March 22, 2013

We have had auditors here for a few weeks and one of the ladies that was here told Elder Cornelius that she liked being here because it felt good here. She isn't a member and had many questions about our church. She couldn't understand that we were paying to serve a mission and that the other couple were doing the same. She asked how we did that and Elder Cornelius told her we had saved money for several years so we could serve a mission. That is a very hard concept for a Malagasy. They don't have extra money to save because they aren't paid a lot,  She also had a hard time with believing that people would donate money to the church for Humanitarian and missionary work. These concept are very unfamiliar to them.
We also had President Donnelly here for a few days having Public Affairs meetings. He had two men from Salt Lake City who work for the church directing the Public Affairs all over the world. They ate dinner with us last night along with the Murdock's who are from Montecello, Utah. They live on the border of Blanding and Montecello. They are a Public Affairs couple who had visited here before.
The couples we work with here are wonderful people, we have a lot of fun having Family Home Evening together and playing games. someone made the comment that will stay in contact with the couple more that the missionaries when we leave because of the bond we make here. We will see if that happens. Our Humanitarian couple shared their experiences in Tulear helping the victims from the cyclone with us. One lady who isn't a member commented that our church was the first one to give out aide to the needy and how grateful they were for the help. I have included a picture sister Richards shared with us.

This is a group of people that were helped. They are going back to some remote village on Friday to give out food and other supplies.
We will end with this thought. Be grateful for what you have because you never know what tomorrow will bring. Tell those that you love just how much you love them and appreciate all they do for you. Moroni 7:47.
Have a great week. Love, Elder & Sister Cornelius