Aguantar

Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 10:07 AM

The subject line describes what our week was.  Pushing through, and hoping for the best.  We had expended all of our miles this month, forcing us onto the bikes.  I don't mind being on the bikes, and the winter has been fairly mild.  I was ready to mount up and go!  However, I have never seen so many blown tubes, shredded tires, and bent rims!  I will use Friday as an example.

At this point we had already changed Elder Garner's rear tire 2 times.  For some reason a presta-valve is required for his rear rim.  Why it doesn't match his front schrader valve, I don't know....  So, we can't really pack extras around for him.  We might as well have a bike shop for him! 

Anyways Friday...  We bussed up to Erlanger to go see the few futures we had up there, and get our knock on.  We start on the intersection of Commonwealth and Dixie, and head west.  We don't have any problems heading down this stretch of road.  If you are on Google map, and keep going, you will be turning right at the BP.  Well that's what I tried to do.  However, my bike decided a 180 would be better than a 90 degree right turn!  To put a third dimension to this 180, I found my face about to make contact with concrete!  Good thing I had gloves on my hands to help catch my fall!  I came out perfectly fine.  I only got a dime sized fray in one of my pants; however the bike didn't fare as well!  I had a front rim bent, and to salt the wound, my chain got pitched!  So here I am with a wounded bike! :P

It was still ridable to the complex, so I limped it there.  We chained up, and set off to go find our Chilean friend.  As we were walking up the stairs to the building, I heard the indescribable snakebite "Bang!".  At that point I figured it was my bike, and I didn't care.  I had stuff to fix it later. 

The Chilean pulled the "I'm busy, try back another day".  Slightly defeated we hobbled back though the mud to our bikes.  After the survey we realized my bike was still in its wounded state.  However Elder Garner was the one who had the "serpent mishap".  Both of us needed a Coke break at this point, but we exerted faith!  We knock as long as we could, but no luck.  From there we started the 2 mile walk to Montgomery Cyclery.  (We are now regulars to this store.  Infact we now have an account!).

This continues to the next day Saturday!  We get our bikes fixed.  My front rim is fairly true now.  We got everything ready to go Saturday.  We got all of our tires up to spec with my new Specialized pump.  (No that wasn't a bad Idea, I needed a bike pump! P.S. Dad's Specialized can do both schrader and presta valves, cool huh?).  We were all suited up about to say a prayer when the snakebite blast came again! "Bang!"  Now we really needed a Coke break!  Elder Garner only had $ for one tube when he got one Friday.  So.  We didn't have any way to get out and work unless... We walked....  That's what we did!  We went a good 10 miles, walking....  Not an efficient way to work.  I don't recommend it! 

We did figure out what the cause of the tire problems was.  Elder Garner's old tire; the bead exposed some of the metal wire. We believe this would puncture into the tube.

So today I helped a fellow American down on his luck, and got him a new tire and tube.  I also got a new helmet, because at some point someone pulled a switch-a-roo, and I got a helmet with cracks all over it!  So I've got a good looking new one!

That was our week.  Tough, but it taught Elder Garner and I patience.  Whether we wanted to learn, or not! :P

Love you all, and still in suspense over transfer calls!

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

Help: My companion snores!

Sent: Monday, January 23, 2012 9:03 AM, Florence KY
 

Week 6 of this big 7 week transfer.  I can barely believe we are at this point now!  It feels like last week I went and picked up Elder Garner!  This transfer I will be finishing up my third here.  You can usually trust your gut, as to when you will be moved out of an area.  As for now...  My gut can say "si", and other times it says "no". It's rather annoying!  I may have made mention one that we try and figure out the transfer weeks in advance to try and peg as to what's going to go down.  Since there are 18 Spanish Missionaries, the chances are that we can figure it out.  For example when I went to Miami River with Elder Whittingham; Elder Ramsey and I were able to peg the transfer right on the money.  However that was in the time of President Jensen.  The Myth is: 2 transfers later he knew where he wanted you, with which companion, making the route there somewhat logical.  However with President Nilsen there seems to be no rhyme nor reason to the transfer.  Yesterday Elder Ramsey and I made an attempt to pin what was going to happen.  We then realized there are too many variables. :P  So you should have one more week of sending me a letter while I am in Kentucky, after that, I suggest the mission office!

