Just a little bit late...

My workspace (on a good day)

Sent: Tuesday, August 30, 2011 8:46 AM,
12 Randolph Ct., Apt 102, Fairfield, OH 45014-4383

So Pres. Nilsen threw a curveball at us and changed up our P-day for this week.  Elder Robbins of the seventy came to The Ohio to do some stake business in the Cincinnati Stake Conferences.  Yesterday he had a workshop with the Elders in leadership positions.  Leaving the rest of us to wonder what's going on!  So P-day is today.

Also thank you for forwarding those packages from distribution.  I don't know if you looked but it was full of pictures, and a pair of CD's.  Not much.  But thank you for forwarding that stuff.  And the Gym Shorts were a nice addition!

Now as I mentioned the Stakes here had their conferences.  This was my first real Stake Conference.  The last one was a broadcast, and it consisted of our branch crammed into the relief society room listening to a cute T.V.  This time I was actually in the congregation of the whole stake!  I completely forgot what it was like to go to a thriving American ward!  Even though I was sitting next to one of my favorite Guatemalan members named Pascual; It reminded me that there is American culture outside of our little branch!

We passed by the Batista's this week.  I was graced with eating some sweet Dominican food, and having a good lesson with Sister Batista.  Unfortunately Pamela wasn't there.  However this lesson still proved pivotal.  Andrea had taken a slight taper.  So it was a little bit harder to work with her children.  After this lesson she's back on board!  We head back today to have a lesson with the family.  It's great to know that she is on board once again!

We also had our first Specialized Training with Pres. Nilsen.  We headed down to Kentucky where he really stressed finding.  Elder Gonzalez and I were un poco orgulloso because we have put making sure we always have new people to teach.  I'm grateful that Elder Gonzalez still has a fire to go out and find.  At times I can be a bit faithed out, but he will give me faith.  (Even if it is force-fed)

Now i did get your pictures, and mom has a sweet ride, I'm jealous of Dad for getting to meet Cadel Evans (p.s. who won the other jerseys in the tour? Green, king of the Mountain etc), and T!  Way to get a date!  You sly dog! (King Julian voice)

Don't pop any tires I love you all; have a good week!

Elder A. Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

Crazy Stuff!

Sent: Monday, August 22, 2011 8:59 AM

Before I head into all the craziness of this week I have to thank you for the packages and letters.  That bike stuff was immediately in handy.  Elder Ragan got transfer ed and snuck away with the bike pump.  This left Elder Ramsey hanging with his bad bike luck.  So we shot a CO2 into his tire to help him out.

And thank you to Leighton for sending your... talk (discourso... discourse... talk!  There's the word!)  It was fun to read that.  Especially since our Zone had a fast to reach our baptismal goal this year.

Now transfers.... I am still here with Elder Gonzalez.  Hamilton is still due for more blasphemous spouts from the Ipson family.  Hey someone has to do it!  Even if the Grand Poobah is part of the Clergy.  Elder Ragan is now with Elder Gonzalez's old trainee Elder Roach from Las Vegas.  They are both in my old area of Spanish West.  The crazy part is how he's now working with some of the investigators that I had three months ago.  It will really be interesting to see what happens up there, especially with that really young companionship.

Elder Ramsey got the training call this week, and he's training Elder Homewood.  All I have to say is wow...  This kid was ready to come out.  His Spanish is far superior to mine when I was in his shoes.  He doesn't have the stomach for crazy Guatemalan food yet.  His first day he went to a "member" named Pascual where he had a corn soup that was the consistency of snot.  Bienvenidos a la mision!  He's been very diligent in speaking the language so far.  He's going to be a good missionary.

Now, I'm sure you're wondering what happened to Elder Klein.  He will stay in the area of Columbus, because he was called to English work as a Zone Leader!  Yep, Elder Klein is a Zone Leader.  I don't know if I ever mentioned Elder Neilson, but he got the call to be a zone leader as well.  He is in the adjacent Cincy East Zone.

Everything was really shaken up this transfer, but I'm glad I got to stay.  The little run down city of Hamilton has my heart captured.  I don't know if you have googled mapped Hamilton, but if you look up East Street.  This is the area where we do a lot of work.  Just don't let Mom do the Googling...

We had a small miracle happen this week.  Pamela accepted baptism!  We were ecstatic after our lesson!   Before she wouldn't commit to this, but the spirit was strong enough in the lesson to help her say yes.  The date is still up in the air, but we are heading over tomorrow to go see her.

Here's the crazy news for this week.  Remember Angie?  Yeah, she, ugh, got put in a mental facility....  Crazy stuff right?  Elder Gonzalez got the impression to call Jesus on Saturday.  He picked up and told us what happened to Angie.  He also told us that he's been reading the Book of Mormon!  We are excited for him.  Still a little wary of the situation, but we are going to carefully see what we can do to help this family come unto Christ.

So, yeah... That's all of the week I can remember in one setting.  Good way to start another 6 weeks right?  Anyways good luck with school, and Tanner what ever you do, don't let Mr. Sundin do a contest to see who can jump higher up a wall.  Please?

