WEEK 78

Hello, everyone,

This week was shorter due to Transfer Sunday, and I'll admit my motivation was low knowing a transfer was coming. I did my best, though! On Thursday, we followed our usual routine but also enjoyed a sports night. Friday was movie night, and we invited members and friends to watch, "Soul." Afterward, we connected the movie to the Plan of Salvation and the significance of receiving a physical body on Earth. It was my first time seeing the movie, and I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was! The ward members and their friends enjoyed it as well, and they brought snacks and popcorn. 

However, it was also a sad week. We spent the days leading up to Sunday helping Alexandra prepare for her baptism. Everything seemed fine until Sunday when she didn't show up to church. After many ignored calls and texts, we finally reached her an hour later. She initially said she was busy with laundry but would be at the chapel at 1 PM. Elder Rushforth and I were a bit skeptical but started filling up the font. She then tried to postpone the baptism, claiming she was "too busy." We explained that we couldn't reschedule because we had already coordinated the service with the members and Bishop. After further discussion, she finally told us that she was not going to be baptized and wanted nothing to do with the Church anymore. Her ex-partner, whom she's trying to get back together with, told her that she couldn't be baptized in our church because he is Catholic. She didn't want to divide her family and wasn't willing to join a church her ex-partner wasn't a part of. It was definitely one of the most discouraging moments of my mission. We had worked so hard to teach her, invite her to church and activities, and plan her baptism, only for her to back out at the last minute. I was frustrated and sad because I had developed a close relationship with her and her family. I felt like the time I spent working with her was wasted, but I've had to adjust my perspective. Even though she wasn't baptized, we helped introduce her to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and planted a seed. She might not have been ready for the covenant of baptism, but perhaps future missionaries will be able to help her further down the line. The Elders will continue to contact her. I was pretty bummed after the baptism fell through, but talking to Gabino and Andy lifted my spirits. 

My day improved even more when the transfer news arrived! The roster was released Sunday night, and my dream with Elder Isaacson came true! I was informed that I'd be going to Hollister to serve with Elder Isaacson as his Junior Companion! Both of my wishes were granted: I was taken out of leadership, and I get to serve with my best friend in the mission! Elder Rushforth is getting Elder Ayerids, which is perfect for him. I'm truly grateful for my time in Las Colinas. I grew and learned so much here. Elder Perschon and Elder Rushforth were great companions. My transfer with Elder Perschon was the best transfer of my mission. He taught me valuable skills and helped me change my perspective of missionary work. He's a diligent missionary and will go far. Elder Rushforth was also a great companion. I'm happy I was able to train him and show him how to do missionary work the right way. He was probably my most challenging companion (not because we didn't get along, but because he struggled with his testimony, language barrier, and work ethic), but I learned valuable lessons during my time with him. He and President Larson told me that I'm the reason Elder Rushforth stayed out here. I'm glad I could help him, and I hope he continues to become the best missionary he can be. I met so many amazing people and friends while serving here: Andy, Mario, Juventino, Hermano Leon, the Esquivels, Bishop Garcia, Hermano Norlan, Jared and Hermano Perez, Hermana Lorena Rica (whom we found through Bishop Garcia), the Astrada Family, and many others! Me and Andy grew a really close relationship! I'm definitely going to stay in contact with all of them! 

The Las Colinas ward is such an amazing ward with incredible members, and I'm glad I could support and help grow it. I was also blessed to teach and help baptize and confirm three people. Lucas is one of the most genuine people I've ever met and taught. I always enjoyed visiting his workshop (where he lived and worked). I'm glad I could help him receive the restored gospel. He already had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and the Bible, and we were able to help him learn and receive more. Despite the challenges he's faced, he's always positive and upbeat. He's currently in Modesto, but I can still communicate with him through Facebook. Edmon is another amazing person I helped teach and baptize. He came from Nicaragua seeking a better life, and we were able to help him receive that. He loved the Gospel and was always eager to learn more. We even helped him with his immigration papers and prevented his deportation (in all seriousness).  I'm so glad we got him baptized and confirmed. He was grateful for what we did for him and how we blessed his life. I'm also grateful I met and taught Gabino. He's probably been the most amazing person I've taught and baptized on my mission. He was so prepared from the start. Before meeting us, he didn't have any community or anyone to turn to. We were able to help him find a community where he could have family and friends. He loves the gospel and has a deep understanding of it for a recent convert. Despite his difficult life, he is one of the most wholesome and kindhearted men I've ever met. He works hard and never gives up, regardless of the challenges he faces. He truly taught me the importance of gratitude, humility, and Christlike love. Gabino now has the Priesthood and is preparing to go to the temple. He's one of the most solid members of the ward, and I'm proud of him and excited to see him progress! Overall, I met and taught some amazing people. I hope those I taught will progress and continue learning from the missionaries serving them. I'm grateful for Las Colinas and the opportunity to serve in San Jose. I'll definitely come back and visit! I'm excited to begin what will probably be the last area of my mission!

-Elder Copeland