Now that I've rambled about the anticipation of this week I'll roll back to what happened this week....  What did happen this week....  OH!  I went through my first Ice storm!  You should be able to pull up my pictures and see what happened to "Boo" aka: Martin (Martin is our Alcoholic investigator.  (The "Boo" chugs gas))  From what I understand this ice-storm was child's play.  There was an Ice-storm last year that plastered an inch of ice on the cars.  So even if you dared hit the roads, you couldn't even get into your car!

Fortunately they've done fairly well to get salt down on time to keep anything bad from happening.

I have to thank for the last package that was sent.  President Avila sends his thanks for the Nauvoo photo Album.   I have to send my thanks for the No-Bake-Cookies.  They were a lot better than the ones I tried to make when Mom and Dad were at LoToJa.

This past week our branch had the Noche de Talentos.  I'm sorry I don't have pictures of that.  I was the run around stage monkey boy that kept things moving.  Elder Ramsey was busy making sure his Puerto Rican investigators didn't go to crazy, Elder Homewood did back flips and what not, and Elder Garner manned the Cookie/Drink table.  (He scored the best job)  The talent show became more of an improv-night once little kids got up and starting singing "I am a Child of God".  Overall it was a good event.  By no means formal, but it was a good activity! (Informality contrast:  We scheduled it to be at 6 p.m. we finally started at 7 p.m. due to the fact that people didn't make it until 6:45.)

That is the bulk of our week!  Ice-storms, Talent Shows, and Transfer Anxiety.  It's all good!

I love you all, more than no-bake-cookies!

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

December 12-13, 2011 - Columbus Ohio Christmas Devotional

Elder Austin Ipson is in the top photo,
Second to back row, 4th from the right.

We were blessed to have two wonderful Christmas Devotionals with guest speakers Annette and Shawn Bradley. Additionally, we feasted on Cafe Rio, had a talent show, a "Preach My Gospel Challenge of the Champions" and lots of visiting. We are blessed most of all to have the Savior leading our mission and church and to know that He lives and loves us.  (Written by Sis. Nilson)

The Mexican John Taylor

El Oasis

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, January 16, 2012 9:14 AM

This week.... has flown by!  Wow!

Anyways as the subject states.  The Mexican John Taylor.  Hector Pantaleon wanted to take us out to lunch for painting his house.  We weren't going to object!  He took us out to a Mexican place on "Turfway" in Florence called El Oasis.  The other Elders got picked up by Hector, but somehow we beat them there.  When we got there we were greeted by a string bean Mexican guy.  He actually greeted us as Elders, but we didn't think too much of it.  The rest of the convoy made their way in, and we sat down.  We then commenced to pour over the menu to decide on what we should eat.  (Yo decidi Soupes de Al Pastor y 2 Tacos de Lengua.  Son muy ricos!) While we got talking to the waiter (same guy who greeted us) in passing he mentioned that he was LDS!  Elder Garner and I flipped open our planners to try and put a name with a face.  We couldn't figure it out...  When he came back we asked his name.  He said, "John".  He spoke better Spanish than English.  So we were figuring he was ours.  Especially when he said he lived in Florence.  However none of our Less-Actives registered as John.  We even tried "Juan", but that didn't yield any results. 

Apparently he was baptized in Mexico, and his father was American.  As we got his address on the way out he told us he was a decedent of John Taylor.  He reminded us of the Carthage Jail pocket watch story, and he tells us that his family has a chair made by him!  This find was defiantly a diamond in the rough.  Who would have thought this rough is in Kentucky!

We are still trucking away with Daniel.  He is slowly overcoming his doubts.  I hope to be able to go over more with him as time rolls along.  He still needs your prayers.

As that last Harvester stated, Alma's kids were baptized!  I'm sorry I failed to mention that.  Elder Luna and Elder Fisco were able to get that taken care of.  When I found out about that I was ecstatic! 

