Week 56- snap crackle pop

Thanks to the Purcell's (the senior missionary couple
here in Massena) who sent us the beautiful flowers!

Hello friends and family! Signing in for possibly my last weekly email from Massena. Transfers are Wednesday, and I've already been here 5 transfers, so the odds of me staying are very slim! We will see though.... 

I don't have much time today, but here are some highlights of the week! First off, to explain my title I've been having back problems for a while and I finally broke down and told my mission president's wife about it.  She had a former senior Elder (a chiropractor) call me and teach my companion how to pop my back! Seriously a huge highlight of the week--it is the best, haha! You know you're in quarantine when that's the most exciting update .... 

We were also able to get a hold of some people that we haven't in a long time! Huge miracle. We were able to teach the law of chastity to someone who we've been really nervous to teach it to, and she took it so well! She has such a desire to do what God wants and we were blown away by her great attitude. 

We also were able to start doing family history with Jillian! We have found a lot and have been able to put a lot of her tree together and she is so excited. Her parents are really excited too, so it could be a great excuse to get them more involved! The spirit of Elijah is so real. 

We also found out that the new missionaries are going to be coming in starting in a couple weeks! They'll be coming in on the daily so every day there will be transfers pretty much. Wild! But exciting. We were told we could go out and take a hike or something today, so we went and walked around a little nature center area and got to wear JEANS! My first time since being a missionary! Honestly can't wait to put the dress back on soon haha.

Also Mothers day was this week! I am so grateful for a mom who has encouraged me to pursue my interests and passions, and who has taught me to prioritize the gospel in my life. She has taught me so much! Love you momma 

Love, Sister Potts 

Lots of good food this week!

French Dip Sandwiches & Sunshine Salad :)

Can't go wrong with ice cream!

FUN FACTS - to answer some peoples questions! If you have any send them in :)

1. I got a question about the economy around the time when the Smith family left Vermont:  the eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia changed weather patterns all around the world, and in Vermont it caused several years of cold summers. As farming was a very large part of the economy and what employed many people this would have had severe economic consequences. It's what drove the Smith's and I'm sure many others from Vermont to the west to find better soil and climate to farm. 

2. The rest of today I will be answering questions about Joseph and Emma's children!

3. 1. (Possibly) Alvin Smith born June 15 1828 in Harmony, PA and lived only a few hours.

4. Fourth and fifth - twins born in Kirtland Ohio in 1831. Both died at birth.

5. The next day, a family friend also gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl (named Joseph and Julia Murdock) but when she died shortly after birth the Smith's adopted the babies. Joseph died in early 1832 after contracting the measles And being exposed to cold air from a mob attack. Julia live until 1880 and would end up converting to Catholicism and reside near Nauvoo. 

We will finish next week! !