Where it all Began: England Day 7

Sadly, it was our last day in England.  We decided to end our trip back where it all began: the Preston MTC.  First we checked in to the Temple Accomodations (only £14 to stay the night!) which is right across from the MTC.

Then we headed straight to the temple for lunch and to do a session inside.  The grounds were absolutely gorgeous.

This afternoon, we headed to Chatburn's River Ribble.  This is the river that they baptized the first converts in England back in 1837.  It's now more of a stream, but it was a neat little place nevertheless.

For our last visit, we headed over the hill to Downham. Here's a description of the place by Brett:

In 1837, Elder Heber C. Kimball was called to lead a mission to England. He was told that the people of the Preston area were too stubborn and obstenate and that for 30 years, ministers of different faiths had unsuccessfully tried to establish congregations. Elder Kimball had much success - baptizing over 30 people his first night in the area, and baptizing an average of 50 people every week for 8 months (many in the River Ribble). Many spiritual experiences occurred here at Downham where on his final day before journeying home, Elder Kimball was met by over 700 saints by this bridge where they took off his their hats, sang and honoured the efforts of Elder Kimball.

When Elder Kimball reported to Joseph Smith about the spirit he felt and the amazing success he had in England, the Prophet told him that it was because ancient prophets and apostles had once walked on that land and dedicated it for the preaching of the gospel in the Latter-Days. My mission President told us that it is believed that it was the apostle Timothy who made his way up to England. There is also an English tradition that says when Christ was in his youth, he traveled with his uncle, Joseph of Arimathea, to England for trading purposes.

The End.

Special surprise of the day! While by the river in Downham, we saw a bunch of little tiny ducklings.  They were so cute and fuzzy!!!

A wonderful last day in England.  We are so sad to leave tomorrow.

Homeless Buddies: England Day 6

This morning we visited Chatsworth House, where Mr. Darcy's home is filmed in the Keira Knightly version of Pride and Prejudice.   Here are a few pictures of the inside of the house.

REAL Coronation chairs.
Also, the texture on the wall is not just paint,
 it was textured and poked out like that.
Absolutely gorgeous.

One of my favorite sculptures: The Veiled Woman 

Next up: pictures of the Gardens.

Cool little fountain tree that would be awesome to run in during the summer.

Rock Garden

You can see Chatsworth in the right hand side through the trees.

We decided to have a race through the hedge maze.

I won!

Next up....

.... STICK RACE.

Brett couldn't throw his in the stream.  I WIN!!!!!! :D

Who needs Mr. Darcy when you have this handsome man?

Brett being a duck.

Next stop: Sheffield.

Once upon a time while Brett was serving a mission, 
I looked up his flat address on google earth 
and photoshopped Marah and myself onto the street beneath his flat. 
 I sent this picture to him.

In response, he made my Valentines Day by sending this one back.

And today we got to take this awkward photo standing on the very street together.

After Sheffield, we headed to York.  Yes the old York for which New York is named after. It was quite the experience.  The wind about knocked us over, tourists crowded the streets, and parking was horrendous. But at least we got these awesome pictures.

Shambles.  Where the buildings have started leaning in so much, they're almost touching.
It reminded me of Diagon Alley.

Cool shoemaker robot that Brett particularly liked.

Guy Fawkes' birth place.

York Minister.

Best part of our York experience: getting mistaken as homeless people.

The story goes, we really wanted Drake's Fish and Chips so we grabbed some to eat as we walked to see York Minster. Since it was so extremely windy and cold, we decided to take refuge in the Alley and eat on a door step. As we're sitting there, a homeless guy runs up to us and excitedly tells us to go get some free sandwiches as some shop. He was just trying to look out for his fellow homeless mates.  It was hilarious.  Do we look homeless to you?

To finish off our day, we headed back to Leeds for dinner at Masala Hut (the BEST Indian food) with Rose and Joan.  

It's been such a lovely experience being here see so many neat sites and meeting so many wonderful friends.  We're not looking forward to going home on Wednesday... AT ALL.

p.s. Brett fell asleep today and started singing in his sleep while I drove.  It is hilarious, not the best filming since I was driving.  You can watch it on facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151910616288378&set=vb.788363377&type=3&theater