Love you all and have a good week.  Even if you are out doing Fast Pass or Razr rides.

Para Siempre,

Elder A. Ipson

The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

Cold Sore season is upon us... & I'm out of Valtrex.  Is there any way you can get some shipped to me?

P.S. sorry... No photos....... :(

Tia Dalma

Sent: Monday, August 15, 2011 8:47 AM

Wow, school is starting up!  I remember when I was in the MTC and those last two quarters ran themselves through.  Now Leighton is starting up 8th grade... Wow!  I still remember those years!  (Mental Montage while writing e-mail (Yes T with a wagon fulla' pancakes))

It's funny to look at that picture of Leighton.  She doesn't look like a little girl anymore.  She's growing up!  ACCCCK!  I hope that my T enjoys my present to him, and puts it to good use.  Maybe he should take it to school.....  So I'd love to see T's schedule and see what he's up to this year at PVHS.  Oh, and don't forget to keep me updated on my favorite swim team.  Please? 

Now I hope you read the subject line.  Odd name no?  Think back to Pirate of the Caribbean.  Remember the old sea witch?  Now think about how she acts.  Well we found her in Ohio....   Last week I told you about Jesus and Angie.  Well, we're not going back.  There's too much crazy stuff going on.  It was a hard decision to make, but we had a door contact the other day with Angie, and we just didn't feel right the whole time.  During that contact we saw that Angie has a different side.  To put it right out on the table; her side is little to close to the advasary.   One thing I didn't realize is that Dominicans have a small thing for Voodoo.  We suspect that's what's up.  It truly was an interesting experience.  After the whole event, I became more appreciative of the Priesthood, and my Savior.

Up to this point in the mission, I've taken the message of the Restoration for granted.  I always thought that it would be getting people to believe that Joseph Smith restored the Gospel.  I didn't know that this time her, I would be getting people to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior.  In Mexican culture they hold La Virgen Maria dear to there hearts.  I'm sure Uncle Bryan can attest to that.  I've had a lesson with a person who read the Bible, but didn't believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior.  I've even heard a crazy theory that there is more than one son of God.  After this contact with Angie, I can more completely understand what role Jesus Christ has in this life, and this work.

In fact it was Elder Holland when Elder Ragan and I were in the MTC together said, "You can't do this, if you don't love Him".  Little by little I understand this more.  This church is, His church.  The Priesthood I hold, is his Priesthood.  Right now I am his Missionary.  I will go where he wants me to go...

Which reminds me.  Transfers are this week.  I have a feeling I might be heading out.  There's rumor of 3 more Spanish Missionaries coming in.  If this is true, it will really shake up the areas.  So it's looking about to be about a 50-50 chance that I go.  I'm going to miss the streets of Hamilton Ohio.  Those tarnished streets have grown on me!  I guess I let you know what goes down next Monday... Right?

I can't wait to hear about the first days of school, and all the fun that I'm missing out on.  As always I love you all, and happy birthday Dad.  I won't make fun of you being old, because I'm finding grey hair. (fortunatly I'm not balding like some missionaries)

Para Siempre,

Elder A. Ipson

The Great Ohio Columbus

Tilapia a la Diabla

My Blackberry pie, and fruit stand Watermelon

Elder Gonzalez and I after a good Hamilton rain.

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, August 08, 2011 10:53 AM

Running a little late today. We had a member take us to lunch.

What a week!  Wow.  Really the run down this week will go along with a family that we found.   Last week we were working a set of trailers up in Hamilton near the "airport".  It was Hot and Muggy.  Overall that day it was not a pleasant experience.  We were getting on the bikes to head up to our last appointment in that area, when we had a Domican lady burst out her of her door, and offered us a pair of Pepsi's.  We quickly accepted, and as quickly as we saw her she vanished.  This week we were back in that area, and Elder Gonzalez and I decided to  stop by and say thank you for the pair of pops.  Before we could even say thank you.  Infact we were still walking up the steps to her patio we heard "Mi'jos!"  (Mis hijos), or my children.  She bolted to the door and just started talking to us.  Before I knew it I had a Mountain Dew in my hand, and was getting my ear talked off by her.  We told her why we are here as missionaries, and that we would like to come back.  She quickly abliged, and set up a time Friday. 

I wasn't there for that appointment. I was on exchanges with Elder Ragan since Elder Ramsey is our district leader.  During that lesson Elder Gonzalez and Elder Ramsey met the husband Jesus.  (Hey-soos)  They were thoroughly impressed.  He truly  wanted to know what it is about us that sets us apart.

Yesterday Elder Gonzalez and I went back to teach him.  We had a heavy How to begin Teaching (Chapter 10 Preach my Gospel).  We both felt impressed to hit the final one.  That you will want to be baptized, and he ate it all up!  We then proceeded to teach the Restoration. We hit every single point in the lesson.  No stone went uncovered.  At one point Angie went to go talk to someone, and left the lesson as we shared the 1st vision.  We finished, but as soon as we did she came back cussing up a Spanish storm.  We feared that The Holy Ghost had left the lesson for goodd, but we were blessed.  We got to talk about the Book of Mormon, and as we talked about it hey was truly excited to read it.  As we held it in our hand, it seemed as though he just wanted to just take it for himself and begin his changing process. 