Diego and Jatziri

This past week I decided that the Heater was the best invention ever made!  I'm praying for Spring to come.  I know it's only 20 degrees, but I hope the big man upstairs that it would be a lot better if we had 60 more.  If not that I'll settle for 50 more!

Thank you for all of your prayers and love,
Para Siempre,
Elder A. Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

P.S.  This summer the branch is going to make a trip out to Nauvoo.  Our Branch President is asking for all resources possible.  If you could, please send some of the photos you have of our trip so we can show the members in our lessons.  Also, I would like to ask you for the Doctrine and Covenant CD's in Spanish.  Time after time it proves itself that visual aids are the best for Hispanics, and Elder Ipson to learn!  Gracias!

Never let anyone know you are good with tools

Donny's Pruning Service

From: Austin Ipson

Sent: Monday, January 09, 2012 9:18 AM

So, our surprise snowstorm didn't last long.  We are back up into the 50's.  This Dixie boy is very happy about that.  However my Hooper born companion still thinks 20 degrees is appealing.  We'll see, when it actually comes!

As the subject line states this week we have been doing quite a bit with tools.  The first project involves me, with a pry-bar, hammer, and a drill.  Now, I'm sure you're all wondering why I have such things.  Well we went to one of our less-actives Jaime Frias.  When we got there he was working on a project in his house.  I know its bad manners to take a man from a project, so I elected to help!  Next thing I knew I was taking the dry-wall out in a rundown trailer!  We only worked in one of the bedrooms and now I know how drywall looks on slacks!

Our second project started out with sheer brute force.  The Avila’s are putting carpet into their basement, and they recruited us to move furniture around.  All four missionaries heaved the furniture of a big room, into a little room!  So we played house Tetris!  We then heaved the scrap carpet to the driveway to get shipped off.  (I don't know how.....) With this being said, I also got recruited to prune their tree! :D  We all know how well I prune trees!  The Avila's have a tree out in their front yard that has been driving Sister Avila nuts.  Since there were missionaries there anyways we got recruited to help cut it down, make a pile, and share the Tree Allegory of Zenos!  It was a fun day of destruction, and chain saws!  (No worries, I didn't actually use the saw)

We had our interviews with President this week.  He however was running late.  A good hour and a half late.  So if you had any sort of Agenda, you get it right on the table.  Well that's what I did.  With what happened with Daniel there never really was good closure with President, and I (Including Elder Wheadon).  So I brought it up to him once again.  We came to the agreement, that whatever he does.  He must not, break the law of Chastity.  Simple as that.  He needs to hear the Birds and the Bees!

Excited to hear this new information our goal this week was to get this news to Daniel.  We dropped by his hotel room, knocked, and he answered!  He was in a hurry, so we set up a time at 8:30 to come back.  In the mean-time we recruited Abraham to come with us.  Abraham is 19 yrs old, and has just submitted his mission papers.  So we wanted him there with us. 

How it worked out, he was at the Martinez at 8:30.  So we pulled him outside and began with a prayer.  At this same time Abraham was inside the apartment.  We were telling Daniel what had happened, and what action needs to take place.  Namely the Birds and the Bees.  At this point Abraham walked outside to help us with the lesson.  He found out very quickly that you talk about odd subjects to people that are much older than you!  Daniel didn't commit to a date.  He confessed (and we saw his reasoning) that all of that happened very fast, and he wanted reassure himself before he committed again.  A little bummed we couldn't get him to commit, yes.  However we were happy he is still willing to keep going, after what happened.

Yesterday was the Cincy Stake Conference.  Who translated?  Missionaries! Which ones, not me! :D  Well I took the closing prayer.  I was the guy that made sure there were enough functioning headsets/ scripture duty.  So I was the "whatever" dude.  Elder Gonzalez elected to take the talks.  It wasn't easy, not to mention Pres. Rockwood went over a good 20 minutes.  Elder Gonzalez was fried by the end.  I think I'll keep my job being the "whatever" dude!

