July 26, 2012

Last night we had the opportunity to have dinner and a testimony meeting with three departing elders who are going home today. We also got to go with them to the Lemur Park and Crocodile Park in Andesibe on Tuesday. We had a fun time getting to know each of them as we traveled and toured the parks. We got to go across suspending bridges that were scarry, but the missionaries had fun taking pictures as they crossed. We saw many different sizes of crocodiles. We will send pictures later. During the testimony meeting each missionary shared their feelings about serving a mission and how it had strengthened them and helped them gain a stronger testimony. They talked of their appreciation for those who had trained them and helped them through difficult trials. One missionary compared his mission to a Roller Coaster ride with its ups and downs, twists and turns, and when you get to the end of the ride you look back and say that was an awesome ride. I'd like to do it all over again. They shared the love for the humble people of Madagascar and how serving these people has helped them learn to love them. One missionary said that he would tell his investigators that I wouldn't be here today if I didn't know that this church is true. I wouldn't be here if I didn't know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. I am here because I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God, I wouldn't be here if I didn't know these things were true. It was a wonderful evening and you could really feel the spirit there. Today a young women came in to the office and wanted to speak English. She has been learning English for 6 months. I spoke to her for a while and asked her if she would like to come to the english
class that is taught by the elders every Friday here at the church. I also gave her some English books to read, the Ensign and Our Search for Happiness. I introduced her to the missionaries as she is not a
member, but is interested in learning about our church. So, we will see what happens there. We hope all of you have a great weekend.
Love you, Elder & Sister Cornelius