After a missionary returns, he/she reports his experiences and his testimony at a Sacrament Meeting. Because Parker's Grandfather Wilde is a Bishop in Utah, Parker was able to report his mission there and had many family and friends who came to support him and hear from him.
Parker with his parents
These are family friends, the Castles, who also lived in
Shanghai when the Wildes lived there.
This
family came quite a distance to be in attendance. Their son, Elder
Sandberg, was Parker's last companion in the mission at Wilkes-Barre.
They got along so well, and Parker was thrilled to see them there.
Another family friend, Suzanne Calton, who lived by the Wildes in Shanghai. Her husband had returned already to Shanghai to work.
These three
little girls in the dark pink are the adopted children whose mother is
shown above with the Wildes. The other two little girls were friends of
this family.
Parker
and Ryan Andrus, who was not only Parker's trainer when he first went
out on his mission, but they also served as Assistants to the President
together. They were best buddies then and will probably be forever!
Parker was really touched at how many former missionaries from the Pennsylvania Philadelphia Mission were in attendance.
After
the Sacrament Meeting, we all went back to Parker's cousin's home where
his family was having a farewell party for him prior to his leaving on
his mission to Ecuador this week.
The missionary leaving this week . . .
and the missionary returning this week both said a few comments at a special family gathering when everyone else had gone. Grandpa George and Grandma Laura both spoke a few words, too, as they will be leaving for the Eastern Europe Area in September for 23 months to, also, serve a Mormon mission.
It was so special to have such a large family gathering--every single person in the Copeland family except for one grandson, currently serving a mission in Scotland/Ireland
After
spending a week in Utah, Parker was able to finally return to his home
in California. He was excited to be back in his own home, in his own
room, and especially excited to see his dogs!
Some of the family and friends who attended Sacrament Meeting in California to hear Parker report his mission there.
Later on in the evening, an open house was held at John and Alison's beautiful home and yard.
Parker with some of his best friends who came to support him.
Grandpa George and Rosco enjoyed the party in the comfy chairs.
Parker's reunion with Roxie and Rosco was a pretty happy time!
Parker with his Uncle Chad and Aunt Bethany and their children, who had come from Los Angeles to support him at this special welcome home party.
Bracken and his friend, Taryn
Tyson with his cousins, Sydney and Lauren
Grandpa
and Grandma Copeland were able to meet a young lady, Maddie Auman, who
had just recently returned from serving an 18-month Mormon mission in
Russia and was able to give them much advice and knowledge about serving
in Russia. She was a real joy to talk to! The day was truly a success
and was a day of happiness for all!
As Parker has looked back, he has stated as so many before him have stated, "Those were the best two years of my life!"
He is now on to new challenges and adventures. In August, he will be
starting
college at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Best wishes, Parker!
You have served so well and can be so proud of all your hard
work! We love you dearly!
To read of his experiences during his two year Mormon mission in Pennsylvania Philadelphia Mission, click on the link below:
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