My New Weapon

This, my friends, is a great invention. It is my weapon in Battle Mosquito. I love it!

I'm a teacher...

I'm a teacher, so I must...

• simply baby-sit a bunch of kids all day.
• watch kids color or write their ABC's all day.
• only work from 7:55 to 3:00 M-F.
• be able to have every night and weekend free.
• teach lessons directly from the teacher's edition of texbooks.
• have lots of planning time when my students are in other classes.
• have free time during the school day while my students are working independently.

ummm...NOT!

Teaching is rewarding. That's true. But teaching is hard work. I have 9 lessons to plan each day (Math, Science, Social Studies, Reading, English, Spelling, Phonics, Handwriting, Bible). I have 3 Reading and 2 Math Centers to plan each week. I have a weekly Parent note to send home. I have papers to grade. I have experiments and projects to plan. I have books to read and ideas to gather. I have research to conduct. I have meetings to attend and lessons to plan. I have extra-curricular activities to conduct, supervise, and attend. I am usually working on school work every night before going to bed and also on the weekends. I get 1 real planning time during the day and the other is spent taking kids to their other classes and picking them back up at the end, leaving me about 15 minutes to make copies, do prep work, and maybe squeeze in a trip to the girl's room.

My lessons take a long time to prepare, because while I do have a Teacher's Edition of all of my texts, that only meets the needs of a select few of my students. I still have 4 students receiving ESL services (1 of which speaks little English and 1 who understands little English), 2 receiving Special Ed. services, 1 that if in the States would receive Gifted services, and my 3 average-on grade level students. I have to meet the needs of all these students in each and every lesson, making it extremely difficult.

But...with all that said...would I trade my job? No. I love what I do. Yes it's hard. Yes it would be nice if there were 10 of me. But I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

I'm a teacher, so I...

• am teaching the potential future leaders of the world (or at least 6 different countries).
• am always looking for fun and exciting ways to teach my kids, so they're not bored and educated, but rather excited and educated.
• receive at least a dozen or so hugs, handshakes, or high-fives a day.
• receive at least a dozen or so hand-drawn pictures or hand-written notes a day.
• am challenged on a daily basis to be the best teacher possible.
• am a comforter, encourager, 1st Aid provider, nurse, counselor.
• am blessed beyond measure by my God to be able to have a job doing something that I truly truly love!

I am a teacher!

An Unwelcomed 3 A.M. Guest

What do a roach, my ceiling, and me jumping on my bed have in common? Um…an annoying, embarrassing, hilarious (after the fact) moment with an un-invited guest that occurred at around 3:00 one morning.

My roommate and I had come home in the wee hours of that morning after helping a friend paint her guest room. I groggily showered the paint splatters off, changed into my pj’s and got ready for bed. Then I walked into my bedroom, turned on the light, and saw quite possibly the BIGGEST cockroach ever crawling on my ceiling. UGH!

I’m normally not scared of bugs, but WOW – this thing was HUGE! After some loud girly screaming and hopping around, my roommate came to see what was wrong. Breathless and no longer half-asleep, I shrieked, “Bug! Big one! Help!”

Now, what do you think my sweet and helpful roommate did? Yes she got me something to kill it with and a paper towel to dispose of it with, but FIRST, she grabbed her camera and took a picture of me in my 3 a.m. best hopping on my bed and freaking out like a little girl over this monstrosity of a bug! Nice, Emily. Thanks for that! :)

Anyways…My point for this post (past showing me looking like a mess at 3 a.m.) was to say this...

Think about roaches. They just want to survive. They hide for protection, eat to survive, and procreate to keep their species alive. We should be the same way. We should hide ourselves in the protection of God's grace, feed ourselves with God's word, and we must share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the world (keeping the Christian 'species' alive).

Now, don't get me wrong. If I see a roach am I going to let it live? Uh...NO! But, it does make you think. These annoying little creatures kind of have the right idea, don't they?

Back to School

School started on August 12th. It's hard to believe that almost 8 weeks have past since then. I'm teaching 1st grade this year and have the most adorable class EVER! :) I have children from the USA, Korea, the Middle East, Ghana, India, and Cameroon. I'll get 3 more kids in the next 2 weeks but for now here is my crew hard at work...

Back in Dakar

The main theme of my itineration sermons this summer  was "freedom." Celebrating the 4th of July felt different this year. I know that many times I have taken all of my rights and things God's given me as an American for granted. I guess it hit me this summer more so since I'd spent the last 11 months living in a third world country in Africa. It was so nice to spend the summer with my family, friends, and church families from AL, GA, and KS.

I landed in Dakar on August 6th. It felt a little weird landing on my birthday...not sure why, but it did. I had spent most of my time in the airports and upon boarding the day before crying. I know God's called me to Senegal. And I was definitely happy to be going back. However, it was sad leaving this time. I didn't know for sure when I'd be coming back. I'd already planned not to return to the US next summer and since the cost of flying was on a continuous climb, I didn't know if I'd be able to come at Christmas time. I once heard someone say that this is the hardest part of being a missionary -- constantly saying goodbye to family.

But with all that said, I woke up (from a rough night's sleep in an uncomfortable plane seat) on my birthday with a new outlook on life. I was so happy. I was happy to be coming back to Dakar. I was happy to be teaching a new grade level this year. I was happy to be coming back and seeing my friends and "family" here in Dakar.

And as it turns out, this was one of my best birthdays ever. I woke up to a yummy (small) breakfast on the plane...

I had a yummy snack complete with colorful drink (OJ -- don't freak people) courtesy of the coolest 9 year old (now 10) I know... :)

...At this point, I was running on about 2 hours of sleep and having some issue with my eye. So please excuse how rough I look. :)

And then we celebrated the boss and my birthday (we share bdays) with a bunch of friends that night...complete with a yummy steak and chicken dinner complete with raspberry (for him) and key lime pie (for me) for dessert! :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

There have been a lot of high and low moments since I arrived back in Dakar. The power has gone out quite a bit. ...but my roommate and I have gotten pretty good at making snacks and meals and playing card games by flashlight/candlelight/headlamps... :)

 

There's been a LOT of rain. ...so much, in fact, that the soccer field at school flooded, giving kids (of all ages) hours and hours of fun. :) ....P.S. These pictures are courtesy of 2 other teachers here at DA.



