Elder Zachary Cox's Mission Blog: Week 99 in LA--Emails From Mission President, New People to Teach and a Funny Ward Party

Zach called last night. He was hanging out with Elder Montgomery and his companion for P-day, but it got way too hot so they went back to their apartment and just chilled there. He said they went to Burbank and just had a pretty chill day.

He is doing really good. They were able to find 2 new people in the ward to teach with a possible third (they are meeting with that person this week). He is super stoked about that. Even though he only has 22 days left, he said he is still going strong (which I think is great)!

We talked about college. He is all enrolled in LDS Business College and his transcripts and already earned college credits are being applied to his application this week so everything should be all good to go this week. He was required to write an essay as part of the application process. I asked him when he was going to make time this week to do that so that the application process would be complete. He told me that he had already written and submitted it. Go, Zach!!!! Things are falling right into place and I think this will be the perfect place for Zach to go right now. We all feel really good about it so that's a bonus!

We talked about his missionary release. He wanted to get it done asap so that he doesn't have to have a companion, wear church clothes, or not be able to watch TV or listen to music. He was very concerned about this. Luckily for him, I had already contacted our Stake President and had it all set up. He was very glad. He said that he is truly ready to come home now. He is tired and wants to take a lot of naps. 😂😂

He said that the ward he is serving in had a Pioneer Day party, talent show and dance. Of course they were invited so they went. He said that a lot of funny and crazy things happened at the party. The guy running the music for the talent show forgot his aux cord so he was just holding phones up to the microphone. The DJ (who is not a member) showed up to get ready for the dance and offered his. The man blatantly ignored him several times. Zach decided that he would politely talk to the man because he was being so rude. Zach told him that the DJ was offering him his aux cord and that it was very nice of him. The man flipped out, screamed at Zach that he didn't want to use his aux cord, and was very rude about the whole thing. Zach was MAD!! He said he had to walk out and calm himself down. He said that he was salty the rest of the night.

We talked about some other things, random things. personal things, etc. It really was a great conversation. We actually messaged back and forth all morning and then had the 1 hour phone call. It was great!!!!

Our Bishop as well as Matt & I received emails from President Cordon this week. It is so nice to hear such great things about your son!!

Email to the Bishop:

Dear Bishop Stone,

On 21 August 2019, Elder Zachary Matthew Cox, will return home after having served an honorable and successful mission. President Brumble will release him and present him with his certificate of release.

Elder Cox has been a terrific missionary and has grown through his service. He has seen and been part of many miracles in Los Angeles. He has learned to love, work hard and serve the Lord. I would encourage you to bless him by putting him to work with a challenging assignment, such as fellowshipping less active members back into activity.

Sister Cordón and I love him dearly and will miss him. He has committed to continue to grow in his discipleship for the rest of his life. Our prayers will be with him forever.

Yours in the service of our Master,

Valeri V Cordón
President
California Los Angeles Mission

Email to Matt and I:

Dear Brother and Sister Cox,

On 21 August 2019 Elder Zachary Matthew Cox will be given an honorable release from the California Los Angeles Mission.

Sister Cordon and I love Elder Cox. You can be very pleased with the contribution that he has made while serving in the California Los Angeles Mission. He has blessed the lives of many, including those who have accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ as a result of his efforts and those he has helped to return to activity within the Lord's kingdom. His name will be remembered for generations to come among many. He has grown in his testimony of the Savior and in his ability to work with people. We also have been deeply touched by his service in the mission and we trust you were greatly blessed through his labor.

Elder Cox will be part of our lives forever. Sister Cordon and I are grateful for all he has done to help the Lord hasten the work of salvation. We feel that he and his colleagues have a rendezvous with destiny. Our prayer is that he will continue to grow in faith and good works as he continues to serve our Heavenly Father.

Sister Cordon joins me in wishing you and Elder Cox the best.

Sincerely,

Valeri V Cordon
President
California Los Angeles Mission