RHUBARB‏

I felt like a real missionary this week. I had dinner at an old ladies home and she fed me rhubarb. not to mention, there was hair in my salad. WHAT THE HECK IS RHUBARB!!

as you all know from sweet old man Derek, I am getting TRANSFERRED to Abbotsford/Langely YSA with Sister Miller!! if you want me to tell you what I've heard about this area--- its a mini India, its very hot and beautiful, close to the temple, GREAT ward mission leader (so the work will hasten basically) and it's basically Vancouver. I dreamed of being a city girl so, Wednesday God is making my dreams come true! I am so excited, it will be a change covering two zones and a really HUUUGE area, but its exactly what I need. I CAN'T WAIT.

I've been changed here in Prince George. I came here to nothing but negativity and so many pre- conceived notions from people and from missionaries. it was a hard first 6 weeks here. have I ever told you that? I was on my knees from morning till eve and my heart hurt because of how bad I just wanted to see it boom. I read Alma 32 like it was going to be taken from the world I tell ya. but, I followed its counsel. 1: looking forward with an EYE of FAITH 2: nourish it by the word of God and your faith will SPRING up. and 3: THEN, you will reap the rewards of your faith, your diligence, and patience, and long suffering. I came to know jesus because I read, and I applied his teachings. the book of Mormon didn't show me who jesus was. but it taught me HOW to know him. how to understand what he wants me to go through and HOW I can be the best disciple of himself. I FELT him here!!! I KNOW him because I came to Prince George. I helped so many people come to know him. im grateful for the 14 peoples lives that I got to see come up from the water and be completely changed. for that, I WILL be changed. and I will take the book of Mormon to my GRAVE side. desires and dreams become reality when you READ the book. but not just read it, APPLY it. and let your savior prove you. he proved me more than I imagined. im grateful.

byeee PG i will C u again. rite dad?

I got to call some of my recent converts in Sidney this week.. Ina! remember that miracle of knocking on her door and her letting us in after we prayed for 3 days that this would happen? and baptized 3 weeks later?! shes doing fabulous!!! she started to cry on the phone because she missed my voice! OHHHH HOW I LOVE HER! Amanda and her husband are going to the temple in October and I will most likely still be down there so I can go WITH THEM! so many blessings I am grateful for. I love people. "people are wonderful. each one has a story, each something to give, each knows something interesting. something that can make your life richer" Sister Hinckley

Erica's husband has changed this week and is now SUPPORTING her decision and is actually showing interest in it all! he told her he wants to be here for her baptism. he doesn't get home till Wednesday... so we had to move her baptism to Friday. my heart broke every night as I prayed "lord, thy will be done but PLEASEEEE let me see this sweet family be baptized."  not always does it happen the way we want it to. that will be the second one I miss because of having to leave for transfers... but I kept praying and during the sacrament yesterday the spirit whispered to me that this mission really isn't my whole life. yes, I will reflect on EVERY day I had! but I can't live in it. I will never forget these memories and the lessons I've been able to feel the spirit completely take over. but it's not going to last forever. I can't wait to see there picture on Friday!! I cant wait to see them go through the temple, because THAT is the most important part!! (this is me rambling my thoughts sorry.....)

family, this is seriously the most humbling, happy, greatest experience i have ever had in my life. i would never go back. i will never go back.. and i will ALWAYS embrace these days as a missionary!! im ready for new adventures, new faces, new miracles, and i will look forward with an eye of faith because i know Jesus. and i know he wants every soul to come to the fold.

I LOVE YOU! thanks for being awesome. and never forget, my birthday. its coming up REAL soon :) :) :) :)

xoxo, sister ovard

SWEET ERICA!!

bye Derek... thx for letting me cry 2 u yesterday bc i missed my dad :-))

 

 

Hello sister Ovard, This is Elder Zieler. I'm serving here in Prince George in the same ward as your daughter and I thought i'd just send a quick note and let you know that your daughter is an awesome missionary and from the sounds of it, she loves and misses you guys a lot. I was actually in the MTC with her and I can't believe we've already been out 1 year! It's pretty crazy. i'm not sure what e mail works, but Sister Ovard gave us 2 so i'm just sending this to both. You've raised a great missionary that's for sure. Have a great day!

 

Sister Ovard,

 

Hey! My names Elder Freeman. I've been serving up here in Prince George with your daughter for pretty close to 6 months now. We came at the same time, and now we're leaving to the same place! Pretty crazy. But I have learned a lot from her, and she has been an awesome example of someone who understands and lives our missionary purpose! You should definitely be proud of her, and I'm sure you are! 

 

Elder Freeman