Well, folks. We made it. 525 days. 75 weeks. 18 months. It's done.
This final week of my mission has been crazy. Lots of goodbyes, only a few tears, sprinkled with many hugs. I will miss the people and refugees of Twin Falls so so much. But, like all great things, sometimes they come to an end.
I was able to speak in not only the branch this last Sunday, but the ward I originally served in before the branch was created, the 5th ward. It was so great to be able to see all of the members I spent time with at the beginning and thank them for all the help they offered in creating this Swahili branch. They were an integral part of my mission, and I am so thankful for them. God for sure picked a perfect ward to be an international magnet ward to help get the branch started. I got to speak about how my mission has changed me, and I mentioned this quote from a general conference talk in 2016, called "Refuge from the Storm":
About refugees, Elder Kearon states, "Seasoned members of the Church who have given years of service and leadership attest to the fact that ministering to these people so immediately in need has provided the richest, most fulfilling experience in their service so far."
I can testify that this is true for me. Being able to work with these African people has been the highlight of my life. I have found so much joy and fullness from this branch and this mission that I am struggling to put it into words. There is something so amazing about giving time to serve those who are struggling. I was able to not only offer them help spiritually, but mentally, and emotionally. I am so glad that I am a part of this community. These people will be my family through the eternities.
Sometimes I look back at my mission and wonder if I did enough. Maybe I could have worked harder, maybe I could have changed more, or reacted to things better. But, something that's been emphasized to me this week, is that it doesn't matter how I look at my mission, or how I feel I did, all that matters is how the Lord views my efforts. And, through people speaking to me as if it was God, confirmed that He is proud, at least of my sacrifice. I hope that as I continue to reflect on my time here, I will remember the things that I learned and how I grew instead of the failures I had, because those were inevitable.
I want to say how grateful I am for the time I've spent here. When people say that the mission is the best 1.5-2 years of their life, they aren't joking. But, that doesn't mean it's an easy 1.5-2 years. It's hard. Extremely hard. But looking back now, there is not a single day I would have traded for the world. Seriously. I am grateful for every high, every low, and everything in between.
I wouldn't change a single second of my mission for anything. The people I've met, the lessons I've taught and also learned, and the time spent serving the Lord are more precious to me than anything else.
People ask what is the hardest part about going home. Here's a few:
1. Saying goodbye to those who have changed me more than I've changed them. One of those families is Sofia and Mwalibola's family. They have truly become my family. I call the youngest "my son," because he is truly my littlest best friend. I'm gonna miss that kid's smile and especially his hugs. His sisters, Betina and Sofia, are the first people I met here in Twin Falls almost 18 months ago. I love their vulnerability with me, and the times they have turned to me in sadness seeking help. I experienced what I feel the Savior often experiences as they cry into my shoulder and express their fears to me. And trying my hardest to do what the Savior would have done, I hope I comforted them and offered solace. And their mother, Mwalibola, probably the scariest woman in Twin Falls, has brought me so much confidence in who I represent, and has also helped to humble me in many ways haha. I love this family, and can't wait to introduce you to them if you ever want to come visit Twin Falls with me.
Another family that has changed me is Musa and his family. I have truly loved seeing their change. I don't think I fully realized how quickly the gospel can change someone until Musa and his family. They went from scared and distant, to fully embracing their new life in the gospel in such a short time. Musa receiving the priesthood was such a special moment for me. I am grateful that I got to witness that. He is like a second father to me, and I can't wait to see how his journey in the gospel continues. Finally, some people that have truly changed me are the members of the branch. They have taken me in and allowed me to work with them for so long. They have embraced my weaknesses and all the times I've messed up, and have offered me so much grace. I love them and can't wait to continue to visit them.
2. Realizing the work will go on without me. This one is very bittersweet. I am the end of the Swahili sisters. The Lord has called Swahili speaking Elders to this mission, so this week, they will take over my area! It is awesome to see that the work has progressed enough to the point where the mission department can call missionaries to this area! But, it is hard to have the sisters leave. It also is hard to hand over all the people that I love so much to someone else! But, I am so glad, because they are going to be in very capable hands. I can't wait to see how these people continue to progress. And luckily, BYU is super close to Twin Falls, so I can go and visit when they all get baptized!
3. It's over. It really is! It doesn't feel real that it's over. So, it's been super hard to try and accept that. But the best part is that I can continue to be a missionary even when I'm home! Just the tag comes off. And in the words of a little kid, "But, I'm gonna really miss the tag."
I am so very grateful for my mission, and I probably won't shut up about that for a little bit, it just means way too much to me. I want to end with my testimony, both in English and Swahili.
I know that God knows you. I know that He has a perfect plan and that every trial and tribulation is a part of that perfect plan because it will help you grow. I know that as you align your will with God, you can become the person that God wants you to become, and you will fulfill the potential God sees in you. I know that this gospel changes lives. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and that as you read it, you will be changed. And because the Book of Mormon is the word of God, I know also that Joseph Smith was a prophet, as imperfect as he was, he was a prophet. I know this church is true, and boy am I glad I know that.
Najua kwamba Mungu anakujua. Najua ana mpango mkamilifu, na kila majribio ni kukusaidia kukua na kuwa bora. Nakushuhudia kwamba utakapofuata mpango wa mungu badala ya mpango wako, utakuwa na maisha bora zaidi kuliko maisha yako ukifuata mpango mbalimbali. Najua utaweza kutimiza jukumu lako ukivumilia hadi mwisho. Najua kwamba injili hii inabadilisha maisha. Najua Kitabu cha Mormoni ni cha kweli, na kwa maana ya hii, najua pia kwamba Yosufu Smith aliitwa kama nabii kutuongoza leo na kurejesha kanisa la Yesu Kristo duniani sasa. Ingawa yeye si mkamilifu, yeye alikuwa nabii. Najua kanisa hilo ni la kweli, na nashukuru sana kwa ufahamu huu.
I want to finish with a scripture. This is on my mission plaque, and I have come to know of its truthfulness. It says:
"Yea, and from that time even until now, I have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance; that I might bring them to taste of the EXCEEDING JOY of which I did taste; that they might also be born of God, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. Yea, and now behold, O my son, the Lord doth give me EXCEEDINGLY GREAT JOY in the fruit of my labors;"
The exceeding joy I have gained from the gospel has now become exceedingly GREAT joy because of the opportunity I had to share it. I will forever be thankful for that.
Thank you all for following on my journey, and I am grateful to God for every moment.
and now, for the last time,
-Sister Copeland
Quotes from the week:
-"you spoke as if Christ himself were speaking to me"
-"I think Heavenly Father is even surprised at how much you accomplished"
-"You are forever my granddaughter"
-"your parents are so lucky"
-(on a phone call with my mission president) "she can't go home"
-"my baby! you are going to leave me here all alone"
-"utaondoka! ah. kweli."
-"it is not a goodbye, just a see you later"
-"thank you for changing this branch"
-"you have left a mark on me forever"
-"don't worry about who got baptized or who didn't. you have made a difference"
Photos of the Week:
