Merry Christmas (December 26, 2011)

Dear Fullmer Family,

Merry Christmas! It was so great to be able to Skype with you yesterday! It was so great to see how great all of you are doing and how happy you all are. I love you all so much and it definitely made my Christmas talking to you all. Sorry but I dont think my email will be very long today... I pretty much told you everything yesterday that I would have put in this email. But I do have a few things to say that I forgot to tell you yesterday.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!
Well one thing that I forgot to tell you is that last Thursday we had our mission conference where I was able to talk to Elder Reidhead. He told me some very great news. He first told me that the couple we were teaching in Riverside Park got married and baptized last weekend. Now their son was planning to get baptized yesterday. I'm sure that he did! He sounded like he was super excited to get baptized! I love the feeling knowing that someone I found ended up getting married! I was ecstatic! They're doing really well.
You asked some questions about the man who committed to be baptized. He has been taught just about everything, been to church 3 or 4 times, but just wasn't quite ready a little while ago. Now he is. He's about 50 years old and is from Venezuela. I'm really excited to be able to teach him this week!

So for the song at mission conference, we sang a quartet (Were You There on that Christmas Night) . It sounded pretty good I think...
Also at mission conference, President Anderson spoke and one of the quotes he quoted said,
"Not that which we give, but what we share,—
For the gift without the giver is bare;
Who bestows himself with his alms feeds three,—
Himself, his hungering neighbor, and me"

It was a very nice story that he told. Christmas is such a wonderful time of the year and I loved being able to share it with all of you! Please keep me in your prayers! I love you!
-Elder David B. Fullmer

One week till Christmas

Dear Fullmer Family,

Well this week has been a pretty good one! It's so weird that Christmas is just around the corner! Thank you so much for the packages that you sent to me. The appartment looks (and sounds) more like Christmas, thanks to the iPod. I'm actually surprised how much i like the David Archie music. You know me too well. I love the song "Los pastores a belen" It's fun to understand music in Spanish. The cat and mouse song is also very nice! Thanks for sending the Christmas music!

So for next week "the skype party!" we'll probably be skyping about 5:00 FL time. I'm not sure what time that is in UT... but hopefully that'll work out. We have it all planned out with the Bishop so I'm really looking forward to it! I can't wait to see all of your faces! I don't know if it would be possible but could you set the computer up in the living room so I can see the tree and the village? That's something I really miss. Haha. But if it's not possible don't worry about it.

This past week in our ward we had a fiesta and it was so much fun! It was planned to start at 7:00 but it didn't actually start until about 8:30 which was disappointing because we had to leave at 9:00. However for that 30 minutes it was a lot of fun! We had about 15 investigators come! All of them pretty much showed up on time so by the time 7:30 came along we had more investigators there than members! Haha. It was fun though. One of the families that came we met the day before. We were knocking doors and we had one extra invitation left and we met this woman. I had the thought to ask her, 'Are you doing anything tomorrow night?" She said no so we invited her to come. At about 7:10 the next night, the night of the party, we got a call which said, "We're here! Where are you?" We went out in the hall and saw this family. They are such a cool family who loved the party! They want to come to church and have us come over to teach them! I'm really excited to be able to teach them.

The family that we brought the tree to... We haven't really been able to visit them much because of conflicting schedules but they did come to the party the other night and loved it! We're planning to see them tonight thought and so hopefully everything is going well with them!

We had something really funny happen last night. So as we were visiting a recent convert family last night we rode our bikes over there and put them where the missionaries always put them. However we forgot to lock them up... So as we were teaching them in the living room, the daughter said, "Who is that by your bikes?" The next thing I know is that my companion is outside saying, "Hey! What are you doing?" I'm grateful that I have him as my companion. He's a big guy! Haha. It was pretty funny but now we know that we need to always lock up our bikes! My companion was out of that door so fast! Haha.

Anyways, I love this time of the year. It seems like more people are more receptive to listening to us during this time of the year... (We're at the library and there is Nat King Cole in the background...it's now Christmas!) :) I love being a missionary! I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer and that he came and he will come again soon! I know that this gospel is true and that our family is forever! Hasta Domingo cuando podemos ver cada otro! Les amo mucho y no puedo esperar! Have a great Christmas week!

-Elder David B. Fullmer

Weekly Update December 12th

Dear Fullmer Family,

Another week has passed and I can't believe December is almost halfway over. It just seemed like yesterday it was the middle of August. It definitely doesn't seem like Christmas time considering that there
isn't snow and not a Christmas tree. My companion and I wanted to get a Christmas tree but realized it would be a little difficult to get it to our appartment on bikes... We're still considering it but nothing has been done yet :) 

We are getting along really well! He's such a hard worker and just loves the work! It's been really great! I asked him if his family knows the England's and he said that they do! What a small world. Well speaking of Christmas we went last Monday to the home of our investigators with a tree in hand. We went out with the Bishop that night to buy a Christmas tree and it was a very special night. We taught about Jesus' birth before and said, "We need to go grab something." We walked in with a Christmas tree and all of their faces just lit up! They were talking to us saying that they were wanting to get one but because of their situation they wouldn't be able to this year. The mom started to cry because of how happy she was! It was really so special to help them feel the Christmas Spirit. They are doing well! We found out more about their situation and it might be a
little while until they get baptized... Looks like we're going to have a wedding before they get in the water :) No one is ever married! But I absolutely love that family!
 
North Miami Beach is awesome! I love being back in Miami. To answer one of the questions asked, my apartment is about 20-25 miles away from my first one. It's great being here! This past week we did a lot of Harvesting and ended up with a total of 22 blessings that we left in the homes of investigators. More than I've had in a while! IT was great. One downside of this area is that there are a lot of Jewish people here who really don't want to listen to us. But we're still working trying to help them find the truth. A few of them let us come in a leave a blessing so we'll see how that goes. 

The members here are really awesome! Their first concern is if we've eaten and if we say we have they feed us anyways... I've been gaining weight... Luckily I'm riding bikes a lot and working it off! Haha. Speaking of riding bikes, one of the days this week we rode for about 31 miles... We usually average about 20 miles a day so that's been quite a bit of exercise! It's great though.

I'm glad that you were able to get the pictures of the shoes. I asked the Bishop if he could send some pictures of my shoes and he said, "Sure! Take them off and put them on the dash!" Our Bishop is so awesome! He lives in the same appt complex and us and is always there to help us out. One real big blessing is our appt here in this area. It is HUGE! I have my own walk in closet and my own bathroom! It's not fair how spoiled we are in this mission but i'm not complaining~! HAha.

So the MoTab concert is this week huh? Too bad you didn't get tix. Who is the guest this year? Josh Groban? it couldn't be because he's waiting until I come home so we can be duet guests with motab... JK! HAaha. But hopefully you'll be able to get some surprize tix!
 
So about the phone call on Christmas. So skype is allowed and we have it all set up with the Bishop. Our church is from 9-12 but we'll have to check to see if there is a special schedule for Christmas but i'll
find out and let you know. What is the skype info so we can add you as a friend?
 
Well I know that the Lord loves us and is guiding us. He is mindful of EVERY situation and is guiding our steps if we only let Him in. I have seen many miracles while I'm on my mission and I know that the Lord
has many things in store for me. We had interviews this past week with President Anderson and he said that he sees many gifts and talents that are very unique to me. He told me how he's noticed how easily I
show my love to others and help them feel comfortable. I never really thought about that before but I'm grateful for this gift that God has given me to be able to show the love that I have for those who are in
my life. I love you all with all my heart and I know that our family is forever! It's hard being away at this time but as I work with all of my heart, might and strength, I know that the Lord is helping me and blessing all of us! There is no where I'd rather be than here and there is nothing I'd rather be doing than helping others come unto Christ! Have a great week and I love you lots!

-Elder David B. Fullmer

Transfer Week December 5th

Dear Fullmer Family,

Well as I was just finishing up my email it got erased so I get to write it again... Sorry if it isn't very good but I'm running out of time! gotta love technology!
 
Well to start off, my new companion is from a city in Utah. He has been out for about 4 months and has a lot of energy and I'm so excited to be able to work with him. I am right now in North Miami Beach and I love it so much! My ward that I am in is so incredible with a lot of loving members willing to do pretty much anything for the missionaries! I know that there is a lot of potential in this area and I'm excited to be able to help so many people come unto Christ!

It sounds like you've all had a pretty crazy week as well. The weather sounds pretty tough. I hope everything works out alright and that everyone will be safe... Especially my car :) I saw that the fence his the T! The weather here has been just about as bad as yours... 75 degrees and sunny... with a slight breeze. It's been horrible. So it's not so bad being in an all bike area in December. My area is one of the largest all bike area in the mission. There aren't a lot of them
but I'm glad to be in it. It's fun to meet so many interesting people on the street along with getting some exercise. It's going to be a great transfer!

Yesterday we were actually blessed to be able to have a baptism! He's an incredible man! He had been taught for about 4 months and has had a baptismal date before but as it neared to
the date he got scared. The same thing was going to be happening and when we came to see him on Friday he tried to back out. I had known him for about three minutes and I knew that he was ready! As we started to talk with him he said he didn't feel ready to get baptized. For some
reason I didn't worry about him not getting baptized. The Spirit confirmed to me that he is ready and to give him a push. As i prayed about it I got the thought, "if you don't push him, you will regret it for the rest of your life..." So I followed the prompting and gave him a little push. The scripture in D&C 82:10 came to mind and i told him that if he got baptized on Sunday the Lord would immediately bless him. He has to! With other stuff that we told him being guided by the
Spirit and praying to ask if he should get baptized on Sunday he asked, "What do I need to do to get baptized?" We got an interview set up for him that night and he got baptized yesterday by my companion! It was a great experience!

Yesterday we were able to got watch the Devotional and it was a great experience! I don't have time to really go into it but it was a very spiritual experience. We have some other investigators who I really love! They are a family of 6 and the kids are adorable. They've been having a really hard time financially so I don't think they'll have much for Christmas. We're going to surprise them with a Christmas tree tonight :) SHhh... I'm really excited for it! i LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!

It's cool to hear that Bob Wilkinson is coming to Miami! Unfortunately I can't plan to meet up with them. They would have to drop off the package at the mission office. I would love to see them but it's just one of those rules...

Thanks for the iPod as well... But there were only four songs on it... I don't know if that was the plan but they were great songs! I'm going to send it back home today and I don't know if you could put more Christmas songs on it? that would be great!
 
I've been thinking about Christmas ideas and some things came to mind...(He sent some gift ideas) 

Well that's all I've got here! I love you all so much and I know that this work is the work of the Lord! This is the season of giving and I love giving the best give of all! Love you lots!
-Elder David B. Fullmer

Pictures sent on November 29th

Transfer Week! November 29th!

