Last week as a missionary! Crazy it's all coming to an end. Today is my last P-day and last time I'll be writing an email to you guys. I'm so extremely grateful for all of you that have read and responded to these for the past two years and have followed along with this amazing and experience-filled journey that I've been able to have here in Guatemala.
This past week was a busy one. I had my last Zone Conference on Wednesday and was able to give my last testimony that all of the missionaries that are finishing do. I spoke about how much the mission has changed my perspective on life and my testimony, the Book of Mormon, the Plan of Salvation, and some experiences that I'll remember forever. For a long time, I've thought about that moment and giving my last testimony, and so actually being in front of everyone and doing it, was a crazy feeling. The Spirit was so strong that I wasn't able to hold back tears.
I'm so grateful that I've been able to serve a full-time mission, and for everything that I've learned during my time with a plaque. It really has changed my life forever. I'm grateful for every single experience that I've had, good and bad. I know that each one has happened for a reason, that I could learn and grow from each one. I'm so grateful for every single person that I've been able to build a relationship with and serve. For every other missionary that I've been able to meet and become friends with, and the relationships that I'll have forever with them.
For most of my life, my biggest fear was coming home early from my mission for something I couldn't control, or worse, something that I could. And so now being able to see the end, and know that I've done it, makes me so happy and grateful. I've always wanted to serve a mission and have had it as one of my biggest goals in my life. So, the feeling of knowing that I'm so close to completing it makes me so grateful that I've done it. And so grateful for my health and protection that I've been blessed with during my time here. I've seen many times the hand of the Lord, leading and guiding me to be where I need to be, and do what I need to do. Like I've said many times before, there is no better feeling that those of the Spirit.
I'm going to miss the flete rides at 6am just to get into town. The millions of bugs that cuddle up with me every night in bed. Not having water or light for days without knowing when it will come back. Cold showers. Having to brush my teeth with bottled water and not in the sink. Washing my clothes in a Pila with my hands until they are blistered. Breathing in dust all day long because of the dirt roads. Waiting and riding in hot micro-busses filled with 30+ people that are only made for 10. Losing blood in my legs until I can't even stand up because the seats are too small. Walking in the strongest rain. Walking up and down mountains all day just to find someone's house, to later doing hard labor service. Chopping wood all day long. Cooking over a fire at member's houses. Being fed cow foot, pig intestine, or the greasiest unhealthy food you can imagine, and having to eat it. Finding spiders in my backpack daily. Traveling for hours to other areas. Getting rejected by almost everyone we meet. Having to dodge the gangs of dogs that will attack you. Gangs of Borachos (drunkards), too. And for everything else that has made the mission hard... I'm going to miss. I always wanted to serve in a mission that would be hard, and I got want I wanted. I know it's all helped me grow to who I am today. And to be more grateful and humble for what I have.
I'm also so grateful for these people--the people of Guatemala, and especially those in the mountains where I've been for over 14 months. These are some of the most humble people I've ever met, and they love having the gospel in their lives. I love every one of them and am grateful to have met them and served them in their homes.
Lastly, I'm so grateful for this gospel. I now know 100% that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. 100%. There is absolutely no way that it's not. The Book of Mormon testifies of it and proves without doubt that Jesus Christ's church has been restored on the earth once again. Through Prophets and Apostles. The Book of Mormon has been attacked and attempted to be discredited since it was translated. But still today it stands as a testament of Jesus Christ. Every time I read it, I can feel of the truthfulness of its teachings through the Holy Ghost and am so grateful to have it in my life to help guide and direct me. I'm so grateful that one day I can live with my family forever and return to live with my Heavenly Father as well in his kingdom. This time on earth is our time to prove that we are worthy to return to live with him again, and I'm going to continue to strive to do the things I need to, to be able to receive that blessing. I'm so grateful for these things and for my savior, Jesus Christ. Who lived and died for me and for every one of you. So that we can be cleaned of our sins and return to live with him again. Jesus Christ gives me happiness, and I want to continue feeling his love for me for the rest of my life.
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I love this gospel, these people, and the mission. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I hope that when I'm home, I can continue to be an example and disciple of Jesus Christ in all that I do. The things I've learned these past two years, I'm going to use for the rest of my life.
I love you all and am thankful for every one of you. I'm so excited to see all of you guys!! Wednesday, I'll go through the temple for the last time as a missionary.
Then Thursday, I'll leave Xela for the capital, to then head home Friday. Thanks for following along and supporting me during my time away. See you guys soon!!
- Elder Copeland
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