The 10 Days of Elisabeth's Birthday

Birthdays are not a huge thing in my family, but they are made special for each person. And since we knew I’d be back in Africa on my actual birthdate, my family (and I) decided to have the fabulousness that was "The 10 Days of Elisabeth's Birthday". Check it out…Who knows? You may decide to have a 10 day Celebration as well :)

P.S. The 10 days were not right back to back...there were skipped days in between. ...just for those wondering why I'm wearing the same shirts in a lot of the pictures. :)

Day 1 - Toy Story 3 with my mom -- complete with Dippin' Dots and Coke Icee :)

Day 2 - Family Reunion -- I was especially happy to be at this reunion because I knew that I wouldn't be able to go to next year's, since I wouldn't be coming to the US next summer.

Day 3 -- Pecan Pie Blizzard from DQ -- FYI...The DQ Blizzard is celebrating its 25th birthday as well, so it was a double celebration! :)

Day 4 -- a trip to Coldstone with the family :)

Day 5 -- 25 cookies for my 25th birthday -- celebrating with my brother and sister-in-law

 

Day 6 -- Chocolate Gelato from my favorite brother and sister-in-law :)

Day 7 -- Celebration Chicken Strip Platter and Birthday cake Milkshake from Zaxby's

Day 8 -- Birthday presents from the best parents ever :)

 

 Day 9 -- Surprise Birthday party from my parents' church -- full of yummy American snacks and baskets full of goodies to take back to Africa :)

Day 10 - My favorite meal as my last lunch with my parents before leaving the USA again

Heroes

Everyone has at least one hero. Some people choose military personnel. Some choose firemen or policemen. Some choose their parents or their teachers. When I was little, I chose missionaries.

I can remember being in elementary school and attending the Alabama A/G Kids Camp one summer. A missionary came and spoke to us kids about BGMC -- Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge (where kids raise money for missionaries). I remember her talking to us like we were REAL people…not just kids. She told us how our change helped boys and girls around the world. I remember crying and telling my mom that it wasn’t fair that I had a mommy and a daddy that loved me and fed me and took care of me when so many little boys and girls around the world did not have that. I then told her that that missionary, Cynthia Lucas, was my hero.

This summer, I had the opportunity to speak to boys and girls at the Kansas A/G Kids Camp about BGMC. I told them a story about how BGMC helps boys and girls in Africa. And then I told them how they can help those boys and girls that are less fortunate than them. After the service, I overheard a girl turn to her friend and say, “Miss Elisabeth is my superhero because she tells boys and girls in Africa about Jesus.”

Later that night I turned to my mom, with tears in my eyes, and said, “My dream has come true. I’m a missionary.” Do I feel like I’m a superhero like that little girl thinks of me? No. But I remember being a little girl and looking at a missionary thinking that she was my superhero. And hey…God only knows what the future holds. What if that girl becomes someone else’s superhero one day?

It's been a while...

After a really extended break from the blogging world, I’m back. The last time I wrote was May 8th. It’s hard to believe that 4 months have passed since I last wrote, so since a lot has happened since then, I thought I’d play catch up in this note…with at least what happened this summer.

On June 6 I left Dakar for the summer. It was a day full of mixed emotions – sadness over leaving (even if only for the summer), happiness over knowing I’d be seeing my family shortly, excitement over finally being commissioned as a Missionary Associate with the Assemblies of God, and nervousness over the busy summer awaiting me in the USA.

In my however many years of traveling, I have never had as many problems as I did on this day. Every flight was delayed. One flight was cancelled. One flight couldn’t be found. One flight didn’t have me confirmed (which made NO sense whatsoever). And the list could go on and on. After a lot of tears and a super nice Delta representative (the one nice person of my day), I did just barely make it home on the 6th though, finally seeing my parents at 11:57 p.m.

I spent 4 days with my parents before heading to Springfield, Missouri. We drove around the city, went to a museum in, and spent the night in Springfield. And on Sunday, June 13, I started my 2 week School of Missions with the Assemblies of God. I spent the next 11 days in Springfield learning valuable information to help me in this next area of my life. I met and made many friends. It was so great knowing that even though we would all eventually be scattered all over the world, we’d all be working toward a common goal – The Great Commission. And on Thursday, June 24, I received a certificate saying that I was now commissioned as a Missionary Associate with the Assemblies of God.

My parents and I drove back to their home the next day where I quickly washed clothes and repacked to go to Atlanta for the weekend. I arrived late Saturday night in Atlanta and was picked up by my aunt, uncle, and cousin who I was staying with that weekend. After a quick snack and chat, we headed to bed and got up the next morning for church. I went to their church with them that morning. And went to another church that night and shared my first itineration message. I was thoroughly blessed by this church’s pastor and congregation. It was such a nice way to start my first summer of itineration.

I flew back to Kansas the following Monday morning. Upon arrival in Wichita, I thanked God for such amazing flights that weekend. AirTran is an AMAZING airline and my airline of choice for domestic flights from now on. Since my dad was at youth camp for the week, I spent the week with my mom, shopping, swapping recipes, cooking, talking, and just enjoying our time together. My parents’ church had their annual Freedom Bash that Saturday, celebrating our country’s freedom.

On July 4th, I spoke at my parents’ church and was overwhelmed by the love and encouragement this church family showed me. Plus, I was finally able to meet the people that my parents had fallen in love with over the past few months. The following morning we left heading to Kids Camp where we spent the next week with about 500 or so kids having the times of their lives, learning about the best superhero of all, Jesus Christ. While at camp, I even had the honor of speaking to the kids one night about BGMC. On the last night of camp, I slipped and fell causing a large hematoma to rise on my knee and causing my whole knee to swell and turn a lovely shade of purple. Fearing what other damage might could’ve happened, and knowing my history with knee problems, we left thinking we’d make a trip to the emergency room. However, being the stubborn soul I am, I persuaded my parents to not worry so much and let me just keep my leg propped up with ice on my knee. That caused the swelling to go down quite a bit, so thankfully I didn’t have to make an ER visit.