It's been a good week.  We going to keep moving forward, and not let a little drywall get us down!  Love you all, and don't die at school! :P

Para Siempre,

Elder A. Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

Well it's 2012.... That's weird

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, January 02, 2012 9:27 AM

There you go it's the New Year!  I've now been out for a year....  Shouldn't I feel old? Hmm, oh well....

So we are finally starting to get snow out here.  So far the winter has been pretty mild.  Through December the temperature seemed to hover around the 40's.  The New Year came around and we instantly had to bite the 26 degrees that were waiting for us out side.  Elder Ramsey and I say that the Arctic Monkeys have declared war against us!  Elder Garner keeps making fun of us Desert Rats.  Elder Ramsey and I are quivering and trying to hide from this cold, but he simply taunts us!  I may be dying in the cold here in Kentucky, but I thank my lucky stars that I'm not serving in Cleveland, up on the lake!

This past week we've been trying to spread out our area of work.  Lately we've had a lot of work in the Florence area.  We've knocked some of the complexes to the ground... Ooops....  So with our knocking efforts we've shifted our focus now, in finding in Erlanger, Kentucky.  We go out looking for the Dish 500 satellites with two prongs on them (95.9% chance of Mexican) We found a whole street with this style of satellite.  We're ready to go out in the snow flurries and get it done!

We are still working with the Martinez family.  Sister Martinez has been a great member missionary.  Just last night she asked us for a Copy of the Book of Mormon, because she has been talking with a friend at work about it!  We're very excited for her and the work she is doing!

While at the Martinez's house we got to see Daniel.  You can tell he is a bit down about what has happened.  Please keep him in your prayers.

The question of the week: Do you trust the Elders with paint?

One of the less actives of Elder Ramsey and Homewood pondered upon this question!  Hector Pantaleon (Brother to Benito Pantaleon) has been in the process of getting his rental home cleaned up and taken care of.  He was trying to get everything taken care of before the New Year.  That's when it needed to be done for him to get his deposit out.  Before this service project Hector had been a bit stand-off-ish.  He didn't really want much to do with missionaries.  However this apparent need came right in front of Elder Ramsey and he took it!  He also recruited us to come up and help as well!  We bussed up to their apartment (out of miles) and made a 4 way missionary convoy to Hectors house, on bikes!  It was a spectacle I'm sure to see 4 twenty year old in jeans, dress coats, and helmets on bikes.  This project took a good deal of time.  Requiring us to paint an upstairs and basement, confronting the landlord, and winning the hearts of the natives... I mean less-actives.  By the end of it all we got Hector to jump out of a closet and scare Elder Homewood!  So, by painting his walls we were able to break down Hectors walls (something like that).

This week I gave a talk at church.  I'll be sending that talk home for you all to read.  The general topic was repentance.  I took a different route so you wouldn't get the typical missionary on a soapbox calling people to repentance.

Interviews are this week.  I'll tell you how it goes.

That's what I have to report this week!  Tell Quick hi, and don't let him freeze! (Clean the Kennel por favor)

Les amo Muchisimo

("I love you so much")

Para Siempre,

Elder A. Ipson

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!

Habia un Monton de Pavo!

In the Photo Going left to right There is Daniel, Karla Martinez, Eric, Sis. Martinez, Hno Victor, Hna. Luz (Those are first names...), and Ismael Martinez.  There's some bum in the back...  Must have been the Cook...



Elder Ipson making the Thanksgiving Pies.




Beautiful Apple Pie!



Austin's 20th Birthday Cake!

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, November 28, 2011 8:54 AM
So the Picture of the Turkey won't upload.  I'll just have to send this card home....  Now it's story time I guess.  This whole week was dedicated to getting this Thanksgiving Dinner ready.  A good chunk of Tuesday was spent getting 3 Pies done, 2 Pumpkin and 1 Apple.  Flour flew everywhere as I put on the apron, and got to work.  Wednesday was district meeting, and it was then that I made the cake.  For those of you who do speak Spanish, yes that does say Porque Ano.  Our English Zone leaders thought they knew Spanish, and they went around saying that, until they realized it means Because Year?, or Why Year?  Depending how your space the Porque (por que)  So I thought it would be fitting to put on a birthday cake!  After the District Meeting we busted out the other good stuff.  We played pin the tail on the donkey, but The Highlight, was when we played "The Globo Game".  We tied balloons to our shoes, and the object of the game was to stomp on the other peoples' balloons.  We've been cleared for video on our mission, and that clip will come home with the rest of the camera card so you can see our Turkey.  The Turkey's name is Jose Porque Ano Diego del Marcado.  He was delicious!

