Merry Christmas December 17, 2012

Dear Family,

Well this week has been a wonderful week! It's been a bit different with everything going on but it's been one full of memories! This week we were privelidged to have a mission conference to celebrate Christmas! You all saw the picture that President sent and I was doing so well in not blinking in the pictures!



Christmas Mission Conference. Elder Fullmer is on the back row (ninth from the left) His eyes are shut :)

 However there was only one picture that I blinked in and it just so happened to be the picture that he sent out to everyone! Kinda disappointing but oh well, what can you do :) But really the conference was so special. We started off with a delicious lunch with prime rib, green beens, FUNERAL POTATOES (I was on an almost two year withdrawal), and pumpkin pie. The food was so good!! We then played a white elephant game where I brought a piggy bank that was made out of a coconut! It was so cool!! I ended up with a stocking holding a notebook inside... Pretty lame but that's alright. After that we had the zone musical numbers. We went first and I have to say it went pretty well. Not perfect but it went well.

Homestead Zone- Photo taken from Bill and Mary's blog

We sang O Holy Night and it was nice! After all of the other zones performed we all went into the chapel where President Anderson gave a message to us. He compiled testimonies of prophets and apostles of Jesus Christ and put them to music. It was so spiritual and I loved it! He gave each of us a CD which I have listened to multiple times. I also like it cuz the music is by John Schmidt :) It's been a while! All in all it was a great meeting and it was so fun to see all of my fromer companions and other missionaries that I haven't seen in quite some time. It was probably the last time I'll see most of them so it was a bit difficult.

Thank you so much for the 12 days of Christmas! It is so much fun to open all of the things and feel a little bit more like Christmas. Actually last night I had a dream of a white christmas... Pretty sure I'm not going to have one this year :( Ohh well! I've got the beach. I'm not sure about what time we'll be skyping. We'll be emailing next Monday (Christmas Eve) and we'll know for sure when we'll be able to skype. It's hard because so many people are going out of town so we're not sure when it will be at. However we'll let it worked out! sorry I'm out of time today but I have a favor to ask of you... If you haven't sent my Christmas package yet could you include any sheet music you can find? Especially the Pall Cardall book that I have? That would be wonderful! I love you all and look forward to skyping with you this next week!
-Elder David B. FUllmer

Sorry that this email was so rushed... We had a survey to fill out for President.

Note from his mom: His ulcer has also been acting up again. Please keep him in your prayers so he can endure to the end. Here is the email from President Anderson

Feliz Naughty Dog! December 10th

Dear Fullmer Family,



One of his favorite Stake Leaders came to visit

 This week has been another great one! I don't have much time today so sorry if this letter is a bit shorter than normal. But it's been a great week! As you somehow already know, my new companion is named Elder *******. He's so great! He's from Lexington Kentucky and has been out on his mission for about seven months. I asked him when he was born and when he said April 1993 I felt really old... AHH!! He's a great missionary! He's Spanish is pretty good for only being out in the field for a little time. Also, he's very musical. He's an incredible pianist and knows his stuff about music It's a lot of fun! This past week we put together a musical number for the zone to perform and it's going to be amazing! So we're going to perform "O Holy Night." We're going to have a piano duet (he and another missionary), an eight man choir and a soloist! It's going to be awesome! I can't wait to see it all put together. I was put in charge of it by the zone leaders and it's quite difficult to get everything put together all the way down in the Keys. Luckily the senior couple are helping out a lot. So for the choir we wrote it out by ourselves and I have to say it's legit! It's a lot of fun having a musical companion again. No Dad, he doesn't have a southern accent :) Haha.

