¡Primera Semana en el Campo!

August 21, 2017

It feels good to be back on US soil. México was so much fun, I am blessed to have gotten that experience. But now that I am in the field everything has gotten better. It's cool to hear of all the connections you've made with my old district, and I'm happy to hear that they made it safely to their missions too. Ya, I'm sorry about that phone call, everything was so crazy and I don't know why it all happened the way it did. I got kind of choked up with dad, but like I said last week, it would've been a lot harder to talk with you. But don't worry we'll get our chance here in a few months.

This week has been fun! I've done everything it feels like. That first night was insane and I definately had the best night's rest that night in my whole mission. Also I have used so much espanol already, either at members' houses or with a few investigators. I can speak it all right, but my main struggle right now is being able to understand it. If I could develop that ability I will be set, but I know it will take time and lots of practice.

The new Gaga Pit sounds like so much fun, as well as the new hammock poles. I'll have to try them out when I get back for sure. I'm sure the eclipse is going to be awesome for you guys. I'll be able to see it just before you guys do but that could be a big "if" because it's kind of cloudy today. The mission has sent out guidelines for everyone to be careful when driving, and to try not to drive today or tomorrow to avoid getting stuck in traffic for hours. But we're heading to another apartment complex with some english Elders to watch it from the lounge chairs by their pool. I'm betting though that the clouds will disperse enough to get a good look at this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

It's awesome that MC is doing so good this year already. Changing divisions really helps when it comes to sports. Congrats Mary on being undefeated in tennis so far, I bet Pam is getting excited as well for Region and State. The picture of you and Meghan together as cheerleaders is awesome! I wish I could see you guys in person to cheer with you at games. I hope you guys get asked soon to Homecoming, and I know you will. Just remember to let guys know you're available to go. Alivia, you're rockin' volleyball! Keep it up so that when I get back your Junior year I can see you lead your team to State!

So when I dug into my new luggage last Tuesday I found this awesome mini-drone. Today I opened it and it flies perfectly. Thank you, it will provide some fun P-Day entertainment. My kitchen has some obstacles that I can fly it around. It'll be fun! Also I found more notes in my bags that were left here, thank you for the comforting words you wrote in them. But what was really cool was when my ZLs told me I had 2 packages waiting for me. Friday night I met up with them and they personally delivered them to me. I was so excited and when we got back to the apartment I opened both and couldn't believe how much you could fit into a couple shoe boxes. Thank you for all the contents, I will share them with my companion. I have the Eclipse glasses infront of me ready to hopefully be used. I'll send you pictures later if they work out of it.

I know this is a long email but I want to share what I think are miracles from this last week. To be honest this last week has been busy, but we lost almost all of our investigators. So through tracting the last couple of days, plus a couple referrals, we've found families and individuals who are interested enough to have us come back and teach them more. This is fantastic because our mission as a whole is not performing the best, so little miracles like these mean a lot. I know God wants His work done, and He is providing the way. There are so many lives that need to be lit by the Light of Christ, and it is our missionary work that helps make that possible.

I hope everything goes alright with school starting up this week. Make everyday count!

Love from Portland,

Elder Fonnesbeck

Thank you for my "Greenie" & "Eclipse" packages

Celebrating an investigator's birthday at a bowling alley

Mi cuarto

Mi escritorio

Mi cocina

Hike through the beautiful Portland Forest

Solar Eclipse August 2017

The Eclipse was so cool! It got really dark and I could see a star or two. It was hard to get a decent picture but here's a few of the hundred I took. I hope you guys get a neat experience too.