Progress. This week was all about progress and understanding that the things we want most take time. I did a lot of self-reflecting this week and really took the time to try and make sense of everything that was going on. I realized that I had lost sight of the position that I'm in. First off, I'm a 19-year-old kid living on his own for the very first time in a small city on the coast of Brazil. I'm trying to learn an entire new language and adjust to living in a new culture. For anyone to think that the transition was going to be easy is crazy. Anyone I've ever talked to about the mission has said the beginning part is the hardest and will push you to your limit, but that's the beauty of it. It takes sacrifice.
I read a talk this week that will forever change the way I think. The entire thing was written off of one question. Who do you want to become? This can be applied to every single one of us. Who do I want to become as a missionary? Who do you want to become as a child or sibling? Who do you want to become as a husband or father? Once we know the person we hope to be, we can start to understand the road it will require. The way we approach this road is the most important part. If we go in with the mindset of wanting to do things our way, we've completely missed the opportunity. The reason we go through hard times is because it forces us to sacrifice, and when we sacrifice, we grow. Growth isn't easy and isn't for a reason because if it was easy, we wouldn't learn anything. The mindset that happiness will come once I can do things my way is wrong. Happiness comes from the journey of trying to grow. This week I've started to enjoy the struggle and realize that the greatest things take time. The journey is the best part!
The area I'm currently in is hard because of the number of beach houses we have. People don't actually live in them, so this week we spent each day walking a few hours to another part in order to find people. Despite playing basketball my entire life, I have managed a way to have blisters all over my feet. Most of this week was spent knocking doors because due to how cold it is, no one is outside. It's cool to see how promptings from the Spirit can guide missionary work and prompt us to knock on a certain house. The hardest part about the people here is commitment, so despite finding someone that's interested, it's very hard to follow up with them. However, I love being out in the field and talking to people. The Brazilian people mean well and there are people out there who are ready to hear the gospel...we just have to find them lol.
The language and my understanding of it gets better every day. The accent of some people makes it very difficult, but I will get there. I'm starting to get a better understanding of how everything works in the mission. I'm starting to enjoy the struggle and enjoy the opportunity I have to serve a mission. These are experiences that can't be found anywhere else. It's important to focus on the good of a situation instead of dwelling on the bad. I definitely saw the hand of Christ in my life this week and know that he is watching over me in everything I do. He has a plan for me and each and every one of us!
Elder Copeland❤️
Thank you for your emails this week! Reminder for anyone just added. All my updates and pictures can be seen on my blog that my grandma is putting together for me! https://elderjaxoncopeland.blogspot.com
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