HOLDING MY CHEEKS TOGETHER

by my caption, I hope you aren't making a guess of which cheeks. clearly, my real cheeks because we laugh. way. too. much. it starts. to hurt.

what a WEEK! our investigator Charlene called us and had an emotional break down wanting to kill herself. (you didn't think I'd be dealing with this did ya mom) we kept her on the phone talking her through it and said many prayers. she then told us, she took 100 of her bipolar pills. when she should only take 1 per day. we told her to call 911 right now and she hung up. we were going into a lesson at that moment so we had to trust in the Lord and give our attention to others. after, we called Charlene and someone else answered and said she the ambulance came and she's in the emergency room. so we went there, and had to do a report for the doctor. it was honestly the craziest thing. but I know, that it is because of our prayer and the words that came from our mouths as we told her to call 911, she listened. and she did it. shes still in ICU. and we've been praying like no other.

Catherine is doing amazing! she is getting baptized on Saturday. we've been meeting with her and doing service for her daily. she cried the other day at the thought of either of us ever leaving. it was heart breaking!!!! she is such a sweet soul. I have never seen someone want to follow jesus Christ so badly. plus, she bought us a nail kit this week. SO BASICALLY, we're bffs foreva.

we are teaching a Chinese family, which clearly, I DONT EVEN KNOW CHINESE. but I know 4 words now. every time at church I translate from google translator and they just enjoy every second. if they weren't so prepared, they'd be outta that building. but they've come for 3 weeks in a row and they LOVE IT. it reminded me of when I was in Israel and I had no idea the language at any service, but I knew what I felt and I couldn't deny it. we work with the Chinese elders and sisters in Vancouver and are going to start skyping and doing lessons like that. (my Chinese doesn't qualify president burt said ;))

this week I learned so much about service. I think of the Lord, who has done so much for me, that I will never get close to getting even with Him. he will ALWAYS do more for us that we can possibly do for him, or his children. but we can do one thing, and that is to serve selflessly. 

 "for whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospels, the same shall save it." When we give service we follow the example of the savior, who came to serve others. that is where the "Real Growth" in our lives will happen. we must always be serving throughout our entire lifes!!! 

I love the quote from President Monson "May I leave you with a simple yet far reaching formula to guide you in the choices of life: Fill your minds with truth. fill your hearts with Love. fill your lives with service" I look at this as not a call to repentance, but a call to step up for each of us. there are so many around us that need us. we can pray that we will be guided to help someone in need. I promise you, as we pray for opportunities they come. and they come immediately.

the grace of god is sufficient for all man. its really a fairy tale, the truths we know. that we would defend to our graves, right? I truly love this gospel. I don't think I've laughed or cried as much as I have on my mission. that of, happy tears. I have a testimony that when we are doing service to others, god really is with you. what I would do to just show you a day in my life.. but what I would do to show you that it's all around you!! miracles have not ceased. and they never will. from the 1820's-to 2015. they are the same. I will not boast, I will boast of my God. because he is our Father and he is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I know these things to be true, and I know they will change us and give us the conviction we need to stand up for what is right. my testimony is my life, and I will forever look back to my mission for converting me.

xoxo, sister Ovard

oh, mission council in Vancouver was a real great time. I really enjoy being around missionaries. the spirit is SO STRONG and it brings me back to the temple.

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awe this was president burts email to me this week.. I love him mom

 

"You are a very special young woman, gifted and talented in so many ways. Heavenly Father has so richly blessed you, and I know you are striving to be exactly obedient all the time. Miracles are all around us, and they follow you because of your great faith. I am so proud of you. Please keep going and in touch with the spirit all the time to guide you and lift you, so you can be that "hand tool" in His hands to bless the lives of those with whom you serve. 
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  I sure do love you. I need you to be the leader and the example I NEED YOU. You are so good. I know the Lord loves you too. Continue on, blessing the lives of all of our missionaries, humbly and in the spirit of love, just like the Savior did. Talk to you soon."