It's "Hump Day!!!!" 365 down, 365 to go!

Leighton helped make the purple drink.....you boil the corn for an hour, add cloves, cinnamon and pineapple peal, then strain it, add ice to cool it, add the juice of 2 lemons, add chunks of pineapple and apple, then chill it.  Quite the process!

Here's Tanner and his purple drink!
Austin says this is one of his favorite drinks so we had to try it tonight. 

Cheers to another great year in 2012! We celebrated with or new drink and ate Mexican food...of course!

When we talked with Austin on Christmas Day he told us that at 6 months they cut off a tie, at 12 months they cut up a white dress shirt, at 18 months they cut up some slacks, and at 24 months they burn a suit.....so Austin should be taking care of a dingy white shirt today!  We decided to have our own "Hump Day" party as well.  Austin sent Jolene some "Purple Corn" and chocolate for Christmas....the purple corn is an ingredient for one of Austin's favorite drinks since he's been living in the Spanish/Mexican communities of Ohio and Kentucky.  Anyways, here's a couple of photos.....hope Austin had a great day too!

Austin sounded great on the phone for our Christmas call.  We didn't talk about much, just normal every day stuff and he asked Tanner and Leighton lots of questions about what they've been doing.  He has a little Spanish twang in his voice, but not too bad since he also speaks English.  He says he sometimes dreams in Spanish, and he couldn't remember the word "tuxedo" in English, so that was kind of funny.  We talked about ward choir and our Sacrament Meeting Christmas program, the Dodge Challenger that he anticipates driving, his cousin Elder Zachary ipson who is serving in the West Indies mission and comes home in February 2012, dance recitals and choir concerts, piano lessons and parties, mexican food, and probably more stuff I can't recall now.  He was enjoying his day at the Avila's, the Branch President's home along with his companion, Elder Garner, and Elder Homewood and Elder Ramsey.  They were excited to be having a more traditional meal of roast beef for dinner that evening.  He says most of the food they eat is really hot and hard on your digestive system, but also good and he is surprised that he is able to eat it all now.  We could hear in his voice that serving a mission is hard, yes it is.  I've never heard a missionary come home to report their mission and say that it was easy, it just isn't.  And so Austin is working hard, finding joy as well as discouragement, but he knows that he is doing the work of the Lord.  We couldn't be any prouder of this great son of ours!  We really missed him on this Christmas Day, as we knew we would, but we also wouldn't want him to be anywhere else.  He's serving at the right time, and in the right place.  Our phone call only lasted a quick 45 minutes and before we knew it, it was time to say good-bye and hang up.  So now we will wait anxiously to hear from him again on Mother's Day 2012!

As Austin's mom, I am so grateful for all of our friends and family that have written to Austin and sent him items to encourage him and show him your love.  It's got to be so nice to know you are remembered, so thank you to you all.  Merry Christmas, Happy "Hump Day" and a Joyous New Year to all!

Remember, Cute and Cuddley, and Smile and Wave. "T-Larry"

La Pared de Gozo Navideno (The Wall of Christmas Joy)

My feet are big......

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, December 26, 2011 9:01 AM

I feel like I am cheating the system right now.  You got to hear me yesterday (uncensored), and now you get an email! 

Fortunately there still are a few things to report.  I don't know if I have ever mentioned our investigator Juan de Dios (John of God), but we had a sweet lesson with him.  This week was full of days where lessons fell through.  We kept trying to make the best of each situation by knocking, or seeing someone nearby.  This time the thought came to go see Juan.  It was around 8:10 when we got it, but the lesson lasted until 9:30.  It was an intense situation.  We hadn't taught the second half of the Plan of Salvation.  So, that was our game plan.  I must also preface that Juan has exceeded  my expectations thus far in his reading of the Book of Mormon.  He has read 1 Nephi Through Jacob, and he has also read the Book of Moroni.  He has told us that he loves The Book of Mormon, so he is certainly progressing, and willing to listen to the scriptures that come from the Book of Mormon.

