What's up, everyone! Last week I didn't send an update out, so this week I'll catch everyone up. This transfer is flying by and it feels like the weeks start and finish at the same time. The days all seem the same, so I'm trying my best to change things up and try new stuff.
This past week we had one of the most special baptisms of my mission. Megui was baptized on Saturday and was beyond prepared to take this step. Right now my comp and I are taking care of three different areas. A few weeks ago we were walking in the street and out of nowhere I remembered a member referral the missionaries last transfer had received but never got the chance to teach. I called her and set something up and ever since the first visit, we knew she was different. Before we went by she had only had a brief conversation with missionaries that only introduced the Book Of Mormon and invited her to pray. We found out after talking to her for a few minutes that she had been going to church for four consecutive weeks, already read a ton in the Book of Mormon, prayed about it, and received an answer knowing it was true. The lessons we had with her were very cool because she is an in-depth thinker and has a ton of knowledge about the gospel. Along with the help of a family in the ward, this past Saturday was her baptism.
We've also been running around trying to grow our teaching pool and find new people. We've built ourselves a solid group that has been doing their part to receive answers and progress.
This past week I had my first of what I hope to be only falls on the mission. I was out running in the street with my comp trying to make it on time to the next appointment and to my surprise there was a one-foot ditch in thick grass that I didn't see. As I was running, my foot went straight into the ditch which caused me to fall very fast and slam my face on a concrete slab. It happened so fast that I didn't realize it until I was on the ground shaking and all cut up. I called my comp over who didn't see it and as soon as he got up to me and saw my face, he burst out laughing. As much as it hurt, I also was laughing and that pretty much explains how we get along. It took a few days to recover and left me with a solid black eye, but that's all a part of the fun. I told everyone who asked what happened that I was robbed and left to fight the guys, but I won in the end and got our stuff back... definitely makes it worth listening to lol. I'll attach a picture of where it all went down to give you guys more context lol.
This past little bit I've seen the power of prayer and how the Lord responds to our needs and wants. What I've noticed is that things we ask for are never directly given to us. What the Lord will do is give us opportunities to act and through these opportunities we will grow and learn. If we are willing to change and recognize these changes in our daily lives, the sooner we will receive the blessings of God. If we go into it with a stubborn mindset and not willing to change, the longer we delay or put aside becoming the type of person we pray to be. I've tried my best, as of late, to approach these opportunities with an open mind and a bigger perspective. I've seen the Lord's hand in my life and by doing so, I've seen him respond in ways that have helped me grow.
Still loving every second out here. Every day is a blessing to put on the tag and go out and work. I've seen the Lord work miracles and I'm forever grateful to be a part of this work.
I hope everyone back home is doing well!
Elder Copeland
