C U way 2 SOON‏

"MORE HAPPINESS AWAITS YOU THEN YOU EVER BEFORE HAVE EXPERIENCED" this basically explains my whole mission life. so, there. im done. see ya!

 this week was HAPPINESS I've never before experienced. Derek was baptized and President and Sister Burt came to it. they got to have a special meeting together before and he came out and points to sister Ritchie and I and says , "you two caused this! you did it!" that's a miracle I will always remember. play by play if you want to paint a picture in your head ------ getting in the car, seeing a man walking, thinking "talk to everyone", pulled over, said hi, do you believe in god? and he said a little, we said, that will work.... whats your number? lets meet up. THAT. THAT IS HOW IT HAPPENED PPL. OPEN YOUR DANG MOUTH!

speaking of miracle Derek. he is coming to Vegas May 23. he is DYING to meet you mom and dad. he said if you can't make it up there that morning he will drive to you. what do you think? let me know!! it would mean the world if you could see him. the spirit he has will change yours.

KURT was baptized. 23 year old shy Kurt followed jesus and was baptized. I sang "I feel my saviors love" the spirit in the room was so incredible I couldn't help but smile SO big as I sang. I looked over at kurt, who rarely smiles or speaks and tears were flooding his eyes. so there I was, just about crying as I sang. (ps, no I don't sing in public only for people I really love) after the baptism, we talked to him and he said "I really liked that song. I felt his love." THAT is HUGE for him to say. we couldn't believe it. the spirit that each of us carry is something far beyond what we realize. im so grateful for Kurt. he changed me. and I know that repentance is a true principle of the gospel jesus Christ taught. he is living it.

while president burt came to town we got to spend some time with him.. it was crazy because the night before in my prayer heavenly father told me to get a priesthood blessing because I would gain the knowledge I needed at this point in my mission. I recorded some of it in my journal and the way I felt and I would like to share it with you.

"heavenly father, I got a blessing like you asked and it was one of the most powerful blessing I have ever had. I never felt so close to you and felt the spirit of love that you give. it answered so many of my prayers. you blessed me that I would increase the high faith that I already do have, that there are so many people for me to meet here and I bless you with strength and courage and to have the gift of tongues to be recognized in many different ways. I bless you as you read your patriarchal blessing, NEW blessings will stick out to you. you are loved. the savior of the world knows you individually. look to the book of Mormon and communing with heavenly father. you will be the recipient of many eternal blessings. know that your family and your future are taken care of."  

I have a testimony of acting on prayers. and of the priesthood power. I 100% know that I needed those words. not that I was struggling, but sometimes, you need more knowledge of the power you CAN have from our loving God.

Michaela is getting baptized this weekend!! she is honestly a best friend of mine. I love her dearly. we are singing "have you received his image in your countenance" every time I hear that song, I think of Alma 5 and ponder those verses. I urge you to reevaluate yourself as you read it. and become more like his image.

we had so many wonderful YSA activities this weekend... we went skeet shooting. NO, I didn't shoot ok!!! but I was dying to. we had 4 investigators there that had a GREAT time! the unity in the YSA here is so real. and its so contagious. I am loving being a part of it and helping them build a branch. man, is it work. but the Lord knows how important it is for young adults to have good wholesome fun!!

I love the lord. I love my heavenly father. I feel them near me each time I pray and each time I am talking of them. make it in every conversation. every action let it be known and every thought let it give you a desire to be better. I know he lives and he is the one pouring mercy on sister Ritchie and I. I have such a great love for you guys. I cant wait to see you this weekend. it will be a joyous occasion for our sweet angel momma. mom, I love you. and I wouldn't be here without you. here's to our LAST Skype call ever on my mission.

xoxo, sister Ovard

grandma- thank you for the money to buy me some licorice... you bet I already ate my whole package!!! and the candy store we found that holds licorice is absolutely incredible. so you caused that experience :)