tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25886937024547014412024-03-08T00:00:06.912-08:00Elder Austin KippPanama, Panama City Missionjill kipphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826080123785664668noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2588693702454701441.post-57581564591342730762015-04-27T19:40:00.000-07:002015-04-27T19:40:13.799-07:00The Best Two Years<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Bueno,
it is a little weird being this close to the end. I don't think it will truly hit me until I get
on that plane on Thursday, but it started to hit a little when I had to start
saying goodbye to people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">These last few days have
been good ones. I had to go to Nargana
to be with Elder M because Elder M, who is a counselor in the
district presidency, came to our branch to do district business. I was there from Friday to today, and it was a
great experience! I got to see two
baptisms my last week in the mission, which was great, because they were two
teenage girls we found and taught when I was there last time on divisions. Elder M is an awesome Elder, and we
really tried to work hard. I wanted to
go out with a bang! haha!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Today, before I came
back to my island, Elder M and I got to go fishing in the ocean with a
member named J. We left at five in
the morning in a big canoe with a motor, and went out a couple miles from the
island to fish. Here, they don't use
poles, they just use the line and they tie a piece of rebar on the end and hook
a couple hooks up, and use sardines as bait. You just toss it in, hold it in your hand, and
wait for the fish to bite! It was really
good fishing, we caught about forty! They were all between six to ten inches
long, but we did get a BIIIG red fish on a thicker line we threw out! It was an awesome experience to be able to
fish in the Caribbean Sea, a once-in-a-lifetime experience!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Well, as time comes to a
close, I have done a lot of reflecting on the last two years. They have been the best two years of my life. They have also been the hardest two years of
my life. I would have never been able to
push through all the challenges and difficulties if I didn't KNOW that this
church was true. I KNOW for a surety
that Joseph Smith restored it in its fullness again to the earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Perhaps the greatest
blessing of my mission is the relationship that I have gained with my Savior. He is so much more real in my life now than He
ever was before. I know that he lives
and loves me, and that He died for each one of us. That is the testimony that
has helped me push through the hard times, and find happiness in the last two
years. I feel good about how I have
served. I can always do better and
improve, but I know that I accomplished in small measure the plan for God's
children here in Panama. I love these
people more than I ever thought I could, and it will be the hardest thing to
leave them, maybe even harder than leaving home…but I am excited to start a new
adventure and the next phase of my life!!! I am scared outta my mind without having work
or anything ready, but I know that the Lord will bless me for my service. I am confident that He will lead and guide me
in the next steps of life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I am so excited to
see you all in three days! I can't wait
to sit back and relax with the family for a few days, and play lots of games! I also have a lot of movies that I need to
catch up on!!! I love you all so much! I can't thank you enough for the love and
support you all have shown me over the last two years. It means more than you
will ever know. I'll see you in
three days!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Elder Austin Michael
Kipp<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">P.S. I
get to go see Ciudad Bolivar tomorrow!!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">P.S.S. I will try to make to the Panama Canal on
Wednesday!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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jill kipphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826080123785664668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2588693702454701441.post-76680437659866191362015-04-20T20:08:00.000-07:002015-04-20T20:08:15.945-07:00The Last Full Week and Pirate Hammock Raids<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Well
family, this officially marks the start of my last full week as a full-time
missionary. Feelings are mixed, it is a different time and things are different
than I expected them to be. But I am doing great!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This last week was kind
of tough. Elder P and I got sick
again, and we couldn't leave the house for three days because of sicky stuff. But we are all better now! On Friday, we got on a boat and went to
Ustupu, it is the farthest island in the zone, the closest to Colombia. We went to do three baptismal interviews for
the sisters there. It was a super cool
island! The first chapel in Panama was
built there, and Elder O's grandpa was one of the missionaries that helped
build it. So it is a pretty special
place! It is always a cool experience to interview candidates for
baptism and see how the gospel has changed their lives. My testimony in the Savior is always
strengthened during those interviews. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">We had to spend the
night in the chapel there, and get up at 3:30 a.m. to get back on a boat to our
island. We got back on Saturday, and crashed for a little bit, sleeping on the
cement floor in the church wasn't exactly "restful". Then, we went to work. Sometimes weekends here are hard, because
there are days where all the men are required to do work in the community or
they get fined. It usually entails
clearing paths in the monte, and takes up about six or seven hours of the day. Well, that happened on Sunday, and it was
tough because we had to do church late. Here,
if there is work in the community, they have always just cancelled church in
the past, but we tried to invite everyone we could. We ended up having a tough Sunday, the
community was kind of shut down, and we didn't have many people at church. But we did see some small miracles, and we
have some great things planned for this next week!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">So,
there was a new thing started in the Playon Chico hut this last week called
"pirate hammock raids". Elder P's hammock is next to mine, but up
a lot higher. I am next to the wall. The speaker we have to play music was on my
shelf, and it started acting up. So, Elder P starts swinging in his hammock, and grabs my hammock and started
swinging it at equal speed with his. I
was not in the hammock, mind you. I was watching intently. He gets to a rather high swinging velocity,
then rolls from his hammock down into mine, failing to think that the hammock
would then hurl violently toward the wall where my guitar was hanging. You can guess what happened next. He slammed into the wall really hard, and
cracked my guitar, but it still works the same! It was pretty darn hilarious! So now we do pirate hammock raids on each
other. </span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">There is a talk by
Jeffrey R. Holland called "Missionary work and the Atonement.” He says
some powerful things, but for me, among the most prominent things he says, he
states: "Anyone who does any kind of missionary work will have occasion to
ask, 'Why is this work so hard? Why doesn't it go better? Why can't our success
be more rapid? Why aren't there more people joining the church? It is the
truth. We believe in angels. We trust in and have seen miracles. Why don't
people just flock to the font? Why isn't the only risk in the mission field
that of pneumonia from being soaking wet all day and all night in the baptismal
font?' You will have occasion to ask those questions. I have thought about this
a great deal. I offer this as my
personal feeling. I am convinced that
missionary work is not easy because salvation is not a cheap experience. Salvation was NEVER easy."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">That is pretty powerful!
There were many talks in conference that
talked about "causal obedience" to the commandments and wasting time
doing unimportant things. When I get back, it will be nice to have a couple of
days to rest and spend with the family. But
after that, I don't want to waste any time in getting to the most important
things that will help me start my future life and to progress more. I am excited to be able to apply everything I
have learned in my life in a different setting, and to have new trials that
will help me progress. I know it will be
hard coming back, mostly leaving Panama, but I know that the Savior was able to
accomplish the most when he had the greatest trial in His life. When he felt the greatest pain was when he
earned his greatest victory. If we look
at our trials as a learning opportunity, we will have the strength to endure
faithfully. It is hard to put on paper the things I am feeling right now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This last week is going
to be great! We are hoping to baptize one of our converts that got baptized but
never showed up to get confirmed. He
fell away for a bit and now he realized that the gospel makes him happy! We are also going to go to an Island called
San Ignacio, where supposedly there were missionaries and a branch, but not
anymore. We are going to go see what's
up! I can't wait to see what this week
has to hold! I know it will be a super
great one!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">As for when I get home,
I really just want to spend time with the family, play some good old card
games, watch movies, play a little baseball with dad, and maybe some golf. I really just want to relax for a few days and
be with family. As for the food
situation, I really do want to grill, and maybe go get some sushi with Dad and
Lionel, but other than that, I kind of want to eat healthy. I know mom and dad eat really healthy, and in
Panama they eat SOOOO many fried things that I am ready for a health/exercise
kick! I really am so excited to see all
the family again! It is going to be so fun!
