Returning Home, Homecoming Address, and Open House - October 14 and 15, 2023

 On Saturday, October 14, 2023, Sister Copeland left the Virginia Richland Mission for home after spending 18 months as a missionary there.  She left behind many wonderful new friends who had become like family but was also very excited to return home to her family and friends back in Utah.  Her return was greeted with so many happy tears!

Arriving home.

Sister Copeland greeting her Grandpa Robert Johns.

Holding her new little nephew, Archie

Sister Copeland with her cousin, Ethan, who returned from his mission just a few months before Hannah returned.  They were so excited to see each other.

That evening, Sister Copeland returned to being called "Hannah" as she was released from being a full-time missionary and took her missionary badge off.  That was very difficult as she loved her time as a missionary.  

The next morning, Hannah gave a beautiful report of her mission in Sacrament Meeting.  She centered her talk around the favorite scripture of the Virginia Richmond Mission found in Alma 23:6 and gave missionary experiences covering each part of this scripture:

6 And as sure as the Lord liveth, so sure as many as believed, or as many as were brought to the knowledge of the truth, through the preaching of Ammon and his brethren, according to the spirit of revelation and of prophecy, and the power of God working miracles in them—yea, I say unto you, as the Lord liveth, as many of the Lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away.

A wonderful open house was held at Hannah's home afterwards where friends, family members, and ward members attended.

Hannah with her grandparents, Marti and Robert Johns.

What a beautiful homecoming!  So much gratitude for Hannah's health and safety as well as all her hard work during this last year and a half!  Well done, Sister Copeland!!  Welcome home!!

Week 74 - October 9, 2023

 Well, everyone, here is the last one!  I want to share a lot but start by saying I will be having my homecoming this Sunday the 15th at 10:30 AM and the address to the church is 910 High Bench Rd, Alpine, UT 84004!  I would love to see y'all there!❤️

First, thank you to everyone who has given me support, has prayed for me and my friends.  I have felt all the prayers in the world!  Thank you!!  Also, thank you for the emails and love!

I couldn't have asked for a better ending.  Nelson was baptized this weekend and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  He has truly made a change in his life and is someone who acts on his faith.  I'm grateful God allowed me to be a part of his journey.

I love my companions so much, they have taught me pure joy and loved me so much.  I needed them, I've needed everyone I've met here in Virginia.  I know this is His work and no matter where I'm called, I'm called to be His disciple!  But I know the last 18 months I was needed here. 

This week has been full of bittersweet moments and I know the rest of the week will continue to be that.  It's never easy leaving people and a life you've learned to love! 

I am going to miss being a missionary so much but I have truly learned for myself that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is real!  I know it is infinite and intimate.  It changes lives, it changed mine.  I have a testimony and I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is truly the true church.  I know that this work is my Savior's and I know I couldn't have done it alone.  I know that He's been with me every step of the way.  I know that with Christ's help I can become the person my Heavenly Father needs to be and with his help I'll continue to reach my divine potential.  I know God truly is mindful of all his children and he works in the most personal ways.  I know that the young Joseph Smith truly saw exactly what he said he saw and he was called to be the prophet to restore His church for our days.  I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, I know that without a doubt in my mind.  I know that there is a prophet here on the earth that helps direct the work of the Lord.  I know because of the promises I've made with them that I CAN and WILL return to them with continual obedience, persistence, patience, and partnership!  I know my Savior lives, I know that with a surety.  I know all of this to be true because I have truly learned for myself,  I leave this with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

Psalm 116:1&2

1 I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.

2 Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.

See y'all on Sunday ❤️❤️❤️

#CTR

-SISTER HANNAH COPELAND 

Week 73 - October 2, 2023

General Conference Weekend!

It hasn't been too long since my last email, but I hope y'all enjoyed general conference!  I know I sure did.  I also hope everyone received some answers to their questions.  I love how much it talked about being prepared!  It reminded me so much I need to continue learning and growing.  I have so much more to do!  THINK CELESTIAL ☀️☀️☀️

I, also, got to go on exchanges with Hermana Gardner and I love that human!!  There's no other person I'd want to go on my last exchange with.  She taught me so much about trusting in the Lord, when we do all we can we just give the rest to Him.  She's such an example to me and I'm going to miss her.

I have learned that the Book of Mormon does EXACTLY what it says it does, "I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.”  THIS IS TRUE!  I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and it's helped me grow my relationship with my Heavenly Father and helped me know His Son Jesus Christ.  I know that the prophet Joseph Smith had the gift and power of God to translate this book!  I know this book is divine.  I know that this book means EVERYTHING to me, it starts my day off remembering, thinking and trying to be like my Savior.  I know that God works through that Book, I've seen him do it to His children.  I've seen hope be found, peace be made, joy in trials, all because God works in mysterious ways and a way is through His book and His word!  If you don't already, I want to invite you to start your day with the Book of Mormon you WILL see change!! 

MOM, I WILL SEE YOU NEXT SATURDAY 😇😇

#CTR

-SISTER HANNAH COPELAND