That following Saturday, July 10, I left mega early and flew to Atlanta. My brother picked me up and drove me about 4 hours to my grandparents’ house where I quickly said my hellos and goodbyes, picked up my car, and left. After a quick trip to Wal-Mart and the Wendy’s drive-thru , I headed towards Florala, Alabama to begin 3 ½ weeks of non-stop travelling. I spent the next week in Florala and Andalusia, speaking at 3 different churches and catching up with friends from high school. The following Thursday I had a quick visit with another aunt, uncle, and cousin and then headed to Clanton to meet with our district’s missions director. After that I headed over to a supporting church’s VBS service where I got to share about BGMC and missions with a great group of kids. This pastor was my one of my pastors as a child. It was such a fun experience getting to go back now and meet up with him and his wife again.

I spent the next 3 weeks at my brother and sister-in-law’s apartment, while I travelled around the area speaking at different churches, visiting with family and friends, and catching up on good ol’ Southern cooking. I also bought a few things in AL (that I can’t get in KS) to take back to Dakar with me…like grits for example. My parents arrived the last weekend of the month and it was so nice spending time with our family of 5 (first time since Christmas) again. I got to have a mini birthday celebration with my brother and sister-in-law and then the following night my parents and I left heading back to Kansas.

I really enjoyed this trip back to Kansas with my parents. Sure the car broke down. Sure we had to wait a long time somewhere in Arkansas while 2 different mechanics worked on the car. Sure we had to drive the rest of the way back with a big, long piece of the side panel of the car rested on my mom’s and my shoulders. BUT, with all that said we were able to spend quality time talking and catching up on our lives now. It was really nice. Plus…when one has been in a third world country for a year with no American food available, any chance for a road trip with yummy fast food is AWESOME!

We got back to Kansas and I was able to spend my last week in the USA with my parents. I led my first Kids Crusade at their church, continued on with my self-proclaimed 10 Days of Elisabeth’s Birthday Celebration, went on a few last-minute shopping trips, and tackled the huge job of packing.

On August 5th, I left the USA not knowing when I’d be coming back. I would love to come back at Christmas, but I still do not know if that will be a good option for me, due to the cost of plane tickets and possible ministry opportunities. Plus, my entire (immediate) family will be together in KS over Spring Break, so that might be a possibility too. And I’m hoping to still have enough support raised to not have to come back and itinerate this summer and rather stay in Dakar, do all my teacher work at a more relaxed pace, and also find ministry opportunities to participate in outside of DA. We’ll see.

More blogs to come…

• My Hero
• 10 Days of Elisabeth’s Birthday
• Back in Dakar
• Back to School
• The Great Roach Incident
• Learning from Mosquitos
• First Grade
• Let’s Eat Y’all
• …and many more I’m sure.

God, give me your eyes...

On any given day, there are usually two or three different men sitting outside of the school campus, with their little carts full of assortments of fruits and vegetables. They're always polite. Each one will greet you, compliment you, and ask if you want to buy fruit from him.

Today I went to the school to check out a big multi-family yard sale going on. I chatted with some friends and some of my students, bought some books, got a few papers that needed to be graded from my classroom, and left.

When I walked out the gate, I smiled at and greeted the one fruit guy sitting outside and turned to walk home. He had asked me if I wanted anything today and I apologized and said that I didn't want any today. I got a few steps away and felt this really strong urge to go back. And it was almost as if I was arguing with myself (and no, I'm not crazy...). I didn't really need fruit. I had some at home. But I couldn't shake the feeling that I just had to go back. So I did.

When I got to him he showed me all the fruits he had today and I asked for 1 kilo of apples and 1 canteloupe. We talked for a few minutes about all the different fruits he had in his cart and about how I don't like bananas or mangos. I paid for my fruit and before he handed me my bag, we had the following conversation...

Him: Do you work at the school?
Me: Yes. I am a teacher.
Him: Why do you teach in Dakar and not in the United States?
Me: God said for me to teach in Dakar.
Him: You are a Christian, yes?
Me: Yes, I am a Christian.
Him: Why are you a Christian?
Me: I love God and He loves me. He gave me and everyone the gift of his son. I asked his son into my heart.
Him: I think your God was kind to give people a gift that kind.
Me: Yes, he is very kind.

Then he thanks me, hands me my bag of fruit, and walks off to catch another customer. I walked off feeling so many emotions. I was sad. I wish I could've said more, but I could only handle the most basic of French words. I was happy. What if this guy ends up getting saved? How awesome would that be?! And I must admit, I was a little happy for myself too...I had a conversation with someone totally in French. And I actually understood everything he said! But more than those two feelings, I was feeling worried. How many opportunities has God given me like this one that I have passed up? How many times has God put someone in my path that I could've witnessed to, but chose not to because I was afraid of using my severely limited French?

My Prayer for today...As the song says, God give me your eyes. Let me see the people as you see them. Help me to leave myself behind and focus on you and the job you've called me to do. Help me to lose the shyness and to be bolder in my faith at all times. Help me to say what you want me to say, go where you want me to go, and do what you want me to do.

April 2010

Welcome to the April 2010 Installment of the Elisabeth Chronicles. I have been in Dakar 9 months already. Where does the time go? It seems like only yesterday that I arrived. As the school year ends, I thought I’d do quick recap of my time here so far.

July 2009 I arrived in Dakar very early in the morning of July 30. It was dark and dusty and all new to me. But at the same time, it was home.

August 2009 I started teaching 3rd grade at Dakar Academy and met the most amazing group of kids ever!

September 2009 I went on the DA Staff Retreat to the nearby town of Saly. I got to spend the weekend relaxing in the sun and getting to know my fellow teachers.

October 2009 I had the privilege of working one day a week at Teen Bi, a community center in the area. I got to help teach English, crafts, and games to the local village children. Language was an issue, but as I quickly learned…love is the universal communicator.

November 2009 I experienced my first American holiday in Senegal. I had the pleasure of staying with A/G missionaries in Saint Louis, a beautiful city south of Dakar. I missed being with my family, and having our usual Thanksgiving meal, but I enjoyed spending the time with different missionaries, enjoying good food, fun, and fellowship.