We began the lesson by stepping back to the first part of the lesson.  Namely the Premortal-existance, Adam and Eve, and our purpose here on Earth.  Doing this was vital to what this lesson would lead into.  It led to him having questions, and us to invite the Spirit and answer them.  His first question was", If we are to have the Gospel how can it be fair to all.  Not all people will be able to hear it, right?"  That question, and the Scripture that Elder Garner would show him from Moroni 8:22.  That all children, and all without the law live in Christ.  We explain the spirit world, that people would be taught there.  That after the Savior's Death he himself would proselyte within that realm.  We then proceeded to the Kingdoms of Glory, and where we might be able to reside after we have passed on.  The countenance of his understanding intensified.  The Spirit was at its climax, and we extended the commitment of baptism.  He accepted!  Elder Garner, and I with the help of the Spirit hope to teach him again and give him his date for the 14th of January.  Getting to that point still had it's struggle though.  At the initial point of the invitation to be baptized, he gave us the "I was baptized as a Child" response.  We were rather bold, and asked if he had chose that, and if he knew the law, the Gospel, when he was baptized. 

These moments were the most crucial for Juan.  He looked back down at the Scripture in Moroni 8.  He read it out loud again, again, and again.  Then paused...  He, "replied, my baptism was not valid, was it?  Wow...."  Then silence...  That is where we extended again, and he accepted.  More and more I realize how much the Spirit is needed in teaching a person.  More than that, how the person must truly want to know what he must do.  It has been there with Cynthia, Alma, Daniel, and even Juan.  I'm learning more and more, that it's not a matter of how many doors you knock, how many lessons you teach, but rather who you teach.  To be a successful missionary you must be more in tune to find those who are ready to listen, not just those who "will" listen.  Now knowing that I pray, more and more to find people like Juan, who will listen to the promptings of the Spirit, and learn.

Thank You all for all you do!  I've never had so much candy to my name, and I never expected to have so much under a tree at Christmas.  Not to mention the tree, I was expecting a Charlie Brown sort of tree!  I thank you all so much for the love you send (in chocolaty Fudgey goodness), and I hope you can find my love in a glass of Chicha-Morada!

Con Amor
Para Siempre,

Elder A. Ipson

The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

Merry Christmas from Florence, Kentucky!

I wouldn't touch that with a.... Thrity-nine and a half foot pole!

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, December 19, 2011 8:56 AM

Christmas!  It's this Sunday!!!!  I can make a long distance phone call!  It's hard to believe it has been 7 months since the last call.  In some aspects it seems forever ago, in others it was a few weeks ago.  The plan so far for calls....

Normally we meet at 9 a.m. with the Spanish Branch, however this week we will meet with the Lakeside Park, Highland Heights Wards.  Now you are probably wondering, "how will the cute little Hispanics understand English".  Well that's why God called Spanish Speaking missionaries in Kentucky!  My new companion got a taste of that yesterday with High Council Sunday.

Anyways the Meeting will go from 10:30 to 11:30. Afterwords we have it set up to be with the Avila Family to make our calls!  For us it will be around 12:30-1:30, when you should be getting a call.  However if it works out that we can't be with the Avila family we will be with the Garcia Family, and the window of opportunity will be expanded from 12:30 ish to 3:30 ish.  Sorry I'm working with Hispanics, time isn't important.... :P.  I'm still kicking here in Florence Kentucky, so be expecting and "859" number.

So as the rumor went Elder Wheadon was supposed to become a Spanish Zone Leader.  Well...  He did!  So he is now up in Fairfield.  Also joined in Fairfield for a second round with the Branch there is Elder Ragan!  He made is was back to the Greater Cincinnatti area.

As for me here, I am "Greenie-Breaking" once again.  I have Elder Garner.  He is from the Northern Utah area, like 5/6 of my other companions..... More specifically he is from Hooper Utah.  Yep Hooper.  He is a more withdrawn Elder.  Almost a polar opposite of Elder Wheadon.  It will be a good change for me, and a chance to learn from him.

Right now in the area, we are doing "winter pruning".  Getting rid of all of the dead wood. Going out and finding more people to teach.  This past week we were able to pick up 6 new investigators.  Working at a good lick we can usually pick up 2. 

Now you can probably remember how I prune trees.  (basically to be a stick in the ground) that's how the area looks right now.  However if remeber what happened to the trees I pruned, they exploded with fruit!  I'm banking on this working with Missionary work!

We had our talk with Daniel, and he took it well.  Sure he's a little discouraged about what happened, but he is still a trooper!  Saturday we had our Christmas Party, and we saw him stroll on in.  It was great to see him there, and with his always pleasant personality!