I have a cool story to share with all of you! Yesterday as we were harvesting I actually was bit by a dog... That wasn't the cool part of the story but bear with me... So it was a pretty good bite. We got to the trailer where we called up the mission nurse to see what I should do. She said I needed to clean it out with hydrogen peroxide (which we didn't have and we couldn't buy any since it was Sunday, so we started to think of some members to call.) As I was about to call a certain youth in the branch, when the phone started to ring and it was him! I said, "I know this is random but I just got bit by a dog, do you have any hydrogen peroxide? (I made sure not say Hydrochloric acid... I know you all were thinking it...) He said he did and told us to meet him at his house. We got there and as I was cleaning it out I remembered that he called me and I asked him what he called to ask me about and he told me he'd ask me later. We went outside of his house and I sat down and asked him what was up and he expressed concerns about going on a mission.This young man is 17 years old and is preparing for a mission. He reminded me of myself at his age and as we talked, the spirit was so strong. He called the branch president right there and asked if he could meet with him this week. I testified of the Atonement and of how it changes people. I gave him my copy of "the continuous Atonement" and I testified of how the Lord sees him as who he can become, not only at his current state. I felt so honored that this young man, who we have been utilizing in missionary work, trusted me enough to come and ask for advice. I'm grateful that the Lord took a not so ideal situation (me getting bit by a dog... by the way I'm okay) and changing it into a life changing moment for both myself and this young future missionary.

I love this time in my mission. I'm seeing how the Lord is strengthening me and puting me in a place where I won"t just "end" my mission but where I will "finish." I remember a quote that President Hale said, "Finishers wanted!" I'm going to finish. By the way, could you get in contact with President Hale and invite him to my homecoming whenever we find out when it will be? Thanks! Well I love you lots! Have a wonderful week!

-Elder David B. Fullmer

Note form his Mom: David will most likely give his homecoming talk on March 10th. (Meeting starts at 10:50 1565 Foothill Drive, SLC, UT)

Merry December

Dear Fullmer Family,

Well another transfer has come and gone. I can't believe that it's gone by so fast. The day of transfer call is usually full of anticipation but it just felt like a normal day. We got on the call where we found out that Elder **** will be getting transferred tomorrow. We were both in SHOCK!! We were almost positive that we weren't going to be split up. But our ways are not the Lord's ways. It will be hard to see him leave, like every companion, but it will open up a new opportunity to learn more.

Things in the area are going well. ******** was confirmed on Sunday by ELder ******** and also %%%%%%% was ordained a Priest by my companion. It was really cool to see our recent converts doing so well. This Sunday we attended the Marathon Sacrament meeting and there were a lot of people there! This past week on two occasions at the store, a person came up to Elder and Sister ********* telling them that they are members and have been looking for the church. Neither of them speak much english so they asked if we could come on Sunday so I could translate. Both of them wanted to bear their testimonies so I interpreted for them and the both expressed how they felt so alone and wanted to go to church but didn't know where it was and were praying for a way to go to it. It just so happened that they found them in Publix (the grocery store) by their nametags. Elder ********* went up afterwards to bear his testimony and said, "This makes me want to go to the store more often." It was really cool to see how excited Elder and Sister ********* have been seeing the branch flourish. They're amazing people and do so much for us.

This past week has been really great. It's been a little disheartening while harvesting since all of the people we have been finding have either not been "there" for their appointments or they just tell us they don't want to hear from us anymore. Both my companion and I have been praying fervently for solid investigators and specifically a family to teach and baptize. We followed up with a woman who told us to come back to bless her home and when we got there her husband answered the door. He wasn't going to open the door but he told us, "I felt like I needed to let you in." We came in and the husband explained how he is a spiritual man but is not involved in any religion because he doesn't believe he knows where the true church is. We sat there as he expressed questions that he had like, "why bad things happen to good people?" and "how can I know what's true?" We listened carefully and when he stopped we taught him the Restoration to him and his wife. As we explained the Restoration and the first vision they both looked at each other and said, "Wow!" The Spirit was so strong and it was an answer to our prayers as we were led to that family. I know that the Lord lives and guides us if we only trust in Him and live according to His Gospel.

I love this work so much and I'm glad I still have time left to keep working! Time is moving fast but I need to remember that this time will never come again! I've been working my hardest and I still plan to do so :) If you ever feel like sending notes or letters of encouragement that would always be appreciated :) I love you guys so much and I hope you have a great week! Also, let me know if there is anything you want for Christmas from down in the Keys :) It's more available for me than for you.

Cuidense Mucho! Les Quiero
-Elder David B. Fullmer

Happy Thanksgiving

Dear Family,

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you all had a wonderful Turkey Lurky day and stuffed yourselves well! I definitely did and had a great Thanksgiving! It was nice to be able to have Thanksgiving with the ***** family. They are such a great family and I'm grateful for their hospitality. The food was amazing! I'm definitely going to miss Thanksgivings with 70 degree weather but ohh well... 

I can't believe that Christmas is less than a month away... Honestly there really isn't anything that I need or want. I was thinking about it and there really isn't anything. Actually, a new belt would be nice. With me coming home a couple months afterwards I don't think I need anything but if I think of anything I'll let you know. An iPhone 5 would be nice :) Haha. Thank you for the 100 days till I die package that you sent me! I know you didn't want to focus on the short amount of time I have left but that is EXACTLY what my companion keeps reminding me of. Everytime time someone asks how much time I have left he, without hesitation declares, "94 days!!" or something like that. So thanks Mom :) The caramel apple was amazing and I really like the Apple shirt. My favorite part was the compilation of memories from throughout my mission. I loved being able to rememer all the things that have happened and to see the change that has happened within myself.

This past week we had a baptism!! ******** was baptized! I have never seen anyone have so much opposition before he got baptized and also after he got baptized. Satan was working hard on him. The morning of the baptism, he could not get out of bed. Every fear was entering into his mind and he said, "I was ready to give up!" He was up since 4 AM and the baptism was scheduled for 9AM. He was mulling over everything and was fearful of what to do. When it got to 9:15 we got a bit worried and the senior couple drove over to see what was going on. The man who was to be baptized described it as an angel came as an answer to his prayers. The missionary related to us afterwards of the spiritual experience he had as he talked to Orlando. The man got in the missionaries truck and came to the church. I had the privelidge to baptize him and he felt so amazing! As we came back after changing my companion gave a talk and then as he sat down, a man walked into the church and stood up and started preaching how the baptism we had performed was wrong. I had never seen anything like it. We went over later that night and the man who was baptized was struggling a bit with his family. He's in a hard situation but what he's beginning to learn is that Christ can take pain and frustration away. He's a great man and we were so happy to see him be baptized.

Besides having the baptism it was kind of a difficult week. Well even the baptism was difficult. No one really wanted to see us and it was kind of tough but we're looking forward to this new week:) I can't believe that transfers are next week... It's been going by so fast. I really hope my companion stays. We get along really well and we're having a lot of success. I don't see him leaving but there is a chance... Who knows.  Someone asked about Key Limes. I haven't seen any key lime trees but I have seen a key lime pie :) I had my first one this past week! SO GOOD!!! Way better than the one I made back in SLC :) Haha. Hopefully I'll see one soon. I don't think it's really lime season right now but maybe I'm just blowing snow since I'm not from around here. This past week we have been spending the majority of our time on bikes since we are running short on miles but I'm not complaining. This is probably the best place in the USA at this time to ride your bike. The weather is absolutely beautiful and you just feel like a missionary when you're riding your bike :) It's been fun! I have some pictures to send but I'm not really sure how to attach them to this tablet but I'll do my best :) Anyways, I love you all and I hope you all have a wonderful week! 
-Elder David B. Fullmer

He wrote his letter while lying in a hammock on the military base. 

Week of Gratitude- Happy Thanksgiving

Dear Fullmer Family,

What a week we had this week! It has been a fantastic week! I'm very thanksful for all of my blessings.This past week I was reading the talk by President Monson entitled "Consider the Blessings." As I did so I read the challenge that he gave us to take an inventory of the blessings in our lives and if we do we will be happier and recognize the Lord's hand in our lives. So during a personal study session I decided to do just that. I wasn't in the best of moods but I decided to do it anyway.  As i did so, all of the feelings of discouragement left and I ended up writing down blessings for the whole hour. It was one of my favorite study sessions that I have had. I invite all of you to do the same thing, especially this week of Thanksgiving and I promise you will be happier and this will be one of your most memorable Thanksgivings yet.

Well this past week we had Zone Conference in Killian and it was amazing! We learned so many wonderful things. President Anderson let us know how we need to think less of ourselves and think more of others. 

Homestead and Miami Zones

It was a great Conference to be able to see other missionaries. In my zone alone I have three previous companions so it was fun to see them again. It's suprising but I don't really mind being secluded down in the keys away from everyone else. It just makes it easier to focus on the work and to get less distracted. So with Zone Conferences this past week Tuesday was pretty much shot for working since all together we were in the car for about seven hours... Knowing that, our time to work was much shorter for the week. So my companion and I knew we needed to use every minute of every day as effective as it could be used. We did things that had never been done before in this area. We were able to have eight investigators at church which was awesome!

One experience that I had this past week was when we went to go visit the ***** family. They are such an amazing family! We shared scriptures and experiences with him and the Spirit was very strong... He looked down and then looked up at us and said, "I know what I'm missing! I need to do more missionary work!" He made the resolve to work more with us and to share the gospel with his friends. We left a blessing on their home and then they asked if we have plans for Thanksgiving. We said we hadn't made any yet and they invited us over to thier house for Thanksgiving! I'm really excited for it. They have a five kids who are so hilarious and a lot of fun! So Thanksgiving will be great!

This past week we had a branch Thanksgiving party this past week in Key West! It was amazing! It was nice to be able to get to know the branch members better and to have some great food. Also, yesterday in Marathon they had Branch Conference where all the Stake Presidency came down, which includes President ****, and my former Bishop in Miami Bishop ******. It was great to see them again and to talk with them. They all said to tell you all Hi! It was like sitting down with old friends that I hadn't seen in a while.

Ohh yeah, I was asked to give a last minute talk about how to teach by the Spirit in the Key West Branch. Lets just say I've come a long way in being able to prepare talks. I had about 15 minutes to prepare and I needed to give about a 15 minute talk. I feel like it went pretty well! Haha.


Plan of Salvation doodle he sent his sister

Unfortuntely we weren't able to baptize ******** this past week. Some things came up but he is for sure getting baptized this Saturday. Please pray for him to be able to make changes necessary for his baptism. He's a great guy and I'm so excited for him!

Well I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I'm so thankful for all of the wonderful blessings in my life, first and foremost my family! Thank you all for always being there for me and caring so much about me! I love you all and I know that the Lord gives us all of our blessings and we need to show our gratitude for all of our blessings. I love you all and Hope you have a great week!
-Elder David B. Fullmer

Greetings from the Florida Keys!

Dear Familia,

Feliz Navidad! I can't believe all of that snow!! That's so crazy... Not gunna lie, I'm not really looking forward to that in a few months... These past few weeks have been just right. It's pretty funny because you can tell the natives from the tourists because lately all of the natives have been wearing coats and scarfs because to them right now has been really cold! It got down into the high 60's and people were asking us, "how can you be in short sleeves? aren't you freezing?" We just laugh and tell them that they're crazy! Sorry to hear about all the snow but it's about that time again.

Yesterday we had a cool experience. So the senior missionary couple live right off of a little canal so their back yard is basically a canal. We came home from the baptism and there were three mannatee's out in the canal! Super legit! . Ohh yeah, we had a baptism yesterday!! ******  got baptized. He is a member referral from his fiancee. They're really cool. Apparantly he has been coming to church with her for quite some time but when Fantasy Fest was going on the Elders came up here (in Key Marathon) for a few weeks and the week before I came down here he was introduced to the missionaries. He invited them over for dinner and the rest in history. He has worked in like three different restaurants and his food is A Ma Zing!!

 Everytime we go over to teach him he feeds us and then we have lesson. I believe that's how every lesson should be :) So we had been teaching him for about two weeks and he was pretty hesitant about baptism. Last Tuesday we went and met with him, he made this breaded chicken bake thing with cheese and a sweet marinara sauce with asperagus.. Ohh yeah the lesson... We asked him how he's been feeling about baptism and he shocked us a little. He said, "I did what you told me to do and I prayed and I've been thinking about baptism a lot and know it's no longer if I'm going to be baptized. It's when..." I asked him, "Will you get baptized this Sunday?"  He said, "I work!" He then told us he gets off of work around two so we told him we can have a baptismal service at 2:15. We did! He works every other Sunday so next Sunday he'll be getting confirmed. It was such a nice baptism!

Another really cool experience that i had this past week was when we went to go visit the **** Family. About six months ago while I was serving in Miami we got a call to go give a blessing to a sister in the hospital. We went and it was this very frail old woman. We gave her a blessing and then a few months later I got another call for the same woman who was in the hospital for another medical condition. This time looking even more frail. I gave her a blessing thinking that she didn't have much more time to go but hoping that she would get better. Well,  I later got transferred to Belle Glade and never heard any more about her. Well when I got transferred to Key West I remembered how Sister **** lives in Key Marathon. I asked about her and this past week we went to go visit her and she has made a full recovery! She had open heart surgery and many other surgeries. However for the past month she has been able to walk to the end of her street daily, something she hasn't been able to do in four years. I talked to her on the phone before I saw her and she said to me, "Elder Fullmer, I was praying that you would come down to see me before you leave. The Lord has blessed me through you. I've been telling everyone I meet about the blessing and i know it's because of the Priesthood that you bear" She is known to the doctors as a walking miracle. She's in her mid 80's and she's doing amazingly well! There is so much power in the Priesthood and I'm so blessed to have been a part in this blessing and to see the results of the Lord's hand. They have a young man staying in their home who is now interested in learning the Gospel and will hopefully be baptized in a few weeks. This is the beginning of many reasons why I know I've been called to serve in this area at this time.

 

Well that's about all I've got to say. Thank you for all of your wonderful letters! Thanks Whitney and Marc for the great package with pictures and (kind of late) postcards :) I love you all and I hope you have a great week!

-Elder David B. Fullmer

Another Week in Paradise

Dear Family,

What can I say... I love my area!! This has to be the most unique opportunity of a lifetime! Sometimes I can't believe I'm actually serving in the Florida Keys! Haha. So we got a call from President Anderson saying how he wants us to spend more time in Marathon because of the success that we've been having. We're going to be spending at least two days a week in Marathon and the rest in Key West. So my area covers all of the keys except for the top key... Key Largo. Other than that, it's all in my area!

There are so many wonderful people that we meet everyday. ******** came to church yesterday in Marathon and from what we heard he loved it!! We were in the Key West branch but we will be in Marathon next Sunday because ******** will be getting baptized next Sunday. So in Key West we are living in a trailer... but a very nice trailer. We actually don't live on Key West but an island just off of it called Stock Island. I still don't know my way around this place very well but it's beautiful. A couple days ago we drove past the Southern Most Point marker and it made me really happy. I haven't gotten a picture with it but I will be soon!

However, being missionaries we get a privelidge most people don't. There is a military base called the Truman Annex that goes more southern than the southern most point... which I'm at right now. The branch president works and lives at the Truman Annex and so we come here an email every Monday and then play basketball with some of the soldiers. It's really awesome!!

The branch down here is absolutely amazing! There is a young man named ****** who is 17 and a senior in high school. He's a referral machine! He brought his non member girlfriend to church because he told her, "I'm going on a mission in a few months... You need to come to church.....Haha. She came to church! He got up and bore his testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and it was very powerful. He's going to be an amazing missionary. So in total this past week we had eight investigators at church, with 11 new investigators. It was a very good week!

Sorry, we don't have much time today. I'm using a tablet to email and I'm really not used to it and don't really know how to use it so this email will be a bit shorter than most. However we did have some great experiences this past week where we met some really cool people. On Thursday as we were coming down it just seemed like we ran into everyone that we needed to. We met with many recent converts that we hadn't seen in a while and also some former investigators. It's been a very special week! Well I got to go! I love you all very much! I hope everything goes well for you all! I pray for you all the time!

-Elder David B. Fullmer