December 2009 “I’m dreaming of tan Christmas...just like the ones in Africa. Where the sand is so deep and the mosquitos seem to not sleep, but the love…it stretches so wide. Oh, I’m dreaming of a tan Christmas…” I started my December support letter with this song. I was blessed to be able to fly back to Alabama and spend Christmas with my family.

January 2010 I began taking online classes with the University of South Alabama, working towards my Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language. I also started taking classes through Berean School of the Bible/Global University towards getting my credentials with the Assemblies of God.

February 2010 I got to travel with 3 other missionary ladies to the town of Tambacounda, where we led a Children’s and Women’s Service at the oldest A/G church in Senegal.

March 2010 I was blessed to be able to go with a group of my fellow teachers to the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Conference in Kandern, Germany. It was so great to meet and get to know teachers from all over Europe, Africa, and Asia and see how God’s working in education around the world.

April 2010 I finished one of my grad school classes last week, with a 12 page paper and a 3 1/2 hour long final exam. Next week, I’ll do the same for another class. Then the week after that, I’ll start back “hot and heavy” studying for my Global University/Berean classes. It’s been hard work and a bit stressful at times taking all these classes, but God has definitely helped me through it. I feel so blessed to have been able to do these classes, while teaching and ministering here.

I will be in the States this summer, visiting family and friends, attending the A/G’s Pre-Field Orientation, speaking at churches, raising the rest of my budget, and of course, enjoying American food again. If I’m in your area and you’d like to get together for lunch, dinner, or just a chat, please email or call and let me know.

I still need to raise the rest of my AGWM budget. As of today, April 30th, I need to raise $282 more in monthly pledges and approximately $5800 in cash donations to meet my budget requirements. I am not allowed to come back on the field as a Missionary Associate (MA) until my budget is completely raised, so please pray that this happens soon.

For those of you that already support me each month financially, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you received a pledge form in last month’s letter from me, please fill that out and send it in to the Assemblies of God World Missions Office as soon as possible. Also, you may start sending in your monthly support to them as well, as they will apply that money to my AGWM account.

If you do not support me financially, and would like to do so, please contact me at enichols85@gmail.com or call my parents at 620-886-3586 and we can tell you how to do so. Any donations you make would be tax-deductible.

Have a blessed week,

Elisabeth Nichols
enichols85@gmail.com

The Big 2-5

1. I was born in Greensboro, Alabama...the same place as the character Forrest Gump. :)
2. I played one year of t-ball and was a peewee cheerleader for one year. I hated both.
3. I worked at a vet's office for almost 5 years and I loved it!
4. I watch the movie, Sweet Home Alabama, about once a week. I can quote it now.
5. I have a hard time memorizing things. ...scripture verses, test information, etc.
6. ...but I can always remember birthdays and phone numbers. In fact, I remember my phone number from when I was in Kindergarten.
7. I've flown lots of times, but I get really nervous checking in at the airport. I can't calm down until I get to my gate. I'm just so afraid something will happen...they'll lose my reservation, they'll change my gate at the last minute, something...
8. I really want to go skydiving.
9. I really want to ride a bull. Why? I guess it's an adrenaline thing. ...although I think I should probably start with a mechanical one.
10. My biggest fear in the world is that I'll never get married. ...what's funny, is I know that God specifically said that I'd work with my husband on the mission field...to me and someone else. But still...
11. I like regular coke and diet pepsi. I do not like regular pepsi or diet coke.
12. I am absolutely terrifed of going to the dentist. I dread the time leading up to going. I dread being at the office. But once he's done cleaning my teeth, I love it and always wonder why I dreaded it.
13. I'm almost 25 years old and I've only dated one guy.
14. When I was little, I dreamed of becoming Miss America. I'd watch any pageant that came on tv. Then I grew up and realized why that'd never be a reality. :)
15. I love lively debates/conversations. ...but I refuse to get involved in one myself unless it's something that I 1)feel strongly for and 2) can actually have enough facts to back myself up with.
16. I write/type a To Do List every night and email it to myself to check at work the next morning.
17. I hate touching raw meat, eggs, and anything slimy like those things... I love eating them cooked though. :)
18. I've lost 30 lbs since coming to Dakar. Yay! ...I'm a little worried about the temptation of fast food and mountain dews and all kinds of other yummy American foods I'll be presented with this summer when I'm in the States.
19. I hate talking on the phone!
20. I love being from Alabama. I absolutely love it! And I really hate it when people criticize my state.
21. I've dislocated my knee twice. ...same knee...both times in July...exactly 5 years apart. Hopefully, that won't be a trend starting.
22. I spent my 18th birthday in the orthopedic surgeon's office...who was absolutely HORRIBLE. If you want to know why, just ask and I'll tell you.
23. I failed my driver's test twice. I guess the saying, Third time's a charm, rang true for me.
24. When my brother got married and moved out, I cried myself to sleep the first few nights because I missed him so much.
25. There's this one dream that I keep having over and over again. ...5 times to be exact. And I really hope it comes true!

Keep the Candle Burning

I've had a great day. I woke up to the AMAZING smell of roast, carrots, and potatoes cooking in the crock pot. I went to church where I felt God ministering to me from the beginning of worship to the end of the sermon. I came home and had 3 friends over for dinner and received compliments on my food. I went driving on the highway for the first time (in a standard) and did pretty well (except for that darn 3rd gear...). :) And then I started working on some grad school work...which was actually interesting and not boring for a change. I felt great. I felt like this was a great day.

Then... I tried Skyping my parents, but they weren't home. I made a few calls about setting up services for this summer and came up with a bunch of answering machines or no answers at all. I hit the cut on my finger, causing it to break open, and then I got vinegar in it. OUCH! I could go on and on, but there's no point...

The reason I'm writing this is to say that I was having a great day and then a few little things got me discouraged. That's how the devil works. The devil is not happy when Christians are happy. Therefore, he'll use any means necessary to erase that happines...hence, my discouragement.

But Praise the Lord, He's still in control of my life and the minute those thoughts of discouragement set in, God reminded me of an older song by Point of Grace...Keep the Candle Burning. One of the verses says...

When you're down and you're discouraged...When the darkness clouds your view...You've got to gather up your courage...You know the Lord is gonna see you through.