Dear Fullmer Family,

Well this week has been a really good one. To start off, I need to say that I'm getting transferred. It's hard to accept it especially because I love this area so much, but last night after the news I received the confirmation that it was the will of the Lord. I feel peaceful knowing that it's my time to go and that the Lord has got some more things for me to be doing. 

At the end of every transfer I like to look back and see what difference have I made in the area from when i came in and when I'm leaving. I feel like I have left this area much better than I found it. When I got here, there were about 2 investigators. Now we have baptized one, and have about 6 with a baptismal date with more to come this next week. It's hard to leave all of this work and success that I have been able to be apart of but I know that the Lord needs me somewhere else. I know that it's going to be left in good hands and I'm excited to be able to learn many new things this next transfer. I know that it might be difficult but that's what makes things fun right? Haha.

However this week has really been incredible. We went to go visit and an investigator and met her friend and found out that she is one of the most kindest and sincere people I've ever met. As we had a lesson she had a lot of questions about us. Apparently she has cousins who are LDS so she had a rough background of the church and was not to excited to talk about the Book of Mormon. However as we answered her questions, I knew that we needed to talk to her about the First Vision. We started talking about Joseph Smith and she said "I know you think he was a prophet.' But i responded that I wanted her to know how we know... As I was explaining the First Vision to her and how Joseph Smith was searching, when I finished saying the words of the First Vision she told me, "I know that every single word that you just told me is true." She said that something touched her in a way that she is willing to give up everything and change her life around. It was absolutely incredible! 

As we have been teaching them both this week, they invited us to come to Thanksgiving Dinner. We went and were the only members there. Their neighbors came over and it was such a nice night. Very fun and friendly. We went to see them the day after and said, "Every single person at that dinner was touched by you. All of them didnt' want you to leave." It was cool to see how much the Spirit influences others and how they love the feeling of it. The friend told us that she said to them, "Ohh it looks like they got you too!" Haha. They are incredible investigators! It's going to be hard to leave them because they are without a doubt my favorite investigators that i've had. They are so willing to make these hard changes in their lives to follow something they know to be true. I know they will become members soon and have a wonderful life. They kept saying how thankful they are for us and what we've done and we told them, "It wasn't us (meaning the Spirit), but we're glad that it was us (to be able to bring it here.)" It's been an incredible week with them!

We actually had two Thanksgiving dinners... I was so full! A member invited us over to her son's home, who is not active, and had a wonderful meal with them. It was a great meal. that night I was more full than i ever have been! Haha. Not so fun...

However i was able to make pies this past week. Last Monday I made four Chocolate Cream Pies, two banana cream, and one very berry pie. Lets just say that my district is sad that I'm leaving and won't be here for Christmas... Thank you Lion House! Haha. No but really it was really fun to be able to make pies again. And they turned out pretty good, not as good as yours mom but they were still very good!

I cant' believe how crazy your Thanksgiving was. I can't believe that you were still able to breath with everything that was going on! It sounds like a lot of fun having a bunch of family around for Thanksgiving. That's one thing I missed but only about a month until we'll be able to talk, hopefully skype!

I'm so excited for the iPod! It's CHRISTMAS TIME! But i can listen to anything with the Mo Tab symbol on it... So the King Singers and Sissel, Davie Archie, all good! Haha. Thanks for sending that! 

Unfortunately there weren't' any baptisms this past week... The 18 year old was out of town for the holidays so he'll get baptized on Sunday and who knows about the couple we have been teaching that will be married soon... They really need to get baptized! they are so ready but Satan is trying all he can to stop them. Please pray for them.

Anyways I'll let you know more for the Christmas stuff. Haven't really thought about it much but I know that the Lord lives. This week we were able to remember the reasons why we are thankful and hopefully we'll be able to remember those every day not just once a year. i am so thankful for all of you! I love each one of you so much! It's hard to be away from you during this holiday season but I know we are a family forever and I am so thankful for that! Love you lots!

-Elder David B. Fullmer

Pictures David sent on Novemebr 21st

November 21st letter

Dear Fullmer Family! 

Well this week has been a pretty good one. It has just flown by though. It just seems like it was P day. Anyways I hope it's been a good one for all of you. This past week we had our zone conferences where President Anderson talked about fears. He said that Heavenly Father has a plan for all of us but also that Lucifer has a plan. It's to place fear into our hearts. He taught us many way to confront this fear and to be successful knowing that we are doing the work of the Lord. 

Our regional doctor came in and talked a lot about stress. We but these little dots on our hands which tell us how stressed we are. Surprisingly I wasn't really stressed. I put it on the back of my nametag so i can just check how stressed I really am. haha. 

We did see some really amazing miracles this week though. During Zone Conference, we got a text from a member who said that her daughter's boyfriend, who had taken the lessons with the missionaries a while back, told them that he wants to get baptized. We met with him right after zone conferences and set him with a date for this next coming Sunday! He's incredible. He's 18 years old and so ready to be baptized! 

The couple we have been teaching are doing really well as well. They are pretty much for sure going to be married and baptized this next weekend. If they don't and I get transferred I don't know what I'm going to do...! They need it! But it'll happen.

