Week 72 - December 12, 2022

Hey, everyone!  This week was crazy.  Lots of news and experiences.  I'll get to transfer news in a sec, but this was my last week in Siòn. 

This week we had divisions with some Elders in our zone. Every time I go on divisions, I'm reminded of when I first started the mission and how I barely knew Spanish haha.  But afterwards, I always reflect about how far I've come and how much I've grown as a missionary and in my testimony.  It makes me so grateful for all the experiences I've had and for my time here.  But I feel older and older every time.  There's not too many Elders that have more time than I do now in the mission.  Only two, I think.  Crazy.

We didn't have too much success this week with people progressing.  In most of our lessons, it ended with a "Thank you guys, but I'm ok," which happens a lot, but more this week. So yesterday, we cleaned out the carpeta and had the mindset of just starting from scratch because of the new transfer starting this week. 

   

Also, last week I talked about the 87-year-old lady that is on oxygen and is sick.  This week we had a goal of visiting them every two days to see if we could help them with anything.  And one time that we went, we made them eggs and tortillas for dinner so that they didn't have to worry about it.  And as we were doing it, they were smiling more and laughing and weren't really focused on their sick abuelita.  It was so nice to see because most of the times that we've gone, they've been pretty down and sometimes crying.  And so, to see them with a little higher spirits made me so happy.  Just by doing something little for them and being with them, I know helped them out a lot.  Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye last night because of transfers, and almost the whole family started crying once we told them.  I almost did, too.  It was a night I'll never forget.

Now, to transfers.  Both me and my comp are leaving HueHue. I'm going to Xela!!!!  I have 17 months as a missionary and have not once served in Xela, so I'm pretty excited.  I'm, also, re-opening an area that has been closed for a while and is known for not having any success over the past two years with zero baptisms and very hard-hearted people.  So, I'm looking forward to the challenge.  The area is called San Jaun Ostuncalco, about 45 minutes west of Quetzaltenango.  I've heard it's a branch with about 30 people, which is what I've done basically my whole mission, so hopefully I'll be able to help right away.  Also, my comp is another Salvadoreño that was in my zone here in HueHue last transfer, so I'm so excited to re-open this area with someone I'm friends with and can get right to work with.

I'll let you guys know how it's going in a week, but I love you all and miss you guys a ton!

  

      - Elder Copeland

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