March Blog

We had another wonderful month of service as missionaries here in the New York Utica Mission with our assignment being here in Ogdensburg. It most ways, it was a fairly typical month with visits to our members and investigators on a daily basis. We love being of service to others and this Mission helps us do that. In addition, we had a Zone Conference and missionary transfers during the month. That brought Elder Belnap to us and we said so long to Elders Wendt, Crapo and Bench. We spend a lot of time with the Elders, so when they are transferred we are sad to see them go but, of course, excited about the new ones coming our way.

Early in the month, we said goodbye to Crystal Marsh, who passed away at the age of 33. She was a dear and sweet young woman who was born with Spina Bifida and other complications as well. We would go to cheer her up but always came away cheered ourselves because of her wonderful disposition and positive attitude. Jim was asked to conduct the memorial service and it was a sweet experience. We know that she is now free from a tormented body and will one day receive it back in a perfect state.

During the early part of the month we were so excited to be visited by three of our grandchildren, Kyra, Cory, and Toby. While they were here, we had fun visiting, playing cards and getting their help with our technology issues. Of course, they flew into and out of Syracuse, which is a solid two hours from Ogdensburg.

During the middle of the month, we were thrilled to make another trip to the Montreal Temple and had a wonderful experience there. On our last trip there, we discovered a wonderful restaurant that Linda loved. So, we made a special point of eating there once again when we were headed back to Ogdensburg. Another senior couple, serving just 35 miles from us in Massena, joined us there, which added to the whole experience.

We began the month with a small snow storm but the weather was generally nice throughout the month of March. With spring upon us, we enjoyed seeing the snow melt away and to notice that the trees started the rebirth process as they began to come out of their dormant period. Even the grass was beginning to show more green by the end of the month.

Elder Belnap, Elder Foster & Elder Crapo from our Branch.

This was a learning activity at one of our District Conferences.

There is a sister in the Mission boundaries who crochets slippers for every missionary!  She asks for the size and favorite color then delivers them to wherever the missionary is serving. She has made nearly 500 over the past few years. Her son goes with her to make all the deliveries. 

Showing off our slippers!

This is Sister Stevens from the District who crochets all the slippers.

Jim at work at the Salvation Army. He knows the first name of nearly every person (about 50) that comes in on food give away day.

We had a church ice skating party and our granddaughter, Kyra, was here for a visit. She did really good for her first time!

Enjoyed a few days with the grandkids here. Kyra, Toby & Cory.