Mission Accomplished - Elder Copeland Returns Home June 15, 2016

After serving faithfully for two years on his Mormon Mission to Nicaragua Managua South Spanish Speaking, Elder Copeland was now on his way home.

 

 The house was prepared for his homecoming, as well as the car he would be riding home from the airport.  

At the airport, his family eagerly awaited his arrival.

Both sets of grandparents, as well as the family dog, Koda, were also so excited to see him arrive!

His brother, Taylor, and wife Ellie.

Soon we could see him coming down the escalator!

Elder Copeland's shoes (actually this was a second pair he had to get!) were worn through almost to the inside because of so much walking they had to do.

After returning from the airport, we stopped off with Elder Copeland at the Stake President's office where he was officially released from his two-year service as a full-time missionary.  That was difficult for Elder Copeland to take that name badge off--he had loved his mission and the people so much.  He now became Connor Copeland again.

A big banner awaited him at his house!

 

He walked straight to the refrigerator to see food again (they had  basically eaten only one meal a day for the whole two years and was even skinnier than before he left), but headed straight for the milk!  He had missed real milk so much!

 

 When he got to his room, he went right to the floor and put his face in the carpet--he had not seen carpet for two years either!

So many of the people he taught lived in houses such as this.  He truly realized how blessed he was!  But these were humble, happy people.

His mother had already purchased him some new clothes and had his closet all ready for him.  He could throw away the few things he brought back with him now.

He enjoyed showing his siblings the books and journals that he kept while he was on his mission.

 

We were all excited to see if he still had his swing that made him one of the five top golfers in the state.

His smile tells it all--it felt pretty good to get back to the sport he loves so much--golfing!

In the next few days, we loved going with him for his first American hamburger since he returned . . .

and of course, getting him his first milk shake.  He couldn't wait for that!  We all had so much fun having Connor home!

 Upon returning from a Mormon mission, a missionary gives a report in Sacrament Meeting usually on the Sunday after his/her return.  Connor gave such a beautiful testimony of the gospel and related seven miracles he had experienced while on his mission where the Atonement of Christ was used to change people's lives. 

After the meeting, a wonderful open house was held at the Copeland home for family and friends.

 Two of Connor's former companions, who had just returned home recently, also, attended:  Sam Merrill and Garrett Naisbitt 

 Family friends--the Tilbys

This was such a wonderful time for Connor to see so many people that he hadn't been able to see for the two years he was gone.  He definitely felt welcomed home from the many shown in the pictures above and many more who were in attendance.
As Connor has looked back, he has stated as so many before him have stated, "Those were the best two years of my life!"  He is on to new challenges and adventures.  In August, he will starting college at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, where he has been recruited as a member of the university's golf team!  Best wishes, Connor!  You have served so well and can be so proud of all your hard work!  We love you dearly!