It's starting to get real.
This week was the first time It really hit me that I'll be going to Guatemala soon. Before it kind of seemed far away or that what I was doing now is just preparation for when I go. But now, with one full week left of home MTC, I am realizing that I can't really prepare myself too much more, and that I'll be in Guatemala before I know it.
This week was so good. The thought of leaving soon has definitely buckled me down more in my classes and forced me to try and learn as much as I possibly can before I go. Classes have gone well, me and my companion had more role-play lessons that we gave in Spanish this week, which have gotten so much easier than before. Going out with the missionaries and doing it for real has also made it easier to teach to real members that are behind a screen from my house. My Spanish has also gotten much better, and I am feeling much more confident about it. Confident enough to speak to people and ask questions that could go in any direction, where I'd have to respond from what I know and not just the amount that I have written down in front of me to teach.
On Tuesday this week, I had to go to court to hash out some prior misunderstandings about not having insurance in the car while driving (wasn't my fault, and happened before I was set apart) so that was fun. The judge asked what my name tag said when I was presenting him with the evidence, so I got to say, "It says Elder Copeland'' and saw that he read the words "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" underneath. So that was cool.
Wednesday I went out with the missionaries again, being able to do that has been such a blessing and has helped me so much about how discussions go and what I'll need to prepare for before I leave. I am very thankful and lucky that I am able to go with them and learn from them, and I also get to testify what I know to be true here and there, during some lessons.
Thursday, missionaries came at 6 am and we worked out in my garage and got some shots up too. I finally hit 170 pounds yesterday. At the end of basketball season this year, I weighed around 152-153 pounds and could never go higher or lower. But for the past 7 weeks, I've really focused on working out everyday, eating good foods, not eating out, and increasing my calorie intake. And yesterday, I was finally able to hit my goal of 170. It's crazy how much stronger I am and feel when working out, I love it. I just wish someone told me before senior year that I could get to what I am now in about two months. Probably would have made getting double teamed and face-guarded every game a lot easier ;).
I went with the missionaries again both Friday and Saturday after my afternoon classes and got to be a part of an investigator being asked the baptismal questions. That was cool to see them choosing to come unto Christ and follow his example to be baptized. It was awesome to be able to briefly tell him how I know that baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost will bring much joy and peace into his life, in Spanish. It helped me to get a feel and glimpse of me expressing what I know to be true to others who are looking for that joy and peace that is missing in their lives. I can't wait to be doing the same thing in Guatemala.
Only 10 days left until I'm sitting on an airplane with no phone, friends, family, or idea of what I'm getting myself into, or anything that I've had with me for 18 years. But, I couldn't be more ready. I can't wait to start grinding it out and loving the people here soon.
Love you all and hope everybody is doing great
- Elder Copeland
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