During zone conference we also learned that we need to be more energetic and testify powerfully when we knock doors. We put that into effect and met some wonderful people prepared for the gospel. One night we were knocking doors and the first person that we met was this Cuban woman, probably 25 or so and was holding an avocado. She said that she really didn't have any time right now so that we could leave a blessing on her hand and as we testified that this is what she was looking for in her life she paused. Her ex father in law was there and apparently he's an ex Mormon as well... She looked at him and he said, "You should listen to what they have to say." She let us in where we left a blessing with her and her daughter. We later learned that she had been wanting to go to a church but didn't know where to go. She had been feeling alone lately and was so grateful for the blessing that we left with her. 

Another woman we met on Saturday was from Cuba as well... Surprise! She was so surprised that we could speak Spanish and absolutely loved the blessing that we left with her. For the past 3 weeks or so it had been so hard finding people who spoke Spanish. On Friday and Saturday we blessed 7 homes in Spanish. It was incredible. The Lord is guiding us!

This is going to be probably the most different Thanksgivings that I've ever had before. We got our food list from the ward for the week and the family who signed up for us for Thursday came up to us in church and handed us a $20 bill for our food... I don't know if they didn't realize it was Thanksgiving but we get to try and come up with something. It doesn't really matter but it would be nice to eat some turkey :) It'll be great!

 

This past week I had been having the craving to bake... then the pie book came in the mail! AHHH! It was like manna from heaven! Haha. So now I have the plan today to bake pies for the missionaries in the district. I was going to be baking with Sister Anderson but her plans changed and wouldn't be able to do it... Ohh well! I'm super excited to make pies today!

That's awesome to hear about Kurt Bestor Mom! I'm sure he remembered me when I sang in his Christmas concert... Psyche! But I'm glad that you finally found your song that you've been searching for. Ya for Christmas music we can only listen to MoTab. We found the Sissel CD in our appt and we've been listening to that constantly! Haha. She's so good! But ya if you could send the iPod with Christmas music and maybe General Conference talks I'd really appreciate it! 

Now for Christmas gifts? I have no idea... I've got scrips... Well maybe some new Spanish ones. a while ago mine got wet in the rain. They're still usable but I'll have to think about it. I might need some new shoes as well. Mine are getting kinda worn out from so much harvesting :) You could send those other shoes that I left at home as well when you have time. No need to rush. But I'll just have to think a little harder about Christmas. 

Way to break a tooth Mom... that's all i have to say about that. :)

Well I hope that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving this next Thursday! I will be thinking about you! Not too much but just enough :) I love you all so much! thank you Mom for sending me the Wendy's gift card. It was my companion's birthday on Saturday and his parents didn't really send him anything... I guess that's what happens being the youngest of 8... Anyways I spoiled him on his birthday. Took him to Wendy's and we had a great day! Thanks for that Mom! Anyways I love you all very much! I know that God lives and guides us. Let us be thankful for all of our blessings that God has given us and find others who we can share them with! Have a wonderful week!

-Elder David B. Fullmer

Weekly Report- Nov. 14th letter

Dear Fullmer Family,

How's everything been with all of you? I hope everything's going well! I can't believe how fast time is flying. It definitely does not seem like it's the middle of November already. Thanksgiving is next week?!?! What?!?! I can't believe it. Speaking of Thanksgiving... you know how much i love making pies so I was just wondering if you could possibly send me the Lion House pie book that I got last year... My companion just so happens to love pie as well and I'm sure some of the missionaries close by wouldn't mind a homemade piece of pie either ;) If you could stick that in with the Ensigns that would be fantastic!

Well, unfortunately the couple we are teaching who are really close to baptism were not married and baptized this past week... He's been so busy at work that he hasn't really had much time to go to the court house during the business hours to get everything done. We're praying that he can get a day this week to get it. They are so ready to get baptized. This past week we watched the Documentary about the life of Thomas S. Monson. It was very good. I don't know if you've seen it or not but it is very good. It's called, "On the Lord's Errand." You should get it! But they are doing well. Super strong! They're going to be great members and missionaries.

We have another really awesome investigator who I told you about last week. Well we had a very powerful lesson with her this past week. For some reason we have like a really powerful connection and it was definitely strong in this lesson that we had with her. In the lesson she told us some very strong issues she is dealing with and I wasn't really sure what I was going to tell her. I knew she needed to know that it was against the commandments but it isn't an easy thing to do telling someone. So while I was thinking about what to say I couldn't think of anything. Then I remembered to stop thinking about myself and think about what she needs to hear. It came. Love. I told her that Heavenly Father loves her so much. When I testified of this the Spirit was so powerful, one of the most powerful times I had ever felt it. While using this doctrine of the Love of God I told her this she said that she felt hopeful and that God did love her and would help her change her situation. Something very important that I learned in this lesson that it's impossible to tell someone that basically their whole life has been is sin and have them walk away saying that they feel hopeful and peaceful without the power of the Spirit. It's impossible! Nothing that we can tell them does anything positive without the Spirit testifying. During this lesson I had a moment, that is very difficult to describe, where I saw her the way that God sees her. It was overpowering and absolutely incredible! It was briefly but i will always remember it. I love being able to teach someone being guided by the Spirit. There is nothing like it to be able to tell someone EXACTLY what they need to hear. She decided to come to church yesterday and loved it. As she is making changes in her life it's very difficult but she felt very peaceful at church and knows what she needs to do. Her situation is much more than what I've told you and it's one of the most difficult situations that I've seen but she is so hopeful and knows that there is a way. I've learned so much from her and I'm so grateful to be able to teach her

Now to answer some of your questions... So about if I teach more in English or Spanish. Well because the branch that I'm in is a Spanish branch most of the lessons are in Spanish. The person I just talked about earlier in the letter is the only one who we teach in English, because she is fluent in both. Many of the lessons are in Spanglish though. It's very different teaching spanish in the states because if you don't know how to say something in Spanish you can usually just say it in English and they know what you're talking about. It's great! :) 

I can't believe that our room is clean! It's been some time since that room's been clean. Way to go Sam! 

