July 12,2017
Hey Fonzfam!!!
It's been absolutely amazing to receive so much love from you guys! Yesterday I checked the Servicio Postál and found our district box full of letters. Expecting them to be for my district, I was surprised that all but one was for me. I'm sorry about Alizabeth' s letter not being able to make it, but I got the email and read it yesterday as well as with the others. It really makes me happy when I get mail and emails from you all. I just wish there was time to respond to all of you personally!
On July 4th, after we had said our good byes, it looked like I was going to be alone on my way to México. But it was exactly opposite! There were 120 some odd seats on my plane and 84 were missionaries! It made it a lot easier to keep my emotions in check when I could relate to so many around me. The flight was just under 4 hours, and it just looked like central Utah (deserty) from up in the air the whole way down.
After landing in México, we all went through customs, had no issues finding luggage, and were loaded onto MTC buses. It took an another hour to get through the city because there are millions of people...and only 2 lanes each way. I only caught a glimpse of Moroni from afar before it went out of view for good.
My first week has been more or less on the difficult side; getting used to the tough schedule(it is very precise and full), having to teach my investigator in español(100% no english), and get over an exhausting cold. Yep, I already caught a cold. Luckily it only lasted a few days and I'm feeling way better now! I can testify that Heavenly Father won't give us anything we can't handle.
As soon as I got to the CCM, I found out who was my assigned companion. His name is Elder Guymon, and I met him earlier at the airport in SLC. He is also going to Portland for his mission and he's really excited to learn español...but...he took 4 years of German during high school hoping to go somewhere that uses that language for his mission. He has zero background knowledge of español so I have been trying to catch him up to speed on absolutely everything. He's learning fast and is where I was at after my first semester of espanol.
Each member of my district was interviewed last Wednesday for district leader. And my branch leaders were impressed to have me be the district leader! It has added a whole new level to my experience here at the CCM, but like I said, it's nothing that I can't handle.
The food here is awesome and pretty authentic, and if we are having sketchy fish for dinner, there is always frosted flakes! There are these awesome green parrots that love to hang out in those giant palm trees. They are very loud and you can here them screeching and talking to each other during the day. I kind of wish i could've brought my raincoat because it has rained every day so far, usually a powerful thunderstorm in the afternoon.
At noon today my district has the wonderful opportunity to go to the México City temple! I'm extremely excited for this opportunity, but because I don't understand español all the way yet I can where headphones that translate into english.
The Spirit is so strong here, it literally is the Garden of Eden here. We are definitely in the world, but not of the world. There has been one scripture that has helped me to be humble as I learn español, in Alma 26:12 it reads that "I will boast in my God, for in his strength I can do all things." El don del languas, the gift of tongues, is so real and powerful. Already I have felt God's love for me and his need for me to be prepared to teach his children. Thank you for all your support and blessings. ¡Hasta próxima semana!
Love, Elder Fonnesbeck
(left to right) Elder Wood, Elder Guymon & Elder Fonnesbeck
All heading to Portland Mission after MTC
Full Plane to Mexico MTC
"Called to Serve"
First glimpse of Mexico City
"Ciudad de Mexico!"
Elder Alex Guymon, his companion
Laundry Day!
Dear Mom & Dad,
I am just getting back from the temple here in México City. It was an extremely spiritual experience, and of course it was beautiful. This temple is unique in a couple ways, one being that it is the largest temple outside of the U.S.(It is really big) Second, it is only one of five temples that has Moroni holding the Gold Plates. In the Celestial room there is the most intricate and reflective chandelier that I've seen so far in my experience of going to the temple. The whole session was in español, but I listened to most of it in english, by headphones. I spoke in español, with help, but nonetheless I was able to get through the veil. While in the Celestial room my district prayed together in español, the Spirit was really strong and powerful. That whole experience has unified Elder Guymon and I as well as our district. I am grateful to have had this unique opportunity, and I get to visit in another couple of weeks.
This is all I can write this week, and there will be more coming for next week. I love you all and hope you make the most out of your smaller family.
Love,
Elder Fonnesbeck
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