I love you all so much! Remember
that God hears our prayers. The power of our prayers depends on us!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Elder Austin Michael
Kipp<o:p></o:p></span></div>
jill kipphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826080123785664668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2588693702454701441.post-30933237598907032642015-04-13T19:58:00.003-07:002015-04-13T19:58:41.262-07:00A Baptism and a Half<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Hello
family!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">It was so awesome to be
able to Skype with you on Monday! Best
birthday present I could have gotten.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This last week was a
great one! We were able to do our Zone
Conference in Nargana with all the missionaries, and having just come out of
Easter, we decided to focus on each part of the atonement. The Sister Leaders
talked about the Garden of Gethsemane, Elder T on the suffering leading up
to and on the cross, and Elder M talked about the resurrection. Then, my
companions and I talked on how we can apply the atonement in our lives, and
help our investigators apply it as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">My focus was on love. I learned that Christ suffered EVERY bad thing
EVER that Satan could throw at Him. The thing that made it possible for Him to
come out victorious was that He was focused on us. He never once thought of himself, during all
the suffering and pain. His mind was
focused on helping us. We talked about
how missionaries have an incredible opportunity to learn more about the
atonement, because they have such an incredible opportunity to show love for
people for two years. The spirit was so
strong in the meeting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">We came back with Elder
T on Friday so he could do our baptism interview for M. I am pretty
sure I explained who Mmis already, but I will explain again. He is one of the most Kuna men on the island. He is eighteen and speaks almost no Spanish. We found him when we were teaching his brother
A, and we started teaching him and his other brother R as well. They LOVED everything we taught them, and they
get so excited to learn about the gospel! There is part of the Book of Mormon
translated in Kuna, and they love hearing us read it to them. Well, this last Saturday they both got
baptized! (M and R) It was super spiritual!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Then, a funny
story. As we were putting the baptismal
records into the system, we come to find out that R is already a member,
didn't tell us, and we baptized him AGAIN!!! Funny story... Don't know how that
one got overlooked, but we will definitely be a lot more careful in the future.
Well, he is reactivated and super excited now, so that is the good thing!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I have two weeks
left in my area before I go back to Panama City for changes. We have work to
keep us busy. I love our investigators,
and I love the feeling I get when I help other people. I am definitely trying to make these last two
weeks count! I feel that the Lord is
pleased with our efforts. Never
satisfied, but pleased. We can ALWAYS do
better, and we owe that to our loving Savior. Without a belief in progression and
improvement, this life would have no point to it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I love you all so much!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Elder Austin Michael Kipp</span>jill kipphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826080123785664668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2588693702454701441.post-80262414838001891232015-04-08T18:19:00.003-07:002015-04-08T18:19:28.071-07:00Operation Birthday: Sector Nargana<div dir="ltr" id="yiv3257188956yui_3_16_0_1_1428535009130_3918" style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
Hello family!</div>
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So I am now officially 21. It feels a WHOLE lot different than being just a mere 20 year old, let me tell you...</div>
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Today has been a rather good birthday. I woke up at four in the morning with a splitting ear ache, and got a blessing from Elder M, and it went right away. When I woke up again, we bought some scones and I proceeded to pretend that they were an ever-so-delicious box of Pillsbury toaster strudel, an Austin birthday tradition. We then proceeded to go to the river to fetch water in a boat by a Panamanian-turned-Kuna crazy teenager who almost managed to crash us into some abnormally large sticks jutting out of the water at the entrance to the river. After making a half hour pit stop to his secret mango spot, and returning to the boat with no mangos, we proceeded forward. We filled up all the tanks, then went back to the house, where we ate a hearty lunch consisting of Spam, patacones, and Frank's hot sauce. After finishing lunch, we proceeded to clean the house, shower, get dressed, and that brings us to now! Let's just say that Operation Birthday: Sector Nargana will never be forgotten! So that's that.</div>
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Wasn't conference just great? I came in with a couple questions. I have always heard that we can receive happiness and strength through the Atonement, but I had always been searching for a clear answer on HOW can we receive those blessings? I knew that they were reachable, but how could I attain them? Well, I sure got my answer! There were so many talks that I really liked. We watched conference in Spanish on Saturday because the internet here was really slow to watch it in English. I can't wait to go back and read it in my native language. On Sunday, we were able to watch in english! I loved the talks by Gerald Causse, Elder Holland, and President Uchtdorf. This conference, I noticed two themes: A Christ-centered family, and coming to Christ. I enjoyed the focus on Christ's divine attributes, because without a knowledge of the attributes of God, we cannot exercise faith in Him unto salvation. </div>
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I am on divisions here in Nargana right now with Elder M! They had two baptisms on Saturday, and it was great to be able to interview the two candidates, and watch the ordinances. The spirit was strong. These divisions have been very effective, and both of us have learned so much! Well, I am going to send this and hop on Skype so I can talk with you guys face to face! I love you all!</div>
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Love,</div>
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Elder Austin Michael Kipp</div>
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jill kipphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826080123785664668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2588693702454701441.post-46060927281633304272015-04-01T20:43:00.001-07:002015-04-01T20:43:40.474-07:00Camping in the Monte<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hey
everyone!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It is always good to
hear that everything back home is going well, and that grandpa is recovering
and progressing. There have been a lot of prayers on his behalf.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This last week was a
good, but tiring one! Elder P and I
caught some nasty colds a few days ago, so we have been trying to rest up and
get better so we aren't out for a longer time. We are doing pretty well now. We have been doing a TON of service in the
monte the past week, taking advantage of all three elders here to do divisions
where one of us goes with a member, and the other two go with a less active or
an investigator to help in the monte. The
services are usually just chopping all the grass/weeds around the
coconut/banana/plantain/cocoa trees, and then hauling some coconuts back on a
stick so the people can sell them to the Colombians. That is how they earn their living here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This last week, our
recent convert, V asked us to go to the monte with him and camp overnight
to help him cut down a BUNCH of big trees on his land that is pretty far back
in the monte. We called president and he
gave us permission. Elder P and
Elder O had to go to Ukupa to do six baptismal interviews for the Elders
there. (They baptized six people from that new island they found that is an
hour and a half walk from Ukupa.) So I
got picked to go camp in the monte and help V for the day! So, we packed
up, and left at four in the morning on Friday. We hiked for two and a half hours, mostly in
the dark, and we started right to work! We worked the entire day, just chopping away
with axes and machetes at huge trees! It
was SUPER tiring! We just caught some fish from the river and made a fire to
fry them up, then sacked out until six the next morning, worked for four more
hours, then made the big trek back. I
got back completely EXHAUSTED!!! But it
was great to give service to someone who really needed it! V said we can go back and visit his land
if we come to Panama. He is going to
build a house so we can put up some hammocks and camp a night out there! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We were able to find
more investigators this last week! We
are trying to contact everyone and it actually surprises me how many people on
an island haven't met the missionaries, who have been here for thirty plus
years. It is true that there are always
people prepared for the gospel, wherever there are missionaries. We just need to make sure we are prepared to
feel the spirit and recognize those people. Missionaries are always
blasted with ways on "how" to work/study/teach effectively, but this
week I decided to study "Why" we work/study/teach effectively. It is all so that others can feel the love of
their Lord and Savior, and come to a true knowledge of Him so they can exercise
faith in Him unto Salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Well family, that is
about all for now. Utah is one hour
ahead of Panama right now, correct? So that means I will call you at six
o'clock Utah time, seven my time. Sweet.
I'll see you next week!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I love you all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Elder Austin Michael
Kipp<o:p></o:p></span></div>
jill kipphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826080123785664668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2588693702454701441.post-16030659210641279492015-03-25T19:25:00.003-07:002015-03-25T19:25:34.822-07:00Faith is Power<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Nuedi!
Nue gambi! </span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">That means hello, how are you? in Kuna. Bien.
I am glad to hear that everything back home is going well. Grandpa is a trooper
so I am sure he will be fine in a couple of weeks! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This last week was a
pretty interesting one, as changes week always is! Coming out of the office, I thought changes
week would be normal for me, but it seems I was wrong. We shipped out Tuesday
morning for the city, and had to wait until Wednesday to get the money and
start the shopping spree. In the meantime,
we found out who was leaving the zone and coming out, and we found out that
Elder Oakley and I are in a trio now! Elder
P from Kent, Washington is our new companion! Since Elder O leaves four weeks after I
do, President wanted Elder P to have a lot of time out here to get travel
and all the zone things down before we both leave. That means that this change,
we will be travelling a lot between all the islands doing companion exchanges
with all the missionaries. And, we will
be able to do double work in our area, doing exchanges with the members! I am super excited to have the new experience!
