July 26, 2011 Transfer Week!

Hola Familia!

Como estan? Estoy esperando que todo esta bien en Utah! Well in English I hope that everything is going well with everyone in Utah. Well I have some news. We got the transfer information yesterday and found out that I will be transferred tomorrow... When I first heard this I was discouraged. I love Miami Beach so much! I have grown to love the people and the investigators and it has really become my home. However this is part of the mission. I just had to go say goodbye to my favorite family. They are so amazing. They basically have nothing (in the worldly aspect) however they are the happiest family I've ever seen. I have to say that it was very difficult to say goodbye. :

Yesterday after I found out that I would be transfered I said a prayer and got a feeling that everything will work out. I don't know where I'm going to go or who my new companion will be but I will find out at the Transfer Meeting tomorrow. That means though that I'll be able to see Elder Reese! It'll be nice to be able to see him. My current compnion will be training a new missionary this next transfer... Who knows? It might be Elder Reese! So today what I'll be doing is packing everything up and saying goodbye to people that I can. It'll be a tough day but it's part of the Mission.

Thank you all for the package that you sent me this week. It was really great! All the letters made me feel so happy! It really was awesome! I have the best family ever!!!

Happy Pioneer Day yesterday! I'm glad to hear that there were celebrations. In Florida there is nothing. None of the members even knew it was Pioneer Day. I guess it's only a Utah thing. I'm glad to hear that Sam's one minute talk went well. I also had to give a talk. It wasn't about Pioneers but it was about Obedience. I was the final speaker and everything was going over so they told me to make my talk about 1 minute. I went a little over but that's alright. It was nice to be able to give a talk. Everyone said that my Spanish is so much better than when I first got here so hopefully I'm getting better. Slowly but surely!

It sounds like work is really crazy back at home for you Mom. I'm sorry... Everything will work out though. I know that you'll be able to do it. By the way, when do you all go to Palmyra? Some of the people in the branch, 4 families or so, went to Palmyra a couple weeks ago. They absolutely loved it! I'm excited for you. Take lots of pictures! Wow Dad! 50 mile bike ride? That sounds tough. We ride our bikes everyday but the most I've ever had in one day is about 15. My legs would be burning. Sam's a beast for being able to go water skiing after that as well! Crazy! Does Sam have a road bike or did he borrow it from someone? This last week we got to help a former investigator and his family move to a different house. We went over to his house at about 12 o clock anHola Familia!

Como estan? Estoy esperando que todo esta bien en Utah! Well in English I hope that everything is going well with everyone in Utah. Well I have some news. We got the transfer information yesterday and found out that I will be transferred tomorrow... When I first heard this I was discouraged. I love Miami Beach so much! I have grown to love the people and the investigators and it has really become my home. However this is part of the mission. I just had to go say goodbye to my favorite family The Sierra Family. They are so amazing. They basically have nothing (in the worldly aspect) however they are the happiest family I've ever seen. I have to say that it was very difficult to say goodbye. (By the way, she wants to be friends with you on Facebook. Her name is Carla Sierra so you should add her! :)Yesterday after I found out that I would be transfered I said a prayer and got a feeling that everything will work out. I don't know where I'm going to go or who my new companion will be but I will find out at the Transfer Meeting tomorrow. That means though that I'll be able to see Elder Reese! It'll be nice to be able to see him. Elder Stubbs will be training a new missionary this next transfer... Who knows? It might be Elder Reese! So today what I'll be doing is packing everything up and saying goodbye to people that I can. It'll be a tough day but it's part of the Mission.

Thank you all for the package that you sent me this week. It was really great! All the letters made me feel so happy! It really was awesome! I have the best family ever!!!

Happy Pioneer Day yesterday! I'm glad to hear that there were celebrations. In Florida there is nothing. None of the members even knew it was Pioneer Day. I guess it's only a Utah thing. I'm glad to hear that Sam's one minute talk went well. I also had to give a talk. It wasn't about Pioneers but it was about Obedience. I was the final speaker and everything was going over so they told me to make my talk about 1 minute. I went a little over but that's alright. It was nice to be able to give a talk. Everyone said that my Spanish is so much better than when I first got here so hopefully I'm getting better. Slowly but surely!

It sounds like work is really crazy back at home for you Mom. I'm sorry... Everything will work out though. I know that you'll be able to do it. By the way, when do you all go to Palmyra? Some of the people in the branch, 4 families or so, went to Palmyra a couple weeks ago. They absolutely loved it! I'm excited for you. Take lots of pictures! Wow Dad! 50 mile bike ride? That sounds tough. We ride our bikes everyday but the most I've ever had in one day is about 15. My legs would be burning. Sam's a beast for being able to go water skiing after that as well! Crazy! Does Sam have a road bike or did he borrow it from someone? This last week we got to help a former investigator and his family move to a different house. We went over to his house at about 12 o clock and started helping. It took about 5 hours to finish and by the time it was done by shirt was soaked in sweat! I probably lost 5 lbs! It was so hot... It's only July and everyone says, "Just wait until August. It's a lot worse!" Yay... We'll have to see what area I'm in to see if I'll get a nice breeze from the ocean. Probably not as much as we do here but we'll just have to see. I've definitely enjoyed the rain lately. It's been nice. I've always liked the rain. However riding bikes in the rain isn't very fun. We've gotten caught in the rain a couple times but it usually doesn't last very long. It's fun though.

Well I've got to get going so I can pack up everything. Happy Birthday Sam! I'm going to send you a birthday card but I'm not sure when I'll be able to send it. Just know that I'm thinking about you and that the card will come as soon as I can get it to ya. I love you Bro! Happy 17th Birthday! Well this week will have many changes but as I've thought about it, it will really help me grow and learn. I'll be able to meet new people and learn from a new companion. Elder Stubbs has been great to be with and I've learned many new things from him. We had our differences but this past week has been really good. We've had some good success. Last week, I forgot to tell you all about it, but President Anderson came out with a new program to help us find new investigators and find people who are ready to accept the gospel. It's called "The Harvesting Method." What it consists of it when we knock on the doors we say, "Hello, My name is Elder Fullmer and this is Elder ______. We are representatives of Jesus Christ and He has sent us here to leave His peace and blessing on your home. May we enter so that we can leave His peace and blessing on your home?" As they allow us to come it we leave an actual blessing on their home. We kneel and say, "In the name of Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Priesthood which we hold, we leave the Savior's peace and blessing on this the (Family's name) home." We go on to bless each member of the family by name and at the end of the blessing we say, "Finally we bless this home and this family with the desire to find the truth and to know it's the truth when they hear it and feel it." It's really cool. The purpose is to allow them to have a strong spiritual experience right when they meet us. It has been very affective and I love doing it so much! As I have studied this method I've realized it has helped me realize the importance of my calling and the power of the priesthood. When Jesus was on the Earth He would bless those He came in contact with. Then He would teach them. That's what we're doing. It has been amazing to see the immediate change in the people that we meet and to see how much they love the Spirit! I know that this is the work of the Lord and that He loves everyone. It's such a privelidge to be able to go around and bless those that need it. I love this work and I know that the Lord loves us. Hopefully the website will be updated so you all will be able to see where I go tomorrow with my new companion. If not I'll let you know next Monday! I love you all so much!

-Elder David B. Fullmerd started helping. It took about 5 hours to finish and by the time it was done by shirt was soaked in sweat! I probably lost 5 lbs! It was so hot... It's only July and everyone says, "Just wait until August. It's a lot worse!" Yay... We'll have to see what area I'm in to see if I'll get a nice breeze from the ocean. Probably not as much as we do here but we'll just have to see. I've definitely enjoyed the rain lately. It's been nice. I've always liked the rain. However riding bikes in the rain isn't very fun. We've gotten caught in the rain a couple times but it usually doesn't last very long. It's fun though.

Well I've got to get going so I can pack up everything. Happy Birthday Sam! I'm going to send you a birthday card but I'm not sure when I'll be able to send it. Just know that I'm thinking about you and that the card will come as soon as I can get it to ya. I love you Bro! Happy 17th Birthday! Well this week will have many changes but as I've thought about it, it will really help me grow and learn. I'll be able to meet new people and learn from a new companion. Elder Stubbs has been great to be with and I've learned many new things from him. We had our differences but this past week has been really good. We've had some good success. Last week, I forgot to tell you all about it, but President Anderson came out with a new program to help us find new investigators and find people who are ready to accept the gospel. It's called "The Harvesting Method." What it consists of it when we knock on the doors we say, "Hello, My name is Elder Fullmer and this is Elder ______. We are representatives of Jesus Christ and He has sent us here to leave His peace and blessing on your home. May we enter so that we can leave His peace and blessing on your home?" As they allow us to come it we leave an actual blessing on their home. We kneel and say, "In the name of Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Priesthood which we hold, we leave the Savior's peace and blessing on this the (Family's name) home." We go on to bless each member of the family by name and at the end of the blessing we say, "Finally we bless this home and this family with the desire to find the truth and to know it's the truth when they hear it and feel it." It's really cool. The purpose is to allow them to have a strong spiritual experience right when they meet us. It has been very affective and I love doing it so much! As I have studied this method I've realized it has helped me realize the importance of my calling and the power of the priesthood. When Jesus was on the Earth He would bless those He came in contact with. Then He would teach them. That's what we're doing. It has been amazing to see the immediate change in the people that we meet and to see how much they love the Spirit! I know that this is the work of the Lord and that He loves everyone. It's such a privelidge to be able to go around and bless those that need it. I love this work and I know that the Lord loves us. Hopefully the website will be updated so you all will be able to see where I go tomorrow with my new companion. If not I'll let you know next Monday! I love you all so much!

-Elder David B. Fullmer

June 18, 2011 letter home

Thank you for your letters that you've sent me and for the encouragement that you've given me. I have to say that this week has been much better than last. Last Monday was a rough day but it worked out. Things "Came to Pass..." As I was praying last Monday during preparation day I got this feeling that everything would work out and not to worry.

Concerning my pictures I received this feeling that I'll be able to get them back somehow. The power of prayer is real and sometimes I take it forgranted. We need to always pray with all of our heart and will all of the energy that we have. When we do this we demonstrate to the Lord our needs and our willingness to ask for direction. Sometimes we (I) pray to Heavenly Father and it probably is like a voice recording to Him and then I hang up. However when we don't sit and listen for an answer, the Lord can't respond to us as directly. Nothing ever get's done when people play phone tag... We need to pray fervently and then wait and listen for Him to respond. As I've used this in my personal prayers, the Spirit has been stronger and has guided me by answering my questions.

On Tuesday I was able to go on an exchange with my district leader. This definitely was divinely orchestrated. We had such a great day. I felt impressed to tell him about my photo problem and he told me about his last companion who frequently had his pictures deleted. He said to not take any more pictures on the card, which luckily I hadn't, and to send the memory card to him because his sister has a program where she can retrieve the pictures that have been taken on the card. It was very comforting to hear about so I sent it to the other Elder and hopefully everything will work out. My companion had an extra memory card that he said I could use until I get another one. That was very nice of him. I'll check today when we go to Walgreens to see if my camera's messed up. I hope it isn't...

However during the exchange right when we got to the apartment we got a call from the Sister missionaries saying that a woman came to the chapel looking for us. She said that the missionaries taught her a while ago and she wanted to know when she could get baptized. Last week we were going through former investigators and her name stuck out me. We stopped by her house seeing how she was doing but she wasn't home. I had a feeling to leave a note on the door and then we left. Apparenly this note helped her remember how she felt when the missionaries taught her and she wants to get baptized. We called her and scheduled an appointment to come by and teach her. However she cancelled the first because she was at the dentist and the second she cancelled for another reason. We invited her to come to church and she came yesterday. Slowly but surely she's going to get baptized.

