Safe arrival of Sister Copeland - May 31, 2022

 Dear Brother and Sister Copeland,

 

A quick message to let you know your daughter has arrived safely in the Virginia Richmond mission (see attached photo). We greeted her at the airport and spent the evening getting to know her and the other new missionaries. She’ll receive orientation and instruction in the morning and be off to her first area in the afternoon. It is evident that your daughter comes with faith and great desire to serve the Lord. We are so grateful she is here.  

If you use Facebook or Instagram, we have private pages where we share photos, videos, and mission updates. The Facebook page can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/431152274330793/  Request access and we’ll grant it within 24 hours. If you use Instagram, search for virginiarichmondmission and request access.

On a personal note, our two sons served missions and we know the worry that can be with parents during their children’s service. We promise to take care of her. We know President and Sister Hutchison will do the same when they arrive July 1.

 

Preparation day is on Monday. That’s most likely when you’ll hear from her. Thank you for all that you’ve done to prepare her to serve a mission. May the Lord bless you with peace and joy during this time of transition for your family.

Warmest regards,
President Droubay

 

 

D. Greg Droubay

President, Virginia Richmond Mission

Week 3 - May 26, 2022

Hello!!  Good news, everyone!  I got my flight plans!  I leave Tuesday, May 31st and have to be checked out by 4:30 am!!! But my flight doesn't take off until 9.  But I'm getting so excited to get to Virginia.  I've met two Elders flying with me, and I am the only Sister. 

My first full week of Provo MTC and last.  It's been a roller coaster of emotions, but I've learned so much and I'm so grateful.  My teachers, Sister Davis and Brother Warnock, have taught us so much.  By the time 10:30 pm comes around, we are all OUT!!  My roommates are so much fun, and we have the best conversations. 

I was very surprised that Sunday was our most busy day of the week.  We had church in one of the classrooms (I don't know why I was so surprised, but it was very different for me). Everyone in our branch is going to Poland or Hungary, so they've been here for 6 weeks.  We had a devotional Sunday night by MTC President, and it was AMAZING. 

Then Tuesday night, we had the opportunity to hear from President Steven J Lund (President of the Young Men).  He spoke to us about listening to the Spirit and being able to tell if it's the Spirit talking to us.  This was a talk I NEEDED.  He gave me whole new insights that I'm so grateful for.  He quoted Sister Camille N. Johnson (Oct 2021), "Perhaps it is because we don’t have the faith to accept the answer we might receive.  Perhaps it is because the natural man or woman in us is resistant to turning things completely over to the Lord and trusting Him entirely."  This really just made me start thinking I only have 18 months--such little time to have the privilege to be wearing Christ's name across my heart, and I need to give it my all even when it's hard. 

P-day is amazing because we get to go to the temple (my favorite place on this earth) and I'm already so excited to go into the Lord's home today!! 

I've also had the opportunity to take a class at the MTC called "Comprehension Tools and Feasting Tools," and it has helped me so much understand the scriptures more.  If you're coming to the MTC, TAKE IT!!  I couldn't be happier to finally feel like I'm getting so much out of the scriptures. 

I love being here even though sometimes I feel so close to home and knowing I could be home in 20 mins and see my family.  I'm doing the right thing, and I can't wait to see what Virginia has in store for me.  I'm going to miss my District. Sister Preece and I have become best friends, and I'm so grateful for her.  She has let me cry to her and I'm going to miss her.  But I'm definitely not going to miss the MTC food.  Thank goodness my mother is an angel and has sent me some medicine.

 

My challenge to everyone this week is to read the talk, "There are Many Gifts," by Marvin J Ashton (OCT 1987) and make a list of your spiritual gifts and remember they're from God.  He's given them to you to help bless others!!! 

Anyway, I love you all and am so grateful for you all!!!  Send my next email when I'm in VIRGINIA HEHEHE!!!  PRAYING FOR YOU ALL

Love, Sister Copeland

Further Pics

The day before Sister Copeland left for Virginia, she was able to see her brother, Kade, and his friend, Savannah.

Week 2 - May 19. 2022

Guys, I made it to Provo!!  I got here yesterday and let me tell you, yesterday was so overwhelming but so amazing.  I honestly don't have a ton to say this week either just because I got here yesterday, but I'll include everything I can. 

First, saying bye to my family was the saddest thing.  I didn't think I would cry as much as I did, but all 11 of us packed in my mom's car and they dropped me off here at the MTC and I was off before I knew it.  

Best friends (my family)

I love my dog!

After, we walked upstairs, and I didn't know one person and a woman my mom knows grabbed me and took me and let me cry to her for a minute and then asked me to go get back in line. 

 As I did, Sister Muir was entering the building and we ran and just gave each other the biggest hug. (So grateful to have her here.  It's been such a blessing to see someone that I've known for life.)  

Then I walked to my room and the second I entered the room, Sister Preece and Sister Tuilimu were in there, and we were so excited to finally be all together.  It was the most comforting feeling to finally meet each other in person.  I love them so much. 

Roommates (sleepover every night)

Later, we had a devotional called, "The Character of Christ Experience," all 300 of us new missionaries were in tears.  The Spirit was so strong as Elder Bednar was speaking to us about becoming more like Christ.  He said this quote, "The Atonement is there for us to turn out in love and help us attain the character of Christ."  I love this because this gospel is truly all about love and making everyone around us feel loved.  Two speakers came in and spoke to us about their stories that were both so different about coming to Christ.  We all have a different path but learning to love everyone through their differences and understanding, we all have a story that we need to share. 

This week has been amazing but very different for me.  I've never had to leave home for a long time.  As I was writing in my journal, I knew I am exactly where I'm supposed to be. 

One last thing, as we were driving to lunch yesterday, my dad said, "So Hannah, why are you doing this when you don't have to?"  And I answered, "Because there are others that are less fortunate than me that weren't blessed with this gospel and the pure joy and happiness it brings.  I want others to be able to experience this." 

Love you, Dad. 

This is something I'll never forget.  He reminded me to hold onto that when days get hard. So, I'm writing it down everywhere so I never forget😂😂

Anyway, I love you all and I'm praying for you all.  Have the best week!! 

Love, Sister Copeland 

Further Information added by her grandmother, Laura Copeland

One of the speakers who spoke at the devotional entitled, "The Character of Christ Experience," mentioned by Sister Copeland was Portia Louder.  She posted about her MTC experience that evening.  She said that she had gone to prison for 4 1/2 years for real estate fraud and how her life was changed in that prison experience.  She then said the following:

“I was asked to speak at the MTC (Missionary Training Center) recently. I always leave feeling uplifted and strengthened by the beautiful young people who are serving our Father in heaven.”

Then she told a little about the young man, Ryan, who also spoke and talked about not blaming God for becoming paralyzed.  She then said:

“After I spoke, a beautiful girl with blond hair came up to me with tears in her eyes and said, 'I was there the day you left your family to go to prison.  I'm a friend of your daughter Sadie's, and I came to your house to support her that day. Your message was beautiful, I cried the whole time you shared.'

I gave Hannah a big hug!  My life has come full circle.

I'm thankful for people like Ryan and Hannah, who reminded me that we are all in this together and God is with us.”

Sister Copeland is already making a difference in other people's lives.