Also, Elder S from Bluffdale is in
our zone with Elder A! He played
football at Riverton High, but I never knew him, but it is fun to talk about
Riverton High!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This week, I started to
read the book called "Lectures on Faith" that was written for the
school of Elders back in the early days of the church. It has given me a whole new idea on faith. I have always looked at the word
"hope" with a bit of doubt attached.
But, in Spanish, I realized that the word "hope",
"expect", and "wait" are all the same verb. Esperar. I much
prefer the word expect. Faith is an
assurance of things that we can't see. Christ couldn't see the earth before he
created it, but He expected that it would appear at His command. It has changed my viewpoint of faith in
missionary work. Instead of just being
obedient and expecting the Lord to shed blessings upon me, I can have those
promised blessings at the front of my mind, and really truly expect them to be
given me. I can envision results and through my faith bring them to pass. I don't really know how to describe what I
learned, but I recommend reading the Lectures on Faith. Faith is power.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We are going to start
district meetings through Skype this week! It will be a great pick me up for
the zone. We are one of the highest
baptizing zones in the mission and we know we can improve even more! There are so many people prepared in San Blas,
and we think that doing regular meetings will give the missionaries the
training necessary to find and baptize those people! Things are taking off
here! I am going to give more details on the call home on</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">April 6th in
an email to mom a little later. I love you all!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Elder Austin Michael
Kipp<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">P.S. Pizza mas an
gumbie! ( I want to eat pizza.....)</span></div>
jill kipphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826080123785664668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2588693702454701441.post-28295122942048763142015-03-16T18:30:00.002-07:002015-03-16T18:30:43.307-07:00The Last Transfer, Monte Dog and The Carriers<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Happy Preparation Day everyone!!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">This P-day has been pretty great so far! Elder A(my office companion) and Elder
M came from Ukupa and Irgandi to bring things they need taken to Panama City
tomorrow when we go in to do the changes shopping bonanza. We went with them to the monte to walk to a
waterfall, about an hour hike. We took
our branch president's dog, Kippcito (Little Kipp) with us to train him to be a
monte dog. He fits in my pocket. He whined the whole way, he is still pretty
young. He spends every minute he can in
our house and he thinks he is our dog sometimes! haha! The waterfall was really pretty! We explored for a little bit and saw some cool
jungle then came back home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">This last week was a pretty good one. A very wise missionary once gave me the
counsel that I can be a missionary and myself at the same time. I sometimes get uptight because everything
doesn't go exactly how I expect it to, but this last week, I really tried to
focus on who I am. A missionary and
representative called of Jesus Christ to preach </span><span style="background: white;">His gospel. It helped me to know that even when we have
hard times and problems, that the Lord is still at the head of this work, and
that if I try to do my part, I cannot fail because He will be helping me every
step of the way. I also figured out that
I don't have to be uptight and get annoyed by every little problemito and
difficulty, but that I can be Austin Michael Man and a representative of Christ
at the same time. It is better that way.
If I give myself to Christ and His work,
He can work on me and mold me into the person He wants me to become. All I need to do is dedicate myself and give
my whole self to Him, because he can't work on what He doesn't have, and he
can't have me unless I give myself to him. (The "Fourth Missionary" talk is
great. It talks a lot about our
potential and who we want to become in our lives.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">There are some guys here on the island who we
call the "island carriers". They all have super long hair, speak no Spanish
at all, only Kuna, and look like someone just took them right off a pirate ship.
They rush across the bridge whenever a plane gets here to carry </span><span style="background: white;">all the cargo across for the people, and that is
their job. They are all so funny! We
were able to start teaching one of the carriers, A, and his brother and
two friends. We took Hermano U to the three lessons with them this week,
and the spirit was seriously STRONG! They
all accepted to be baptized! It is great
to see people finally find what they have been searching for their whole lives,
the happiness and blessing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">So, this week
marks the start of my last transfer in the mission. I still have a lot of things I want to
accomplish, and I have set many goals to accomplish those things. I cannot believe how fast the time has passed,
but I am thankful that I still have a little time left. Time is an interesting
thing. Time seems to run faster with
time. I want to take advantage of every
minute I have left to help the people here in San Blas! (I still haven't heard
about changes yet, but I am pretty sure I am going to be staying here!) I want to be as focused as I can, so please
help me out! I am doing pretty well
right now. I don't even feel trunky!
Haha!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">That is so crazy that C is already home! Now you all officially know her family better than I do, I am so excited to
meet them all soon! Well, I will let you
know about changes as soon as I can! We
leave on a plane for the city tomorrow so I will write a small note from the
mission office. I love you all!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
<span style="background: white;"> Love,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;"> Elder
Austin Michael Kipp<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">P.S. Remember, Nephi lived in the desert of
Jerusalem for eight years with little provisions. He built a boat starting with literally nothing, and crossed the ocean all the way to
America. He did it all through prayer and the guidance of the spirit. We can do
great things in our lives if we live worthily of the companionship of the
spirit and pray to God for thanksgiving and blessings.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I can't believe I forgot to put V's baptism in my letter... best convert
ever! He is super strong! And he comes
over to our house every night with Hermano U to pray! Satan didn't want his interview to go
through, but we got all the Skype problems fixed and he got baptized on
Saturday!</span>jill kipphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826080123785664668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2588693702454701441.post-34137366035457013892015-03-09T20:49:00.001-07:002015-03-09T20:49:56.705-07:00Twelve People and the Power of Prayer<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hello family!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Thanks for all your
letters this week, they really helped me out!
This last week was a pretty good one.
I was able to do divisions with
Elder T in Ukupa, the smallest area in the zone. It is on the Panama coast, it is not actually
an island. I was there for two nights,
and we were able to visit Aidirgandi, another town on the coast. There are less than two hundred people there and after visiting, I am convinced that all those people are totally prepared for
the gospel!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We took the branch
president and another member who is preparing for his mission with us to do
divisions and get more work done. We
were able to talk with the syla (chief), and some other families, and we were able to
put eleven new baptismal dates! Oh, this
pueblo is an hour and a half walk from Ukupa, the nearest church. So, to get baptized, these people have to walk
a total of three hours every Sunday to go to church and back home. We were completely confident that they would
come. And lo and behold, twelve people
walked all the way there Sunday morning to go to church! It was a miracle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">When I got back to my
island, I figured out that there are a lot of problems in our island with drugs
right now. It seems like the island has
completely changed in a matter of days, and it has been a little difficult for
the work. But, I am trying to keep up
the faith. I know that the Lord is just
giving me this experience to stretch me and push me so I can learn and
progress. Every time we are faced with a
decision in our lives, it means that the Lord is giving us an opportunity to
develop, in small measure, His attributes, or do the exact opposite and develop
the attributes of the Adversary. We are
trying to make all the right decisions through these trials so we can have the
spirit and know how the Lord wants us to handle the work here in Playón Chico.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I read something that
hit me in "True to the Faith." It talks about teaching the POWER of
prayer, not just the PRINCIPLE of prayer. Something I have tried to do that has
made my prayers more powerful is to pray for the guidance of the spirit to make
my prayers more meaningful. I know what
God has prepared for me to do and I can ask for His help. He knows me better than I know myself and can
tell me what to ask for that will help me be stronger and happier. Prayer truly is one of the greatest blessings
we have been given, and it is the way that I have been able to grow so close to
my Savior. One of the greatest blessings
of my mission is the relationship I have developed with my Savior. I know God hears our prayers. It is
up to us to prepare to receive our answers, because I know he answers our
prayers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Glad to hear that
Grandpa is doing better. I bet he is
pretty glad to be eating something more than ice chips now! I will keep praying for a good speedy
recovery!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I love you all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Elder Austin Michael
Kipp<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
jill kipphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826080123785664668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2588693702454701441.post-89351087909512919612015-03-02T18:16:00.000-08:002015-03-02T18:16:02.827-08:00Lessons Learned of Charity and Love by a 19 Year Old Hard Headed Son<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hello
everyone!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Where do I start today?
