Hiya from Preston

April 26, 2021

Hiya from Preston

Hiya friends!

I'm catching on to some British lingo slowly but surely ;) I had a wonderful first week in Chorley!! Everyone calls it the mini Utah of England because there are so many members... no wonder I love it here! :) The members take such good care of us - last night we were given TWO dinners!!! I was especially touched by a gift from an elderly man we visited this week named Richard. When we arrived he had juice, biscuits and little packages with a few pounds inside that said "Pennies from Heaven." I have NO doubt there is a special place in heaven for this man.

We had a great Sunday to end a great week. In fact, I think yesterday was my favorite day of my mission so far! We walked to church in the beautiful sunshine, saw the temple, ate dinner with some lovely members and invited our friend Sharon to be baptized!!! Sharon has been friends with the missionaries in Chorley since January when she requested a Book of Mormon, but due to bad health has not been able to come to sacrament meeting until yesterday. We gave her a little chapel tour before the meeting and she oohed and ahhed at everything, even the cultural hall haha! The building is on the temple grounds, so it is a beautiful place. Most of all, I was so amazed to see how the Lord has prepared Sharon to take this leap of faith and be baptized. She will be baptized on May 18th, her birthday! Also the day before my birthday!! Best present ever. 🥳

Today we took the bus to Preston so that we could go to Primark and visit 15 Wadham Road. Primark is basically H&M with Savers prices... every missionary's dream. And although Primark was pretty great, 15 Wadham Road definitely took the cake! My great-grandpa Gordon B. Hinckley lived in that flat when he was new missionary, and it was there that he decided to fully commit himself to the Lord. I know that his decision that day changed the course of my family history! That's not to say that we wouldn't be active members of the church if it weren't for his dedication, but his example of consecration and faith in the Lord has touched our lives so deeply I think it's no coincidence I was called to serve in a place that means so much to him!!

I love you all and hope you have a lovely week!!! :) And don't forget to choose faith