That's a promise we have in the Lord. And I, for one, am so grateful of that promise.

Talibes

http://allafrica.com/stories/201004150114.html

Read this article to find out about the Talibe boys I see everyday begging for money and food. The stories behind these boys just breaks my heart. Why does this go on? Why isn't something done to stop it?

#44 -- Check

#44 on my 101 in 1001 list was...Make a new Life Goals list.

I made a Life Goals list in Sunday School about 4 or 5 years ago. It was a list of 10things I wanted to accomplish before I died. I thought it'd be a good idea to make a new one, since 1) I lost the first list and 2) I've changed quite a bit in that time, so my goals are different too. So, now for your reading pleasure... Here are my life goals (in no particular order).

1. Visit Europe. (done)
2. Visit Africa. (done)
3. Graduate with my teaching degree. (done)
4. Become a teacher. (done)
5. Fall in love.
6. Get married.
7. Become a mommy.
8. Live in Africa with my husband and family doing what God's called us to do.
9. Work in/run an orphanage somewhere in Africa.
10. Do what God wants me to do with my life.

Driving and God

I learned to drive when I was 15. I remember riding around the parking lot at the church with my mom, learning the basic skills needed to drive an automatic. I loved driving! I was so happy when I got my learner's permit and I would beg my mom to let me drive her to the store, to the school, anywhere just so I could drive. I loved it when I saw my schedule 10th grade year and saw it had Driver's Ed. on it. I thought I was in Heaven. I could go to school and drive there too! It was awesome! When I turned 16, my mom took me to get my driver's license. The third time’s the charm, right? After the third attempt, I finally possessed that wonderful card. After an unsuccessful attempt (due to my inherited strong will and occasional stubbornness) at learning to drive a standard from my dad, I decided I would stay in my comfort zone, and only drive automatics. I knew automatics. I knew they were easy. Life would be simple.

Then…

God called me to Africa. …more specifically, to Senegal, the land of non-automatic cars. Upon arrival, I realized that my choosing to not learn how to drive a standard created a problem. I would have to become dependent on others. If I wanted or needed to go anywhere farther than my legs could take me, I’d have to ask someone to take me. And I did that. I would either wait until someone was going that way or if I absolutely had to, I’d ask someone to drive me somewhere. It’s hard asking for help. It’s hard going from being totally independent to being totally dependent. Plus, my biggest stress reliever used to be getting in the car and driving…with no particular destination even in mind. …just get away from it all. And here, I can’t do that. I’m out of my comfort zone. And let me tell you…it’s hard sometimes.

But then…

A friend offered to take me for a driving lesson here. On the one hand, I was excited. I would finally start learning how to drive a stick. But on the other hand, I was nervous. What if I messed up? What if I couldn’t handle using a clutch? What if I stalled out? What if I got nervous while driving? What if I got frustrated? What if…and the list went on. The day (today) came. And you know what… I messed up quite a few times. I kept forgetting to push the clutch all the way in. I stalled out twice. And I did get nervous and frustrated with myself at times. But all in all, I did ok. I wouldn’t say great by any means, but I did ok. And I didn’t totally freak out my “teacher” …probably only just a little. :)

So…

My point is this… Sometimes we get stuck in a rut. We get stuck in our comfort zones, where everything is easy and comfortable. And we just stay where we are. We don’t try new things because *gasp* it might be hard. We only drive automatics because they’re easy. :)

But…

That’s not always what God wants. I truly believe that God wants us to (in the words of some song) step out of our comfort zones into the unknown. We need to learn to rely on God. And sometimes that means doing things that are a little “scary” or “nerve-racking” (like driving a stick). So, my second point is... Don’t get stuck at a point in your life where you feel that life is going to easily and perfectly that you don’t need to rely on God. Always rely on God. Always put your trust in Him. Never become so confident in yourself that you lose confidence in Him.

Here I am not long after I got my license, driving my first car (an automatic, of course.)

Here I am learning to drive a stick for the first time -- at the "Cow Crossing." :)

101 in 1001

A lot of people are doing this 101 in 1001 blog, so I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon and do it too. :) All you do is make a list of 101 things you plan to do in 1001 days and then blog about your adventure(s) completing your list. I'll be blogging about mine at http://elisabeth101in1001.com if you want to check it out. I will, however, post my list on here...just to show you what my plans are...