There are so many things running through my mind right now and I can't get my
thoughts straight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">First things
first, grandpa is alive. Glad to hear
that. It is so awesome that dad has been
able to be there for Grandpa and Brother R during the time off. Mom and dad, you are both some of the most
charitable people I know and I thank you for your example. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Speaking of charity, I
studied charity and love a lot this week. I had a lot of down time to study because my
companion was sick in the hammock for three days. I was told by the spirit that we can grow our
love for others in three ways: Praying
that God fills our hearts with charity and love, making a constant and
whole-hearted effort to show that love to others by serving them, and making a
constant and whole-hearted effort to show that love for God by keeping His
commandments and serving Him. </span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">He promises that He will
increase our love for others if we do these things.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A mission is all
about love. It is the best opportunity
that God gives to his hard-headed 19 year old sons to learn how much He loves
each one of them. It is the perfect
opportunity for those same hard-headed 19 year old sons to learn a couple
things about how that selfless, unfailing love can change lives, not just their
own, but the lives of all they show their love to by serving them. A missionary is given the best possible
opportunity to do those three things that will develop a stronger love for God,
which will bless him and others for the rest of his life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I finished the Book of
Mormon yesterday. Scott N's promise
stays true. No matter how many times I
read it, every time I pick it up I learn something new. It is an inspired book,
and Joseph Smith was called to be God's Prophet and translate it by His
power. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Tomorrow I get to go on
a three day division with Elder T in Ukupa! And we get to go explore another small island
and see if we can put missionaries there! And then on Thursday, we are going to
go to ANOTHER island, and apparently there is an apostate Mormon church there
that we are going to start fixing up. I
love the work out here in San Blas!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hermano U is still
a boss. There aren't really addresses here or mail on the island but you could
just send it to the mission office in my name or another missionary and on the
inside put that it is for him on Playon Chico, San Blas, and they will deliver
the <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">letter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I love you all!
Remember, Christ showed unconditional love to all. If we want to become like Him, we must love
all unconditionally as well. </span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I love you all!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Elder Austin Michael
Kipp<o:p></o:p></span></div>
jill kipphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826080123785664668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2588693702454701441.post-71931995098609698212015-02-26T19:40:00.004-08:002015-02-26T19:40:49.359-08:00Bautismo Nika<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">Hello
Family!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">First
things first. Bautismo nika means
"We had a baptism!!!" in Kuna.</span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">This last Saturday, we got back from the zone
conference in Nargana,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">and Hermano U's daughter-in-law still needed her baptism</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">interview.
So, we called the elders and we did it over skype! That is</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">the new thing we have to do for interviews now,
so we don't waste so</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">much time and money travelling to do
interviews. Well, she passed with</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">flying colors!
She really prepared herself for baptism, we were just</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">guiding her in what to do to get prepared. She
loves the Book of</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Mormon and singing hymns. She is sixteen and is already married, which</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">is pretty common for Kunas. Her husband is Hermano U's son, and</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">we are still working on him so they can go to
the temple someday.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">We had the baptism after church yesterday. It was just us, our</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">branch president, and Mrs. U. It made me sad because her husband was</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">going to come, but didn't want to wait for our
branch president, so he</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">left to go play soccer instead. But, it was an AWESOME service! Our</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">branch president baptized her, and the spirit
was really strong. I</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">have been so blessed to see so many people enter
the waters of baptism</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">here in San Blas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;"><span style="background: white;">We had a pretty
good zone conference! On Tuesday,
everyone showed up</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">to Nargana in the morning, and we had a member
cook for all fourteen</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">missionaries.
Afterwards, we did the conference.
We started off doing</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">sister and elder training meetings separate, and
it gave us a good</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">chance to really see what the missionaries have
a tough time with.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Then, we were able to hear from the District
Leaders about how to find</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">happiness in the work, and how to properly use
Preach My Gospel. This</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">zone we are in is one of the tightest knit zones
I have been in, and</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">all the missionaries are really well prepared to
be here. I feel very</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">humbled to be their leader.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">We
were able to hear from Elder Duncan on Wednesday. What a neat</span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">experience it is to hear from a General
Authority! The biggest thing I</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">got out of the meeting was that as missionaries,
to reach our full</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">potential, we really need to have a better
testimony of the Atonement. It</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">is what allows us to develop love and charity,
the motives for</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">missionary work.
He opened our minds to the type of numbers we could</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">be achieving.
I know numbers aren't important, but behind every number</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">is a name of one of God's children. Elder Duncan
showed us the video</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">"Because of Him" about Christ. Even though we couldn't really see the</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">video very well over skype, I had seen it
before, and during the</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">video, I really strongly felt the love that
Christ has for me, and for</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">each one of us.
He truly suffered for us so that we do not have to</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">suffer.
He knows how we feel in every moment of sorrow and trial, and</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">he knows exactly how to help us overcome
them. He sends us His spirit</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">to lead and guide us, and to let us know that he
has forgiven us and</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">to cleanse us when we repent. I feel like I have gotten to know Him</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">much more personally on my mission, something
promised in my</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">patriarchal blessing. He is not just a distant person I want to be</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">there anymore, He has become so real in my life,
and He can become</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">real in all our lives if we open up our hearts
and let Him in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">We
went to the monte today and my shoulders are suuuuper sore from</span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">carrying some HUUGE logs up and down the hills
for a guy who is</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">building a new house. But, despite how tired I
am, I felt great to</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">give service!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">This
wouldn't be a missionary letter if I didn't leave you all with</span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">an invitation. I invite you all to watch the video
"Because of Him"</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">and really meditate Christ's atonement. Meditate upon the fact that he</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">suffered for EACH ONE of your sins and struggles
personally, because</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">he loves you. It is what can give us infinite
