¡Feliz Navidad 2017!

¡Feliz Navidad Fonzfam!

I'm so pumped that it is finally Christmas day!!! It is such a great time to be a missionary when there are so many opportunities to serve and be with others. Elder Montague and I's Christmas Eve was so much fun. The program for church was really spiritual and all the priesthood holders, including us, sang "Venid Adoremos." The branch President gave a wonderful talk on the Christmas story and afterwards we had a hot cocoa lunch-in.

It was raining all morning and the ice began to build up on our cars and on the road. But then the most amazing thing happened...it began to snow. Right before our Christmas dinner the rain converted to icy flakes and it was coming down. With in the first 10 minutes everything was white and we got a text from President ordering us to not drive anywhere. It was a bummer to have to cancel our dinner because they couldn't drive us either since all the roads had become iced over. So Elder Montague and I geared up and walked in the storm to visit investigators and see what kind of festivities were going on.

‎We ended up getting welcomed into one of our investigator's house as they were preparing for the night. It's the Mexican tradition to celebrate on Christmas Eve till midnight or later by dancing, eating lots of food, and opening presents. We had a great time and were able to share an awesome message with that whole family.

‎After walking back we made ourselves comfortable and set up our tablet to watch the documentary about President Monson that ended right before our curfew. By this point our Christmas snow had stopped and it was just raining a lot as it continued to build up on cars and trees. Even though our plans had changed, I wouldn't have asked for a better Christmas Eve.

‎Last night I couldn't sleep very well. I was so excited for today's events, mostly the phone call of course! But morning came and my Zone Leaders invited us over to their apartment to open our gifts and packages. It's only a half-time walk to their place from ours, so at 7 this morning we bundled up and carried our stuff over. We took turns opening different packages from various families and friends. I really appreciate all the time and effort that went into preparing and mailing my Christmas packages. Thank you so much for all that I received! It warms my heart to know how much I am loved and I hope you know how much love I send back! It's been a wonderful Christmas and I hope you all stay safe in your travels and activities. Talk to you a few hours!

Love,
Elder Fonnesbeck