1. Start a new blog solely for this list & 1001 photo journal.
2. Make a web timer thing for the blog for completing this list & photo journal.
3. Read the Bible all the way through (again).
4. Become a fully-appointed Missionary Associate with the Assemblies of God
5. Go skydiving
6. Go bungee jumping.
7. Meet my future hubby :)
8. Fall in love (maybe even get married)
9. Learn to drive a standard
10. Make a Senegalese meal
11. Visit Goree Island
12. Visit an orphanage
13. Get prayer card pictures taken
14. Go back to South Africa for a visit.
15. Learn to swim
16. Go on a road trip in the US
17. Visit Washington D.C.
18. Visit New York City (airport layover’s don’t count)
19. Visit Canada
20. Get my teeth professionally whitened
21. Read or reread (and write/blog about) 101 books.
22. Read at least 5 “classics.”
23. Read at least 5 biographies or autobiographies.
24. Ride a motorcycle (maybe learn how to drive one)
25. Spend one month trying out a new recipe every week
26. Get a pedicure (maybe even more than one)
27. Make album of my first year in Senegal
28. Make album of my second year in Senegal
29. Do a devotion, Bible Study, lesson, etc. totally in French
30. Get down to goal size/weight
31. Then get a tattoo
32. Keep a food diary for one month.
33. Bargain for something totally on my own (in French)
34. Teach kindergarten
35. Try 5 new flavors of ice cream (already have 2 – Obama and guava)
36. Go on a picnic
37. Start a journal (and actually stick to it)
38. Make Scripture verse cards for purse
39. Make a pie from scratch
40. Make a cake from scratch
41. Learn sign language (more than what I already know)
42. Start over on Year of Thanks
43. Make a list of 20 things I like about myself.
44. Make a new Life Goals list
45. Compile recipes into a book
46. Make a pizza from scratch
47. Make homemade bread
48. Take a photo a day for 1001 days.
49. Make a 1001 photo book.
50. Write a thank you note to a teacher that’s impacted my life.
51. Stop biting my nails
52. Organize songs on iPod into playlists.
53. Get re-certified in CPR.
54. Get certified in 1st Aid.
55. Learn Wolof (more than just greetings).
56. Carry on a conversation in Wolof.
57. Learn to play the guitar.
58. Learn to play the violin.
59. Go on a cruise.
60. Start exercising (and actually stick to it).
61. Deposit at least $10 in my savings acct each month.
62. Write at least one new blog post every week.
63. Read the dictionary from beginning to end in English. Why? to expand my vocabulary.
64. Read the dictionary from beginning to end in French. Why? To expand my vocabulary.
65. Finish Global University/Berean courses to get Certified Minister’s License with the Assemblies of God.
66. Put an extra $5 in savings for every goal not completed.
67. Learn more about my country’s history.
68. Go camping.
69. Learn how to hold/shoot a gun.
70. Go hunting.
71. Learn how to fish.
72. Go fishing.
73. Create an updated address book.
74. Plan weekly menus and shop from those, rather than just sporadic grocery shopping.
75. Wear hair down every day for one week each month.
76. Pay for the person behind me in the drive-thru line once a month (when I’m in the States, obviously).
77. See/experience/take a photo in snow (more than the sporadic flurries AL gets every couple years).
78. Take goofy photobooth pictures.
79. Write (and send) at least one handwritten note/letter a month.
80. Learn how to yo-yo.
81. Create a wallet size 101 in 1001.
82. Learn and understand the rules to football.
83. Learn and understand the rules to soccer.
84. Go horseback riding.
85. Ride a mechanical bull.
86. Do a photoblog of my meals for one week.
87. Make a hard copy “scrapbook” of my blog(s).
88. Purchase scrapbook materials while in the States to take back to Senegal.
89. Give up soft drinks for one month.
90. Give up caffeine for one month.
91. Try 5 new cheeses.
92. Eat Ethiopian food.
93. Memorize one Scripture verse a week.
94. If the process was enjoyable, do a new 101 in 1001.
95. Make popcorn (non-microwaveable)
96. Eat sushi.
97. Eat cow tongue.
98. Buy a waffle maker.
99. Start writing my book (possibly even finish it).
100. Inspire someone else to do a 101 in 1001 challenge.
101. On the 1001st day, start a new 101 in 1001 challenge.

March 2010

Welcome to the March 2010 Installment of the Elisabeth Chronicles.

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The month has been extremely busy. We finished our third quarter at school, participated in SIPS (Sports Invitational for Private Schools), Junior Carnival, Parent Teacher Conferences, along with the normal day-to-day school routine activities.

Also, during Spring Break I had the opportunity to go to the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Conference in Kandern, Germany. I was so blessed that my school paid half of our way there, making it possible for me to go. It was so nice to get to spend time with and learn from Christian school teachers from all over Europe, Africa, and even Asia. I came away with so much valuable knowledge about teaching in a Christian school and in an international setting with such diverse groups of students. Plus, there were awesome worship and devotional times in which God taught me so much about myself and Him.

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Prayer Requests for March:

• I truly believe that when God is doing a work in His children’s lives, that the devil will use any means necessary to attack them. I have never felt such a strong attack of the devil as I have this past month. Please pray for myself, and for all the Christian workers in this spiritually dark place.

• I still need to raise the rest of my AGWM budget. As of today, April 7th, I need to raise $282 more in monthly pledges and $5877 in cash donations to meet my budget requirements. I am not allowed to come back on the field as a Missionary Associate (MA) until my budget is completely raised, so please pray that this happens soon.

• I am in the process of contacting pastors, family members, and friends to raise support and/or schedule services to speak at while I’m back in the States during the summer. Please pray that everything falls into place with this.

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For those of you that 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 or call my parents at 620-886-3586 and we can tell you how to do so. Any donations you make would be tax-deductible.

Happy Easter from Senegal,

Elisabeth Nichols
enichols85@gmail.com

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Here are some pictures from the last few months...

See! I supported BAMA during the BCS Championships too! :)

In January I went to Tambacounda (8 hrs from Dakar) with 3 other A/G missionary ladies. We led a Children's and Ladies' Service at the oldest A/G church in Senegal while there.

I just love this picture of my class. I feel so blessed to get to spend time with this fabulous group of kids every day. They are awesome! :)

"Look at the grass Emily!" This is what I exclaimed to my friend when we were walking around Kandern, Germany. It's amazing how much you miss the beautiful green stuff when you don't see if for such a long time! :)

Happy Easter

Easter is one of my favorite holidays. Why? It reminds me just how much my Savior loves me. He loved me so much that He sent His only son to die for me...undeserving me. Thank you God for the sacrifice you made and please help me to continue to never take it for granted!

Good Friday

Today is Good Friday. So in honor of this special day, I thought I'd list a few good things going on in my life right now (in no particular order)...

• I have a Savior who loves me so much that He sent his one and only son to die a painful death for me!
• I'm living/working/ministering in Senegal, West Africa, where God called me to go! I just celebrated my 8 month anniversary of being in Senegal!
• I have a family that loves and supports me!
• I get to work with some pretty fabulous missionaries!
• I get to spend each Monday through Friday with the most awesome group of kids EVER!
• I have a really great group of friends that are there for me when I need them.
• I'm getting closer and closer to finishing raising my budget to be a Missionary Associate with the Assemblies of God. ** I only need $282 more in monthly pledges and $5877 in cash donations if you'd like to support me too. :)
• I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get good pictures for my prayer cards, since I was in Africa and didn't have the liberty of going to a professional studio and absolutely HATE having pictures taken of myself, but all those worries went away tonight. I had the most fabulous pictures taken by a really talented photographer. I've only seen the pictures on his camera so far, but I was really happy with them.
• I just got back from an awesome conference (and vacation) in Germany. And as part of this trip, I also got to spend time in Switzerland and Portugal. Plus, the weather was cold/cool the whole time...which if you know me, you know cold weather = good in my book. :)
• I get to see my parents in 2 months and can't wait! I love it here, but it's so good to know I'll get to see them again really soon! :)

The list could go on and on. I really have a good life. I just feel so incredibly blessed by all God's given and done for me so far and can't wait to see what else He has in store for me down the road.