Another miracle that we had during this exchange with Elder Weese is that we found a new investigator. As we were knocking doors we knocked his and he came to the door in a robe and my first impression was, okay...? However he invited us in and was very interested in what we had to say. He was born in Cuba but then he moved to Italy. I thought Cuban was hard enough but now it's with an Italian accent. Very strange and hard to understand sometimes. However he's an awesome guy. He's an artist and his paintings are absolutely amazing! I wish you could see how good he is. As my District Leader and I taught him the first lesson he accepted a soft baptismal invitation (which is without a date.)

We went back to teach him on Thursday and talked to him a little bit more about the Book of Mormon. It wasn't the best lesson but he understood what we were trying to say. We came back Saturday and that lesson was fantastic. We talked about how the Spirit answers our questions that we have and he is really interested. I had a feeling to share an experience that I had while I was on my way to Florida how the Book of Mormon calmed my fears and answered my questions that I had. For some reason I could not speak in Spanish. After I shared (as best that I could) the experience and the scripture he said, "I couldn't understand the words that you were saying, but for some reason I could understand what you were saying perfectly.

He compared me to Moses where he couldn't speak very well but through the Spirit he could teach powerfully. I guess I got a new nickname with him... Moses... Haha. It was a very neat experience to witness the power of the spirit and the reality of the gift of tongues. For me I've realized that the gift of tongues isn't being able to speak perfectly. Sometimes yes, but usually it's being able to communicate through the Spirit. It was a very strong testimony builder. The exchange was a very spiritually strengthening experience. This day changed something in me and helped me feel the joy in missionary work.

It's so exciting to hear about the Pilot program that is taking place in the ward. I know our Bishop will be an incredible bishop for this program. I'm excited for the experiences that will come into your lives as you look for opportunities to share the gospel. Some advice that I'd give to you is to pray specifically for opportunities and then act on it. Once you have spiritual experiences through missionary work, share them in Testimony Meeting. As you do this it will encourage other members to "Catch the Vision" and to work harder to invite others to come unto Christ.

Dad, I'm so sorry that it's been so hot and humid in Utah. I wouldn't know what that's like here in Miami Beach... Last week it was only 101 degrees with 100% humidity... Well that was in the sun. Nevertheless it's hot! Lately however we have gotten quite a bit of rain. I love it! Last night there was a huge lightning storm! We were going to go visit a less active member and right when we walked inside it started to pour. Pretty cool. I opened my window last night so I could listen to the rain and thunder as I slept. Very nice :)

FYI Sam walked (in the Pioneer Trek) for Lott Smith last year... I remember! Just to let you all know that next week is transfer week, believe it or not, so P Day will take place on Tuesday not Monday.

You asked what pictures I'd like to have and I was thinking maybe some from Whitney's wedding, Stephen & Amy, Family Pictures from Andrew (even if they haven't been cleaned up yet), and just anything you think would be nice. Anything I'll love!

Well finally I'd just like to say how much I love and appreciate you all! You're the best family ever and I'm so glad to be part of this family. If there is anything that I can do for you all please let me know. I know that this is the Lord's work. Trials happen all the time but if we have an eternal perspective of this life, they don't seem so bad.

Satan is working hard to try and have me feel discouraged but as I continue to pray and have a smile while I teach I'm taking away the power from him and spreading the Kingdom as I invite others to come unto Christ. I love you all and pray for you daily. I know God loves us and helps us through our trials.

-Elder David Fullmer

P.S. Happy Birthday Grandma Teddy! I'll try and get a birthday card to you but if it's not there by Friday, forgive me! I love you!

July 11, 2011

Dear Family,

It sounds like this week has been very very busy at home. It's so wonderful to hear that you were able to attend the Hale's Homecoming. It sounds like it was very spiritual and a very great experience. Also it's great to hear that it was in the ward building that I used to sing at for the International Children's Choir. President and Sister Hale are such wonderful people. Also it's great to hear that you got to run into my companion who trained me. He's such a wonderful person and was such a great missionary! It's also great to hear that Dad and Sam got to meet Captain Uchtdorf! Did you say that your son is Captain David? I doubt he'd remember me but it would be awesome if he did. Someone asked how President Uchtdorf and President Hale know each other. I'm not really sure but he set him apart as a mission president and they've been friends before. President Hale knows all of the General Authorities somehow. He pretty much knows everyone! Haha. 

