Dear family & friends,

We had a wonderful weekend listening to conference with the missionaries. On Saturday we listened to both sessions with all the Tana Missionaries in English. On Sunday we listened to the morning session in the President's home and had lunch there. Then in the afternoon we went downstairs to be with the missionaries again.It was a wonderful experiences listening to the words of our prophet and apostles. We are excited about the announcement that the age of missionaries is being lowered. That will help to strengthen our forces throughout the world. When the missionaries stood and sang with the congregation, it brought chills and tears to our bodies as they sang loudly with strength and vigor. It is such a spiritual high to be in the presence of the missionaries at a special time such as conference. They have such positive attitudes and strong spirits.We are amazed at how few of them complain even though the circumstance they face each day aren't easy with poverty, sickness, and filth around them. We have some of the most valiant, courageous missionaries here and we have grown to love all of them as if they were our grandsons. We know that these young men and women are some of God's chosen sons and daughters. We are excited to welcome four new missionaries this week and will be sad to send one home who has served valiantly.

One lesson that we have learned here is that you need to be patient in all things. On Friday Sister Cornelius and Sister Adams went to pick up our conference DVD's at DHL. They were being held up on clearance delay and we hoped to get them out. Well four hours later and after they had passed through several government offices to be cleared, we got them. We left the office at 1:00 and returned home at 7:00. The rest of the time was spent in traffic and a 30 minute stop at a grocery store. Another adventure in Madagascar that we hope never to repeat again.

 In closing we want to let you all know that we are glad that we choose to serve a mission . We have had experience here that have strengthened our testimonies and have brought us closer to each other and to the Lord. We have made friends that we will always cherish and love. we have had the wonderful opportunity to serve others and be with the missionaries who build us and strengthen us. This has been a once in a life time experience that we are glad that we have had the opportunity to do. We send our love and prayers to all of you. Elder & Sister Cornelius

Picture 0895 is of the bad air we had here last week. 

Picture 0889 is three elders who had their appendix  out within two months of each other, Elders Cusick, Allred & Abney.

Picture 0380 is missionaries in the President's home before departing to go home.