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!