What's up, everyone! Awesome week! First week with the new comp and new transfer! My new companion is Elder Meirelles from Brasila, Brazil, and has a little bit more time than me. We have been getting along well and got after it this week!
This week we had the baptism of Jefferson! He is the brother of Fernando who was baptized last Sunday and was taught for the first time by the missionaries about six months ago and at the time wanted nothing to do with it. Last transfer we tried multiple times but never worked out. However, this week we passed by and were visiting with the family because the mom and two daughters have been members for a few months now. While we were there, the mom, Irmã Angelita, had everyone show up in his room while he was sleeping to talk to him. At first, he wasn't rocking with it, but we started to talk with him and he opened up. He is a super shy kid but a good one. He accepted to be baptized without problems and was super excited. He had already been to church a few times and his baptism was a cool moment. His three siblings and mom who have all been recently baptized were there along with a lot of members.
I have also been thinking a lot lately about the mission. Here in a little bit, I will have a year and it's so crazy to think how the time has passed and where I was a year ago today. The things you learn on a mission change your life. The people you meet and get to work with who come from all different parts of the world and have backgrounds completely different and for once are the same. You experience things that change your life and make you very grateful. The mission puts a lot in perspective and shows you the things that really matter. I know I've said it a million times, but I love Brazil and being a missionary. To me, it's the coolest thing to completely adapt to a new culture and speak a different language.
A little bit before I started my mission, I was talking with my Uncle Kevin who also served a mission in Brazil, and he told me something that will always stick with me--that you have to become a part of the people and now I like to say I'm Brazilian. Last night, we had two other Elders sleep at our house and for a few hours we drank the traditional drink called Chimarrão that is basically grass water and talked as friends. Two Brazilians, a kid from Peru, and me all taking Português together. Stuff like this only happens in the mission and I find it so dope.
My comp, Elder Meirelles, dad also served in Santa Cruz a few years before my dad. When we both found out, we immediately knew this wasn't a coincidence and that we have something special to do here together. We have met a few members that knew both of our dads and it is such a crazy feeling. Twenty-five years later in the same place teaching the same things and doing the same work as missionários. We have gotten into a routine and are sure we give it our all each day. All you get is two years out here, so I'm trying to make the most of it!
Elder Copeland 2023
I hope everything is awesome back home!
Elder Copeland
