Sent: Monday, October 17, 2011 9:06 AM
Alright, for this email open the picture first. That is Alma on the left. Now imagine her in white. That's right, she got baptized!
I honestly don't know what to type this time... I didn't get to see her baptism, but knowing that she got baptized means so much to me.
How it all worked out, is that the Miami River Branch was having their annual Noche de Latina, their event of presenting one thing or another from each of the Latino Countries in the Branch to try and bring in Investigators. Just before that, was Alma's baptism. We scrambled for a ride to Fairfield. We finally got one. Abraham, one of the youth in the word elected to take us up there, in hope of getting free food! We all piled into his Cavalier (All 4 Missionaries, and Abraham) and took I-71 up to Fairfield. I kept checking my watch, and we kept running out of time... The baptism started at 5, but we got there around 5:30. Soon enough to see people filed back in from the font room to the Relief Society Room. My heart sunk a little, but it satisfied me to know that I was there.
By teaching Hispanics you'd think you'd be reaping in "Success". That is not the Case in Ohio, but to sit there and see the one person you've ever worked with to walk into a room, clean from sin. Makes you appreciate so many things all at once. The opportunity to teach them. Experiences with them. The sweat and bike repairs to go and see them. Not to mention the tender mercies that over come you when you see step into the waters of baptism.
I never knew what 9 months away from home could do for one person. I understand more fully what our Heavenly father wants us to do in this life. To bring to pass the immortality and Eternal Life of others. Words can't describe, what I'm even trying to say. Rather, I am perplexed about everything. The time I've been out, that my birthday is next month, and that I actually get to ask for something for my birthday! More than that, what is my missionary purpose. Every day I wonder to myself why I am I in the Mission I am in. The area I am in, with the companion I'm with.
I'm sorry if this is just a scatterbrained e-mail. Finally seeing someone I've come to love go to the waters of baptism, has me a little shaken up.
It's difficult at times to be a missionary, but I know, I am, doing God's work. Why he calls me, a 19 year old boy, to talk to some 50 year old in Nararit Mexico, I haven't the slightest clue, but he wouldn't have it any other way. I am called of God to declare his message. The Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ, and the Atonement of Christ. As I've taught these two things, I have come to know their validity. These words of God I'm proud to bear. At times nervous to share, but willing to give to those will act on his words! I know things things to be true for myself.
Thank you so much for all of your support. Letters every week truly do help. By the time Friday comes around I could use a letter, and there usually is one! As for my birthday... No idea... I'm going to have to sleep on that... I do believe there were some copies of Jesus the Christ in the Italian Leather at the Distubution center...
Love you all, and have a good week,
Para Siempre,Elder A. Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission
