Welcome Home, Taylor!

We are thrilled that our oldest grandson, Taylor, has returned from a successful two-year Mormon mission in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Spanish Speaking Mission. 

To let you know a little more about missionary work in the Mormon Church, I quote our Prophet Thomas S. Monson:

"Every worthy, able young man should prepare to serve a mission. Such service is a priesthood duty—an obligation the Lord expects of us who have been given so very much. Young men, I admonish you to prepare for service as a missionary. Keep yourselves clean and pure and worthy to represent the Lord. Maintain your health and strength. Study the scriptures. Where such is available, participate in seminary and institute. Familiarize yourself with the missionary handbook  Preach My Gospel.

Sisters, while you do not have the same priesthood responsibility as do the young men to serve as full-time missionaries, you also make a valuable contribution as missionaries, and we welcome your service." 

Most young men in the past have left when they are 19 years old.  Recently that age was changed to 18 years old, while the young women formerly left at 21, and now may leave at 19.

During the two years spent on a mission, the missionaries not only teach those in the area they are called to about Christ, but they, also, do much service in the area.  Taylor was among the many missionaries and people in the area who helped with the clean-up after Hurricane Sandy.  

 Here he comes!  Family and friends await at the bottom of the escalator as Taylor comes in at the airport!  

 Taylor hugging his mom and two sisters.

The reason there are so many tears of happiness is that during those two years, the missionaries give up dating, television, and can listen only to appropriate uplifting music.  In addition, he/she may only call home on Mother's Day and Christmas.  They correspond through letters or e-mail with parents and other family and friends once a week.  They definitely go as boys and return as young men, ready to face the world and their next steps in life.  

Taylor with his mom, two brothers, and two sisters.  Kevin, his dad, was so much in pain, he had to just lie down in the back of the car to and from the airport.  He had emergency surgery the next morning.  He felt so badly that he couldn't enjoy the homecoming as he had imagined it would be for the past two years.

Yes, Taylor, the entire Copeland family is so proud of you!  All five of the Copeland boys, as well as the two sons-in-law, also, served two-year Mormon missions.  With 17 grandsons and 8 grand-daughters, we look forward to many more homcomings!  

Here is the video Angie had taken of the Homecoming. 

 

Elder Taylor Smart's Homecoming
   Warning: Be sure to have some tissues ready!