Week 13 - October 25, 2021

Not nearly as exciting week as the rest.  

A lot of just chopping away at what we have planned. Studying, learning, searching for people and normal cosas. Yes, there are still more spider stories though.

Tuesday - A lot of studying and reading.  I re-read all of 1 Nephi through end of Mosiah in the past two weeks because I got scripture pens to mark them.  Reading your scriptures while having a pen makes it so that you get so much more out of reading.  When you're searching for scriptures that will strengthen yourself and the people you teach, it makes it much more important which makes me read with real intent. I invite you guys to do the same and see how much more you get from reading your scriptures.

We, also, went with the President of the Rama to visit less active families.  My ability to share my testimony and teach from the scriptures is miles ahead from what it was.  Poco a poco, I'm becoming the missionary I want to be and the teacher I know I can be.

Wednesday - Celebrated a member's 7th birthday at the house that feeds us every day.  We had Caldo and Cake. Not sure how those mix together, but it is what it is.  

Later we visited with the President of the Rama's daughter-in-law who isn't a member.  We have had two really good lessons with her and were confident she could get baptized.  But when we went to visit her, she was sobbing.  She explained how she doesn't feel loved by this family she married into but doesn't want to leave them because she has a newborn baby who is almost 2-months old.  It's very very sad. She knows the importance of families and wants to be strong with her husband (who is a member), but it is hard when this family doesn't treat her like they should.  It's more sad that we missionaries can only do so much to help.  As we talked with her a little and let her vent to us, I felt the Spirit so strong that I should offer a prayer for her.  Even though she was crying, I asked if I could give a prayer, and once I began I stopped and just paused for a good 8 seconds and just let the Holy Ghost do its work.  It was so strong.  I prayed that she can be comforted at this time and in this trial for her, and that Heavenly Father can guide her footsteps to know what she should do.  It was one of the strongest prayers I've had. Unfortunately, she packed her things and left to live in Xela with others.  We are still texting her and keeping up with her to let her know we are here to help if needed.  Hopefully, in the future we can continue to be of help and show her how important baptism and gift of the Holy Ghost is during tough times.

Thursday - Contacted all of central Panca in about 40 minutes.  Takes three minutes to walk from one side of the town to the other.  Met some good families that we hope to teach soon.

Afterwards, we decided we were going to walk 40 minutes to visit this member family.  As we started, a truck passed us and asked if we wanted a ride to the other mountain (which is where this family lives).  The problem was, was that they had the whole truck bed full of wood.  So we put our feet on the back of the truck behind the gate, and our hands on pieces of wood in the truck bed.  Don't tell President, but as we were going up the mountain, we hit a pothole, shocker, and Elder Alverez fell off of the truck.  Luckily he is good with his feet and didn't fall too hard.  The guy driving the truck didn't even notice he fell out for like 15 seconds.  Pretty funny.  Once we got to the house of this family, we had one of the best lessons that I've had so far.  This family's testimonies are so strong and they know that the only way to live with Heavenly Father again is through the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It was so cool to hear that from someone other than missionaries here.  They even gave some of their favorite scriptures and what it means to them.  It was so cool.

Friday - More studying and planning goals.  We tried visiting less-actives but the kids said their parents "weren't home." Happens a lot.

Saturday - We went back to the same family's house that we had the lesson with because they told us they are going to kill a chicken for us to eat.  So we hopped in the chicken coop and it took us five minutes trying to catch this chicken. Once we did, the mother grabbed the chicken's neck  . . You know the rest.  Pretty crazy how easy it is for them and how often they do it to eat. 

 

Now the spider story of the week.  As we were walking to this family's house, we took a what we thought to be a shortcut to this family's house on the other mountain.  There was a reason it's not a shortcut.  As we got into the thick of this jungle area, my comp screams and runs behind me faster than I've ever seen him move.  This spider web was incredible.  Alverez had walked into it without knowing and then sprinted away from it.  After I patted him down and made sure he didn't have any tag alongs, I counted 13 spiders in this one web. Some as big as baseballs.  I have a picture on my camera but my Google photos hasn't been working so I can't share it.  But it was just as thick as it was long.  Probably 8 by 8 feet this web.  Never taking that path again.

Sunday - The speaker didn't show up so I was asked to give a discurso.  Without preparation, I was able to give a talk on repentance and how important it is to be forgiven of our sins. I shared Doctrine and Covenants Section 33 how it says no unclean can enter into the kingdom of God.  I keep shocking myself how well I can speak Spanish when I'm forced to.  I know a lot more than I think. 

Overall my testimony has been strengthened so so much over the past three months of being a missionary.  I loved the missionary devotional this month how Elder Holland said that once missionaries realize how amazing it is that we have the truth, they become more bold in wanting to share it with others.  I have definitely seen myself becoming more bold in wanting to share with everyone what we know is to be true.  Also, because I'm more confident in my Spanish. But I hope to continue to grow in my abilities to teach, my testimony and language.  Poco a poco I know it will.  I'm so thankful for this church and for every single blessing that comes from it.  I invite you guys to count your many blessings and share them as a family.

I love you all and I'm thankful for the replies and emails!!

- Elder Copeland

Week 12 - October 18, 2021

First Transfer done

Another crazy busy week.  Just when things get settled for a second, we are hustling to the next.

Monday.  Haircuts, bought food for the week, and played basketball outside of the Momos church.  Then later we went to this cancha to have a soccer game, and we played against this semi-pro team with matching jerseys and gear. While our team was just whoever shows up who wants to pay to play against this team.  Because I guess the pro team needs people to practice against.  We lost. 9-2.  But I scored one of the two goals, so I'll take it. 

Tuesday the craziness started.  We went to Canquixajá because President said we should stay a week there in our area.  So, we went to Momos, and then to CanQ because there aren't direct fletes from Panca.  Once we got to the apartment, open the door, no joke a million spiders everywhere.  Somehow there are more there than in Panca. And the best part was that we forgot our bug spray in Panca, so we had to kill every single one with our shoes.  The best story, of the many I have from that day, was when I reached up to grab a blanket off of the dresser type thing in our bedroom, a 2-3 inch black widow was an inch from my hand. I joked with my comp that if you get bit by it then you go home, and he said "No . . Morir" (to die).  So I am glad I'm not muerto ahorita.  But then, it gets better, I went to kill it with our broom, and it crawled back into the hole in the ceiling before I could.  So that night I said a very, very sincere prayer that it wouldn't come down during the night.  It probably came and tucked me in once I fell asleep.

Wednesday, by far the busiest day in the mission since the first week.  Had my first Zone Conference in Momos.  It was really good.  For the closing song, we sang "Called to Serve" in Spanish, and one of the main things I hated the most about not having in-person MTC was not being able to sing, "Called to Serve," with all the missionaries who are leaving their families to go and serve the Lord.  So to be able to do that with the 40 missionaries we had for Zone Conference was very cool for me.  The Spirit was so strong.  Afterwards, we had interviews and President told me I would be staying in my area for another transfer which is good news.  I like it here and don't want to leave the people here yet.  Then we stayed in Santa Anna which is about 30 minutes north of Momos.  But the missionaries we stayed with had appointments so we did intercambios (switch companions for a day).  But we only did it for the evening and separated so that we could make all of the appointments they had.  In the lesson that we had, the gift of tongues was so strong.  I was speaking better than I ever had and was saying words I've only heard before and never used.  The lesson was so good and strong with the Spirit.  The lady we taught recently had a C-section so we gave her a blessing and her 10-day-old baby as well.  That night, the other missionaries only had two beds, so I slept on one of their box springs that is just wood boards every couple inches, was not good. 

Also, Wednesday, still can't believe this happened, but we were in the Santa Anna church after our lessons because the bathrooms in the church are better than in the apartment.  So we all have had a long day and needed to use the facilities available to us in the church.  Not a good idea to use them all at once.  While we were in the men's bathroom, all of the toilets in the women's were flooding because of our efforts in the men's.  Horrible.  Flooded the whole women's bathroom and a lot of the hallway.  So we spent over an hour mopping and brooming water into the ONE drain that wasn't close to the majority of the flooding. Will never forget some of the words used to describe that scene.

Thursday, travelled back to Momos, payday so we got money from the bank.  Then back to Canquixajá.  I swear spiders just spawn in that apartment.  After killing and cleaning.  Studied and then contacted.   Canquixajá has more people that live closer together which makes it a lot easier to contact than in Panca.  Then had a lesson with the President of the Rama's family.  I had one of the kids choose a sticky from my scriptures and I gave a lesson based on the scripture.  It went great.  That night, as I was getting in the shower, I almost stepped on the biggest spider I have seen yet.  Instinctively, I ran out of the bathroom and made some noises that I can't remember.  So I had to fight this spider, naked, with no spray.  Very fun experience.  I wish I could re-watch that scene over again. 

Friday, we woke up and helped the President of the Ramas family organize their corn.  It's a very cool process how they do it.  A lot of work.  

Then we went and had six lessons with member families!  I led every one of them and was able to bring the Spirit and invite them to read the Book of Mormon as a family more often.  The gift of tongues was so strong with me all week.  Then, during my interview with President on Wednesday, he said that we should have a soccer game to bring people to the church and meet new people.  So we did, not too many people came because we learned that every Saturday, they have soccer games there, not Fridays. But it was still fun and met new members. 

