R A I N B O W S

hey hey my loved ones!

what an incredible week! I just gotta tell you- if I've learned anything on my mission, I have a small bladder. I pee my pants quite often. THE WORK IS FUN. (maybe that's TMI.. oh well)

I have gained the strongest testimony of families. I think it is so incredible how the Lord can strengthen our relationships. yes, you hear that all the time. but how? the twins we are teaching, Grace and Orin, are from a part member/ less active family. we had a couple lessons with them this week. there dad is usually at work most of the time but this week he was home. we had a lesson with all of them and it was one of the strongest lessons. we were all gathered in a circle teaching the restoration to the little kids. I kept glancing up to see the parents smiling at each other, sometimes in tears, just rejoicing in there little ones. I felt the unity in the family strengthen just in that hour. you could feel the spirit so strong, you could see the glow in each of there smiles, you knew, that the Lord was at the head of that house. I can hardly wait for there baptism on February 7!! I know without a doubt, that when you are talking of Christ, learning of Christ, and strengthening your testimony as a family, you are stronger. (eternal principle I am forever grateful I learned here)

we threw a single sister relief society party this week! it was SO fun. obviously, we didn't have much time to prepare it and we kind of just threw it together...... but it went SO GOOD. we played games, and ate yummy food. sister lavery and I even make Chinese noodles. you'll see the pictures below. I couldn't stop laughing. the old woman in this ward are HILARIOUS.

I got a package this week from Kristine, (investigator in Sidney that I met my first day there and taught the whole time, she never committed to baptism) she sent me a beanie, gloves, a scarf, and the most amazing letter in the world. it said "sister ovard, you are the first I am telling this surprise to. I prayed the other day and I knew it was right. I knew I needed to be baptized on February 7. thank you for your persistence on me. im sure I was your hardest." yep, Kristine, you sure were!! I have never cried, rejoiced in the lords plan, and been so happy in my entire life. you just never know whos life you are going to touch. and whether you see the blessing that comes out of it or not, you feel blessed. I will be down on the main land the weekend before so I want to somehow see if I can make it to her baptism if they move it to Friday so I can make it back for the twins baptism too! president is going to talk to me about it today. can you believe that? man. I am so happy.

funny story: we are seeing a lesbian couple. and they are so cool. they redid their house and I loved it! they painted the bricks around their fire place white. then they had a couple of colorful colors around the fire place. and I was like, k seriously, this is so cute im doing it to my house!!! and they were like "heck yes lesbian pride!!!" UMM.. YEP... LITTLE DID I REALIZE ITS A RAINBOW FOR LESBIANS. DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY TIMES I COMPLIMENTED THEM ON THAT? I HAD NO IDEA. SISTER LAVERY DID AND I DIDN'T!!!!!!!!!!!!!! oh man, the things I do. im just like... sister ovard.... who are you.

it's different here. I have found that attitude is the most important thing. prophets remind us that our attitude is a reflection of how we feel about the savior. so how do we feel about the one who gave us his all? the one who pleaded the bitter cup would pass, but he submitted freely, and willingly to his will. our desires and our hearts need to be set on him. I can't imagine the agony he went through. how he felt, but still, he did whatever his Father sent him to do. I don't want to be the one that walks by not recognizing him. I want to be caught right in the act of serving just like elder Holland said!

President, Sister Burt, and the assistants are coming to PG today and the ZL's and STL's are having a meeting with them tonight. and tomorrow our whole zone will be having trainings from them. I am so excited to hear council from my priesthood leaders! I always know its coming from the Lord.

this place is GOOD. i love being in the work of the Lord. i promise it will bring you the most choicest blessings from heaven if you submit willingly, by sharing what you truly love. first, start by loving it. then you will desire to share it. i know that to be true! i love you guys!!!!

sister ovard