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23 May 2012


Hi Everyone,

Well, church on Sunday was quite interesting.  They say they speak English here, but it's really half English mixed with Cebuano and whatever else they speak, so it was really hard to follow what they were saying, but the spirit testified that they really know the gospel and the teachers were very good.  They fill the chapel and it's a huge one. 
 
We've had a very interesting day today.  It was announced Sunday that Elder Russel M. Nelson of the Twelve Apostles was going to be here to give a devotional Wed. evening.  He came to the temple and went through a session at 2 p.m.  I didn't get to see him because my shift ended just before his started.  But Lyman and I did go to the devotional.  It was very good, of course, and so interesting to see him in person.  He told about what parents should be teaching their children.  He had all the primary children in the audience stand and sing a verse of "I Am a Child of God."
He said that we should talk to Heavenly Father like we talk to our earthly father.  Tell him good morning and good night, to report in to him like we would our earthly father, and share our concerns, etc. with him.  The people should be grateful for having a temple close and that they should attend often, for the sealing of the family is the most important thing we can do in this life.
He just talked to the audience, it wasn't some prepared speech.  It was wonderful.  He ended with and Apostolic blessing on the people.  What a wonderful experience!  He then had the people who wanted to shake his hand form a line.  I think everyone there wanted to.  We just slipped out and walked home so others would have the experience.
 
We are beginning to get more used to everything here.  Especially to the time change.  We just love the people.  They always want to shake our hands.  They get the biggest smile on their faces when we acknowledge them.  We still have to pinch ourselves to believe we're really here on this mission.  We love the temple WORK.  You do get very tired by the end of the shift, but you feel good after you've devoted your time to something worthwhile and  not just to worldly things.
 
We hope that this finds everyone well.  We love hearing from you whenever you find the time.
 
Sincerely,
Elder and Sister Ward


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