Week 5-6 - October 29, 2023

Hello again!  I hope everyone has been doing well! Nothing really happened last week, and I didn't really have time to write an email.  This week however, we began full immersion in Spanish.  I never truly comprehended how difficult it was to learn a new language until I got here at the MTC. 

There are so many rules you have to memorize in order to be able to conjugate your verbs correctly:  preterite, present, future, imperfect, reflexives, etc.  Not to mention, a lot of verbs can be "imperfect," which means they don't follow the same conjugation patterns as other verbs.  It can definitely be stressful at times, but looking back on how much I've already learned in just the past month gives me a lot hope.  I just have to force myself to study (which I have been doing). 

My personal studies in the scriptures and Preach My Gospel have been going super well!  With this, me and my companion had a Helping Others appointment yesterday in Spanish.  "Helping Others" is basically just a roleplay where you practice teaching an investigator. We taught about the importance of faith and the love our Heavenly Father has for us, and it actually went really well! 

For our devotional this week, we were able to hear from Neil L. Anderson, one of the Twelve Apostles.  Our district has been incredibly lucky to be able to hear and listen to two apostles during our stay here at the MTC.  Neil L. Anderson taught us the importance of following and listening to our prophet, Russell M. Nelson, and the importance of making sure all of our lessons testify on the gospel of Jesus Christ.  He gave us an update on him and clarified that he is recovering extremely well from his injury!  He testified that no greater joy is found outside of our church, to which I agree!  The commandments are not given to us as punishment, but as guidelines to help us stay safe, healthy, and happy during mortality.  In addition to this, his wife gave an extremely strong testimony on the importance of following the promptings of the Holy Ghost, and how blessed we are to be able to have this gift from our Heavenly Father.  Tuesday devotionals are definitely the highlight of my week. 

I'm still able to work out every day which has been such a blessing.  Me and Elder Watson go to the gym every day we can.  I've had such a great time here at the MTC. 

 

It's been hard, but I've experienced some of the most fun/funny moments of my life here.  My district and my teachers have all been so amazing, and I've made so many new friends, but I'm definitely ready to begin teaching!  I'm also ready to have a meal that doesn't consist of peanut butter, honey and bread. 

 

 This week, I was able to see some of my best friends here at the MTC all at once (Elder Hartshorn, Elder Xanthos, and Elder Johnson).  Each and every one of my friends who have served or are serving a mission, including those in my family, have all been such great examples to me and others; I'm so grateful for everyone I have in my life!  Read your scriptures and pray every day.  It's cliche, but so important!  I'll talk to everyone next week when I'm out in the field! 

Elder Copeland 

Week 4 - October 16, 2023

Hi, everyone!  I hope everyone had a great week!  The MTC has been about the same so far.  My district has been awesome so far, which has been a huge blessing.  I've gotten down PMG (Preach My Gospel), and it has been such a great resource for not only me but every missionary currently serving.  Me and my companion had a helping others appointment on Thursday.  "Helping Others" is basically a role play with a hired employee that you and your companion participate in to help you practice your teaching skills.  They don't tell you, however, if they are an actual member or not so it makes it feel real.  We taught about the atonement and the Plan of Salvation, which went really well.  Another pretty cool experience we had this week was being able to hear from Elder W. Gong at the MTC for our weekly devotional.  It's extremely impressive how informed and intelligent an apostle of our church is on the gospel of Jesus Christ.  He emphasized to us to gain a personal testimony on Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, and the importance of going to the Temple.

Spanish is getting a little better every week.  This week, we learned how to conjugate verbs.  The concept isn't difficult, but memorizing everything seems nearly impossible.  I can get overwhelmed with how much I have to learn at times, but I always remember to remind myself that through hard work, obedience, and the Holy Ghost, I'll get there one day.  If there is one thing I've learned prominently throughout the MTC, is having patience and going about things day by day.

Thankfully, I've still been able to go to the gym and workout every day.  My district likes to go, which has been a great bonding experience.  I've also learned how to play chess.  I've never realized how hard but fun it actually is.  

Also, I was able to meet up with my friends this week which was such a great experience!  I'm so proud of everyone serving a mission.  I know it'll be the hardest, but best two years of our lives.  Shout to Elder Martin, Elder Winger, and Elder Andrus, who headed out to the field this week!  I know they'll do amazing things! 

Also, shoutout to Sister Copeland/Hannah on returning from her mission.  She did such a great job and I'm so grateful to be able to have her as a role model in my life!  

I'll talk you guys next week!  Thank you for all the love and support from each and every one of you!

Elder Copeland

Weeks 2 and 3 - October 8, 2023

Hi, everyone!  I hope everyone who is reading this is doing well!  I've officially been a missionary for three weeks now.  While it hasn't felt fast, it definitely hasn't felt slow.  It was such a great experience to view the General Conference in the MTC.  Of course, my favorite talk was by Russel M Nelson on "Thinking Celestially."  It gave me a new perspective on how I should act and treat others in my everyday life.  Every deed and action we do should align with the Gospel of Jesus Christ! 

This week has been about how I expected; seven hours of classes every day.  While it may seem like a lot, it honestly hasn't been too bad.  My saving grace, however, has been being able to workout every morning.  The MTC has a great gym where I can go workout everyday, which has been super helpful.  The hardest part of MTC without a doubt is learning Spanish.  It's hard, but I'm just taking it day by day, studying and going to class.  I just have to keep reminding myself that it's going to be hard, and that I'll continue to get better everyday. 

After one of our classes on Friday, we were able to go and look out at the BYU football game from the 6th level of T4. Everyone was trying to look out and see the score, but we weren't able to.  I'd definitely be lying if I said I didn't miss my family and friends, sports, music, golf, etc., but I know that what I'm doing is so important not only for myself, but for others.  The MTC has been a hard, but great experience already.  My district and my companion are great, and we are constantly laughing and having a great time with each other.

For those who want to talk to me, the best way is through messenger! I'm so grateful for the gospel and everyone in my life, and I'll talk to you guys again next week!

Elder Copeland

Week 1 - September 29, 2023

Hi, everyone!  Thank you all for the all the support everyone has given me to get me to where I am!  The MTC has been great so far.  I have an awesome companion and my district is amazing.  Everyday we wake up at 6:25 and workout together. It's crowded, which is annoying, but we're able to get everything. The email will probably be short while I'm in the MTC since I do the same the thing everyday, two three classes, but I'll do my best to do them.  Plus, I know many of you guys probably get bombarded with missionary emails.

If I'm being honest, the hardest part of the MTC for me will be learning Spanish.  It's OK though, I'm sure I'll get it over time with practice.  We all set personal goals and mine is to read the whole New Testament before I head out to the mission field. Every set of scriptures is amazing, but reading the stories of Jesus will always be my favorite.  The Spirit is super strong here and the teachers are awesome.  I only have a couple photos... Also, it was awesome seeing my friends here, Elder Andrus, Elder Martin, Elder Winger, Elder Preece, Elder Stosich, etc.  Thanks for the support, and I'll see you guys again next week! 

- Elder Copeland