Have any of you heard from the family moving to Utah yet? Are you friends on Facebook yet? 

It's too bad to hear about the Elders that died in Texas. I heard about it the other day from a member in the Branch. Do you have the names of the Elders who passed away?

We are mostly riding in cars right now but riding on bikes occasionally. The weather is so nice that it's not bad to ride bikes either. My knees are doing surprisingly well. I haven't had any problems with them... knock on wood... even with all the kneeling that I do. Lots of praying!

Well that's about all that I can say today. Thanks for telling me about Stake Conference. It sounded like it was a great meeting. I know that this is the work of the Lord. When we want to and trust the Lord, I know that He will guide us to those who are prepared and who are willing to accept this message that we carry. He loves us so much! He wants us to be happy and follow Him! How lucky I am to be on His errand. This church is true and I will always be grateful for the knowledge that I have. I love you all so much!

With love,

-Elder David B. Fullmer

P.S. If there is any piano music that you think I'd like... Send it here! I need Christmas music :)

November 7th letter

Dear Fullmer Family,

Can you believe it's already November? I definitely cannot. I'm not used to having only two seasons in Florida... Rainy season and not rainy season. The weather here has been absolutely beautiful! Sorry about the snow... I miss it but I think I'll stick with this weather for a little bit longer :) The mornings have been a little cool which have been really nice and the days, I imagine, are right around 75 or 80 degrees. Okay I'll stop rubbing it in your faces! 

 

This week has been very good! Not as crazy as last weeks but still has been good. The new member who was baptized was confirmed a member yesterday and she's never been happier. It's amazing. It makes me think of D&C 18:15 where it says, "If you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people and bring save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my father." (Sorry if it's not word for word... I only have my spanish scrips on me and so that's my rough translation...) It's true though. There is no greater joy than helping others come unto Christ!

Well this past week I also received a letter from one of  my favorite families from Miami Beach... They let me know in the letter that they are going to be moving to Provo, UT on November 30th!!!! The funny thing is that I joked with them all the time that they were going to move to Utah and she kept telling me that they would NEVER! Well... I guess they are! They might need some help moving everything and if you could keep any of the old toys that we never use any more I'm sure they'd absolutely love them! I don't think they're going to have much of anything in their new home. But it's very exciting to hear about! I don't know very many of the details but I'll let you know more when I hear more.

We have a new awesome investigator.. We have visited with her a few times and she just absolutely loves the Spirit. Her prayers are incredible. She says that whenever we come by something touches her heart and makes her feel happy! She's been in the Army for about 20 years of her life, and now she is working as an Orthopedic Surgical Assistant. Very cool huh? Every time we teach her I just feel so good! It's awesome finding new people who are so prepared to accept the gospel. There are a few barriers with her but we're working through them.

Now time for the couple we are teaching update! While i was on an exchange with the Zone Leaders this past Friday, My companion and another elder went to visit them. They talked about baptism and confirmation. Apparently they went to the court on Friday to fill out their marriage certificate and hopefully it'll be in by this Thursday so they can get married on Saturday and baptized on Sunday! That would be awesome! I love this work. Yesterday they came to church and the man was so friendly to one of the Sister's investigators who came to church. He sat next to him the whole time explaining things and just helping him along. He's practically already a member! It's great!

That's too bad to hear about and elder from our MTC group... Now only another elder and myself left from our district. But we're both going strong! Hopefully he'll recover soon so he can come back and serve the rest of his mission. He's a great Elder. I just saw him a few weeks ago and he told me that he might be going home. I wish him the best and pray that he will be coming back soon. This past week the brethren changed our mission boundaries. They added another stake to our mission called the Stuart Stake. We now have 25 new missionaries in our mission. I'm excited to get to meet them all. 

So I asked my companion if his dad had ever served as WML and he said that he had. He told me that he thinks he remembers a Elder MacKay but he's going to ask his dad if he can remember more clearly. That's super cool though! Who would have known? 

Well there's not much more to report from Florida. I know that as we follow what the Lord has asked us to do, he will guide our steps. In the Letter from the family they told me that they don't know why they need to go to Utah but that it's what's right for them at this time. I'm sure it's going to be hard for them because they have family in Florida but I'm confident that everything will work out. I love this work and I love my family! You're all so wonderful! Keep praying!

With Love, 

-Elder David B. Fullmer

Pictures David sent

Baptism pictures

Caught in the rain and got soaked

I Believe in Miracles 10-31-2011

Dear Fullmer Family,

Well I am just so excited to tell you about this past week that I had. It was AWESOME! But first I'm going to take you back to last week. So last Monday as you can remember I was pretty disappointed that I wasn't going to baptize in October. In President's email he said that if you worked as hard as you could, praying and being exactly obedient, you will baptize in October. I took that as I'm not doing my best or whatever and was a little frustrated.

However as the week went on, Satan was really working on me saying that I'm not good enough and that I'm not a good missionary... So on Wednesday I decided to talk to one of my Zone Leaders about everything. It felt good to just let everything out and he told me that I have a lot of things to be proud about. He was telling me about my area before I came in and how there really wasn't anything and we have 6 investigators with a baptismal date.