Happy Easter Blog Readers! :)

Faces

On my walk to and from school every day, I pass a lot of people...

1. Astou -- She lives in a building near mine. I'd went with a friend to check out the building the other day and met her. The day we went, I said very little...just a "hello" when we got there and a "have a good day" wen we left. But every day since then, when I walk by, Astou waves at me, smiles, and says "Hello Elisabeth." She's this sweet older lady with the most beautiful spirit. She seriously makes my day! And even though my French is not the greatest, we exchange greetings, waves, and smiles.

2. Tapha -- He owns the boutique (little "shop") near my apartment. He is very friendly and is helpful to those like me, whose French is not so hot. Most of our conversations are a mixture of French, Wolof, and English, which usually causes us to end up laughing at ourselves. Tapha is a Muslim, but always asks for us to pray for him. He's such a kind-hearted man.

3. Fruit Man -- I don't know this man's name. But he has a little cart he wheels around our little community with all kinds of fruit on it. He usually parks his cart outside the gate of the school, hoping to make a sell from the toubabs coming out. :) He always smiles, says hello, and asks how I am. And when do buy fruit from him, his eyes light up and he picks out the best fruit and tells me why they're good and when's the best time to get them, and all kinds of other random info. And even though I understand what he's saying, I can't always find the words (French) to offer a good reply. But he is patient and even helps me find the right word.

These are only 3 of the many faces I see all the time. These faces remind me of the good in the world. When I get aggravated about all the sand, my constant dirty feet, the extreme heat, power outtages, lack of "conveniences"...all that stuff...I remember these faces. I remember...that's why I'm here. I'm here to help spread the Gospel. God called me to come to this truly wonderful place and meet these truly wonderful people.

** Don't forget to take the time to notice the faces around you...

Random Wonderings...

I was taking a break from the massive amounts of schoolwork I have to do, and started thinking... P.S. I'm not crazy...I'm just in brain overload right now! :)

1. Who thought of the term potluck? Where'd it come from? What'd it originally mean?

2. Why are they called jelly beans? Is there jelly in them? Was there ever jelly in them?

3. How do they decide how many different kinds of nuts to put in mixed nuts? Is there a certain percentage of each nut?

4. Why are Greenland and Iceland named what they are? Greenland is covered with ice and Iceland's covered with green. Go figure.

5. Why do we say we're "writing" a paper, when in reality, we're "typing" it?

John 10:10

...such an awesome verse!

Going from :( to :)

I got the news in late February that my parents were voted in as the Senior Pastors at a church in Kansas and would be moving in March. And even though I was very excited for them, I couldn't help feeling a sense of sadness. I felt like that girl that would sit with her little brother while they comforted each other each time their family had to move again. But I didn't have that. I wanted to be with my mom and dad and help them pack, load the U-haul, say goodbye to friends and family, etc...but I couldn't do that. I was here, in Senegal, my new home, doing what God's called me to do...which I love.

...but I couldn't help feeling sad. Towards the middle of last week, I started experiencing major homesickness. I shied away from friends. I didn't even go to a friend's birthday/pool "party," opting to go to dinner with her and a few others that night instead, because I couldn't handle the thought of being around so many people and feeling so sad. I would wake up sad and crying, wipe my eyes, and get ready in a "fog." I would come to school feeling sad, but the minute my students arrived in the classroom, I pushed my sadness aside. I taught them and went about my day as usual. I would tell people that I was feeling "fine." ...when in reality, I wasn't. I was feeling sad. I would go home in the afternoons, try and stay away from everybody, and just be sad.

Saturday I spent the day with a fabulous missionary and woman of God (and friend) just talking and hanging out. I poured my heart out to her, told her what I've been feeling, and she gave me great advice... It's ok to feel sad. Just turn to God...spend more time talking to Him, more time devouring His word, more time in reflection of Him. After all, He wants to take control of my life and love and comfort me. I need to let him. I came home Saturday feeling better about things. I went to dinner with my friends to celebrate one's birthday and then came home, called my parents, telling them how much better I felt.

I went to church the next day, where this fabulous missionary lady's husband preached on the deserts of life and how God is there to help us through them. I felt on such a "high" leaving church. I was telling my friend walking with me that I felt he was preaching just to me. It was as if God knew exactly what I needed to hear when I needed to hear it. It was awesome! I was smiling and happy and couldn't wait to call my parents and say hey, I'm fine. I'm doing well. I'm not all sad and in that "mood" anymore.

I spent that afternoon to myself, doing homework and then just relaxing. That night, I went to a friend's house and watched a movie and had a great time being with everybody. I was feeling great. I came home that night and got on Skype to call my parents. They were on the road going somewhere, so they didn't have great cell service and my dad told me they'd find somewhere to pull over and to call back in 5 minutes. So, I hung up and bawled my eyes out. I mean I cried HARD. I couldn't believe it. I lost it all because of something "silly."

After composing myself enough to call, I called back. I talked to my mom and told her how I was so excited to call them that night and tell them how much I enjoyed my day Saturday and the sermon Sunday morning...and how I felt the Holy Spirit moving in such a mighty way and how the sermon just totally ministered to my heart. But the whole time I'm saying this I'm crying and my mom finally says..."Elisabeth, you've got to stop this. You're letting the devil rob you of your joy." And it was true...I felt so amazing after church. I felt a new sense of joy and I let the devil sneak in and snatch that joy away from me. I ended the call and sat there on my couch, crying like a baby for a few minutes before going to bed completely exhausted.

I've spent most of this week in that same "fog." I've kind of spent my time just doing the motions, not really feeling like myself. I've talked to friends, my parents, my brother, even the counselor here, gotten advice, and asked/received prayers. I was told I needed to quit telling myself to simply "get over it" and it'll be fine. I needed to allow myself to grieve and to just be sad over this change in my life.