Also of note; Elder Gonzalez became a Zone Leader!  Guess where he is serving?  Lakeside Park!  So Elder Gonzalez is now my Zone Leader.  This will not be a good combination if he ever goes to one of Elder Ramsey's district meetings!

I have to say thank you for the Christmas package.  It's nestled safely under the tree!  It's been hard not to peak and see what ther is but I've made it thus far!  I can make it 'till Christmas!

Much Love, talk to you on Christmas.

Para Siempre,

Elder A. Ipson

The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

Letter to Ipson's from Elder Wheaden

November 29, 2011

Dear Sister Ipson,
Thank you SO MUCH for having such a great son.  I love him so much.  He is a great missionary who is definitely lead by the Spirit.  Thank you also for the turkey and stuffing, and potatoes, and just everything.  I really loved helping Elder Ipson make the Thanksgiving dinner.  He is a great cook, you must have taught him well.  Our investigators also loved it.  I don't think they had ever seen a Thanksgiving dinner before!  Especially one as nice as the one you gave us.  Elder Ipson talks about you, your husband, his brother and sister a lot.  I hope your husband is enjoying his Challenger  :)  We see one every once in a while here and Elder Ipson drools a little thinking of the one that is back home.  We both wish we could have one as a mission car!  We'd probably make it earlier to appointments.  Anyway, thank you for supporting your son in serving a mission, his example and influence in this mission is very appreciated.  He's a spiritual Giant, he's fun, and he's an awesome missionary.

Love,
Elder Wheaden

P.S.  Also thank you very much for the Christmas tree and the decorations! 
Our apartment really feels good!

Probably are wondering if I've fallen off the face of the Earth, Right?

From: Austin Ipson, Florence KY
Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 8:04 AM

Well it's Tuesday, and I'm on the computer....  Feels like Monday....

Anyways here is my excuse!  Yesterday was our Christmas Devotional.  We were graced by the daunting presence of President Nilsen's friends Shawn Bradely.  Yes the 7'6 Center who played for the Mavericks.  You watch Basketball on TV, and you don't realize how big 7'6 is until you are right next to it!  Our tallest Elder is Elder Robbins, who actually plays Basketball for Dixie State is Dwarfed by him! 

He related to us the his life as a Missionary, and his Missionary experiences in the NBA.  To hear about his Missionary experiences in the Austraila was interesting.  He related a few experiences he had as a Zone Leader.

His wife actually served a mission as well.  Serving in Miami, she went in as a less active, but knew it was the right thing to do.  She spent three weeks in the MTC, and made her way out to the field.  In her entrance interview with her Mission President, on the spot he asked her if she'd be willing to make the switch to be a Spanish Missionary.  She accepted, and told us of the success she had on her mission.

The Christmas Devotional was a great one.  We got Cafe Rio.  However, at this point I'm sick of hearing those two words.  From here on out that place is called Cafe Taco. 

With Daniel coming so close to Baptism, the time came for interviews to happen.  An interview happened with Pres. Avila, and Daniel, more or less as a get to know you sort of setting.  Here we found out a small bit of information.  He's not married to his wife back home.  This snippet will make a tail-spin to the baptism that was to happen this Thursday. 

Pres. Avila felt fine about what was about to happen.  Now this information flew around until it came to the Stake President.  Then came the mandate to talk to President Nilsen about the situation.  If it was going up to him, the situation looked grim.

I caught Pres. Nilsen at one point during the Devotional, explained the situation, but he flat out told me no.  He cannot be baptized.  his answer shocked me!

Later Elder Wheadon and I called again to confirm the Verdict, and it held the same.  No.

The reasoning behind it.  Is that he has unresolved business in Mexico that needs to be taken care of,  Whether be marriage with the woman he was with, or a complete severing of their relationship.

No matter how you shape it.  Someone had to tell him what was going on.

We grabbed his new scriptures.  Wrote our testimonies, and headed off to the Days Inn, to his room.  We got in, gave him the scriptures, and said a prayer.  To try and soften the blow we read a few scriptures.  Scriptures to give him confidence that he could do what we were to ask.  (Moroni 7:33, and 1 Nephi 3:7).  Then, we broke it to him.    That he wouldn't be able to be baptized, until he fixes things in Mexico.  He took it well.  You could see the sadness in his face, but he understood what needed to be done.  To finish we had him tell us his testimony, and his experiences.  We did the same for him.  Gave him a blessing of counsel, and set it up to have a fast with him today.

