Week 2 - August 8, 2021

 What a week it has been.  I don’t think there have been as many weeks in my life where it was as busy as this week. 

First, my classes for home MTC have been very rigorous.  From having to memorize a lot to paying attention to every word said during class so that I can respond in Spanish, if necessary.  And to be able to pick up more words and phrases.  It has been a demanding week, to say the least, and I know my district would say the same.  It helps knowing there are others who are going through the same thing with you, but still the task is not going to come easy.  I know that with time I’ll get better and better, just keep grinding away. 

On Monday and Tuesday we had to prepare and give our first message to members all in Spanish.  It was a little scary thinking about it with a lot of preparation, but as got started I was able to deliver what I thought to be a decent message about the power of praying diligently.  It’s not easy but it’s definitely getting us better as speaking to native speakers.

On Wednesday, we had to get up at 4 am to be able to fly to Utah for Lauren’s wedding and Tyson's homecoming.  Wednesdays are my P-day so I’m able to do things before my classes start that afternoon. Arrived at our house here, worked out, and had afternoon classes.  Then went to the park with other Elders and played some hoops.  It’s so cool to play with other Elders.  I wish I was doing it in Mexico right now, but Alpine is alright.

Thursday during my break, Cameron connected with an old friend to get us a tour of the BYU basketball facility and watch a summer practice.  Ten-year-old me would have started crying tears of joy while doing that. It was super cool.

Friday we had to practice meeting someone and setting up a meeting with them, which had to last 12-15 minutes.  Very scary as well, but went well.  I actually surprised myself with how much I’m able to understand and then respond with to somebody else. I can definitely see the strides I’ve taken since starting a week and a half ago.  Then we had Lauren’s sealing and reception.  It was very cool to be in the sealing room for their wedding.  It shows how important the church is in our lives and how important the covenants are we make with the Lord when we are in the temple. 

 

Saturday, classes all day, then went to dinner with all of the family, and to see some lots in Alpine.  Super hazy in Utah so got some cool pictures of the sky.

Today, Sunday, Ella's family was so nice to come over and say goodbye to me.  They have been so kind to me since meeting them.

Then had Tyson’s homecoming talk which he did a great job on.  The whole time I was just thinking about when I have to give my homecoming talk and share with everyone the experiences I will have and how hard I’ve worked and will work.  Then Tyson's open house and got to say goodbye to everyone for the last time In person. 

Then, we were supposed to fly out today, but there was some trouble knowing where our I.Ds were, so now we’re taking the 11 pm flight back to Washington tonight. 

Very, very long week with many more long weeks to come.  And I’m only in week 2, yikes.  But, I’m enjoying every second of having the name tag on.  There’s times that I know if I wasn’t a missionary, I would not have acted the same way or been as collected about certain situations.  It truly is a blessing to be a missionary and have the blessings it gives to me for being one.  My Spanish is minimal right now but can’t wait to get to Guatemala and start having to use only Spanish. 

Love you all❤️

- Elder Copeland