Our Grandson, Carter, Leaves for his Mormon Mission

Each time one of our grandchildren make the choice to serve a mission, it makes us so happy and thrilled for the experience they will have serving the Lord, as well as the people in the area they are assigned to teach.

Our grandson, Carter Copeland, was called by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to serve in the Scotland/Ireland Mission, leaving on July 26, 2016.  

 On Sunday, July 24, he bore his testimony in Sacrament Meeting at his ward (church), and then talked about pioneers and how he can help others learn about the gospel and be pioneers for their families and posterity.  It was such a wonderful message!  Here is Carter with his parents.

 

 

 Carter with his little brother, Brady, and father, Kyle.

 

And here we are with our grandson.  There were many more people in attendance, but I got most of their pictures after the meeting when they went to the Copeland home.

Since Carter would be serving in both Scotland and Ireland, both flags were hanging on their porch when the friends and family attended the open house after the meeting.

Carter's mother had placed pictures of Carter throughout the house.

When Carter's dad, Kyle, went on his mission to Italy Catania back in 1991-1993, his first companion was this man, Ernesto--a native Italian.  They have remained friends throughout the years and he is now a citizen of the U.S. and owns a restaurant in Provo.  He wanted to cook Italian food for the open house, which he did, and it was absolutely delicious!

Since Carter was on his way to England for a couple of weeks, his grandmother had a cute idea of getting pictures of our own Prince William (Carter), Princess Kate (Kat), and Prince Harry (Carter's cousin, Cameron).  I thought it was an amazing resemblance and we had a lot of fun with it!

 Carter's cousin, Kade, who will be the next missionary out from the Copeland family in a year.

 Carter with his Great Grandpa Stoler.

 Carter's two aunts--sisters of his mother.

 Grandma Laura and her sister, Joyce (Carter's great aunt.)

 Carter with his cousin, Cameron, along with his three uncles on the Harmer side.

Carter with his sister, Jenna.

 

 And here is Sandy, who has been part of the Copeland family for years, and who helped so much with the open house.  She stayed all the way until everything was cleaned up.  So nice of her!

The farewell open house was a tremendous success with so many people wishing Carter well for the next two years.

The next night, Monday, July 25, 2016, Carter's family and both sets of grandparents were there to be part of Carter's setting apart as a missionary.  

 This priesthood ordinance is done by the Stake President who gives authority to members called to labor in specific responsibilities.  It is done by one having the proper priesthood authority and by the laying on of hands.  Carter's two grandpas who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood, also, were able to stand in the circle when Carter was set apart.

  Carter was given a beautiful blessing and many promises were made if he would devote these next two years to the Lord and be obedient in all his responsibilities.

 Carter would now be known as "Elder Copeland" for the next two years as he serves his mission.

Such a special time to be part of this ordination.

Earlier in the evening, we had a picnic in the park for Family Home Evening.

Later that evening, since it was the 24th of July when all members of the Mormon faith celebrate the arrival of the pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley, we were able to spend our last Family Home Evening with Elder Copeland before he leaves by watching some fireworks right in their family driveway.

 Elder Copeland's younger brother, Brady, and a special friend of Elder Carter's put on the fireworks show for us.  It was so much fun!

The next morning, bright and early, Carter's special friend, Kat, brought us hot muffins and fruit so we could have a little breakfast before we left for the airport.  So sweet!

Carter then left behind his house, his car, his cell phone, his dog, etc., as we all left together for the airport.

Arrival at the airport.

 Special group of people who came to the airport to see Elder Copeland off to England.

 And then, all too soon, it was time to say "good-bye."  Although Elder Copeland won't see his family or friends for two years, may only e-mail home once a week, and may only call home twice a year (on Christmas and Mothers' day), we all know this is one of the most growing times in a young man or woman's life.  

By serving the Lord and serving his fellowmen, which he will do the next two years, he will grow and become the person that the Lord wants him to be.  We all will miss him, but we wish him well and will continually pray for him in all he does in this worthy work.

 These will now become his "dad and mother" in the mission field, President and Sister Donaldson who serve in Scotland/Ireland.  They make assignments to the missionaries and continually instruct and help them to have the most positive experience they possible can.

The Scotland/Ireland Mission Home

To follow Elder Copeland for the next two years, just click on his picture at the side of this blog or you can download it at:
Elder Carter Copeland.blogspot.com