Thank you as well for sending me the package! It was a great thing to get! Luckily it wasn't a chocolate mess and everything was perfect! Thank you for the ties as well. They're perfect!

This past week as been an alright week. We've been working hard and trying to find new people to teach. However we haven't really had much success. It's frustrating but we're working through it. President Anderson is coming out with a new program that has already brought a lot of success. I'm exciting to learn about it and to apply it into the work. We've been trying this week to work with the members. It's so much more effective when we work with members. It's slow but we're doing our best.

You had some questions about the man that joined the church. We met him about 5 weeks ago when he walked into church. He said that he's been looking for the true church and decided to come that day. We set appointments but we didn't end up teaching him for about 2 weeks. Ever since then it's just been super fast. He's a great guy.

This past week we visited with a recent convert in the YSA branch, but since the missionaries for that branch are sisters we stop by occasionally to see how he's doing. He's been having doubts lately because nothing really is going well for him in his life and he's been doubting if the church is true. The morning before we talked to him I said a prayer that I would have the opportunity to strengthen my testimony. 

He asked me, "If you had 2 minutes before the world ended and you could bear your testimony, what would you say?" I just went for it. It seemed like I just opened my mouth and the words came out. It was one of the most powerful testimonies that I've ever given. It was a very spiritual experience for me and I could tell he felt the spirit. It was a wonderful experience. 

Another time this week when we were visiting with a member he told us, "whenever you missionaries I feel more peace than any other time or with any other people." It was such a cool experience. I can't really describe what it felt like but it really felt like I was a tool in the Lord's hand. 

I know that this church is true and that being a missionary is a wonderful opportunity. Even though we have difficult days, we are able to feel the spirit and the direction from the Lord if we're doing all that we can to do the work. I love you all so much!

-Elder David Fullmer

(Sorry that this letter's a little weird, I'm not feeling very well and the words just aren't coming to me. I tried to put pictures onto the email but the file's too big and won't attach... I'm sure there's a way but I'm not really sure how... I love you. Please keep me in your prayers.)

July 5, 2011- Happy 4th of July

Dear Fullmer Family,

Happy 4th of July! I hope you all had a wonderful day off. It sounded like it was pretty hot there, however if you wanted you could go up to Snowbird to go skiing. That's pretty crazy. If I told that to people here I don't think they'd believe me. 

Yesterday our branch planned a BBQ during the day. However we weren't able to attend the activity because we had ZONE CONFERENCE! It was a wonderful zone conference. It was the meet the president conference so it was really good. President and Sister Anderson are incredible. When President Anderson was giving his talk, or whatever you want to call it, he talked about while at the MTC during the Mission President Training Meeting, Elder Gonzalez (in the Presidency of the Seventy, and is the one over our mission) said, "I expect great things from the Florida FT Lauderdale Mission." This was said in a meeting with 152 (about) new mission presidents. He said that the world knows who we are and they're talking about our mission. He has a plan to double our baptisms. That would mean that every companionship would need to have 2 baptisms a month. It was a very encouraging meeting. Most of the training was centered around "Catching the Vision." He said that it is vital to "Catch the Vision early in your mission." This is what I need to work on. It's really easy to be concerned about our own welfare. But when we have the vision of others and only concentrate on them, miracles happen and work is being done. Surprisingly as I went up to talk to Sister Anderson she said, "Hello MTC companion!" They both remembered me! It was great to talk to them. We just kept talking and talking and I got this feeling that everything would work out perfectly! It was wonderful. Last night it was too late to watch fireworks, but we definitely heard them last night. Were you able to watch the fireworks?

