Week 36 - A Christmas Miracle Baptism!

Well folks it has been quite the week here in Massena! Rita, who has had many roadblocks keeping her from baptism for about 6 months now finally decided it's been long enough and wanted to be baptized ASAP.  Well, the only problem is that she worked in Utica until 10 Saturday night, and Elder Spear, who she wanted to baptize and confirm her, was being transferred on Monday.  Sooo.... 7 am Sunday morning it is!  After many phone calls and much anxiety and planning she was baptized and confirmed on Dec 22, 2019. Woohoo! Way worth getting up at 5 am for. And, I got to be a witness! That was an amazing opportunity too.  I might have teared up haha. In the dressing room afterwards she said, "I feel different!" It's amazing! And now she's told us she's ready for a calling to whip things into shape haha.

Sister Penrod & me with Rita at her baptism!

Definitely finding Joy in Massena--
especially with Rita's baptism!

The Spears are also leaving which is really sad, but we know that they are going to do so much good in Buffalo! We had a final dinner with them and are saying goodbye today :(. 

Goodbye dinner at VinoVidi Vici Restaurant with Bro & Sis Spear.

The other crazy thing of the week was the temperature! Wow it snowed a ton which was gorgeous then it decided to get COLD. One morning we went out to walk and the phone said feels like -23⁰! I can now say I've had my nostrils freeze haha. But then yesterday it got to 40⁰ and most of the snow melted! What in the world? And I thought Utah weather was crazy. 

With Christmas approaching we have been showing people the He is the Gift video. It's very good highly recommend! Also with the Spirit of Christmas video they talk about gifts we can give Christ this year, and we have been inviting people to do the same. Could we clean up the kitchen for our mom? Spend a day without road rage? Stop rolling your eyes and sighing? There's something we all can do that would make Him very happy:)  What gift are YOU going to give him this year?

Love, Sister Potts 

FUN FACTS: (I think I'm going to switch to the WHITMER FARM! possibly my favorite! )

1.  The Whitmers are of German descent from a group known as Pennsylvania Dutch.

2. They moved to the Fayette, NY area around 1807 with their 8 children.

3. They purchased a 100 acre farm (same as the Smiths), but theirs was a working farm so they didn't have to clear the land. 

4. The Whitmers were very involved in the community and highly respected. They were school trustees, constables, and members of the local militia.

5. The Whitmers were God-fearing people and worshiped in the local German reformed church. 

Bonus from Mom Potts:  Brother Spear sent this special video of Emily rehearsing a special violin/piano number with one of the young women in the branch for the Christmas program.  What a blessing that someone found a violin for her to play!  This makes my Christmas complete and my momma heart so happy! :)

https://youtu.be/ROukibodDqM