Weeks 69 and 70 - October 20, 2023

Two more weeks down!  I hit 16 months and this transfer is getting towards the end.  Last two weeks have been busy with a lot of the same stuff--running around talking with everyone to grow our teaching pool.  We've got a solid group of people progressing and making changes in their lives. Nothing new or secret to finding people.  You have got to put in the time to see your efforts pay off.  Some people accept it and others don't.  Our job is to talk to those who are willing and to give everyone a chance.

This past week we had interviews with the mission president and after he took me and my comp out to dinner.  We gave him the option to choose because we didn't know what was around, and so without hesitating he brought up the idea of going to a place called Mundo Animal.  We showed up and it was straight up a fancy Chuck-e-Cheese.  The only people that were there to eat were for little kids' birthday parties and then us three in white shirts and a tie.  We thought it was a joke at first, but Pres was being serious so we trusted him.  It ended up being a blast and the food couldn't have been any better.  I couldn't tell if Pres or us were more excited to take a picture with the mascots after dinner.  Everyone in the place was just as confused as to why we were, there but we just owned it and had a good time. 

Something I've been reminded of in this last little bit is that there are no shortcuts to doing things the right way.  Doing things the right way in order to have good quality results always comes with a sacrifice that is usually our time and effort.  Taking the easy way out is a decision we make because of the desire to have success fast.  However, that's not necessarily how things work.  The steps taken in the process to achieve something are there for a reason.  Whether it be school, sports, work, or our testimonies, failure and setback are meant to happen.  The process gives us a chance to learn from our mistakes and grow and become better.  This type of mentality is key to being able to maintain focus on our end goal but trust the process and be willing to change with time to achieve that.

Love this work and all of the experiences it gives you!

Elder Copeland

Week 67 and 68 - October 6, 2023

What's up, everyone!  Didn't get to send an email last week but I'll fill you all in on what's been happening!

This past week we had the baptism of Gedeão!  He just recently went through the whole marriage process and got married to a member!  Gedeão had been taught a very long time ago by the missionaries, but the marriage process took so long that he had remembered very little.  We started teaching him again and shortly after he was baptized.  He has been going to church for close to the last year, so the entire ward family was there to support him and show him love. 

Yesterday was one of the coolest days on my mission.  This is now my third transfer in the stake and I've been here for about four months.  Yesterday I went to the temple with five of my recent converts that all went for the very first time.  We were able to organize it all at the last minute and get everyone there to have this experience.

It's crazy how fast someone's life can change in just a short amount of time.  In just a few months, these people have grown so much as people and in the church.  It's days like yesterday that remind me how special this work is.  It's a night and day difference to see these people now and from when we first met them.  The restored gospel changes lives and as soon as we accept it in our lives, the more we will be blessed.

My comp and I have been running around trying to grow our teaching pool as much as possible.  These last few days we've had a lot of success and found a bunch of people in super cool ways.  It's pretty crazy sometimes how you come across people.  Oftentimes you meet people in miraculous ways that aren't just coincidences.  The Lord is without a doubt preparing people and guides us to help those in need.

It's always nice being at the temple and seeing old comps. Had to say goodbye to Elder Castro who I lived with in my first few transfers.  Crazy home time flies out here!

Still loving it out here being in Brazil and in the culture.  The mission is amazing and such a fulfilling experience.

Hope all is well with you guys back home.

Elder Copeland