Journey to Preston

Okay so because I am behind on blogging I am going to date these next few posts so you know when they actually occurred.

-events occur in real time-(only 24 watchers will catch that phrase)

July 28th 2011

On our way to York we stopped in Preston, England. It is a small town and I didn't really understand the reason for our stopping until we met up with our guide. He took us on a two hour tour of the city talking about the events that happened there in church history. Preston is the first place the missionaries came when they left Nauvoo to spread the gospel. Among those first missionaries sent by Joseph Smith were Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Willard Richards, and Joseph Fielding. We were able to see where they first stood and taught the gospel, where the first saints were baptized, and also a small garden dedicated to those first British converts. Another interesting thing about Preston, England is that it was the first place President Gordon B. Hinckley came when he began his mission. Our guide told us a story about how he was doing another tour (non LDS) and standing in the town square when he saw President Hinckley and Sister Hinckley walk up. He said that he quickly excused himself to go over and say hello. He told us how President Hinckley talked about how that was the first place he ever taught the gospel and told him how nervous he had been standing in the town square. It was a very cool experience. After our tour we grabbed a quick lunch (and maybe some fresh donuts that were being sold on the street) and headed to the Preston, England temple. It is about a 10 minute drive outside of town and it is beautiful! The England MTC is on the same grounds so we were able to see that as well. 

Now for a quick shout out!!!!

Elder Cook has officially been out ONE YEAR! 365 DAYS! 52 WEEKS! 12 FAST SUNDAYS! WOOOOOO! It has gone by so fast, I can't even believe it. He is of course still loving El Salvador and teaching many people. The temple was recently finished and he has had many opportunities to bring investigators there to experience the amazing spirit in the temple open house. 

" I love being a missionary! i am learning so

much! my testimony of the gospel of jesus christ has grown so much!
the book of mormon is TRUE! every verse is inspired of god because
they are his words!"

*The pictures are of the garden in Preston, the place where the first British saints were baptized, my tribute to one year (so cheesy, I know), the temple, and the beautiful lily pond outside the temple.