Saturday, we came back to Panca because they aren't having church Sundays in Canq.  Tried to have lessons with a couple families but they were "sleeping."  Also, Hermana Lidia, who is the one that feeds us all the time, said I look "mas Gordo" (fat) . . . So that night I ran Suicides on the basketball court outside our apartment and timed myself.  No way I'm going to get fat on my mission.  Come to find out Sunday, she was talking about my muscles . . . She said I have muscles like John Cena.  And that she thinks I'm too skinny.  Either way, it was fun to run again like during basketball season and push myself. 

Sunday, we tried to bring people to church in the morning including the first counselor's family who is inactive.  It's frustrating because the first counselor gives 0 effort to try and bring his family to church or even help us to teach them or invite them.  It's like he doesn't want them to know about the church.  But anyways, had sacrament meeting and then studied a lot, then talked with President of the Rama about who we should focus on teaching.

Today, meeting up with other Elders who are leaving our area because of transfers.  Including the one other gringo In my zone.  Not sure if I will be the only one, but I will find out this week.

Overall a crazy busy week and a lot of teaching.  So happy with how the first transfer has gone and hope the next one is just as good.  Also, I love all of the emails and support.  If you know of another missionary serving right now, send them an email because all missionaries love getting them.  Love you guys.

- Elder Copeland 

Week 11 - October 11, 2012

 One Month--34 Day in Guate!

Time is very weird.  Another crazy and super busy week In Xela!

A week ago on Monday for p-day, we had our whole Zone rent out a cancha (soccer field) with synthetic turf, and we got all 12 Elders to come.  It was so fun playing fútbol with them, we played for 2 hours.  And it was on top of the Mountain in Momos so we could see over the whole town while playing.  Even though I was one of two gringos, I was still schooling the chapines.

Tuesday, went to XELA!  We had District Confrence in Momos, and after we decided just to go back to Xela with the APs because we had to go Wednesday for our 4-week exam that all the new missionaries have to do 4 weeks in. So we got to Xela after a 2 hour rollercoaster bus ride.  If you don't look at the road, you will get sick.  But once we got there, we ate at . . McDonald's.  Was my first time having fast food since the first day.  Unbelievable how amazing it tasted.  A Mcpollo and Mcflurry have never tasted like that before.  Probably because I eat eggs and beans for 90 percent of my meals usually.  

After we contacted at the central park in Xela.  We got as many contacts in a hour as we have total people in Pancá.  Then later, met up with other Elders who came early like we did.  We went to Burger King. Amazing.  Xela is a lot better than Pancá.  Then slept at the APs' house with other missionaries. 

Wednesday, probably busiest day as a missionary so far. Had breakfast at Xelapan.  A Pan factory that serves food as well, we have a Momostipan, but it's not the same.  

Then went to the capilla in Xela to have our 4 semanas exam with all the 17 other missionaries and their companions that came when I did.  We had to have a lot of things memorized. Scriptures, standards, pamphlets, be able to do three different contacts.  Me and my comp did one In Quiche, which nobody else did.  And be able to teach the first lesson with no help.  Passed everything--it went great.  

Then said goodbye to the Elders that I met day one and got to see again.  It was so cool to share our experiences that we have had already with each other.  None of them have had as many with spiders as I have.  Then walked to the bus terminal in Xela, so packed with shops on the street, selling everything you can imagine.  

Then took the bus back to Momos, then a flete to Panca.  When then we had to speak at this funeral ceremony-ish thing.  I guess here, after 40 days of someone passing away, they have a ceremony for them.  It was the husband of a grandma in our ward.  So me and my comp gave a message about the Plan of Salvation in front of maybe 25 people crammed in this house.  Went really good, I shared how I know that the we will be able to live with our families again and shared how I have a little brother who I know I will be able to see and live with again. The Spirit was so strong, I hope the people I was speaking to felt it as strong as I did.  Even though half the time the 15 dogs they have, were barking at who knows what. 

Thursday, woke up so tired because of how long the day was before, and we had to go to the cemetery for the 40 days thing again at 7 am.  Said some more words and they put flowers where he was buried.  Then they popped open some Coca-Cola.  So funny that they'll go from mourning to chugging Coke.  Then studied and contacted like a normal day.  We wanted to give a lesson to this family, but they were ignoring us the whole time we were outside their house, it was hilarious. 

Friday, first day in the mission where I had to take medicine. At the 40 days get together thing, they fed us this wet tamale with rice and Spice.  Not good.  Had to take some Pepto and Imodium.  Was not doing too hot in el Baño.  But it's passed thankfully.

Saturday, pretty normal day.  We found this new pathway along the mountain.  I saw more spiders on that path then you can imagine.  Almost walked into the bed-sized webs a couple times.  Would not have came out of them. 