It reminded me of the story in Alma 8 when Alma goes into the city of Gideon. No one wanted to listen to him and as he was leaving an angel came to him and said, "Lift up thy head and rejoice, for thou hast great cause to rejoice." It was kind of the same thing. Then my Zone leader said to not give up on baptizing in October... there's still time. So as I left with new spunk and a new energy about things we went to our appointments.

That night we visited with one of our investigators and I had the feeling to have a small testimony meeting with all of her kids. They all bore their testimonies and then she bore hers. It was one of the most powerful testimonies that I had heard. At that time I knew that something would happen so she would get baptized this Sunday. I didn't know how but something would happen! As we left, I sent a text out to all of the zone seeing if they would include her in their prayers so that she could get baptized this Sunday. The next day as we were weekly planning, there is a section entitled, "Set goals and make plans for people to be baptized in the coming week." As we were sitting there thinking about how she would be able to be baptized on Sunday, because she had to work, we got a call. DUN DUN DUN! The caller was one of the members in the branch presidency. He called and said that he was talking to a woman who needed two people to work with her Mondays through Fridays. He wanted her number. We gave it to him and we couldn't wait to go see her. She had work that day so when she got home we ran over there telling her the good news. We called the woman and she got the job! I couldn't believe what was going on! We got down on our knees and thanked Heavenly Father for this huge miracle. 

However, even though she got the new job it wasn't easy making sure everything happened. Satan was working his hardest to get her from stepping into that water. On Friday night we went over to visit her and to make sure everything was good so she could come to her interview on Saturday morning. She said that she had to work and couldn't make it... We called the AP's to see what their plans were like for Saturday afternoon and they were booked. They asked if they could come over and do it right then. They came over and did the interview and she needed to have a second interview with one of the mission presidency... She had the interview Saturday night and she PASSED!!! As we were planning the Baptismal program I asked her who she wanted to baptize her and she asked me if I could do it. I was so happy to be able to baptize her! She's the first person that I've ever baptized! 

Well she got baptized yesterday and it was an incredible day! It was stressful getting everything ready but when the baptism started I knew that it was time for her to be baptized. I've learned a lot this week. I learned that the Lord really does have a plan for each person individually. There is a reason why she couldn't find a job before. She wasn't quite ready to be baptized yet... Now she is. Seeing her walk into the font was one of the most joyful moments of my life. And being a part of this huge step in her life has really strengthened my testimony and made me learn more about what my purpose as a missionary really is. I know the Lord watches us and He knows when things are supposed to happen. We might not know how or when, but He does. 

Thank you so much for the Halloween package! It was so much fun! The cookies were a little crumbly but they were delicious! I haven't opened the cheese balls... I'm a little worried to eat them. Haha. 

Just to let you know, I've been feeling a lot better. Still a little sick now and then but it has improved quite a lot. I'm glad that Stephen and Amy are doing well. Did they go on a honeymoon? You asked which wedding was harder to miss, Whitney's or Stephen's? That's a tough question because they were both tough but I think that Whitney's was because I was still fresh away from home and still getting used to things. 

About Facebook Friends? Add Mickey! They're doing really well. Hoping to get them married and baptized next week! So tonight being Halloween, we have to be in our apartments by 7:00... No trick or treating for us. My companion has never been trick or treating in his life... His mom wasn't a fan of Halloween. Haha. So I guess it's not going to start tonight... I can't believe that my friend from high school has been out a year already! I write him quite frequently. He's doing really good. I just wrote him last week! I can't believe that my 8 month mark is on Wednesday. It's flying! 

Well I'm about out of time but I know that the Lord is continually watching over us and that He is performing miracles daily. Miracles truly never cease! This week has been the best week of my mission by far! There is no greater joy than helping others come unto Christ! I love this work! I know that there are hard times just like Alma in Alma 8, but as we go back "speedily"( Alma 8:18) the Lord prepares a way to make miracle happen. I love you all so much! 

-Elder David B. Fullmer

P.S. I'm going to try and send some pictures from the baptism

October 24th letter

Dear Fullmer Family,

Well this past week I got a new companion. I am now with a companion from Show Low, Arizona. He has been out for just under 11 months and is the new district leader. His last area was an English speaking area where he served for the past 7 months. So it's new for him to be speaking and teaching in Spanish again. However he's definitely improving! He's a great Elder and I know that we're going to be working well together. My last companion was transferred to the Piquena Havana (Little Cuba) in Miami where he started his mission. Hopefully he'll enjoy it. I did happen to see the Elder (I went to school with) at transfer meeting. He's doing well. Thank you for the package that you sent to me with the tie and music. It was great to get! I'm looking forward to the Halloween package.

This last week has been a little tough as well, not gunna lie. I wish I could say I wasn't homesick on Friday but I was a little bit. (His older brother got married in Salt Lake).  However it's over now and I can get back to work. Also in the month of October there is a goal for the mission to have 100 baptisms. President Anderson said that every companionship must baptize! I was thinking that the couple we are teaching were going to get baptized this next week but they said that they're not going to be... It's frustrating because I've been doing all that I can to get a baptism but I just can't get one... I just don't want to feel like a failure you know? It's been tough... Everyone around me seems to get baptisms really easily but whenever anyone gets close, from my investigators, something happens... It's just part of the mission though... However there still is hope for one of our new investigators. We haven't taught her in more than a week but we're planning to teach her in about 20 minutes. Hopefully she can still get baptized on Sunday. We'd have to teach her a lot of things but we'll see.