Speaking of Jose we were able to have dinner with the Parks.  They stuffed us!  In the zone we had a competition to see who could put down the most food.  I didn't win, but I had the spirit of competition as we ate! So I was stuffed even before our Thanksgiving dinner with the Hispanics!  (BTW the winner was Elder Galiher who put on 14lbs on Thanksgiving Day)

Our Dinner didn't come without it's hiccups.  We got to the church, and realized that there was a Thanksgiving reunion going on.  So, the gym was taken...  We took refuge in our Gospel Principles/ Elder's Quorum/ Relief Society Room to have our Dinner.  I have to say... This is the first time I"ve had Pina Colada, and Tortillas for Thanksgiving dinner.  Not to mention duck! 

Everything worked out just fine.  Now I wonder if Kenny Chesney could somehow make a song out of what happened?

In the Photo Going left to right There is Daniel, Karla Martinez, Eric, Sis. Martinez, Hno Victor, Hna. Luz (Those are first names...), and Ismael Martinez.  There's some bum in the back...  Must have been the Cook...

Daniel is the one we've been working with for baptism.  This past Sunday we were able see him for the first time at church!  He is excited for his baptism.  He doesn't show it like most.  He's a rather quiet person, but, he will let you how he feels, in the most polite way possible.  Right now we've left him to think and pray about his date,  (We are hoping that he will be planning for the 24th of December) but whatever he chooses is between him and the Lord.

This next experience I had on my birthday.  We were at the Library working on a Geographical Project in the future, would help us save miles.  While I was waiting for Elder Wheadon to finish up a 24 year old Nicholas approached me and struck up a gospel conversation.  To start he asked me if I had read the book of Jude.  I replied I had once, and we basically read it together.  He told us experiences of his life.  His conversion to Christianity.  At one point he made a comment that he had read the Book of Mormon.  Felt the Spirit Strongly, but felt impressed that he was not, at that time, to continue reading.  Odd thought.  I thought The Spirit would tell us to continue...  We listened more.  He talked of the Missionaries who had passed by once.  He said they were great guys, and liked to be around them.  However he knew, that something was amiss spiritually with one of the Elders. 

The Apostles and Prophets have always taught that your actions dictate your spiritual power while on the mission.  I didn't realize it could have such a far reaching effect as this.  To have the Holy Ghost tell someone to wait to read the Book of Mormon, because the Missionary is not ready to teach.  This is a testament to all, that we must be spiritually clean to all if we want to do the Lord's work.  Not only that, but we must be clean if we want to "be an example".  Actions have far reaching effects.  It may not be the visible chain reaction, but a wrong act before the mission, could effect the Salvation of a man living in Kentucky.

I'm grateful for the Atonement that we have to clean ourselves of that.  To helps us overcome the mistakes we've made.  To make all things right. 

We were able to hand off the number to Elder Galiher and Whiting.  If I hear any more about Nicholas. I will let you know.

Things are still great in the Great Ohio Columbus Mission.  Even if Ohio State got beat by Michigan....

Les Quiero mucho.  Paz Fuera.

Para Siempre,

Elder A. Ipson

The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

Tendre' pavo este Jueves?

