Parker Reports His Mission in Utah and California

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:

Elder Parker Wilde 

Elder Copeland Gets Ready to Leave for his Mormon Mission

The day was almost here that every missionary for the Mormon church goes through when they leave behind their friends, family, cell phones, and day-to-day life to serve the Lord for two years (18 months for women).  During that time, they may e-mail home weekly, call home twice a year (Christmas and Mothers' Day), and use all their time and talents in serving the Lord and  the people in their missionary area.  It is such a growing time for the missionary and one they will always remember.

 Kade would be serving in the Ecuador Quito North Mission.  Therefore, on the day that he spoke in Sacrament Meeting at Church, his family had an Ecuador flag flying at their home

The house was all decorated awaiting for the food to be set out when the guests arrived after church.

Some of the many future missionaries in the Copeland family.

Kade with his friend, Izzy, who he has been friends with since they have been babies!

The proud grandpas--Copeland and Johns.

  

 

Kade with two of his darling girl cousins:  Kennedy and Lola.

My sister pointed out how much Kade looked like his great-great grandpa Lester on the day he left for his full time mission to the Samoan Islands in 1913.  Kade is going to be an outstanding missionary just like him!

Grandma Laura with sisters, Joyce and Natalie, with Elder Copeland.

Cousins Lauren, Tyson, Jenna, and Sydney.

Cousins Connor,  Lauren, and Parker.

 Later on in the day, we took pictures of the seven siblings in the Copeland Family.

 Grandpa and Grandma Copeland with all the Copeland grandchildren--minus Elder Copeland serving in Scotland/Ireland.

 

 The entire Copeland family--minus just the one grandson.

 That evening, a member of the Stake Presidency came to the Copeland household to "set Kade apart."  This is the priesthood ordinance of giving authority to members called to labor in specific responsibilities.  It is done by those having the proper priesthood authority and by the laying on of hands.  He 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. 

 Elder Copeland was now an official missionary for the next two years.

Elder Copeland's entire family.

Elder Copeland, the missionary leaving, along with his cousin, the former Elder Wilde, who had just returned from his mission.

Grandparents Robert and Marti Johns, Elder Copeland, and Laura and George Copeland

Uncle Kyle, Brady, and Aunt Kim came to congratulate Elder Copeland.

 The next day would be the day that Elder Copeland would be entering the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, and the last time we would all be seeing him for two years.

 A group of family members had a pizza lunch with him before he went to the MTC.

Kennedy was especially having a tough time letting him go.  She had really become attached to Elder Copeland during the last week she had been with him.

Cameron and Anne and their family say good-bye.

Craig and Cassie and their family, also, say good-bye.

Riley says he was going to hold on tight and not let him go.

Gavin and Mason gave him big hugs, too!

We then went over to the Provo Temple grounds to take some pictures before his family took him to the Missionary Training Center.

The five siblings in Elder Copeland's family.
 

Saying good-bye to Grandpa George and Grandma Laura.

At the MTC, a missionary comes to help Elder Copeland with his luggage.

 Then came the final good-byes to his immediate family.

And he's off--although a mission has many challenges, we all know this is one of the most growing times in a young man'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 this dynamic young man, his loving personality, and the way he reaches out to everyone--especially little children--but, we wish him well and will continually pray for him in all he does in this worthy work.

To follow Elder Copeland's weekly experiences and to see pictures of the service and teaching he is doing, you may follow him on his blog at:

Elder Kade Copeland