happiness in our lives. I love you all!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">Elder
Austin Michael Kipp</span></div>
jill kipphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826080123785664668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2588693702454701441.post-63580500509949644522015-02-17T17:18:00.000-08:002015-02-17T17:18:06.002-08:00April 30th is the Day<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hello
everyone!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I didn't have a chance
to write yesterday because we had five other elders in our area that needed to
write as well. We traveled to Nargana today to have our Zone Conference, so I
am writing from the chapel here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This week Elder Duncan
from the Seventy is coming to Panama, and for our zone conference, we are going
to do a skype call with him and all the other missionaries. I am super excited to see what counsel he
gives us!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This last week, we
decided to do extended divisions with the elders in Nargana. My companion came to Nargana, and Elder
M came to my island with me for five days. Elder M and I realized we seriously
have EVERYTHING in common. It was
actually kind of freaky. I actually know
where he lives in Kamas. We always pass
his house on the way to the B's cabin. This last week was great, we were able to work
really hard in the area and we had some really spiritual experiences. Hermano U is really helping us out a lot
by finding new people for us to teach. We bought him a copy of Preach My Gospel, and
he reads up on his job as branch mission leader and is super excited magnify
his calling. We are going to be in
Nargana until Saturday, and he is going to visit all our investigators for us
while we are out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">So, I have had a hard
time deciding on what day I am going to come home. In my interview with President Carmack, he
said that he is fine either way and that the Lord is letting me decide. I know the most sensible option for school and
work is to come home in April, so I can have more time to work and save up some
money for school. So, I have decided to
come home in April. April 30th will be
the exact day. So be ready!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Well family, I am super
short on time. I am sorry for the short email, but we have to get our zone
conference up and running today!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Happy birthday
Courtney! Happy Valentine's day
everyone!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Elder Austin Michael
Kipp<o:p></o:p></span></div>
jill kipphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826080123785664668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2588693702454701441.post-21760520623280434322015-02-09T20:17:00.000-08:002015-02-09T20:17:22.745-08:00Concrete JungleDear Family.<br />
<br />
Well, this last week was an interesting one! On Tuesday, we loaded up on the plane and went into the city to buy all the stuff for changes. We got there at about eight in the morning, and went right to the office to get the money. Changes are always super busy, and the secretaries weren't there until the afternoon, so we waited in a restaurant downstairs. When they finally got there, we learned that our check couldn't be cashed until Friday, so we basically ended up spending a few days in the city literally doing nothing but sitting in the assistant’s house, studying, and I finally learned how to solve a Rubik's Cube. It was a little frustrating, but we couldn't do anything we needed to do without the money.<br />
<br />
We DID get to have interviews with President Carmack, and I asked him about extending. He said that the choice is completely up to me, and honestly I am not quite sure yet. I think I know what to do, but I still have to pray about it a little more, so I will probably let you know next Monday for sure. It was a great interview, and President gave me some great counsel.<br />
<br />
On Friday, we got the money, and we ran to PriceSmart (Costco in Panama) with three of the sisters from the zone, and ran around like madmen trying to find everything for the seven islands before they closed. Friday was just filled with running around in the truck buying things until about one in the morning, and then the next day we had to wake up at four to get in the car and go to the dock. Then, from there it was a four hour boat ride to our island. The moment I hit my hammock, I was OUT for the count! But, the good news is that I DID get my package! Thanks mom and dad! It was the best!<br />
<br />
One night, we did eat dinner with a really wealthy family from Canada. They bought pizza, nachos, lasagna, cookies, soda and a ton of other stuff. The sisters invited us to go there with them on Thursday night. How do I do my laundry on the island? We heat up water on the stove and put it in a bucket with bleach, soap and fabric softener. Then we let the clothes soak, rinse with clean water, and hang the clothes on a rope to dry. This last week, I got a lot of good study time, and really felt the companionship of the spirit really strong in my life. I know that the scriptures contain the word of God, and that if we follow the precepts in the scriptures, we will feel of God's love more in our lives, and we will become more like Him. Well, I am about out of time. I love you all!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Elder Austin Michael Kipp<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
jill kipphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826080123785664668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2588693702454701441.post-29481581653033574592015-02-03T20:06:00.002-08:002015-02-03T20:06:40.657-08:00The Name Game<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14pt;">Hello family!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">This last week
was alright, we did have two baptisms, which was the highlight! Two of Hermano
U's sons were baptized, A, who is 17, and A, who is 14. The
Hermano baptized both of them, so it was really cool. He has two more older sons that aren't
baptized still, so we are working with them. We have had so much success through his
family! I think he might be the guy from
my dream, but in the dream, the place I am in doesn't look anything it does
here. But I think it could be him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">So, the new fad
on the island is to name things Kipp or Kippcito, which means little Kipp. I officially have two dogs, a chicken, a bird,
a squirrel, a monkey, and now a baby named after me. It is Hermano U's new game to name
things Kippcito! It is pretty dang funny!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">We were sick a
couple of days this last week, and that kept is cooped up for a little while,
so we didn't get to do as much as we had planned. We did have mission leadership council this
week. We do it over Skype with all the
other zone leaders and sister leaders in the mission. President Carmack is really starting to crack
down on some things, and I have been waiting to see those changes for my whole
mission! It is going to help the mission
baptize more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Well, I am about
out of time today. I am sick today, so I
want to go sack out for a bit before we make our trek into the city tomorrow to
buy the things for changes. And oh, I do not have changes, so I get to stay out
here one more transfer!!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">I love you all
so much!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Elder Austin
Michael Kipp<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
jill kipphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826080123785664668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2588693702454701441.post-21854886768226150452015-01-28T14:01:00.002-08:002015-01-28T14:01:43.840-08:00"Ask and Ye Shall Receive."<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Hello
family!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Mom and dad, tell the
family up in Washington that I say hey!
This last week has been great. Elder T is still with us. His new companion gets here tomorrow so he
will be going back to his area tomorrow. It has been a ton of fun having him
here, and I have learned a ton from him! He is an awesome example to us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This last Saturday, the
baptism streak kept hot and we were blessed with four more baptisms! We baptized four youth. It was a really awesome
service, and they all looked super happy afterwards. Elder T, Elder O, and I were all
able to baptize one of them, and I baptized the other. I have been blessed to see so many of God's
children enter the waters of baptism, and I owe it all to the Lord and the
Spirit. They are blessing us for our
efforts to be more obedient. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">We had a Seventy come to
the mission a couple weeks ago, and really say some things that were hard for
some of the missionaries to take. Our
mission isn't baptizing much right now, and the mission is not reaching its
full potential. The Seventy put out a
lot of rules and a lot of the missionaries are having a hard time accepting
what he said as truth. I have a hard time seeing missionaries that don't accept
what a servant of the Lord commands them to do.
I liken it to the scriptures in the Book of Mormon, when a prophet was
sent among the people, they rejected him.
Our mission could be so much more successful, and more importantly we
could change so many more lives if we listen to the counsel of our leaders who
are called of God to help us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">We saw a pretty cool
miracle this last week. We went to two
other islands with Elder M and Elder M. Elder M is in the
district presidency, and he wanted to visit the branch presidents, so we took
elder T and went with him. Chak
drove the boat. We got done, and we were
coming back to our island in the dark.
All of a sudden, the engine dies, and we realize that we are out of
gas! We shake the gas tank, pump the
tube connecting to the tank and the motor, and nothing. Bone dry. We decided to say a prayer, and then Elder
M started to pump the hand pump again.
