October 2009

Welcome to the October Installment of The Elisabeth Chronicles.

~*~ Tales of My Third Graders ~*~

Student: Miss Nichols, I can't go to PE today.
Me: Why not?
Student: It's like 200 degrees out here and my brain's fried like french fries.
Me: Well, I think you'll be ok.
Student: Ok, but if my brain turns to mashed potatoes, it's not my fault.

Student: Miss Nichols, how old are you?
Me: I'm 24. Why?
Student: Wow! You're almost as old as Methuselah!

Student: Why did Bible men have two wives?
Me: Umm...Well...
Student: Well, I think it's crazy. I have two girlfriends and they drive me crazier than a cookie with no chocolate in it.

Me: Why aren't you swinging with the other kids?
Student: Back in my childhood, I liked to swing. But now that I'm old I don't like to anymore.
Me: *Thinking...He's 8 years old. When was his childhood?

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I have had the privilege of teaching my class for almost 3 months now. I am finally beginning to see their individual personalities and I am enjoying getting to know each of them. I love being able to share the word of God with these kids…some of which do not hear anything about God at home. It is truly a blessing to spend time with these 11 kids.

For the past month, I have been working one afternoon a week at Teen Bi (*bee*), a community center which teaches children English, art, music, etc., and also provides them with basic first aid and gives them time to play and have fun. I have mainly been assisting in the older girls’ class, teaching them English and crafts. These girls are so eager to learn. Even though my language skills are poor in French and non-existent in Wolof, I can still communicate the language of love. And that’s what makes a difference.

Some people have asked for a list of items that I need and want. So in this letter, I’ve included a wish list and an address for where cards and letters or packages can be sent to me. Please know I’m not sending this asking for these items. I’m just responding to what people have asked of me. Also, if you send a package, know that it’s typically cheaper to send one in a flat-rate U.S. postal box. If you have any questions about what can or cannot be sent or anything else, please let me know.

Thank you all for your prayers and support. This means so much to me. It’s so great to know that I have so many people “back home” and also abroad supporting me while I’m fulfilling the call God has placed on my life. When you pray, I ask that you specifically remember these things: 1) Pray for Senegal. This is a nation that is in desperate need of God. 2) Pray for all the missionaries in Senegal, working to further the kingdom of God. 3) Pray for Dakar Academy and its teachers and students. 4) Pray for me that I’ll continue to do and say all God wants me to. Also, pray that my French will improve.

If you already support me each month financially, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you do not, and would like to, please contact me at enichols85@gmail.com and I can tell you how to do so. Any donations you make would be tax-deductible.

May God Bless,
Elisabeth Nichols
enichols85@gmail.com

Elisabeth’s Wish List
You may send letters, cards, and packages to:
Elisabeth Nichols
Dakar Academy
B.P. 3189
Dakar, Senegal West Africa

Ziploc-type bags (all sizes – freezer and regular) – doesn’t have to be Ziploc bag (Dollar Tree brand is what I boughtJ)
Nuts – you can take them out of the can (if they’re canned) and put in Ziplocs to save weight/$$
Pepperoni
Yellow Mustard
Dried fruit
Candy (nothing that would melt too bad preferably)
Ranch dressing mix
Italian dressing mix
Seasoning packets (any kind)
Cocoa
Brownie/Cookie/Muffin mixes (usually smaller/weigh less)
Cornbread mixes
Packaged, microwaveable meals (those quick ones – nothing expensive)
Snack foods (nothing that would melt too bad preferably)
Individual packets of grits (I’m from the south and I love them…what else can I say?) JPop-Tarts (doesn’t have to be name brand – my favorite kind is the strawberry ones)
Stickers, pencils, or other small (cheap) toys to give as prizes to my students
Sticky notes (doesn’t have to be post-it brand – any brand is fine)
Lined, looseleaf paper
Cinnamon flavored gum
Note cards or stationery/envelopes (really any kind of paper/cards and/or envelopes)
Lead pencils (any size) and lead
Ink pens (I really like the SHARPIE brand ink pens and flair brand colored pens, but I would honestly be happy with any kind.)
Christmas time – candy canes
Chocolate chips
Peanut butter (I prefer crunchy, but either is fine.)
Kool-aid (any flavor) or flavored water packets
Jello and Instant pudding mixes
Clear Tape (any brand – doesn’t have to be scotch brand)
Books (no big preferences – except that they be clean and nothing sci-fi/mystery preferably)
Magazines (no big preferences)
Puzzle books
Holiday Decorations (inexpensive ones – wall decorations, plates/napkins, stickers, etc.)
Games (board games or card games – nothing expensive…just small to save on packing/$$)
T-shirts (adult XL) – clothes take a real beating here between the sun fading the fabric, and the harsh sand and water too
American stamps (There are always people going back to the US that can mail letters for us.)
Dvd’s or TV shows on dvd’s (I’m not hard to please… J If you’d like to see what I already have first, just ask…)
Cd’s (same as dvd’s/tv shows)
Itunes gift cards
Online Gift Certificates (I know Amazon.com ships overseas and many others do too…)