Hello everyone, long time no see (write? Idk)! I've officially made it to San Diego and oh boy do I have a lot that I could possibly share, but I also respect your time so... We'll see. I haven't written since Friday, so it's been 1.5 weeks.
The last 10 days have felt like 100 days, so I'll try and spit out the important stuff that I can still remember... Saturday I said goodbye to my MTC teachers, which was the big sad. Amazing people. Sunday was neat, same old. But we said goodbye to the Italians + Sister Burns since they bounced early Monday. It was a sad moment, but I got a sick Tinder photo for when I get back.
Maybe it's because I knew I would see my family again, but it was a lot more sad to leave my MTC district. They're all amazing people and have super strong testimonies. The places they go are lucky to have them.
Tuesday morning I got up way too early, headed off with suitcases in hand and boarded the public transportation to take me up to the airport. I traveled with Elder P and a Sister speaking Russian, they were both going to Seattle. I stepped onto the plane and said goodbye to Utah and snow forever. Boring part of the email over.
As soon as I landed in San Diego, I couldn't wipe the smile from my face. There were big windows where I could see the ocean and the green. If somebody told me that I died and was in the spirit world, I probably would have believed them. I walked over to the luggage merry-go-round, where I somebody asked me about my funky tag and why I was all dressed up.
The Mission President and my trainer, Elder S walked up behind me to help me collect my bags from the gaping jaws of TSA where Sister Merritt had the car waiting. I tried my best to say hello to Elder S and President was saying, 'wow your sign seems pretty good' but in my head I was thinking, 'wow I need to go back to the MTC for another 6 weeks.'
Met the APs and my Zone Leaders, visited the temple and headed over the mission office. I signed my life away, had a brief introduction and met the office couples. I was the only new missionary that day since I arrived in the middle of a transfer, so I got the fast version. I'll get the presentation again next transfer on the 14th.
Now here's the cool part and I'm about to make all my MTC district members jealous, I got my Tiwi card that day. I filled out the paperwork and received it the same day I arrived. For those of you who aren't missionaries, normally I would get my Tiwi card after my first transfer in 7 weeks, but Elder S doesn't have a driver's license. That means I'm the only one who can drive in the companionship.
Pretty neat, but also terrifying since Cali roads are actually the worst and finding a parking spot is like getting stabbed in the foot.
Anyways, finished up the day, had interviews with some people and went to Walmart. I had no idea what I was doing and literally only bought Oatmeal, Rice and Beans. I am living proof that you can survive off those 3 food items alone for at least a week. Not recommended, I'll be buying some more food today.
Slept that night, went to work the next day and went walking around Civita Park. While we were walking around a nice man named T redacted came up to us and wanted to know about what us members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints believed in. It was at that moment that I realized that I was the only one who could understand him since my comp is deaf.
We went and sat on a bench while my deer in the headlights wore off. Elder S tried his best to read lips while I did my best at interpreting what he couldn't understand. We set up a meeting for sometime this week where we'll talk a bit more about what sets our church apart.
Next day I met Rory who is literally my favorite person here. I knew a bit about him from the MTC, but meeting him in person was the best. He gave me my sign name which I love. It's a C over my heart because I have a big heart. Deaf people can't really read English too well, so I'm designated scripture interpreter when he and Elder S don't know what it means. We'll meet with Rory once a week to help him work through scriptures.
Friday I went to a bar. Don't worry, President approved it because it was deaf night. Sorry Mom, I know I promised I would never go into a bar, but the Lord required it. I got to exchange with another ASL Elder, who is literally my favorite. He has been out for 18+ months (he won't say), and literally has the best advice ever. On the way to the bar we listened to Flo Rida's "Good Feeling" with a Bednar talk about the Holy Ghost dubbed over.
Sunday was neat, went to deaf Church. I was glad to see that the branch president interpreted the ASL into English for people like me, and the English into ASL for everyone else. Super cool to see the branch work together regardless of language. Juan and Jose blessed the sacrament, which was super cool to see. They kneel on chairs so everyone can see, and then since they're also blind somebody will tell them when to start.
Monday I went to district counsel and found that my district members are almost as hype as my MTC district. We set some goals, laughed together and had an amazing free meal from Elder and Sister S. We then went over to Juan and Jose's house for dinner. They are blind and deaf, which means that they hold your hands while you sign to them. Amazing, funny people who have strong testimonies. We read from their Braille Book of Mormon while I taught a lesson about grace. I signed to Juan while my comp watched me and copied it for Jose.
Something that I've been thinking about a lot this past week is the second part of Christ's atonement. Everyone knows the part about taking sin away, but the other part is just as important. Everything in this life that hurts or isn't fair or that we have to endure, Christ takes that pain if we turn to him. If we are honest in our prayers and our devotion to him, he will "lighten our burdens that we cannot feel them on our backs" (Mosiah 24:14). That scripture has helped me keep an eternal perspective.
The Refiners Fire is real, and the Lord wants to use it for our benifit. Just because it burns doesn't mean it has to hurt. Turn to Christ, he has perfect empathy (not simpathy) for our struggles.
So yeah, sorry for writing a long email and disrespecting your time. I can assure you that next week will be shorter.
See y'all next Tuesday, thanks for reaching out! Y'all's emails help me through the week.
-- Elder Coxson
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