That's where we are now.  Before coming here we opened a fast with him, and we go tonight to finish with him.  These moments are crucial for Daniel.  I believe the sooner he makes his way to Hidalgo Mexico the better chance he has of being baptized, and living the Gospel in the Fullest Capacity.  Please keep him in your prayers.

Rumors are out that transfers aren't done yet!  So I'm still awaiting "The Call".  There's also other rumors going around that Elder Wheadon might become a Spanish Zone Leader with his old companion Elder Luna.  In many instances I've heard the 2nd rumor to be true, so don't be surprised next week, that Elder Wheadon is in the Miami River Branch!

I await the calls with anticipation, and the call in two weeks.  With all of the Hispanics around I doubt I'll be able to Skype.  However if I have that chance I'll let you know.  So be expecting a call from an "859" number.  (Unless I get transferred)

Les amo Mucho, y tengan una buena semana.

Elder A. Ipson

The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

Letter handwritten to Mom....

Dear Mom,
So, Donnie made a "boo-Boo".  Well my debit card made a disappearing act.  So, could you please get the card deactivated to prevent any damage.  I'm sorry I have to put you through this.  Thank you so much for all you do!  I hope you and Dad have a Happy Anniversary!
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.  I hope this is an easy fix.
Happy Anniversary,
Elder Ipson

It's Wet!

From: Austin Ipson, Florence, KY
Sent: Monday, December 05, 2011 11:34 AM

Rain....  It's wet outside.  It might flood!  It's been raining for more than 5 minutes!  Besides being wet, I'm fine! 

The top news of this week is that Daniel will be baptized this coming Thursday!  The funny thing is, that's the day of Transfers!  So if anyone goes, the new guy will have a very nice welcome to the Area! 

It's crazy how this all came about.  We've been having a bit of trouble pinning Daniel down this week.  However, whenever you drop in on the Martinez, if you wait long enough, he comes!  That's what we did.  Went to the Martinez's to give them one of the 2008 March Liahona (The church sent in bulk this special edition a while back, and Pres. Avila found them, and gave them to us)  We went in and talked about the article by Elder Eyring.  By the time we were done, Daniel came in!  In the 5 minutes he was there he told us he wanted to be baptized on the 17th by Elder Wheadon.  This news blew us away!  As soon as he came in, he was gone.  Leaving us to realize what had just happened.

We got to see Daniel at church this week!  We were very excited to see him!  I'm sure the Uncles that have served the Hispanic missions can attest to the vilgilant worship that goes to the La Virgen Maria. Well we had an unplanned lesson on that Sunday.....One of our Recent Converts (Sis. Mandujano) asked us what the regard to La Virgen is in the church.  She had been reading in 1 Nephi 11 and caught the reference.  She asked the question, and put us on the spot.  So in that room with our two investigators, two recent converts, and less-active we had to carefully denounce the Hispanic Catholic belief in La Virgen Maria. :D  Fun stuff....  Fortunatly Daniel took it well!  He understood what our message was, and after this we moved his date sooner!

If you would have just been looking at us, it would look like we were disrupting Priesthood. Actually we we moving his date up!  Just how things would work out on Saturday and Friday, so he elected to move the date up to Thursday the 15th.  So right there in Priesthood meeting we had President Avila announce the baptism!

In a missionary's eyes he's cool, but he got even cooler after the meeting. I asked him for his full name, that way we could get going on getting programs etc. started.  We found out he's in cognito!  His real name is Aristeo Pontaza Mateos.  Yep, he won cool points!

Well that sums up our week!  This week will be making sure Daniel will be ready for his baptism next week!  Transfers will be next week, so we'll see what happens.  I have a feeling Elder Wheadon will be the one heading out.  He's been here for almost 6 months. So should be heading out soon to do more of the Lord's work!

Thank you for the Cocoa stuff!  Nights have been really good with it around!  Love you all, and have a good week!

Para Siempre,

Elder A. Ipson

The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

P.S. Tanner, get Mr. Sundin to teach you the Collie!  If you don't, I'll beat you in Chess when I get home!  Mwahahahahahaha!

Meet the Thanksgiving Turkey....it has a name!