Week 2

Hi Everyone,

We are doing great here in Preston.  Our bungalow is so cute and comfortable.  We have everything we could possible need and then some.  We have been very well cared for.  The Elders and Sisters are so fun!  They are all so kind and welcoming.  We have 12 missionaries here besides ourselves which means that every activity and class is full of missionaries. We have had many of them over for dinner and we can tell that the previous mission couple had a lot of parties and provided a lot of food for every get together. I am cooking way more for church activities then I ever did for the YSA.  We drive a lot taking Elders and Sisters to their new areas, on doctor appointments ( 3 hour drive and 3 hours waiting for the Elder), and home from activities.  We have been to Liverpool, Wigan, Blackpool, Manchester as well as many other wards in our area here in Preston. We are looking forward to going to Kendal because the branch is very small and the Bishop is away having surgery to treat cancer.  We have a fireside in Manchester on Sunday where all the new converts bear their testimonies.  

We feel like the missionaries fight over us for a ride because in order to get there you have to take an hour ride on the train.  It is very funny to listen to them talk they just say, "Well, we got you first so they will have to find their own way there." 

We have been volunteering to sell poppies to raise money for the veterans.  We sit in the front of a grocery store and ask for donations.  People are very generous.  

We have talked with people about the church while we are out shopping and plan to visit with some less actives members this afternoon.  We have been to members houses for dinner and love the quaint, lovely homes with beautiful gardens and mossy roofs. 

The mission president said that he is going to transfer us in nine months which is next July. We are excited about that because we will have more experiences with new people and environment.

We love you all and miss you.  Keep smiling and reading your scriptures every day!

Love you so much!

We had a very warm reception from people at the supermarket while we were collecting donations for the veterans who fought in World War I.  They call it the "Poppy Appeal".  People here are very generous in support of family and friends who have served in the military.