the birth she had given and a few of the ailments that had subdued her. She hinted something about her husband, but not much. However in the blessing that's what I felt to focus on. That as she was an example, and strived to become like our Savior her marriage would be better. She then related that she was having marital issues, and would like us to come back and teach her husband a small lesson, and get to know him!
My second blessing was my first in Spanish. We got a call Friday morning. I was still tie-less at this point from Andrea' Batista. She was in tears as I answered the phone. With the combined efforts of E. Gonzalez and I, we quickly found out she wanted a blessing. We immediately went out to West Chester. While I was driving I was still trying to figure out what was going on, because we were out of that apartment in a matter of 2 minutes. Elder Ramsey and Ragan were trying to put two, and two together as to why we were leaving! Anyways we arrived at Andrea's apartment and she hobbles in holding her stomach. Her daughter Pamela right at her side doing everything she could to help her. We sat her down and quickly anointed, and proceeded to the blessing. I was the one to bless her. As I did it I said things I didn't think to say. It was a miracle I could have the inspiration to say the things I did. It was difficult as well. We are asked as missionaries not to use the form "Tu" (it means you) because it is very informal, but for blessings it is a need to talk this way. It was difficult, but like Dad's scripture on "The Blanket" says open your mouth and it shall be filled. I gagged a little bit on what I was filled with, but it was filled!
Unfortunately she is still feeling a bit ill. We plan to go see her tomorrow, see how she's doing, and start progressing with Julio, and Pamela.
The work hard, but you see so many miracles. Just being able to hold the Priesthood is a miracle in itself. I am deeply humbled every time I have the opportunity to use it. I love you all, keep the commandments, and clean the kennel.
Para Siempre,
Elder A. Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus MissionP.S. Lo Siento. No aye fotos hoy.
