Warning - some of the pictures at the end of the letter should not be viewed by people with weak dispositions.  Consider yourself warned!  :)

 

 Mojave: The Valley of the Winds

 

 

Monday, April14, 2014

 

Everyone,

So firstly, I'm not entirely sure if that is an accurate translation of the word Mojave, but that's what I'm going with after the gales we had blowing through here last week. Anyways, the big new is that I'm staying in Rosamond for another six weeks, which will make 6 months total in this area. I'm really quite okay with it. If it means that I don't have to move and get sick again, I'd be okay staying a whole year. There is enough work here to keep us busy for a while, especially after Ward Conference. Let me back up.

A few weeks ago our Bishop came up with the idea to go around to the Less-Active members or those that no one knows and visit with them and leave "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" with them. That idea never really came into practice, but them on Sunday, what did the Stake President talk about? Sharing the Proclamation with everyone as a means of sharing the gospel and telling people what our beliefs are. He taught the every paragraph, every sentence can be used to teach a principle of the gospel, since they are statements of doctrine jam packed with truth. So, Elder Hosteen and I (he's staying too) have a wonderful idea: teach the members how to share the Proclamation and help them keep the challenge that Elder Ballard gave this last General Conference to invite 4 people to hear the gospel. So...guess we're going to be the busiest and the most organized missionaries in the stake by transfer's end, provided this doesn't blow up in our face. But since the challenge (both Elder Ballard's and the stake president's) came from the First Presidency, it should work. Fun fun fun!

We also helped out people with service and blessings. Because of the nature of the situation, I cannot disclose much, just know that the Lord strengthens those who are in his service. Not only physically, but also spiritually as well. 

Sorry for the brevity of the email, but I was caught up in pictures. Love you all and hope you have an excellent week.

Elder Cox

P.S. Here is a picture of a baloot, which I ate on Friday. Surprisingly, unborn duck tastes like chicken once you get past the gag reflex.

 

This is a baloot.

Elder Cox cooing to the baloot.

Elder Cox with other missionaries at Red Rock Canyon.

Panoramic view of Red Rock Canyon.

Elder Cox with his current companion, Elder Hosteen from Burley, ID.