Sunday, testimony meeting.  There is some contention here with some of the members and the presidency.  So I gave my testimony on Elder Gale G Renlund's talk about the members in Russia and Finland, and how the Finnish people were unselfish and let the Russia members go through their temple first, even though the countries have fought many wars.  I shared that if we will love our neighbors, we will be blessed.  I shared this all without a paper to look at.  Went pretty well. 

Super long email this week, super busy sorry.  But doing good.  President Roden asked us to stay a week in Canquixaja, so we will be going there this week.  Hopefully not by walking.

Love you all

 -Elder Copeland 

Week 10 - October 4, 2021

 4th email in Guat

Sorry that my titles are boring.  I'd like to look back at these emails and know exactly when they were by the title.

This week was great, every week has been great so far. Monday, got haircuts and food in Momos, then contacted and studied, same with Tuesday, both normal days with not much happening other than our normal schedule.  Maybe I'm just used to Guate life now and everything is normal.

Wednesday, went to Momostenango again because it was payday, and the closest ATM is in Momos about 45 minutes away.  So while we were there, we got groceries and looked at some tiendas with clothes.  I got this sweet poncho that is so big and warm.  It looks like a Star Wars poncho.  I'll put a picture below.  

I also was finally able to change my US money to Quetzales, so I had so much money.  And on every Wednesday and Sunday, Momos has so many pop-up stores in Central Park--it is so packed.  So I bought a speaker and USB because every missionary here has them, also a hat and some little souvenirs.

Thursday, we had our first real lesson with investigators.  I know, finally.  It is seriously like a video game trying to find homes here.  Or places where people live.  There are so many trees and hills that you have to have someone take you to a house to know where it is.  So every time we find a new house in the jungle, we get super excited to maybe teach them, and then most times they turn us down or say they attend the Católica church up the road.  But, we press on.  But, we had a good lesson with this family of nine kids. Only four were present and the mom.  We talked about prophets and how lucky we are to have prophets and apostles guiding us today.  We then for the next three days invited them to conference here at the church, and every time they said they were busy when we knew they weren't.

Friday was another normal day, studying, contacting, calls, speaking with the President of the Rama on where to find more people. 

Saturday was the experience of the week.  No not walking this time, thank goodness.  But, we had plans to go to Momos to watch General Conference with the Elders in our Zone.  Usually the only truck to Momos on Saturdays goes at 7:30, so me and Alverez were ready, standing outside at 7:10 because we can't miss it.  It never came.  We stood out there until 8:30 about, when the church garbage man pulled up in his truck.  He said he was going to Canquixajá and then San Rafael and then Momos after he gets all the garbage from the other two churches.  So we went with him, and this guy's engine in his truck had to be new because we were flying.  We were standing up the whole time because if you sit down and you hit one rock or pothole, you will feel it for a couple days.  So we went with him and saw some really cool views.  Took us about two hours to get all the trash and then get to Momos, but I'm just glad we got to make it. 

Then watched conference.  It was amazing.  Never have I been so focused and excited for every speaker and talk.  It seemed every speaker gave their talk on loving one another. Some of my favorites were Ulysses Soares about how we need to look at our own imperfections before judging others for theirs.  That one was a great lesson for me because here, it's every easy to look at someone and think they have never showered in their life or brushed their teeth.  But they probably look at me and think I've never had to skin a cow or eat chicken heart a day in my life . . .

But, I know that if it were Jesus, he would love everyone more than I can comprehend, no matter their faults, which is something I needed to hear. 

I, also, loved Siro Schmeil and Michael A Dunn's talks about improving ourselves.  Little by little each day.  If we improve 1% of something that we do every single day, after a year we will be 37x better than when we started.  And I have 2 years to become 74x better at being a missionary.  And lastly, Dieter F Uchtdorf's talk about staying on the line, using spiritual landmarks to help us so that we don't walk in circles. I loved every single talk and took away something from every one.  I wish I could share my thoughts about all of them and the lessons with you guys.

After both sessions, six of us missionaries went and played pool because Saturday was mini p-day for us.  A lot of laughs and jokes . . . I'll never forget playing pool with Latinos.  

Then had to look for a flete "ride" back to Panca. We saw the coolest sky ever.  I've never taken the truck back in the evening because the last one back is at noon, so being able to be on top of the mountains and being able to see for miles during the sunset was one of the coolest things I've ever seen.  It looked fake.  I wanted to take a picture but if I let go of the bars of the truck, I'm not making it back to Panca.

Sunday, watched Conference and studied Spanish a lot.  It was a really good week. 

This week we go to Xela for our "4 semanas" exam.  To see how capable we are in Spanish to teach and contact.  Also, the scriptures and ordinances we have to have memorized. Feeling confident and excited to go back to Xela for a day and actually see a normal-sized city. 

Hope everyone is doing well, love you all!

- Elder Copeland

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