This past week has flown by because of a lot of activities in our mission. On Tuesday we had a going away dinner for four missionaries going home. This is always a choice evening as the missionaries bear testimony of the work that they have preformed. One missionary who served in a Branch Presidency had 100 baptisms on his mission. He bore a spiritual testimony of the love God has for all his children and how much he will miss the people he has served. Another missionary told of the trials he had, his parents told him they were getting a divorce in the M.T.C, he just about went home after that. then when he got here he found out that his mom had cancer and later that his brother was having some difficulties. He really was tested and had a difficult time, but he said that he finally realized that he needed to be here doing what he was doing and that everything would work out. He couldn't change what  his parents had chosen to do and he could best help his mother by serving the Lord and praying for her. He has had great success on his mission and his family is doing better, his mom is doing well. President Adams bore testimony that each of these missionaries were going to be great assets to their wards and families. That they aren't the same now as they were when they entered the mission field. They need to stay strong and use the things they have learned here to strengthen their future wives and family. One of the apostles said that the most important convert that you will make on your mission is yourself.
On Wednesday we welcomed 6 new missionaries to our mission, we had a dinner that night and two stayed at our apartment. Thursday morning we fed all of them breakfast, We went through 34 eggs in two days, those growing missionaries can eat. Sister Cornelius made rolls for the luncheon we had after their training and finding out who their companion would be. It is fun to be apart of the excitement as they open their letter to tell them where they will serve and with whom. Sister Cornelius then sent an email to the parents to let them know of their sons arrival and assignment. We also had transfers on Thursday and there were missionaries coming and going all day, 805 of our missionaries were transferred, so it was very hectic. One missionary who has been serving in Tulear came in before we left our office and told us about the devastation from the Cyclone that hit there a week ago last Monday. A whole village was destroyed and thousands of people are either homeless or out of work because the boats are damaged. This is a seaport town that is just above sea level. Our church Humanitarian is working with the Catholic Relief Agency and the government to help in that area. 
In closing I would like to share one scripture found in 2 Nephi 2:8 "Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being first that should rise."
We hope each of you have a great week and we appreciate you support and love.
Love, Elder & Sister Cornelius

This is Elder Horman by a large tree that fell during the cyclone in Tulear.

 

 The next picture is of Tulear where the cyclone hit two weeks ago. A missionary who was serving there gave me some pictures. The pictures shows the flood water and broken trees.