I don't think I'm still living in Africa... (Week #78)

Hey everyoneeee. Welcome to the weekly email. I'm losing motivation week by week to write these. I hope they're still fun like they were in the beginning. I guess we can start by talking about my exchanges. I had two this week which really fun. One was with my dear dear past companion Elder Ojo. He's the best I love him so much. We had lots of fun. We bought these new sunglasses that go craaaazyyy. Like fr you put those things on and it's straight night. We walked into a building with those things on and we were straight blind 👨‍🦯 they're actually wild. Also some crazy stuff that's become normal -everyone dances sooo inappropriately, like even 4 year Olds. I saw a 4 year old hanging upside down on a guys back twirking her life out. It was crazy -Lizards are EVERYWHERE and they love love love doing Pushups, can't go into much more detail than that - during the celebration everyone will come to you saying: "bonne année" (happy new years) but what they're really trying to say us: "donne-moi ton argent le blanc" (give me all your money white guy) LUCKILY there's a really easy way to get out of it. All we have to do is say "Bonne Fête!" Which means " Happy Celebration!" But they take it as "I'm not giving you my money" kinda neat hub I've been told my emails are getting worse.. yako maybe I'll make a new years goal to become interesting again. Maybe the mission really is turning me into a robot... jkjk ahah Another funny story. I've officially made up a cover story for my life. I tell all the ivorians that I am Baoulé (an ethnicity here). When they don't believe me I tell them that I was born in Bouaké (a baoulé city) and I tell them my mom is baoulé and my dad is white. (Semi-believable story because the baoulé women loooove white guys and also I'm kinda darker so I tell them I'm mixed) then I tell them when I was two, me my mom and my dad moved to Sakassou when I was 2 years old, and then when I was 4 me and my mom moved to America whie my dad stayed for work. I know it's a wild story but I got a solid group of people I forgot to tell I'm joking that think I'm still baoulé. And apparently the words started to get out because I've been called le blanc baoulé a lillll too often recently ahahah. Anyways sorry for another rant. I got to go to the baptism of someone I was able to teach one time and do their baptismal interview. His name is Papa Zamblé. He's awesome. A couple months ago he didn't even believe in God. His son was baptized and started going to church (he's like 10 btw) and his dad saw a difference in him and started praying to God again. He's seen countless miracles in his life since! He's learned the importance of repentance and forgiving. Oh my gosh this guy knows how to apply the doctrine! He called his sister he hasn't talked to in like 10 years and he started to repair their relationship. Now they're friends again and it's all thanks to the gospel of Jesus christ. It's so nice seeing peoples life change for the better thanks to Jesus Christ. ALSO that really really shows the importance of being a good example! His son (again 10 YEARS OLD) started going to church and applying the gospel and thanks to him, his dad stopped drinking, stopped smoking, has a good relationship with his sister again, and has a relationship with God! Everyone!! We need to be examples like this kid! The gospel brings a light so so bright. It's so beautiful. I hope this email is a little better than my past ones The reason for the title is we just moved apartments. Before, the ceiling was falling off, we never had water, and it was cockroach infested despite our efforts.. NOW, we are literally in one of the nicest apartments in the mission. We are the only apartment in the mission that has an elevator to our apartment which is really nice because we're on the 5th floor. The apartment is clean nice , already has AC here, 2 bathrooms, 2 rooms, all for just 2 people! AMAZING VIEWS! Such a blessing compared to the old apartment. Also It's so funny because right across the fence is your normal go to shack and small houses with tin roof African vibe, and then on the other side is us, 6-7 story buildings that look like they're from America. Wild. The contrast is so crazy I was actually really scared because we had transfer calls today and with this new apartment I thought president would transfer me haha. It seems that when I start to get comfortable président likes to move me but luckily I'm staying! And I'm getting a new companion! ELDER KABONGO! This man's a beast haha. Super fun Elder and a really hard worker. Probably one of the funniest elders in the mission. The problem is I'm usually the one in the companionship joking around with the members and friends but now having two of us in one companionship is gonna be so hectic. We're gonna mess with some people for sure. Also we had new years! Fireworks were awesome! They're always SOOO crazy here and because of the view we have from this apartment we were super lucky to see most of them! I would add a video but it's kinda long so if you wanna see it join the Google photos! https://photos.app.goo.gl/9v2q3pnQVYwnSKAdA OK REALLY LONG EMAIL Winner of the Weekkkk: Elder Shabani!! He's my companion right now that Is leaving this week due to transfers. This guy is so so humble it's insane! He's been an amazing example for me and I've learned a lot. I'm sad we were only able to spend one transfer together but at the same time I'm excited to move on with another companion and learn more again. I love you shabani! 💋 😘 Ok ill add some photos but if you want more or to see the videos join the Google photos link above