Going Home!

Because of the corona virus and all the rules of quarantining, going home looked very different for missionaries at this time--no huge gatherings to welcome home the missionary at the airport with banners, hugs, and tears.  However, Sister Copeland's mother and father were there to make up for all the other people who were not allowed to come to the airport.

 Sister Copeland and her friend Elder Brenchley, the AP in the Florida Jacksonville Mission, who took those returning home to the airport.  

 So much anticipation for Sister Copeland's return in the Salt Lake Airport!

And here she comes!

And greetings to Sister Copeland were awaiting her, along with friends and family--social distancing, of course!

And greetings from her grandparents, Gpa and Gma Copeland, who called from Washington on Facetime to welcome her home!

Well Done, Sister Copeland!  We are so proud of the many people whose lives you touched and for the goodness of your heart for your desire to serve the Lord and your fellow beings!  You make us all so proud!  

Week 27 - March 30, 2020 - IT'S THE LAST!

Hello, family and friends!

Before I really begin my weekly letter, I want to share a spiritual experience I had when I opened my mission call. When my mom was reading where I was going to serve my mission...I had the strongest feeling that I would not serve 18 months.  I knew that the Lord needed me to serve for only a short amount of time.  I turned to my mom and told her what I was feeling.  I thought the only way this would happen is if they changed mission age.  But nope...CORONA!!!

 

My mission experience is coming to an end.  I got a call from my mission president Tuesday evening with the news that because of my asthma, they will be sending me home...I immediately burst into tears as I reflected back on the last six months, all the positive memories flowed through my mind. My mission has been a GIFT from God!  It has helped form and shape me into the Valiant Daughter of God I now am. 

I have learned so much during my missionary time.  The best lessons I have learned were not ones that came easy.  My time here in Florida I was given very little teaching opportunities...however, the people have taught me.  The people of taught me the importance of knowing who Jesus Christ is.  They have taught me the importance of family, repentance, sacrifice, unity, love, and so much more.  THE PEOPLE OF FLORIDA WILL FOREVER BE IN MY HEART! They are GOLDEN💛

 Sister Copeland at the corner of Park and Copeland, named for some of her ancestors.  

 Behind her is the church that was formerly an LDS chapel where her Grandpa George was baptized.

This church is so true.  I have a testimony that God hears and answers all of our prayers.  He sees our full potential from where we are.  He knows each of us by name.  He is our loving Heavenly Father.  He loves us so much that he sent his only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ to pay the price. Through Jesus Christ's atonement, we can return to live in the presence of our Heavenly Father!  God has laid out a perfect plan for each of us!  I am so grateful that God allowed Jacksonville, Florida, to be a part of my plan.  This experience has changed me forever. I am going to take what I've learned and make myself an even better disciple of Jesus Christ. 

JESUS CHRIST LIVES!  Never forget his AMAZING sacrifice...turn to him in sincere and sweet prayer!

Something that helped calm my nerves and frustrations. Was...last night I had my last interview with president...he looked me in the eyes and said, "Sister Copeland...you didn't need 18 months to be a life-long disciple of Jesus Christ."  I know this to be true.  I am now FULLY CONVERTED 

"My name-tags written on my heart forever"

CTR 

I LOVE YALL

<3 SISTER LAUREN COPELAND 

Week 26 - March 23, 2020

Hello, hello, outside world! 

I feel like the whole world has changed since we last spoke.  I am heartbroken for all the missionaries around the world who are being sent home.  But how cool...they get to serve in two polar opposite parts of the world. 

As of Wednesday, we have been quarantined to our apartments.  Not gonna lie...if you would've asked me on Monday if I wanted to be quarantined...I would've said yes without a doubt.  But...now that I am living it, I would do anything to live normal missionary life again.  As of the look of it...we could be locked up in here for 6 weeks #rip.  

Quarantine leaves a lot of time to crochet 

This has been probably the hardest week I have had since I have been a missionary.  I am one of the few missionaries that has asthma...I have been patiently waiting with my own thoughts to hear back if I will be sent home or not.  From the looks of it, I will most likely be staying.

Missionary work is sooo different...but the work still carries on!  We are only allowed two hours out of our apartment everyday.  During this time, my companion and I walk to our favorite garden and cherish all the beauty.  We are told to not interact with anyone . . .which is bizarre...because usually we are told to talk to everyone.  We are doing anything we possible can to stay busy.  We are working on cleaning out our area book right now.  We are calling all the people who have been taught by missionaries in the past.  As of right now, we have six people who have scheduled a time for us to call again.  God is so good. 