At first, nothing, but after a minute, the tube filled with gas, and we
had just enough to get to a hotel close by and buy some more. The Lord literally gave us the extra fuel we
needed to get back. It was a total
testimony builder of the power of faith and prayer, and all that experienced
that miracle were greatly struck by the spirit that was felt. "Ask and ye shall receive."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This week is the last
week of the transfer. We are going to
have two more baptisms and then we will head to Panama City to do the whole
transfers purchasing routine, and I will find out if I stay or I go. I
love you all! And mom, I will send some
pictures of the hut right now, and the two dogs named Kipp. I officially have two dogs, one monkey, and
one squirrel named after me now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I love you all! Go Seahawks!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Elder Austin Michael
Kipp<o:p></o:p></span></div>
jill kipphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826080123785664668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2588693702454701441.post-15789443240738415692015-01-20T18:43:00.005-08:002015-01-20T18:43:58.207-08:00Obedience and Service Bring Blessings<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">January 19, 1015<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">Hello family!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">This last week has been
an interesting one. We are in a trio
with one of my favorite Elders, Elder T. His companion went into the city because he
has medical problems, so we are waiting for Elder T's new companion to get
out here. It has been interesting
learning how to work in a trio, but it has been fun!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">This last week, we have
been able to find a ton of new people to teach! The whole mission has the goal to start
working with and baptizing families. We
are really working hard to try and teach the whole families of all our
investigators, and this week we have put up a lot more baptismal dates through
the efforts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">I think my faith has
been strengthened out here more than in any other time in my life. These few months on San Blas, I have tried
hard to be obedient and trust that the Lord will bless me. He truly has. Even though it is the hardest part of my
mission, every day we see small miracles that make it worth all the struggles
and difficulties. Obedience and service
truly do bring blessings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">I love doing service! We were able to go to the monte (mountains) a couple times
this week and do some work for our branch president and Syla G. We had to walk for over an hour, and we
carried a ton of coconuts to the river and back in a canoe. Elder T came with us, but here they don't
sell boots big enough for him, so he did the entire service in flip flops. He has had a ton of difficulties and trials in
his first six weeks here, but his attitude is always so positive, and I think
that attitude is one of the most important factors in missionary work. If we are constantly complaining about our
circumstances, we will lose the spirit and we will not be able to do the will
of the Lord. He has been a great example
to me of enduring to the end. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">Well, I don't have much
more time this week to write, but I love you all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">Elder Austin Michael
Kipp<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">P.S. Utah State online classes are definitely an option so I
can save money!!! I will have to keep
thinking about that one<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">P.S.S. GO SEAHAWKS!!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
jill kipphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826080123785664668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2588693702454701441.post-36869993040059163862015-01-12T15:21:00.001-08:002015-01-12T15:21:19.709-08:00The Angry Sea, Colombian Ship, Pangas and Miracles<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The sea was angry
that day my friends... Like an old man trying to send back soup in a
deli!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello everyone!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">This last week was
pretty interesting. We had four other elders
in our house, and we were planning on getting out Wednesday to go to the zone
conference. So they got there on
Tuesday, and then we figured out that no pangas (passenger boats) could go out
because the sea was too wild. So we
prayed and prayed and we decided that we were going to try and find another way
to do the zone conference. I won't tell
the whole story, but it was a crazy, prayer-and-fast-filled couple of days, and
we literally looked into every option to get to Narganá. We even talked to the small red chicken
biplane that brings chicken to our island from the city. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, the Lord answers
prayers. We got on a Colombian boat (a big boat that sells stuff to the
islands, like hammocks and food) and we set out. The sea was angry, and so we sat in the middle
on top of the cargo hold, and there were a couple times that I thought we were
going down. We made it all right,
though, and the conference was a huge success! Two of the assistants came out, and all the
missionaries were really excited to see each other. The meeting was really
spiritual as well. I talked about a talk
from Elder Ballard called "Mental Tenacity", it talks a lot about
being creators of circumstances, and not creatures of circumstances, and
leaving the excuses behind to have a good attitude about the work, no matter
what the difficulties are. My companion talked along the same lines, and we
didn't even plan that one out. It was a real spiritual meeting. We have a boss
zone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">The ride back was pretty
interesting. We got in a panga, because
they lifted the panga ban, and set out. The waves were pretty big, and the boat was
jumping, but we all got back safe and sound. We saw so many miracles, and the Lord
definitely answered all our prayers. Oh, and I WAS able to get my Christmas
package. The assistants brought it out! I already created my own Lego ships. Also,
Elder Fish, a missionary who finished in June and was on Blas for a year, is
here visiting with his family and brought me Swedish fish, beef jerky and sunflower
seeds! So mom, if you could send some
with Hermana W, I wouldn't mind one bit! haha!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">We did have a baptism
this week. Yamilsia got baptized, she is
around thirty years old, and she has come a long way. It was a really spiritual
baptism. We have been blessed with baptisms every week of the change so far!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, that is about all
I have time for... Mom, the pictures of the hut will have to wait until next
week.... sorry! I love all you guys!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Elder Austin Michael
Kipp<o:p></o:p></span></div>
jill kipphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826080123785664668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2588693702454701441.post-15336560846683988282015-01-05T19:45:00.000-08:002015-01-05T19:45:38.276-08:00Two Baptisms, New Years, Noriega Dolls, and Always a Missionary<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Hello Family! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This last week was
great! We started the week off by going
out to Narganá to do divisions with Elder M and Elder M. We helped them move out of their church and
into a house, and we helped them get a good start on the work in the area. It is hard out here December through February,
because the schools are out and everyone goes to the city to visit family for
those three months, but we got them some good leads on some positive people!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">We also did mission
leadership council there over Skype.
They talked about working with the members and baptizing families. The mission has a goal to double the number
of baptisms this year that we had last year, and if we work with members and
try to find more families to teach, we will do it! We have our zone meeting with the Blas zone
this Wednesday, so we are hoping that helps the missionaries in the zone to be
excited about working with members and finding families!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Coming back from
divisions was crazy! The tide was super high, and we got soaking wet! My
companion got really sea sick! Hopefully
it calms down Wednesday so we can travel.
Pray for us that the wind and the waves will calm down so the chief will
give us permission to travel. If not, we
can´t do the zone conference.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">So, we had another
baptism this week! Two, actually! Hermano U's wife and daughter got baptized! It was the first family baptized in 2015 in
Panama! It was great to see a family
enter the water, and I hope we can get them to the temple in a year. I would totally come back for that one! We have been blessed to see so many results
here! We have two more baptisms planned
for this weekend, so we are pretty excited! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">New Years was pretty
interesting. We spent the day moving the
elders into their new house, and eating GRILLED CHICKEN, MASHED POTATOES, and
RANCH!!!!! It was the best dinner ever! Well, on San Blas anyway. We don't get anything like that on our
island, so it was awesome! Here for New
Years, everyone makes life sized Noriega dolls and burns them on New
Years. It was pretty interesting. Not too many fireworks on the island, but
there were a few small ones to watch. It was a good New Years!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This year, I have made
it a goal to never pass up a chance to share the gospel, whether I am a
missionary or not. I never want to stop
doing missionary work. I challenge you to
do the same. We have chances every day
to share the gospel with people. It can
be something small and simple like sending a text with a scripture in it to
somebody, or a small act of service and an invitation to learn more. I challenge you to take advantage of all the
opportunities you have to share the message of the gospel!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Well, I am about outta
time. Dad, I sure hope you get feeling
better! Mom, I keep forgetting to take pictures of my hut. I will get one to you next week, I promise!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I love you all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Elder Austin Michael
Kipp<o:p></o:p></span></div>
jill kipphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826080123785664668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2588693702454701441.post-1574161683956475342014-12-29T19:49:00.001-08:002014-12-29T19:49:08.827-08:00The Fire of Baptism in their Eyes, Cats and Monkeys<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Hey everyone!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">It was great being
able to talk to you on Christmas! Even
though you kept asking me what I want to do when I GET HOME and telling me NOT
TO BE TRUNKY at the same time... haha! it was great. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">So, I don't know why the
cats here have such a fascination with coming over to our house, climbing on
our roof, and fighting in the middle of the night. The leaves of the roof
really amplify the sounds. So, our
branch president officially declared it hunting season for cats and started
carrying around my slingshot and rocks in his pockets so he could be ready. Nothing yet, though. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">This week was pretty
good for the work. We are finding new
investigators like crazy, mostly youth, but it is good because a lot of the
youth left the island and moved to the city. And the ones that stayed aren't very animated
or excited right now, so we are hoping we can get a better youth program going
here in the branch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">The Christmas baptism
was awesome! We had been waiting for a
couple weeks, and had to postpone the baptism because R's family drinks
coffee and he would drink it in the morning. But, he finally was able to leave it
behind. It is so awesome to see the
change in the lives of people when they accept and live the gospel. Today, we were walking in the street with Shark and there were some kids who were kind of laughing at us, saying that
we are weird for not drinking coffee, so Shark said that we should go talk with
them. Right as we started to talk to them about coffee, who shows up? None other than R! We asked him why we don't drink coffee and he
explained to them, and after that, they said they would read the pamphlet we
gave to them. Member missionary work is
so awesome, especially when you have recent converts who still have the fire of
baptism in their eyes! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Tomorrow, we get to go
on divisions to another island, with two of my favorite elders, Elder M and Elder M. I love serving other
missionaries and helping them to reach their potential, but I am pretty sure I
learn way more from them than they do from me. We are going to spend three days there so we
can do quality divisions and get our money’s worth out of the boat rides. It will be so fun!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">I am truly blessed
to be serving out here. We get to see so
many results of our labors, and harvest so many of the seeds we plant. I am learning so many things that I never
imagined that I would learn in my mission, most importantly, I am growing in my
personal strength and testimony of the Gospel. Thanks for all your love
and support. I love you all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Elder Austin Michael
Kipp</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">P.S. I saw a sweet monkey this week. It has a mohawk, and they named it Kipp. It is one of our investigator’s<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">pets. I will send some pictures.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
jill kipphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826080123785664668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2588693702454701441.post-38605024466679148352014-12-22T20:10:00.000-08:002014-12-22T20:10:10.351-08:00Feliz Navidad from the San Blas Islands<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Bueno,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">It is
pretty crazy that it is already time for Christmas again! I can't believe it, this last year went by so
fast! </span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This last week was good,
a little hard, but good. We had another
baptism! A 15 year old kid named S got baptized! It has been a blessing to
be able to see so many results of our work out here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Our branch President,
T, is a boss. He has been passing through a ton of trials and problems,
but he is super faithful. This last
week, their dog bit this really old lady and they had to pay her $100, which
for them is a TON of money, and all her hospital bills, and they had to send
the dog to another island. He was telling
us how last year, his daughter lost the $1,000 he had worked 8 years to earn,
and how this year, they were going to start a business, but with the dog
fiasco, he has to wait a little while longer to start it. But, one thing I admire about the people on Blas
is that they understand that it isn't money that brings happiness. T always says that he knows that he Lord is
just testing him and that he knows it will all end soon and he will be blessed.
