Week 38 - January 30, 2023

 Hello, Friends and family, Sister Copeland back with another update from VA!!

The girls at Canes 

Well, this week we got some unexpected news that a ward member passed away and his name was Fred.  We have been meeting with him every week since I arrived here.  His wife is Jeanette and she's incredible.  She lost her mom two weeks ago and now her husband, both to COVID.  If y'all could keep her in your prayers, I'd appreciate it and know she would, too. We had the most amazing experience with her this last Saturday that grew my testimony so much.  We stopped by to check in on her and she was doing really well, and we got talking and sharing stories and all cried together.  As she was talking, she started testifying of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the reason he came to do our Father's will, and she said she knows she will see him again, and she knows that because of him she can make it and get the strength to keep going.  It really changed my perspective on so many things especially trials, Sister D has every reason to complain, to wonder, to ask why, to cry, and all that comes with grief, but no, she turns outward like our Savior and finds the good, sees the eternal perspective, and clings to the most important truth we know--the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  I love her, and I'm forever grateful for all that she and Fred have taught me, to truly endure and press forward.

We also got to teach Alexis and Maryanna this week (I believe I told y'all about them last week, a mother and daughter).  WE HAD THREE LESSONS WITH THEM THIS WEEK!  They are loving what they are learning, and they're applying it to their lives.  They mentioned that they don't want to church hop anymore, and they want to find the true church, and we promised them that with a desire and sincere heart, they will know!  Maryanna asked us, "How will I know when I know?" and we asked her how she feels when we come over and teach her and when she reads the Book of Mormon?  and she said, "I feel happy, good, and it makes sense! and we told her that she already knows and to continue growing her knowledge and testimony and the Holy Ghost will continue to speak to her. I can't wait to continue teaching them and helping them understand more, but if y'all could keep them in your prayers. They are both going through some things, I'd appreciate it because I love them so much!

Sorry for the overload hahaha.  So much happened this week! We had interviews.  I can't believe this transfer is already almost over, but I'm excited to find out what will happen.  But hopefully I stay here!  Oh!!!  Our apartment heater stopped working this week, and it was FREEZING!  We always have smoothie bowls in the morning, and we opened up the oven and ate by it so we could be warm hahahha.   I'll include a picture below!  

But I hope everyone is doing well!!  Here is a scripture that helped me this week.  I invite you all to spend more time feasting upon the words of Christ and truly applying them to your life!!  You will see blessings, I promise❤️

2 Nephi 31:20

Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

I love and miss you all!!! 

#CTR

-SISTER HANNAH COPELAND