What a year it has been. Lots and lots and lots has happened. Good and bad. Ups and downs. Success and failures. If i look at myself, i might not be able to say that i have changed too much. But i guess in the eyes of some other people I have. The year has flown by for me. 2017 will be a year that i always cherish in my heart. Elder Tshangu and I were able to have a "white christmas" this year. Brother Hezbon and his daughter June got baptized on the 24th. We were not expecting to see his whole family there, buuut they were! All 5 of his daughters, and his wife! It was so so great! Any time is great time to be baptized, but to be baptized on the night of the Saviours birth and then confirmed on the last day of the year. Talk about starting the year fresh!! I really love this family and crazy enough I think they love us too. The wife really loved church and we taught about temples at there house after the baptizms on the 24th. They are looking forward to going, especially the wife Silvia!! She says they are going this year! Haha but she is not even baptized yet! She wants to be though so she is getting baptized on the 21st of January! Rachel and her family are doing well but we had a bit of a sad problem. Rachel got a job in Quatar so she is off to there. We will continue with the rest of the family but it was a sad goodbye for someone so good. Something i have learned is that there is no coinsidences in life (if we are doing the right thing). There was a purpose and a reason for us to meet for only a few weeks, but hopefully had a lifelong impact on her. An example I have of no coinsidences is with one of my best friends Luis. We met in a super weird way but now we are best friends! For Christmas we got to Skype home and have dinner at the Fairbournes house! It was suuuuper nice. The internet was having some struggles but hey its the best to talk to family! It was weird to see my sister back on the other side...but im sure shes happy! They fed us some more american style food (beef, sweet corn, mashed potatoes, fruits, etc.) it was very nice. But we also have a sad goodbye with them. They have lived in Mombasa for almost 5 years but on the 14th they are moving back to Utah, Provo area. It has been such an honor to spend some time with them. they are a really really nice family. I hope to stay in touch with them! For New Years we sadly werent allowed to go to the crazy parties on the beach....but we still got to enjoy the fireworks! I wish you all a happy 2018! I hope you had a fun and safe New Years! It cant believe this is the year in which i will be coming home. Time is going by so fast and I dont like it! I dont i will deeply miss this place when I get back so I am already trying to soak it all in. Sorry this has kinda just been a boring history but oh well I dont wanna delete and try again. I wish each and every one of you individually a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the bottom of my heart. I cant send everyone an individual email sadly, but this is your personal wishings from me! Lots of love from the sands of Mombasa, Elder Merz