Well the wedding sounded very nice! I'm very happy for both Stephen (Steve? Since when?) and Amy. They're going to be so happy together and I'm very happy for them. I'm glad to hear the Joe is still going strong. Pacific Rim Chicken sounds pretty good! I'm sad that I couldn't have been there but that's alright. I'd be more sad if I wasn't out here where I'm supposed to be. So where are they going to be living? I'm glad that I don't have to worry about that stuff right now... I'm glad that I've got time.

I have been feeling a little bit better... Not a lot though. I'm pretty sure it's not Salmonella at least I hope it's not! Haha. The weather here has been really nice. The mornings have been cool which is odd in Florida. But I'm glad the heat is gone for the most part.

It was great to hear that Elder Jensen is doing well. Sorry that the bishop kept saying my name instead... Haha. He's a great guy and I'm happy for him. It's been quite some time since I've seen him! Haha. With time to go!

Well I'm almost out of time! I know that the Lord strengthens us in our trials and helps us along the way. Like Dad said, "Trust in the Lord, and lean not unto thine own understanding." He knows better than we do. We need to trust in Him and He will lead us to the places we need to be. It's hard not having a lot of success in numbers. I don't like the numbers game but as we work our hardest the Lord is pleased with what we have done! I love you all and miss you all so much! Have a great week.

-Elder David B. Fullmer

P.S. Sam, you need to get a haircut!!!

Cardboard cut out.... Again. Steve and Amy's wedding - At least the Elder didn't blink

Oct. 18th pictures David sent

USA cupcakes

 The district

Fall District

sunrise

Now thats a boat

Ward mission leader with missionaries

 Elder Fullmers Scripture Cover Box

Transfer week. October 18, 2011

Hello Fullmer Family!

Well last night we received the information for transfers! So here it is... My companion is going to be leaving... I will be staying. When we heard this it was really difficult. He and I have gotten to be really good companions. We have been working really hard and starting to see the fruits of our labors. It will be sad to not have him be there for the wedding and for the baptism of the couple we are teaching... Hopefully he'll be transfered somewhere close so he can attend. He's been in the area for just over 6 months and hasn't had a baptism. He's been working so hard and just when we're going to have one... He has to leave. It's tough... We find out tomorrow who my new companion will be and where my curent companion will be serving. Transfers are crazy!

So this week has been pretty good I guess. I have been sick still so yesterday I just realized I should probably get this taken care of.  The joys of a mission!

However on the plus side there have been many miracles that we have seen this week. We recieved a call from an investigator that showed up to church about two months ago who pretty much has been coming to church regularly but haven't been able to teach her because of her crazy schedule. However when she called this past week she asked if we could have a lesson with her. We set one up and man was it awesome! We taught her the Restoration lesson which was super powerful! Her desires to find the truth are incredible. By the end of the lesson she was crying and the Spirit was so powerful! She accepted a date for the 30th of October and then asked... "What's the date today?" We said it's the 13th and she responded, "God can get me ready in time!" It was incredible!

Update on the couple we are teaching. Well this isn't much of an update because they always have been this... AMAZING!!! They are so great! It's always so great to teach them and to help them along this path. This past Sunday they brought their son (who is 16 years old) to church and he loved it! The father just wants to invite everyone he knows to church! They're incredible. Sometimes I forget that they're not even members.

This past week we had a fiesta at the church where we had food from every different country that is in the branch. Not many places in the world can you have a branch of about 70 members be from about every single country in South America! It was incredible! The Gringo missionaries decided to represent America by making cupcakes in the form of the American Flag... Just guess who's idea that was ;) It turned out to be pretty cool! (pictures are posted on the blog) It was a great night. We had a lesson with the couple we are teaching beforehand and one concern that they had was that they didn't feel part of the Branch yet... I said to just give it some time and they'll fit right in. That night at the party they did just that. They were part of the branch! Also at the party I got to use my EMT skills where someone was eating just a little to fast all the food and started choking... Used the Heimlich and he was just fine :) It was a great night.

Well unfortunately the woman investigator we are teaching didn't find a job... She didn't end up reading... I was a little frustrated but now we're just wondering what we can do for her. Her life is so crazy and it's just not one of her top priorities.. It's sad to see but we'll keep praying and helping her along. She will get baptized I just don't know when...

Well the weather channel is right! It's been raining a lot lately! Luckily I love the rain! We having (haven't??)  been riding bikes much lately so it hasn't been much of an issue. But it's always nice going to sleep when it's raining. That's cool that David Jensen's home! I can't believe how fast that went by! How's he doing? I haven't received any of the packages yet... However I'm looking forward to them :) The picture over the mantle looks really nice! I'm a fan... Not saying it was my idea or anything... but it was :) Yeah... I think you should wait to come to Florida until I get back from my mission. I'm sure the cruise would be a blast... But I'm a little selfish :) Haha. Good luck Stephen and Amy on Friday! I know that you're doing the right thing and that the Lord will help you through everything! I'll be thinking about you! I love you both!

I really liked how you (Mom) talked about how people have suffered for standing up for Jesus Christ. I was reading in an Ensign earlier this morning about the persecution that the apostles had for preaching about Jesus Christ. However they continued to do what they knew was true. Everyday we deal with persecution and people who don't believe or don't want to believe but as we remember why we are doing what we're doing and who we are representing, it doesn't matter what others say. We are doing the work of the Lord and trials will come.

I really like the scripture in Helaman 5:12. "And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."