This week we had quite an amazing miracle. We had a BAPTISM! It was a surprise baptism. He's a Peruvian man who speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and I believe Portuguese. He's a cool guy. He's 61 years old and loves to ride bikes. He lives on a boat in the bay and does triathlons (spelling?). He's had 2 strokes but he has more energy than ever. 

Last Monday I believe he came to the lesson after we had taught him the restoration and said, "I want to be baptized." We taught him everyday last week and taught him everything that he needed and he was baptized last Saturday. It was incredible. My companion performed the baptism and I did the confirmation... In Spanish... It was a little rough but the important parts were done correctly so he has the gift of the Holy Ghost which is most important. It was a little challenging getting everything ready on such short notice but we got it all done and we had a baptism of both water and fire! Ha ha. It was great!

This week also had some challenges but we're working through all of them. I've been getting better about talking to people on the street and we have gotten a few potential investigators from both my companion and myself opening our mouths. It's tough but we're learning and growing. 

Something that I have learned this week is to not go down to South Beach on 4th of July weekend... On Sunday we received a call from an old Cuban man who is a member who has been sick recently. He was feeling better but was very lonely. He asked if we could go down and visit him. Forgetting that it was 4th of July weekend we agreed... Probably shouldn't have. We got down there and there were so many people!!!  Well when we finally get to his apartment he says he's feeling a lot better and wants to get something to eat. I told him that it was Sunday and we're not supposed to use money on Sunday. He said "Shhh!" He said, "I'm hungry, you've been fasting all day and I'm going to get you something to eat!" If you haven't noticed he's an old stubborn Cuban. He started to leave and I remember saying a prayer before we left that we would be able to keep all the commandments today. We tried to talk him out of going but he wasn't listening. We left him apartment but thank goodness we couldn't find any where to park in South Beach to go eat. We asked him over and over if we could come back another day to eat with him and over and over he said "No." I didn't know how this was going to work out but I said another prayer and I asked him if we could come back on Wednesday and he said, "Sure! Whatever you Elders want to do." It truly was a miracle! We were able to keep the Sabbath Day Holy and also cheered up an old sickly man. However, I'm never going to go down to South Beach on 4th of July weekend. Welcome to the live of a missionary! Ha ha.

Here's the news about our investigator. Well I don't know if I told you before but he needs to be divorced from his old wife in Cuba before he can marry his new one in Florida. It's quite a complicated process but he's doing all he can to get it done fast. He said it shouldn't take too long. Hopefully it won't. Well his "wife to be" is very excited to get married. She hasn't sat down to talk with us before, or taken the lessons, but we saw her and our investigator on the street yesterday and we talked for close to 20 minutes. It was great! She's so excited to get married and she's very supportive of his decision to be baptized. We want to teach her as well but their work schedules conflict so it's a little difficult to teach her. However with the power of the Lord we'll get her to come to church soon and then get baptized! We have the faith!

Dad you were wondering about our apartment. Like you said it is across the street from the chapel so no we don't have any excuses if we are late. Luckily we haven't yet. But the apartment is quite nice! It's very small but it doesn't need to be very big. We have a little kitchenette a bedroom and a big room. There is a couch, which is a little too comfortable sometimes. We also have a washer and dryer in the apartment which is very very nice to have! The only bad part about it is the walls are thin. There is a fire station across the street as well so sometimes it gets pretty noisy at night. I've been sleeping alright I guess. A little bit better than before but not a whole lot better. It's alright though. 

Concerning the Bahamas and Cayman Islands mom, I'm not sure on the status of the islands. Sorry... It's exciting that you'll be attending the Hale's homecoming. I'm sure you'll feel how amazing they are! Please send them my love! Thank you for sending the package as well. Soon you'll be able to see how beautiful my area is! Ha ha. 

Wow! This letter is pretty long! Hopefully it makes sense. I'm writing pretty fast. Ha ha. Anyways thank you all so much for the love that I've felt. I know that times get tough but the Lord will never give us anything that we cannot handle. We just need to be patient and always do our best. The Lord never expects anything more then our best effort. I know this is the Lords work and that he loves us very much! Please keep me in your prayers! I love you!

-Elder David Fullmer