Motorway Bridge

 This is a bridge that goes over the motorway between Lancaster and Preston.  Dad wants to stop every time we drive by it and we finally had a moment to explore this strange building and bridge. 

Baptisms at the Preston Temple

 Sister Yewdall and Brother Shallicker, our first baptism, were able to come and join us at the Temple on Saturday.  It was their first time coming to the Temple.  They felt so happy and blessed to be in the Temple.  We had a wonderful time sharing our missionary day with them.  President Ulrich gave us special permission to invite them.

This is just a small group of missionaries that we spent the day with doing baptisms.  Most of them had already gone home by the time we finished.  We had three groups in each session.  One morning session and one afternoon session.  We wish every day could be like this day.  After this life it will be but we will have our family with us always!

Dad's Birthday

Preston and South Ribble YSA.  They are awesome!

 The YSA did a surprise birthday party for Dad.  They brought a cake and food as well as decorations.  This is our friend Jordan.  He is an amazing young man.  Here is his stroy: He was reading a blog online about a family who sent their son on a mission and he saw the love and joy they had because of it.  So he looked up the LDS website to learn more.  He decided to get a Book of Mormon and read it.  He looked up where our churches were located in this area and saw there was one in Chorley but he knew he could not afford to take the bus to get there.  He was talking to his friends and they mentioned that there was one in Preston which was just around the corner.  He came by our church four times but the gates were always locked.  He thought the church was abandoned.  His last ditch effort was to go on a Sunday morning.  He came and found the South Ribble Ward there.  I saw him standing by the door and went over to him and asked him his name.  He had a huge smile and I asked him why he was so happy and he said, "Because I am here".  He has been reading the Book of Mormon and having the discussions.  He wants to go on a mission but we remind him that he has to get baptized first after he finishes the discussions.  It takes time but he is ready.  He was ready for baptism the day he came through those doors at church.  He can find scriptures in the Book of Mormon quicker then any of us.  He was prepared by our Heavenly Father before he ever set foot in the church.  We love being around him and love him.  He glows with the spirit of truth.  He will be baptized on the same day as Lucille.  It will be an amazing experience for him and for all who know him.  His parents are not supportive of him and it breaks our hearts.  They kick him out of the house at 8 am and tell him to not come back till 5 pm.  He has many trials but his spirit is strong and gentle.  He is a chosen and special young man.

Birthday cake and food.  Thanks YSA!  We love you!

Lancaster Castle

 On P-day Dad and I went on a tour of the Lancaster Castle with Brother Holden and the Missionaries serving in Lancaster.  Ken also came along who is a newly baptized Chinese member. 

 This is the castle.  We didn't have a lot of time so we did not go inside but we hope to do that at another time.

 This is the front door to the Church of England located by the castle and has many relics and artifacts going back to the Gothic period.  It is all so beautiful!

 Gargoyles!

 We loved the stained glass windows.

 These are the seats the priests would sit or stand in.  They began their prayers at 2:30 in the morning and would stand for hours in these boxes praying.  They are very uncomfortable.

Our group of missionaries from Lancaster.  Sister Chu and Sister Zhu are both Chinese.  Elder Hollingsworth and Elder Green are our zone leaders.  Ken is from China. 

Manchester Fireside

Dad and I took Joseph Blake with us to the Manchester New Convert Fireside.  At this fireside all the recently baptized members come to share their conversion stories and to bear their testimonies.  It is a very special evening filled with amazing miracles and life stories.  Joseph is 83.  The other man is from Africa and has a very shocking story of violence and turmoil with the gospel restoring peace and calm to his life.  His bore a strong and courageous testimony and helped us all to appreciate the many gifts we have been given by a loving Heavenly Father.

Rosie's Baptism

 This is David and Lucille.  Dad and I have been teaching them since November.  Lucille will be baptized next Saturday.  We love them so much and are grateful for their friendship and love of the gospel.

 This is Rosie who was baptized by Chris.  They are from the Kendal Branch,  Sister Carroll, Sister Esau and Sister Arias have been teaching her.  We love these Sisters!

 Dad and I went to the Preston Train Station to pick up the Sister Carroll who had recently been transferred to Manchester so she could come to Rosie's baptism.  The train and bus service here is pretty amazing.Both of these Sisters are from Australia as well as Sister Esau.  Sister Arias is from Columbia