If we are based in Christ, we cannot fall! Even though trials will come. We won't fall. However, when we forget that He is with us. When we forget that we are doing His work. When we forget that we are His representatives, we don't have that promise. That is why it is so important to bear testimony. When we share what we know, we remind ourselves of what's important. When we speak with the power of the Spirit, it teaches us constantly the things that we know are true.

I love the scripture in Matthew 16 :25 that says, "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." I hope that I can continually improve to be worthy to serve Jesus Christ and to always to my best to follow Him. He is the way, the truth and the light! When we take the steps into the dark not knowing what will happen. He is our light and we can know that He is guiding our steps even when we might not know where to go next. As we continually obey His commandments and seek for His guidance, we have His promise that we will not fall. I know that this is His work and that He is my light. I love this work and am so excited to help others daily to recognize His hand in their lives. I love you all so very much! Thank you for your prayers and your love!

Fullmer Family Forever!

-Elder David B. Fullmer

Pictures sent on October 10th-

October 10th letter

Dear Fullmer Family,

Well this week has been another great one! There have been some ups and some downs but it has really been great! I can't believe that this transfer is almost over. It just seems like it just started. I've been thinking about it some but I have a feeling that I'm going to be transfered. I don't know why because my companion has been here for 4 transfers but I just think I'm gunna get transfered. We shall see though. It was great to hear about what's going on at home and how everyone's doing. It always make me glad to hear from everyone... Hint hint Sam... :) Everything here has been good for the most part.

Well something that I've really learned this past week is the importance of reading in the Book of Mormon. As we were thinking about how we could help one of our investigators, both my companion and I had a feeling to just read the Book of Mormon with her. She hasn't really had much education and can't read very well but she can still read, just very slowly. So this past week we went over there about 4 times and just read with her. The first time we went over she was so stressed about what she should do with her family and everything and we asked if we could have a lesson with her. She was a little hesitant but she agreed. We told her that she was going to read and she said, "I can't." I told her, "I know you can. Now show me." As she started to read, you could see her face light up and her faith increasing. It's been incredible. At the end of the lesson she said, "Thank you so much for coming. I was so stressed but now I'm not worried. I know everything will work out." I said that this is the power of the Book of Mormon. We only read about 5 verses that day but it made a difference. Her reading abilities have increased this past week and it's so great to see her read. As I was praying before bed on Friday night I was asking what more can we do for her. I received a distinct impression that if she read every single day on her own, and prayed multiple times throughout the day for a new job she will find one on Monday. I've never extended a promise like this before but I was pushed by the Spirit to say it. As I promised this to her on Saturday, the Spirit testified again to me that it's true. I hope she read and prayed and I know that if she did she'll find a new job today. I love being a missionary!

Now it's time to talk about the couple we are teaching who are not married. They are amazing! They told us last week that they want to get married but they want to save up to have a nice big wedding. We don't want them to have to wait for these blessings any longer because they are waiting for them. We had a lesson this past week on Temples and the Priesthood. We told them that Families are meant to be eternal and through Temples and the Sealing powers your family can be forever. We suggested having a civil ceremony quickly, get baptized, and save up for a big party when they get sealed in the temple in a year. They said they'll think about it and told us yesterday that it's something they want to do! They talked with a member in the ward who can marry them and in the meeting I was just soooo happy!!! They were in love and I knew that this is what I'm supposed to be doing. He's going to talk with his boss today to see when he can get work off so he can get married. I hope I don't get transfered! Or I hope that it's before transfers! After the meeting, the man we are teaching came up to me and asked, "Will you baptize me the day after I get married? Can you do that?" I couldn't help but give him a hug and say I'd be happy to! If they're the only people I baptize, my mission would be a success. They are so ready and so willing to follow God's commandments! I love them so much!

Well this week has been pretty crazy weather wise. There were a few days where it was just dumping rain! It's fun! I like it, when i'm in the appartment. We've used up a bunch of miles so far so we're going to have to used our bikes more. Hopefully we don't get caught in the rain... Thanks for checking on my scriptures. I'm going to think about it... I've got memories with those scriptures and I don't know if I want them replaced... About the cover, I don't need one. My companion took the boxes from the scriptures and made be a box for them. It's got family pictures on it and I really like it. I'll send a picture of it next week.

Speaking of Family Pictures... If it's not too much of a trouble, it would be nice to have it framed :) Dad! You need to take piano lessons. Period. But since no one is using the piano, could you also send me some Jon Schmidt sheet music. Maybe the christmas one and the hymns one? I need to get a jump on christmas. I don't really get a lot of time to jam out but sometimes I do.

Ohh ya. This week was also a sister in our mission's birthday. She made me a cake for my birthday so I thought, "I'm going to make her a cake..." You know me, whatever chance I have to bake, I take it! It was an awesome cake! Chocolate with homemade cream cheese chocolate frosting with strawberries on top and inside. Man it was good. We had a surprise party for her at the Branch President's home. We got her good! Haha.

One more thing. Yesterday in church they announced that John Livingstone was going to come to our stake and give a seminar on marriage. You should talk to him Mom and maybe I can tell him hi! Haha.

Well that's about all the time I have today. I love this work and it's so amazing being able to be apart of miracles. There is no greater joy than helping someone change their life to follow Jesus Christ. I absolutely love it! I love you all so much and I pray for you daily. Please keep me in your prayers! I know the church is true and that we are on the Lord's errand.

With love,

-Elder David B. Fullmer