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, November 21, 2011 9:22 AM

Florence, KY

That is the question, will I have Turkey this Thanksgiving.? The answer.... Yes!  The Bishop from the Lakeside Park Ward will have the Zone Leaders, and all four Spanish Missionaries over at their house this Thanksgiving.  Don't worry, there will be no watching of football.  Why?  We are putting together a Thanksgiving Dinner with our investigators.  Thanks to the surplus coupons, and cash surplus from the coming birthday.  The Dinner should work out fairly smooth.  However, that leaves one variable.  Who's going to cook it all....  Well, I made a poor choice at the beginning of the mission.  I showed that I could cook decently.  It doesn't help when I whip out my Mandil (Apron) every time I move into a new apartment.  So, even if I follow the reciepe, who know's how this turkey is going to turn out for our investigators.

How the idea of this dinner got started was through some service we did for some of our investigators.  They had a car up in the Nasty Natty, and they needed some way to be guided there, inconspicously.  So we whipped out the GPS (heh-peh-ess-eh), piled into the 08 Malibu (Definatly doesn't compare to the Kurt Busch Radio Sweetheart) & paved the way for a pair of paperless Mexicans!  The operation went smoothly, and they got their car sitution "figured out".  (We popped the hood and there was a timing chain, and piston heads showing).  I don't know what's going to go down at this point but they feel more at ease on what surgery their car is going through.

The two that we guided in the truck were Cristhian, and Misael.  Misael happens to work at the local Mexi-mart, and was able to get some "carne asada" for us.  So when we finished our duty up in the Natty they invited us over for some tacos.  While talking with Misael, we found out he hadn't ever heard of Thanksgiving in his ten years in the States, so we wanted to return the favor.  So I'm making them Thanksgiving Dinner!

This past Sunday it finally fell my turn to translate for a high council sunday.  I was a bit nervous to get started, but it was a fun experience.  I found out where my weak areas are in the language.  However I realized that I don't have much for grammar problems, now it is just a matter of expanding the vocab.  That's the difficult part of serving stateside spanish, but it has really forced me to learn Spanish.   In fact I don't just learn one Spanish.  I learn several.  I have to talk to Guatemalens, Mexicans, Dominicans, Cubans, Columbians, El Salvadoranians,  etc.  Each one of them has different nuances that you learn and pick up.  It's been a blessing to be able to experience the Cornucopia of the Hispanic world!

With Elder Z. Ipson with less then a 100 days, I now have hope that I'll reach my year mark.  Time has kind of made a little slump just before the Holiday Season, but it's picking up!  The help really came when President Nilsen talked about "clipping in".  He talked about when he was training for Lotoja with Shawn Bradley.  Immediately I was all ears.  Basketball and biking!  He made an example though.  He put a missionary up on his Cannondale without clips, and had them peddle.  He messed with the brakes, and proved you need something more.  He had the missionary put on the shoes, and try again.  This time being commited he had more power to push through the brakes that President applied.  That impacted me.  I need to clip in, and just pound my way to the top of the hill!  After that, I can use my downhill drafting techniques!

Thank you for remembering my birthday, and sending me something as odd as Christmas Decorations!  They will be well appricated.  Not only by me, but the other missionaries.

Muchas Gracias por todo, y les amo.

Para Siempre,

Elder A. Ipson

The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

And it came to pass, The Great Ohio Columbus Mission had Transfers

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, November 14, 2011 10:01 AM,

Florence, Kentucky



This is on Scott Street in Covington.  I DO NOT recommend that anyone move to Covington.  I've never felt like I've been surrounded by so much sin!  However I found a cool looking sign!  So to save you the trip, I just sent you a picture!



With transfers this last week I found out something that wasn't a shock... I'm staying!  Elder Wheadon and I will be here for this short 5 week transfer.  That's right it'll be shorter this time.  They want to give the Elders some time before Christmas to be with their families.  So in five weeks from now I'll be stressing the transfer, while Elder Klein will be packing to go home!

This week was simply full of good news.  Elder Wheadon, and his trainer Elder Luna had had been working with a family by the last name of Mandujano.  They had a date set for a few weeks to come.  However the father Alfredo wasn't sure if he was up to what he was about to do.  Elder Ramsey and I on exchanges were able to give a lesson to the Pantaleon family on how to recieve an answer from God about these sorts of things.  The Pantaleons being good friends with the Mandujanos were able to relay our family evening to them.  Elder Ramsey the brains behind that lesson didn't realize the ripple effect that his preparation would do!  It turns out that was an answer for Alfredo, and instead of the family being baptized this Saturday, their dates was moved to last Saturday!