He is a great example to me, when I
complain or think little inconveniences are hard, I look at him and get
strength to endure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">My new companion is
cool, he is from Arizona. He has almost
the same time in the mission as me, so we will see how long we will be
companions for. He wants to work hard,
so that is the most important thing. We are still seeing lots of miracles for
our work, so I am happy right now. I was able to do divisions with Elder
T this week, one of our district leaders in the zone. I was in the office when he came to the
mission. He is the really big blonde kid
that is in that picture with me at the soccer tournament. He is a boss, and I learned a ton from him! We have gotten along well since he got here,
so the divisions were super fun, but constructive as well! I respect the missionaries in this zone, we
have one of the nicer areas in the zone, and the other areas are really hard. The missionaries that get sent here are pretty
strong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">So, about skype, three
o'clock my time should be fine! I am
super stoked to be able to talk with you all! This will be my last call home in the mission!
(super crazy) We are just going to pass Christmas pretty tranquil here on the
island, and set up the Christmas devotional so the branch can watch it on Thursday
night. We will have a turkey dinner with the members so it should be
nice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Well family, that is
about all I have time for right now. I can't wait to skype with you guys on Thursday!
I will not be able to call beforehand, I
have no phone to do so, so you will just have to be ready at the computer
around three (one your time). I love you all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Remember, the true
spirit of the season is felt when we remember not just the birth of Christ, but
his earthly mission, and also, when we look forward to His second coming with
faith. Espero que tengan una muy feliz navidad, y que sientan el verdadero
espíritu de la Navidad. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Con amor,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Elder Austin Michael Kipp<o:p></o:p></span></div>
jill kipphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826080123785664668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2588693702454701441.post-78993151565184084032014-12-17T14:48:00.001-08:002014-12-17T14:48:37.058-08:00Baptism of the Chief<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hello
everyone!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We were not able to
write on Monday because the internet in our church went out, so we came today
to write real quick so you all know that we are OK!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This last Saturday, we
were able to have a baptism! We baptized
the syla, (island chief) Syla G, and it was awesome! You could tell he really felt the spirit, and
now he is excited to go out and help us teach his friends! We are going to get him to take us to the
third syla's house, and if we baptize him, all the sylas will be members! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Elder J got called
to be a new AP, now there are four, and so I got a new companion. His name is
Elder O. He has one transfer less than I do in the mission. He really
wanted to come out to San Blas for his entire mission so he is excited and
happy! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Well, I am about out of
time. I am sorry I can't write more
today. We have to go do some visits
right now, but I love you all and hope that you have a great week!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Elder Austin Michael
Kipp<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">P.S. Mom, I will answer all your questions next
week… I have to run.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
jill kipphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826080123785664668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2588693702454701441.post-8775813188123242482014-12-09T18:21:00.000-08:002014-12-09T18:21:00.119-08:00Christmas Zone Conference at the Orphanage<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">Hello family!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">This last week has been
an interesting one. We had a bunch of
hours of service in the monte and we got super exhausted! And on Friday, our whole
zone traveled into Panama City for the Christmas Zone Conference and to get
stuff for changes. I still do not know
who my new companion is, but I know it has to be a gringo, so I am pretty
excited to find out who it is! I must say that it was NOT me in the Santa
suit, it was a kid named Elder B, and he was a pretty legit Santa. But, we do have a Santa suit in our chapel on
the island so I totally want to sport it on Christmas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">For the zone conference,
we went to an orphanage and sang some songs and hung out with all the kids. It
reminded me of Silver Rush at Riverton, and how the whole town just banded
together to help others. Those were the times that I truly felt the spirit of
Christmas more than any other time, and I am so grateful that I will be able to
serve others during this Christmas season, and share with them the best gift of
Christmas, a knowledge of their Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">The trip to the city was
good, we all got in safe and sound, it just took us like seven hours! But, we DID get to hit up the new Little
Caesars! And it was AWESOME!!! Brought
me back to my childhood... haha! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">So, the Christmas party
was pretty epic because Hermana Carmack cooked like 36 pounds of REAL BACON! WE just about cried. It was a Christmas miracle! The Christmas
devotional yesterday was great! I really
enjoyed Elder Christofferson's talk, and also how the talks were centered
around the family. After all, Christmas is the birthday of our older brother! I am really excited to serve others and bring
them the joy of knowing that Christ is the greatest gift God has ever given us
this Christmas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">My brain is scattered,
this is going to be a short email. Not a
lot happens when we come to the city... I love you all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Elder Austin Michael Kipp</span>jill kipphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826080123785664668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2588693702454701441.post-64511708081123281682014-12-02T13:21:00.003-08:002014-12-02T13:21:58.809-08:00Service is the Way to Open Hearts<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Hey everyone! Happy Thanksgiving!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
Truth is, in Panama almost no one celebrates Thanksgiving, and even less so on an island. So, we just worked normal that day, and for dinner we ate some pasta. It was different than last Thanksgiving, but I still really tried to reflect on all that the Lord has given me, and realized that I am really so blessed.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
This last week, we tried to work really hard again, after seeing all the success we had last week. It was a little tough this week, because a lot of our investigators we had planned throughout the week weren't home, or didn't want to listen to us. We really tried to give it our best effort, and at the end of the week we did have success! Our baptism didn't go through, but we did baptize an 8 year old from a<br />
member family that we had been teaching, so it was great to see another of God's children enter the waters of baptism and make sacred covenants.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
Hermano U has progressed a ton! He gave a talk in church yesterday about overcoming weaknesses. He used to be a drug addict, and he loves sharing his story with people about how the gospel has changed his life. He is a big help to us, because a lot of the people out here drink or do drugs, and it is a blessing to have someone who has overcome those things through the atonement.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
We got to use our machetes this last week, so that was awesome! I have come to learn that service is the way to open peoples' hearts to the gospel. Like when Ammon went to King Lamoni and offered to be his servant first, then after the king saw the power and influence he had, he allowed Ammon to preach to him. That is definitely a good way to find investigators here, because everyone works in the mountains and always needs help.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
I will be getting a new companion this Saturday. President told us that Elder J will have changes. It is sad, because we have seen a lot of success together and worked really hard, but he did his job here. My new companion has to be a gringo, because the Sylas here don't like Latins and won't them live on the island, so I am pretty excited to see who it is! I am also a little nervous though, I just hope my new companion will be as obedient as Elder Jensen was! I know the Lord will send the island and I exactly who we need to grow.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
On Friday we are officially starting Operation Christmas: SectorCity, when we go into the city for the Christmas zone conference. We will commence phase: Little Caesars on Friday night, because the first<br />
Little Caesars in the country just got finished! It is gonna be quantum!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
Well, I don't have much more time. I am glad you all had a good thanksgiving! Have a great week!<o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br />
Love,<br />
Elder Austin Michael Kipp<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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jill kipphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826080123785664668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2588693702454701441.post-71055298287244866592014-11-24T19:14:00.000-08:002014-11-24T19:14:06.236-08:00Beach Baptism, Baby Blessing and Service in the Monte<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">November
24, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hello
everyone!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Glad to hear that all is
well back home. Mom, that was kind of
crazy what happened during your MRI with the allergic reaction to the contrast,
but that's good that you´re OK and that they found out what is giving you the
pain and numbness!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">So I didn't think we