We were also blessed because we were able to extend a baptismal date.  The 10th of September.  He accepted with no concerns.  There have been times we've extended dates, but we know this one is heaven sent, and it is his date.  We go again to see him on Wednesday, and hope to get all of his family on date as well.   The work Elder Gonzalez and I are putting in is not going unnoticed.  They Lord truly has blessed us with people to teach.  The stars are lining up, and we feel that Jesus will be baptized.  I just would like that Jesus, and Angie have their names put in at the temple.  (Sorry no last name).

I'm so excited for what is going on over here!  The field is now brillant white!  Thank you for all of your support.

Para Siempre,

Elder A. Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

Now I did remember that T's b-day is tomorrow.  I'm sending a box of stuff home along with his present (and Dad's)  There will also be a big wad of letters and some of my old planners.  Just set those aside, and the rest should be fair game to all!

You said that you'd get me anything I needed right?  Well I need a bike care pack more than anything else.  I may be crazy but I think bike stuff is cheaper at home.  If not that, in more supply!  I need a few threaded CO2 catridges, and a 26x2.00 tube. Some of the stuff I need is already in the kit I made for the Blue Bike.  If you could get that sent to me that would be greatly appriciated!

Now... with this last request, I don't think I have enough mooch points to pull this one off.  In the mission you are allowed to have small string instuments.  Namely Ukelele or Violin.  These are great ice breakers, and come in handy for musical numbers.  For example last week we sang "Mas Cerca Dios de Ti" or "Nearer my God to thee" with a Uke in the background.  Some of the branches at times lack music for sacrament.  I've been crossing my fingers that someone at home might come across a cheap violin, if not locally, I remember Mr. Candland got his online for a 100 dollars.  This isn't essential to the work, but it is a great tool.

I guess I'll end with all of these P.S.'s and just get Tanner's present sent right?  Os Amo!

Cuando yo era un Obispo...

Sent: Monday, August 01, 2011 9:09 AM

Good week.  Honestly, I'm ready for a nap... I'm pooped. With the month coming to a close we had to manage the miles so we didn't go over.  So Elder Gonzalez and I were on the bikes most of the week.  Blech.  I miss the desert heat.  It is so much better!  When it's hot it's hot.  There is no trickery with the humidity.  Hopefully August gives the heat a hard taper.

Now that we have the formalities of the weather out of the way I can move into the juicier topics.  This week we had our interviews with President Nilsen.  When you talk to him, he doesn't have that daunting countinance that Pres. Jensen had.  We had a good interview, and he truly does want the best for the mission... It seems so long ago... I can barely remember it!

I also headed out with Elder Ramsey for exchanges this week.  (Sounds familiar right?)  We headed down to Western Hills to see a member for dinner.  On our way we saw a good ol' American fruit stand.  That was one of the best cantaloupe, and watermelon I've ever had.  Pics to come next week.  I forgot my camera.. :P

Really the climax of the week was Sacrament meeting yesterday.  The Branch Presidency asked the missionaries to speak, and perform a musical number.  So Elders Ragan, Ramsey and I pulled the weight speaking.  I was second in line after Elder Ragan, and I expounded on the last paragraph of the Book of Mormon.

It was a rather simple talk.  No Bruce R. McKonkie, Jeffery R. Holland, or snippets of the King Follet discourse.  Rather it all came out of that good ol' triple combination.  I've never walked away from a discourse more full of the spirit than after that lesson.  There were errors with my Spanish, it's to be expected, but it just seemed to flow.  I've never been able to easily say what I've wanted to say in Spanish.  In fact I wrote out the discourse (I'll send it home if ya'll don't lose it), but I only looked at it to see the scriptures.  Oddly enough what I said over the pulpit was about what put on paper.

I really think that talk had some meaning after talking to someone on Saturday.  He looked rather shady to begin with.  Black, with dreads past his shoulder, wearing a white tank-top (just can't call it the slang term).  This is the outward description, and it matches quite a few of his beliefs.  As we talked to him we found that he believed that Heavenly Father is God.  Although he couldn't accept Jesus Christ as the Savior.  He pulled out weak examples of how he couldn't be, and made jabs to his divine calling.  He did his best to pry us from this belief.  On the contrary I grasped to my knowledge.  We taught him of the Book of Mormon, but he still wouldn't listen.  I feel so badly that he was lost, but wouldn't go to the light and see salvation.  This experience with Gershon (was his name) really fueled the testimony I had during that talk.  To hit the first thing that you will learn from the Book of Mormon. That Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world!  He revealed himself, with The Father to Joseph Smith, to once again give us the way to have salvation. 

Little by little I'm learning to appreciate this Gospel more and more.  Oh, and T.  Here is your advice for sis:  Mosiah 12:27

Love you all, and have good week.

Para Siempre,
Elder A. Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission