January 27, 2013

Gooooood Morning!! 

Actually, you know what, that is a lie. It's 2 PM right now. It isn't morning at all. Let's try this again!

Gooooood Afternoon!!

Much Better!

This week was a great week! Elder Losee and myself were down in Ottawa on Wednesday, and then we did splits with the Fallowfield Elders! Elder Freeze and Elder Messinger. Actually, funny story, Elder Freeze is from Southern Alberta, then moved to Ottawa when he was younger, and lived there for like 6 years, then he moved back to Alberta, and then he got called to serve in the Montreal mission, which includes Ottawa! Not only that, but he lived in the FALLOWFIELD WARD!!! He is serving in his old ward! How crazy is that?! Pretty crazy, believe you me! Anyways, Elder Freeze came up to Petawawa with me, and Elder Losee stayed down in Fallowfield with Elder Messinger. They had a blast, we had a blast, all in all, it was a huge blast! I have decided though that I don't like doing splits up here in Petawawa. We have a two hour drive to Ottawa, which we would do whether we had splits of not, so that's not a big deal. Then, We have district meeting, which is always tons of fun. Then we have a tow hour drive back. Which is the sucky part. Because by the time you are done lunch, it's like 1:30, 2ish, and then you have a 2 hour drive home, so that makes it 4o'clock ish when you are back, and then you only have 4 hours to work together before you have to have supper and be home for planning. Splits is great because you learn new ways to do work, and you learn now things about the work, but if you aren't doing much work, you don't get to learn a whole lot about new ways to do work, do ya now? Sure, you have tons of time to talk with your companion and to get to know him and about him, but that should only be part of the split, not the whole thing. Anyways, that was my rant. THanks for listening. Sad moment. We found out that some of our friends who were pregnant lost their baby. =( Not good.... We went and ate on base, at the military food court saturday, that was super cool! Super cheep!! Haha, we got in trouble there though. We have a member who is a cashier at the foodcourt, and so she invited us to eat there. We were the last ones in line, but apaprently we got in line AFTER 1:00 and the line was supposed to close at 1. So we got yelled at by the kitchen staff, and then they yelled at our member, and then the three of us laughed about it because, honestly, there isn't a whole lot they can do about it. we were sorry that they were mad, but it was kind of funny too. We had lunch this week at our friends house! The one who's name I'm not supposed to say! The one who I called Voldemort before! So, I was thinking about that actually, and our friend it totally the opposite of Voldemort! So, I thought to myself, who is Voldemort's Character foil? And I came up with Dumbledore. Or Gandalf. I know, I know, it's a different story, it can't really be Voldemort's foil, but they are both old, white haired men, so basically the same, right? Anyways, Gan-dore fed us fajitas. they were delicious. And Elder Losee went and jumped on his trampoline, which really didn't work, because there was like 2 feet of snow on it. Dum-alf got a video on his phone, but it was only 8 seconds long because he takes way to many pictures and videos and has no more space on his phone. =) Anyways, that's about it for me! Have a great week, I don't have any pictures again for two reasons. 1, I left my bag with my camera at a members house. Ooops, 2. I haven't taken any more pictures still... =)

Elder Oviatt

Janury 13, 2014

Hello Hello!

So, it has been beautiful up here! Nice warm temperatures, rain, it's been like 2 or 3 degrees up here since we left Ottawa! Which is super nice because... I let my winter coat in Ottawa. =) It's in the apartment that we stayed in while we were down there. I've stuck to wearing a sweater and it has been great! So glad I haven't frozen to death up here. So yes, our week was really long. Not a whole lot of stuff got done, but that is OK! We had our friend at church again on Sunday, and another guy who is 19-22ish at church also. He is actually from St. Albert, but got posted here to the military base. His name is Edward. He is super cool, he told us that he has attended many different churches, and is looking for one that he feels good in. Unfortunately, we had kind of a rough day a church. The things we talked about were great things, but for someone's first time at church, It was probably a little much. Luckily for us, our friend, Not Edward, but maybe I'll call him 'He Who Shall Not Be Named'. OK. So, Voldemort asked us after church if he could have Edwards number so he could go out to lunch or something with him and talk about the church. Uh...  Sounds good to us! So we asked Edward if it was ok if we shared his cell number, and he said yes. Hopefully Voldemort is able to work some magic and help dispel any fears or doubts. If anyone could do it, it's him! 

Uh, OK, so, Elder Losee! His name is Adam Losee. he is from Las Vegas. He is the oldest, and only boy, in a family of 6 kids. He is super awesome, and teaches with a spiritual power that is awesome. But like the literal, almost archaic, meaning. He puts you in awe. It's a great asset to have as a missionary! He is 6' 3" and towers over me. It's going to be a great transfer, that's for sure! Here is a picture of the two of us!

Elder Oviatt

January 6, 2014

Hey! Happy New Years!

This week was New Years Eve! It was... Well, quiet and nice! We had a little "party" thing at the church and there wer some members who had some friends there. We played Rummy-O and ate some DELICIOUS food (P.S. I've eaten way more delicious food in the last few months than normal, and as such, I weigh like, a ton. I've never been this "heavy" in my life. 8] It's redonculous) Anyways, that was Tuesday. Wednesday we went to Ottawa for District meeting. Tursday we ate supper with a member in our branch and our new friend (He asked me not to use his name, because these emails go on the blog). Friday we played cards with our old friends Ernie and Enid. Haha, I missed them! Last week, we don't know what happened, but Enid was a little off her rocker, and totally kept hitting on me. "How old are you?" "20" "Ooh! You're such a good looking Man!" Or, "OK Cutie, It's your lead" Haha, It was awesome, Elder Wright and I were laughing like the whole time. Anyways. Saturday was Transfer calls!! Elder Wright is leaving me. He is headed out to LaSalle, on the Island of Montreal. I'm receiving Elder Losee. I don't know anything about him, like, at all! So this is going to be a fun week! Saturday, we also were able to see our friend again, and talk to him about fasting. He fasted with us and some of his friends in the states on Sunday. It was really cool. He is doing so well. =) 

I'm excited to have some pictures of Myself and Elder Losee next week. 

We're down in Ottawa Tuesday afternoon, and then back Thursday night. It's going to be a long few days!

Elder Oviatt!

December 30, 2013

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope your Christmases were as awesome as mine was!

Christmas Eve we went to the Lavoies house. They had Finger foods, and it was delicious. Very Different from the usual Fondue. Delicious none the less! They had some friends they had invited over who weren't sure if they were going to make it because they had presents left to wrap, so Elder Wright and myself, with Brother Lavoie went and helped him wrap presents. I wasn't good at it, I haven't wrapped a present in like... Well, since way before I left on my mission! =) It was fun though. They had the Santa Tracker up and were were watching where Santa was with the Kids. Christmas day we woke up, did our studies, then went to the Pilons house where we had chocolate, played cards games and Pictionary and had general all around fun! We then went to The Waitos house, and had supper. THey are not members, but wanted us to go to their house for Christmas so we would have a good Christmas dinner. It was a very good Christmas dinner. =)  It was great to see The family and talk to them. It was also fun to see Elder Wright's family for the second time. We were able to share the 40 days and 40 nights challenge with The Lavoies this week, and explain to them how it affected our friend we are meeting with. They were very excited to be able to try it out and give their scripture reading a new life. If any of y'all are feeling a little bit complacent in your scripture reading, definitely give that website a look!

Have a great week, and I will talk to you next year!

Happy New Years!

Elder Oviatt

December 22, 2013

HEY! So... I'm a terrible person. I don't have a single picture of the Christmas party. I know I said I would have some... My bad...

But, on a WAY 'cool'er note, Monday night last week Elder Wright and myself helped a member move some stuff from his U-Haul into a storage room he rented because he has to be out of his house in Oshawa soon, and he isn't into his house up here in Pembroke till January 4th. Anyways, we were out for like 2 hours loading and such, and it was like - 25 out. It was FLIPPING FREEZING. It was terrible, but we loved it. I lost one of my name tags, and I won't find it again till we move him out. In January. I'm crossing my fingers that we don't all freeze to death in the storage room and then they find us a few months later, frozen solid, then sell us to a museum. Actually, on second thought, if I had to die, that would be a cool way to do it. OK, Nevermind, I'll be OK no matter what happens during that move. 

So, Tuesday was... Eventful. But I'll save it to the end, because it was also the coolest day. Well, honestly, Tuesday has made every day this week just like, unbelievably awesome. Yeah for Tuesday!

Wednesday. Splits! We were in Fallowfield, blitzing the area because we were goin to be sticking around Thursday too, and that was lots of fun. We brought our cards with us. Munchkin. Anyone ever played Munchkin games? They are pretty awesome! But they are hard to play 2 player. Elder Wright and I do it from time to time, but it was nice to be able to play a 4 player game of it. So that was fun. 

Thursday. Christams Party! Woot! Actually, Don't want to be a party pooper or anything, but it wasn't that fun... We went out caroling. For like 30 minutes. And then we had hot chocolate and cookies and talked for a long time. Then we watched a 'Bible video' on the Birth of Christ. The End. I mean, it was OK. But... It's Christmas! Mediocrity during Christmas is lame! No, sorry, That's not very nice. It was a great party, and especially being out in Petawawa, it's nice to see other missionaries. We really enjoyed it! 

Friday.. Friday was just regular. Really not that special.

Saturday... We had a lesson in the mornign with a less active sister and it went SUPER well! =) Yeah for people wanting to come back to church! Then we had supper with a less active brother and his wife! That was delicious. She is a great cook. then we went caroling on Base with a family.

Sunday. Church was only 1 hour long due to the ridiculous amouts of snow we recieved. THere were like 30 people at church. 

But back to Tuesday!  Tuesday was terrible. I tore my pants. Bad. Goodbye Brown pants... Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. Yeah, I didn't tear it down the seam like I thought, but I tore the fabric down both sides of the seam. SO I was pretty mad, and Elder Wright and I weere on our way into a restaurant because a Member was going to feed us before eh came with us to a lesson, so I'm sitting in this chinese buffet just furious, waiting for our member to show, and Elder Wright gets the phone out, gives it a funny look and answers it. I'm not paying attention at all to what is going on with him, and he hangs up the phone and says "So... That was Bobby." I'm thinking "Who the heck is Bobby? I don't know any Bobbys!" Elder Wright then tells me that Bobby is from Nevada. Bobby Has a friend up in Pembroke who has been reading the book of mormon. Bobby's friend has prayed about the book of mormon and know's it's true. Bobbys friend wants to be baptised. I was just dumbfounded. It was a great feeling! =) We have since been in contact with Bobby's Friend. He is mega legit. We have taught him once, and basically we taught him nothing. His friends have been doing all the teaching. And it's awesome! We can't wait to see how this will all pan out!

But! This week is Christmas. In. Sane. Seriously. I can't believe it. Time is going so fast. But Wednesday we will be on Skype. I'm excited to see some of the Family! 

Merry Christmas!

Elder Oviatt

December 16, 2013

Hey Everyone!

This week has been a pretty good one. Cold albeit, but good. We went down to Ottawa again on Wednesday for district meeting, that was enjoyable! We did splits and I was in Ottawa with Elder Umana. We went around in the car and I was navigating because those elders don't have a GPS, so I was on Map duty. It went OK, I mean, I don't know Ottawa at all, and Elder Umana did, so he kept on saying, I don't think this is the best way to get to where we need to go. I just kept on telling him that if he knew where he was going, he could take us there and I would take a nap. =) Elder Umana is a funny guy. We went to stop by an inactive member and they live in like this weird apartment complex thing. So he pulled into a parking stall because we wern't expecting to be very long, and well, a car came up 3 seconds later and wanted to get into their stall... Bad choice Elder Umana! And then, he was like, Oh, I'll just park in this stall right here! I convinced him to just park on the road with his hazards on, which he did. And that turned out to be a good idea, because a car came like 45 seconds later and pulled into the stall that he was going to park in the second time. Good Stall picking Elder Umana! Anyways, we finished splits and went home. We have a limit as to how much driving we can do each month. And last month our limit was 2400 kilometers. This month our limit is also 2400 kilometers, but I have to be down in Ottawa almost every week. So as of right now we have used almost 1700 kilometers. We are WAY more than halfway done our kilometer limit and just passed the walkway through the month mark... uh oh! 

So this week Elder Wright and I have passed by a few less active members of the branch up here, to wish them a merry Christmas and such in case we don't see them before Christmas, and they all gave us cookies and chocolates. me and my companion have like 40 cookies and two boxes of chocolates to eat, and I'm sure we are going to get more. I don't want more! I feel like all I've eaten for the last few days has been cookies and chocolate. Haha, part of the problem too is that we try and pass by a whole bunch of people before Supper or something, and we get delayed, so it's 7:30 PM and we haven't eaten since 11 AM and in the car is a plate pilled high with cookies. 10 minutes later, there ain't no cookies left. I know, I know... We're disgusting. =) We were actually debating not buying any grocereis this week and surviving on the leftovers in the fridge and all the cookies we got. Which, Honestly, we could easily do. We have tons of food in our apartment. It's great. 

This week we are going back down to Ottawa for district meeting and we are going to be doing splits with the Elders in the Fallowfield ward, but we are going to 'Blitz' the area. Elder Wright and myself will both stay down in Fallowfield instead of one of us going back to our area with one of the other missionaries. The reason we are doing this is because our Zone is having a Christmas party Thursday evening. It should be tons of fun! We will be getting all our mail and packages then too. I'm Excited!

But, I'll talk to you all next week, and I should have some pictures of the christmas party! 

Elder Oviatt

December 9, 2013

Hey! 

Wanna hear about our crazy week?

OK, so our week really wasn't that crazy, but it did start out crazy! Monday for Lunch Elder Wright and I had some leftover lasagna. Mmm... Lasagna, right? WRONG! Well, no, actually, right... It was delicious! But then, suppertime rolls around and I felt... Meh, so instead of eating a big supper I had some cream of wheat. Right before bed, I got up, brushed my teeth and then had two little throw-ups, but then I felt great, so I brushed my teeth again, obviously, and I went to bed. At 11:30, I woke up. Threw my blankets off of me, walked to my dresser (which is about 1 foot away from me, not much of a walk.) I tossed on my pajama pants, took 3 steps outside of our bedroom door (Notice I didn't put on my flip-flops. That is how you know this is serious. I don't go anywhere without my flip-flops on) and I knew I wasn't going to make it up a flight of stairs, around the kitchen in the dark, over the christmas tree chords and into the bathroom in time, so I stopped right there and about 1/8th of a second later projectile vomited in the hallway in the dark. Now, luckily (or unluckily, your choice) I had the mind to bring my shirt up and cover my mouth so that bile didn't go EVERYWHERE. But then my shirt was soaking wet, dripping with the leftovers from our leftovers. I coughed, felt terrible, then proceeded to vomit 4 or 5 more times, always into my shirt so as to minimize clean up after. Well, I ran upstairs, my shirt actually doing an amazing job at holding the liquid, none of it dripping as I walked up 13 stairs and around our kitchen, over the chirstmas tree chords and into the bathroom. Bravo little shirt, bravo. I showered, cleaned up the hallway, tossed my clothes in the laundry, and the rags I used to clean the hallway in the wash too. I then proceeded to toss and turn, attempting to "sleep". It didn't work so well. I was upstairs the rest of the night. First on the floor, then on the chair, then on the floor with my feet on the chair, then on a different chair, then to a third chair, back to the floor, the first chair, and finally the 2nd chair did it for me. I got some "sleep". I felt terrible when I woke up still though, so did Elder wright, He having woken up a few times with some mad diarrhea. it was just a rough start for the two of us. We spent most of the next day in the apartment. We had 2 lessons set up so we went to those, but other than that, we stayed in and recovered. We didn't feel better until Wednesday morning, when we drove to Ottawa for District Meeting. We did splits with the Elders in the Fallowfield ward, Elder Foster and Elder Messinger. Elder Foster and myself returned to Petawawa and taught Mark and Tara about marriage and we were planning on talking to them about how they need to either be married before they get baptised, or move out. But before we had even started to teach them the lesson, Tara looks over at me and says "See Mark, that's the kind of suit you need to get for our wedding!" Elder Foster and I kind of just looked at each other and were like... Uh... What? Cool!! So yeah, they are already talking about marriage and want to even go and get sealed!! Sounds like a good goal to me! I hope I am around when their wedding happens, but they said that they would try and make it out to Edmonton when I get married. Who knows when that is going to be though! Probably in 30 or 40 years. ;) 

Saturday was our branch Christmas party. It was awesome. We were at the church from 11AM till 9PM. Looong day. We did a white elephant gift exchange. Elder Wright and I went all out with our present. We bought clear glass ornamental balls, and we took pictures of ourselves and put them in the ornaments. Now a family has 6 Elder Wright and Elder Oviatt Christmas ornaments. I took pictures of them because they are so boss. So. Boss. =) One is missing, I'll see if I can go and grab a picture of it for next week.

Have a great week!!