We weren't able to go to the baptism, because they had actually moved into the Miami River Spanish area.  We also had appointments that needed to be kept.  So Saturday was a no go.  However luck smiled on Elder Wheadon, and he was able to go and see this family be confirmed up in Fairfield.  I was in heaven to be back at that branch!  To see all of the members I had once worked with.  The best part was seeing Alma!  She's still coming to church, with her kids!  How it turned out, Alma's ex changed the custody of the children, and now they are able to go to church on Sunday with Alma.  To top it all off, they will be baptized the 3rd of December!  I'm truly excited for all of them.  I just hope that Alma keeps faithful with going to church.

Back on the Ranch.... We were able to continue finding people.  With the predicament we have, missionary work has seemed to be the solution.  Elder Wheadon, and Homewood were able to hit up a few old investigators and see if they still had interest, and they do!  Roman, Sylvia, and Denice accepted a Book of Mormon, and a Conditional Baptismal invitation.  Since they had taken the lessons before Roman teased us by bringing out a few beers after a lesson.  Obvious problem, but at least he's got a sense of humor!

To top of this whole week, this is the best news.  The Pantaleon, and Garcia family are staying in Kentucky!  We're all very excited about this.  Seeing President Avila's face when they broke him the news, well, it was good!  All is well in Zion... For now.  It just needs a few more members!

Things are moving along quite nicely here.  We are seeing the fruits of our past labors.  We hope to work hard and see the fruits of our present labors.

I love you all!  Clean the Kennel, don't drive too fast.  And Go Carl Edwards!

Para Siempre,

Elder A. Ipson

The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

Finally Moved In! (And Transfers are this week...)

New apartment in Florence, KY!

Can you guess which bed belongs to Elder Ipson?

That's right, take a photo of the bathroom while it's still clean!

Study Area.....looks like Elder Ipson on the left,
and Elder Wheadon on the right.

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, November 07, 2011 9:21

New Address:

8635 Preakness Drive
Florence, KY 41042

That's right, we've finally gotten moved in!  It took us 5 weeks to move out, but we are absolutely spoiled in our new apartment!  It's nice to be able to have my own study space that isn't right next to the run-down pool table.  (Yes, there was a pool table in the last apartment, and by no means was it a Brunswick!)

The work accelerated this week! We were able to put 4 people on date!  It was truly miraculous to see!  Elder Wheadon just keeps going and he doesn't stop!  In fact right now, he's contacting a Hispanic here in the Library!  He has an energy that just keeps everything going!

Lately we've been working with a less-active named Sister Martinez.  (I can't remember what I've talked about in past letters)  Sister Martinez seems to be the constant source of our work.  We constantly have lessons with her, and one of our investigators on date named Daniel. Us working with her and her friends has gotten her back to church, and gotten a future priesthood holder on date!  Elder Wheadon and I are really excited about her and Daniel. 

Daniel is a good Hispanic man.  Very soft-spoken, and constantly searching for the truth!  We had a lesson with him last Monday to get him started in his Book of Mormon reading.  We also extended to him the invitation to ask for Sundays off from work.  Both he is doing!  Our last lesson we were able to teach lesson 3 from Preach my Gospel.  We prefaced it by reading the first paragraph of the Book of Mormon stating that the Book of Mormon contained the plentitude of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Doing it this way we were able to connect the dots for him with the Book of Mormon, Baptism, and if he persevered, he would be able to be in the Celestial Kingdom!  There was an amazing spirit during the lesson as Elder Wheadon extended the big missionary commitment.  Baptism. He accepted, and he now has a date for the 10th of December!  I do see this man being baptized, and I feel that we have been guided to find him. 

I thank you all for your love!  Especially for your packages!  Today we are going to make a key-lime pie to celebrate Elder Wheadon's 6 month mark!  You are all always in my prayers.

Para Siempre,

Elder A. Ipson

The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

More photos of their apartment.....