I think this week has been especially hard for me because since I've been quarantined, I have had a lot of time to think about myself.  Since I have been on my mission, I have had little to no time to think about myself...and it's been amazing. I have now recognized my weakness and I am going to work on looking outward this week.

My dad sent me this yesterday...it's from a missionary serving in Italy!  I have been using his tactic for the past couple of days and it has made me incredibly more happy...so I thought I would share. 

"If you focus on the virus, you will become discouraged and distracted.  You will lose motivation to fulfill your missionary purpose.

 

"If you focus on the work, you will find joy and purpose.  You will begin to see God's intricate and masterfully woven Plan.

When I focused on the virus, I searched for new news and updates and didn't truly focus on being a missionary.  When I focus on the work, coronavirus still exists, but it isn't important because I am a full-time missionary.

 

When I focused on the virus, I was bored.  There was nothing to do but wait and see if we were getting evacuated.  When I focus on the work, I am busy.  Abnormally busy.  We wish we had more hours in each day.

 

When I focused on the virus, I turned inward.  We were worried for ourselves and wondered what the future held. When I focus on the work, I turn outward and concentrate on spreading our message of hope.

 

So, FORGET the virus and FOCUS on the work.  Like President Nelson, 'I see evidence of His hand in this holy work in so many ways.'  God needs us to reach more people through technology and our talents'."

I have a huge testimony that this is ALL part of GOD'S PLAN. We were all saved to be on the earth at this time for a reason.  If we rely on the merits of our Savior Jesus Christ...we can find hope in these last days. We can have a peaceful feeling to carry us on through these next days. 

I love you all and I am so thankful for all the love and support!

Stay safe...and WASH YO HANDS 

CTR 

<3 Sister Lauren Copeland 

 Pics of the Week

1. Da capital

2.  Our favorite garden 

Week 25 - March 16, 2020

Good Morning and Happy Week to y'all!

I just can't believe it..another week just came and gone.  Soo apparently there is a worldwide plague right now.  It's so fun being a missionary at this time.  We are just so out of the loop it is hilarious.  But don't you even worry...with living in Tallahassee (the capital of Florida) we hear all the political stuff...AND WOW!  Anyways...

With this virus spreading, it has been a little difficult to do missionary work.  People won't let us into their homes, members cancel our dinners, we can't go do service at our favorite old folks homes for about a month, and people won't talk to us when we are on the street (even though there are still no cases in Tallahassee) ...but that is okay...life is still so grand!  GOD has given us this amazing technology where we can spread the Gospel at a click of a button.  If there is a WILL there is a WAY!

My heart is so full about the love I have for the Gospel. Yesterday we shared the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the Bajgain family.  They are a family I have been teaching the whole time I have been in Tallahassee.  There is no better feeling than walking out of a lesson knowing that the people you are teaching felt the Spirit.  This has only happened a handful of times on my mission...but I cherish every moment I can. 

Through all of this madness in this world...I want to share some thoughts and feelings I have has this week. 

I want to invite all y'all to read, "The Greatest Leaders are the Greatest Followers," given by Stephen W. Owens...it's phenomenal!

“There will be times when the path ahead seems dark, but keep following the Savior.  He knows the way; in fact, He is the way.”

"“Who is the greatest leader who ever lived?”—what would you say?  The answer, of course, is Jesus Christ.  He sets the perfect example of every imaginable leadership quality."

"Who is the greatest follower who ever lived?”—wouldn’t the answer again be Jesus Christ?  He is the greatest leader because He is the greatest follower—He follows His Father perfectly, in all things."

Living a life of discipleship is living the way Christ did.  He was both a leader and a follower.  He was a leader in the way he lived...inviting all to come unto Him.  And he was a follower by always doing his father's will. 

"Leadership is an expression of discipleship—it is simply a matter of helping others come unto Christ, which is what true disciples do.  If you are striving to be a follower of Christ, then you can help others follow Him and you can be a leader."

Through all this chaos in the world...there is still peace that needs to be felt.  I have a firm testimony that people's hearts will be softened because of this virus.  People will start asking questions about who we are and what we believe. Live everyday as a leader...invite others to come closer to Christ through your thoughts and actions and be a follower by doing the Father's will. 

Life is so good in Florida.  It's beautiful 80 degree weather and I have a best friend as a companion. 

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are aware of us.  Turn to them in prayer often.  Love you all.

<3 Sister Lauren Copeland

 

Pics of the Week

1. 1st world problems. TALLY 2 HAS YOU

2. Wedding we help set up for

 

3. Beautiful flowers

4. Crocheting all the toilet paper this world needs 

5. Service