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.
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.
Where is her white and yellow dress from! It is so cute!
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