would be able to see as much success as we did last week, but this week we were
able to do even more! It was a pretty
tiring but pretty rewarding week! We were able to baptize Hermano U on
Saturday, and it was so awesome to see. He has come a long way, and he truly
knows that the gospel is true. He is for
sure one of my strongest converts, and we already took him out to teach some of
his friends. Also, we are going to give him the priesthood this next Sunday,
and the branch president has already called him to be the new Branch Mission
Leader!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Yesterday was an awesome
Sunday. We had ten investigators in church, and 78 people in total, which I
think is the highest in branch history. I got to bless a baby, (interesting but cool
experience), we were able to confirm Hermano U, and we were able to give
the priesthood to a 12 year old youth. The progress we have seen out here in the
branch and with our investigators has been so amazing. On San Blas, if you are obedient, the
blessings are magnified, but if you are disobedient, the punishment is also
magnified. Good thing we are trying to
be exactly obedient.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Today, we did an epic
service project in the monte, and we got to row canoes for like an hour to the
mainland and hike the monte to cut down trees for someone's house. We also took our wrist rockets, and the two Kuna
guys we were with were pointing out all the wild turkeys in the trees, and we
went on a hunt, but to no avail. But, it
was some good practice with the slingshots, and we got to help the guys out
getting the sticks for their house! Here we do the most exhausting service
projects ever!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">To answer mom's
questions: We have some rope hung
outside the house to hang our laundry, which we wash in buckets. The hammock is pretty awesome! But, it will be nice to get back to a bed. I can't sleep on my side in a hammock, but it
is pretty dang comfortable anyway! Occasionally, we have blue crabs in the hut. Elder
Jensen has one change less than I do, and I think we will stay together one
more change, because we are on fire out here right now!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Happy Thanksgiving! I will
try to hunt a wild turkey to eat in honor of Thanksgiving, but if not, I will
for sure make some instant mashed potatoes and gravy with rolls from the bread
shop! I am so grateful to have the gospel in my
life, and I am so grateful for the best family that raised me in the gospel. Tell everyone at Grandma and Grandpa's that I
love them. I will be getting some
letters sent out for grandma and grandpa when I am in the city in two weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I am so happy, I am
working harder than I ever have in my mission, and I am so blessed by the
Lord. I love you all so much!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Elder Austin Michael
Kipp<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">P.S. I bought a tight Kuna flute today!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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jill kipphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826080123785664668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2588693702454701441.post-17262565524332856452014-11-17T17:42:00.000-08:002014-11-17T17:42:10.389-08:0018 Months Already, Baptism in the Ocean and a Mammoth Lobster<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">Dear Family,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">Well, I just realized on
Saturday that I was hitting my 18 month mark! So, we went to Hermano U's house to buy
some lobster for dinner. He is a diver, and caught us a mammoth three pound
lobster! It was pretty tasty! I
will send some pictures!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">This last week,
everything just seemed to fall into place. I think it was one of the weeks where I saw
the most success and progress in my entire mission. It all started with our Zone Meeting. We went
the day before to do divisions with the two elders. It was a big party, those two elders are so
much fun, and we were able to work with them a bit. On Wednesday, everyone got there for the
conference, and we gave each companionship a topic, one of their strong points,
and had them share a fifteen minute lesson on that topic. It went really well, and the spirit was
definitely felt. It was the first San
Blas zone meeting ever, and we definitely saw success. Yesterday when we reported numbers, the zone
had some of the highest numbers we have ever had! I know numbers don't matter, but with high
numbers, it means the missionaries are working more and bringing more souls
unto Christ. We are really excited, the
mission has been in a baptism slump this year, and we really hope the San Blas
Zone can be the examples for the mission on how to work effectively.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">We had a baptism
on Friday! R got baptized! We went out to a member's private island in
the canoe, and baptized him in the ocean. The water was crystal clear and he definitely
got the witness that what he was doing was right. He progressed really fast! And he is really excited to teach the gospel! So yesterday, we did divisions, and my companion
went with another member, and I went with R. He took me to a girl's house who I didn't
know, and she told us she wants to get baptized, so we set up a date with her and
she accepted! Then, he took me to his
uncle's house, where we found seven new really positive investigators, a whole
family that could be eternal someday! And then, he took me to his cousin's house,
where we taught her and her daughter, and they told us they wanted a Book of
Mormon. So we gave them one, taught them
the Restoration, and invited them to watch the Joseph Smith movie with us this
week. We ended the week with 17 new
investigators, thirteen baptismal dates set, and the highest church attendance
we have ever had, 74 people. We have
Hermano U's baptism coming up this weekend, and other baptisms planned up
through the end of the year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">This last week was
one of the most incredible of my life. I learned that the Lord truly does bless us when
we are obedient and exercise our faith. I learned, yet again, that this church and the
Lord's work are true, and that it truly is a privilege to be a missionary here
in Panama. I have less than six months,
and I want to give it my all so that I can hold my head high and say I did
everything I could to build up the Lord's kingdom here in Panama. I love
you all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">Elder Austin Michael
Kipp<o:p></o:p></span></div>
jill kipphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826080123785664668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2588693702454701441.post-39520826751940764192014-11-10T18:44:00.001-08:002014-11-10T18:44:32.985-08:00Boa Constrictors, Bananas and Baptisms<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hello
everyone!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This last week was
pretty good! We got a little sick on Saturday and Sunday, so we were out of
commission for a bit, but the rest of the week was good. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It always makes for a
good week when I get to break out the ole´machete. We went to the monte twice this week. We usually go in the canoe for about a half hour,
and then we get out and just chop down a ton of long tall grass and plants
around the banana and coconut tree farms. A couple weeks ago, the guy we were with
killed a HUGE boa constrictor he hit with his machete. It was like five feet long! So there are some interesting experiences in
the monte. Then we usually carry out
bananas or coconuts and get in the canoe and go back. The monte is always really tiring, but it
helps me sleep good at night, which sometimes is a little different in a
hammock. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We will be having a
baptism this Friday! The guy's name is R, but everyone calls him shark.
He is 24, and he is the one we are
teaching how to read. It has been
interesting teaching him to read. I
don't remember learning to read, so we are using this online program meant for
little kids, and I hope it doesn't make him feel dumb, but it really is helping
him. He is coming along little by
little. So this Friday, it is his
birthday, and we are going to load up in the canoe, and someone in the branch
has a really nice private island where we do the baptisms, so we get to head
there and have the baptismal service! I
am so excited! We will have another next
week too! Before I came out here, it had
been a while since I had had a baptism, and now we are seeing so much success. I know it is because of our desires to be as
obedient as we can.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We are starting something
new in the zone. We are going to hold
the first once-a-transfer zone meeting on Wednesday in Narganá! We will have the whole zone there! It will be the only time the whole zone has
been together ever. We will have each
companionship prepare a lesson and a practice, and then we will play games and
do activities after. Our zone is having
success, but we know that we can do better, and we have high hopes that the
meeting will help us reach our potential.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This last week was
really good. I realized that the spirit
is what allows us to magnify our calls as missionaries. If we don't have the spirit, we can't do
anything in the work. If we do, we can
do many miracles. We have seen a lot of
miracles this last week. We have found
new investigators, less active families, and we have seen an increased desire
in the members to share the gospel and help us in the work. The branch is stronger than it has ever been,
and we are working to get it to the point where it can function without the
help of the missionaries. We are ALMOST there.
We are just trying to get the leaders trained on the computers. A lot of them have never even used the
internet, so it is pretty interesting sometimes!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I am happy. I know why I am here, to help others come unto
Christ and be perfected in Him. I am so
thankful I have the opportunity to preach the gospel and become converted as
well. I love you all so much!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Elder Austin Michael
Kipp<o:p></o:p></span></div>
jill kipphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826080123785664668noreply@blogger.com0