Adios Mexico!

August 15, 2017

Estoy muy triste estar saliendo la Ciudad de México. I am grateful for this unique opportunity to visit this country and to gain a different perspective on the blessings that I am given. I see how we are blessed to live in a country, despite its imperfections, where there is a guarantee of protection and freedom that lacks in other parts of this world.

    Last night for my final devotional at the CCM, Elder M. Russel Ballard spoke to us via live broadcast from the Provo MTC, about remaining focused on the Work and being exactly obedient. He also talked the blessings that you receive from being exactly obedient. As I officially enter the field in which I was called, knowing what is expected of me, I know that I will be watched over and blessed with the power of the Spirit each day.

    After this devotional I said my last good-byes to my other missionary friends, some I went to high school with. It was all emotional, and enevitable, but I did manage to keep back the tears. I went to bed that night but couldn't fall asleep. No matter what I did I could not relax enough to get sufficient sleep for my travel day today. So when I finally did somewhat get to sleep, the alarm went off, signalling us to get a move on. We actually had to get up at 2:15am so we could finish with last minute laundry and packing. We loaded the bus at 3:30am and left the CCM just before 4. That is definitely the time to travel through México City. There was little to no traffic but I was still surprised to see so many still awake on the streets. I guess the city really never goes to sleep all the way.

    Traffic picked up a lot when we arrived at the aeropuerto, tons of taxis and buses. We dropped off the Latino Missionaries and Elders Waite, Neddo, Brooks, and Sensanbaugher (This is actually the twin of the E. Sensanbaugher in my district and he is going to the Logan Mission, speaking español of course) at terminal 1 first. But Elders Guymon, Wood, and I were dropped off at terminal 2.

    The flight to Dallas went really fast, and passing through immigration and customs wasn't as bad as I thought. We did have wait to pick up our checked luggage and drop it off for our next flight, and make our way over by monorail to a different terminal to catch our next flight to Portland. We only had about an hour to do this, plus I wanted to take advantage of being able to call home. So when we had 10 minutes before we boarded, I asked a pilot who was waiting by us if I could borrow his phone to make a call home to Utah. He was really kind about it and so I dialed the number home. So I know I told you in an email earlier that I was going to call you at home, but I didn't realized I had dialed dad's number until he was the one that answered. I talked with him for only a few minutes, which tugged on a few heart strings, and after the call I dialed the home number when the pilot who I was borrowing the phone from had to leave. I had to hang up and give him his phone back, and by this point we needed to board. I'm grateful for that opportunity to hear dad's voice, but I don't think I would've been able to keep it together if I would've called home to talk.

    Well, as I'm writing this sentence we are flying over Box Elder County. I'm sitting on the left side of the plane so I won't be able to take a picture of Cache Valley which is on the right. There's a lot of clouds so its difficult to see the ground from up here. I'm keeping track of where we are with my tablet. But know that I went from being hundreds of miles away to just within a few for a couple minutes, only just above you. From all this traveling I really appreciate the little things, all of Heavenly Father's tender mercies; like being able to talk with dad, and being able to travel with 2 other Elders, unlike quite a few I know who have to do it alone.

    As I reflect upon all that I've learned in the last 6 weeks in preparation for Portland, I can't believe the amount of knowledge that I've gained. Both temporal and spiritual knowledge that will launch me into the mission today. With my new understanding of God's love for His children and how he cares for each one of us, I feel more ready than ever to begin the Work. Portland is with reach. I can almost smell the pine forests.

I love you all so much! Please remember that God always loves you, and that His love is eternal.

Love,

-Elder Fonnesbeck  

President Bennet (CCM President) & Eves (CCM 2nd Counselor) 

Muchas gracias por las galletas!

Just a few of my Latino Missionary Friends

Elder Wood finally got a great picture of the beautiful parrots

Nothing like 4 am. in Mexico

Compañero Neuvo

Hey Everyone!

I know I've written a lot this week but there's so much that's happened in the last 24 hours. 

First off my new companion is Elder Zach Clarke, and he is absolutely fantastic. He is from Arizona and has been in the field since February. Last night we went to a new converts house for some dinner(all in Español), tracked for another couple hours, I placed a Book of Mormon and hopefully we get 2 new investigators out of it. I can't believe how real everything is now. There is so much work and I'm excited to have already began. 

Today is kind of a P-day where I bought some food for lunches(don't have to worry about dinners, we have appointments every night) and unpacked all my things. Later tonight after the dinner appointment we are going to teach an English class and visit with another investigator. I'm so grateful for everything that God has done for me this far. Next week is the eclipse so we're gearing up for many opportunities to proselyte to all the visitors.

Love,

Elder Fonnesbeck

My new trainer compañero Elder Clarke