March 19 - 23rd

This past week we drove around Antananarivo to visit and inspect Elder's apartments. We had a driver so we didn't get lost. It seemed like everywhere we went there were crowds of people either selling or buying things. There are small shops along the sides of the road selling food, tools, and anything they can find to sell. These people survive by selling what they can and growing what they need. There is about 3 and a half million people living in this area counting the suburbs. We are getting used to the culture and it's not as shocking as it was at first with the trash and poverty. It makes you glad you live where you do in Utah. We always look forward to Mondays when the missionaries come to the office to get mail and a treat. They like to visit and we get to know them better. Bruce and I are really enjoying our time to read the scriptures and have found the Book of Mormon to be more like a story book, where you get involved with the people and their circumstances and have a hard time putting it down. We are currently reading in Mosiah, where King Benjamin is talking to his people and giving them words of counsel. We won't get to listen to conference until two weeks after you do, but are looking forward to hearing from our prophet and apostles. We have grown closer to each other and to the Lord as we are serving. We have been blessed in many ways. This has been a great experience so far. We love and miss all of you. Elder & Sister Cornelius

Here are some pictures

A wagon load of Rice Flax harvested from the Rice Patties, used to make bricks.

A panorama shot of the country on our trip.

Just some different forms of transportation

These mountains look much like Utah

0402 Rice Patties

Muddy river after  a rainstorm

Beautiful Countryside

 The Artisin Hotel that we stayed at in Ambostra

Relaxing

 Sister C. waiting for her ride

Sister C. enjoying her ride.

Us with the elders that are returning home. 

A Madagascar lumber yard. 

 Ambostra from our hotel. 

Us on the poose poose ride in Antsirabe.