And that's what I did. I cried and cried and cried some more. And when I was finished, I took a deep breath and made a plan. I know that I already spend a lot of time with God, but not as much as He truly deserves. Therefore, I, Elisabeth Nichols, would start, at that very instant, spending a lot more time with my God. I would spend even more time in prayer, fasting, reading (or rather, totally devouring) God's Word, and genuinely seeking God's face.

...and guess what! By doing this I feel better. Yes, I'm still feeling a little bit of homesickness, but not to the extent I was before. And I truly believe that I went through this bought of major sadness, because God wanted to teach me a lesson...
I needed to be taught to rely more on God. Sure, I did before. But I didn't rely COMPLETELY on him. I needed to be taught to STOP trying to "fix" all my problems on my own. God is in control of my life. God wants to help me. So I need to let Him. Simply put, I need to let God be God. :)

I've fallen, but unlike the commercial, I WILL get up.

There's a quote from a commercial ('89-'90) that said, "I've fallen and I can't get up." Do you remember it? I do. Well...I don't remember the commercial, but I do remember the quote.

Lately, I've been feeling like this. Why?

Next week, my parents are moving to another state, in another part of the country, to be senior pastors again. I'm so excited for them, because I know they've been longing to be full-time senior pastors again. They deserve a good church that will treat them the way pastors should be treated. On the other hand, though, I can't help but feel sad. They're moving. I want to be there. I want to help pack and load the u-haul. I want to reminence with them. I want to say goodbye to the house and the community. Plus...and this is me being totally self-centered, thinking only of myself...but now I'll have added expense this summer flying or driving 14 plus hours back and forth between being with them in Kansas and speaking at churches and visiting family in Alabama.

School (both as a teacher and a student) is going well, just full-force ahead. I love it. I love my class. I love my school. I love my co-workers. I love my college classes. I just seem to stay soooo incredibly busy. I keep volunteering to do more and more and even though I usually like staying busy, I seem to be staying overwhelmed right now. I keep telling myself, "Be the best teacher you can be. That's all you can do."

I have always been the type that didn't really care what other people said about or thought of me. But lately, I can't seem to get past other's negative, and sometimes hurtful comments. I know I'm not perfect people. Yes, I mess up. Yes, I realize I don't have the greatest habits. Yes, I still want to do exactly what my parents want me to do. I don't want to buy or do something that I know upsets them. I don't want to disappoint them. And yes, I'm 24, an adult and out of my parents' house and can make my own decisions. I know all this. I don't need you to criticize me for my decisions, though.

Yes, I'm sad about my parents moving. I know I'm out of their house and I'm 24 years old. And yes, I know Africa is my home now. But still...it's hard. Please don't tell me to get over it. Please don't tell me it's crazy to be sad about this. Just let me "grieve." Know that it's hard to have your family go through something and not be able to be with them.

Last night I hit a point where I just felt so overwhelmed that I just felt like I was almost drowning, barely holding my head above the water. I felt like I had fallen and couldn't get up. I was on the phone with my mom, crying my eyes out, and just didn't see how things could get better. And then my mom said something, that helped me. She said "Elisabeth, take one day at a time. That's all you can do."

So I've decided that's what I'm going to do...just slightly modified. I'm going to take it one thing at a time. Right now I'm going to worry about my class (once they're back in the room). I'm going to teach them to the best of my ability. I'm going to love them, nurture them, encourage them, and do my absolute best today to help them grow. Then after school I'll deal with tonight's big dinner. Then after that I can deal with the cake I've got to make for tomorrow. Then I'll deal with homework. Then, I'll deal with the next thing. And so on and so forth.

And it's true...I may have "fallen" right now, but unlike that commercial, I WILL get back up. I have God, my family and friends, my missionary community, and the Word of God on my side. And that gives me such awesome HOPE!

So...when you read this, please take a few seconds to lift me up in prayer. And I know others are going through this as well. So, don't just pray for me. Pray for your family, friends, and co-workers that might be going through something like this. Take the time to simply smile and say hello to them, to ask about their day or their family, to just be there to listen to them.

Tales of Elementary Camp

Dakar Academy held its annual Elementary Camp last weekend. This is an event for 1st through 5th grade students. It starts on Friday afternoon immediately after school and ends at 8:00 the following morning. We had fun games, a yummy snack, a fabulous guest speaker, a yummy dinner, a bonfire for roasting marshmallows, 3 movies, a game of flashlight tag, free play time, and sleep time. **Although, I must say, not all participated in that last event. :)

I forgot my camera, so I didn't get any pictures, but I thought I'd share 3 of my favorite moments of camp (all coming from my class)...

• Daniel came to me during school Friday and said, "Miss Nichols, am I going to be able to read my Bible tonight during camp?" I told him that he would and he went on about his business. When we dismissed the kids for a game of flashlight tag on the soccer field, Daniel comes up to me and asks if he can go to the lunch shelter where it's lit up and read his Bible, which of course I said yes to. This sweet boy read his Bible for about 15 to 20 minutes. All the while kids were running around him playing flashlight tag and other games, laughing and carrying on. When I would've probably gotten distracted and possibly even stopped reading and joined in on the fun, Daniel kept on reading. I felt so proud of this little boy at this moment.
• Mihdi came to me on Monday and opened his backpack to show me he was already packed for camp...which wasn't until Friday. When I asked him why he'd packed so early, he said "Miss Nichols, I've never been to camp. I'm just so excited!"
• Mihdi -- I heard someone yelling excitedly and turned around to see & hear Mihdi jumping up and down yelling, "I'm roasting marshmallows! I'm roasting marshmallows!" I asked him why he was so excited and he said, "Oh Miss Nichols my dreams have come true!"

new address

My parents have recently been voted in as Senior Pastors at 1st Assembly of God in Medicine Lodge, Kansas and will be moving in the next few weeks. Therefore, I will have a new home address in the US. For obvious reasons, I'm not putting the address on here. If you'd like it, you can email me at enichols85@gmail.com and I'll send it to you. Be blessed! :) Love, Me

Take Time to Thank God

Too often we thank God only AFTER he's done something for us. We beg and plead for him to give us something, or do something for us, or whatever...And we don't thank him or what he's doing in our lives now or even what he's done in the past. We ask and ask but never thank him in return. I know I'm guilty of this.

So when I opened my e-mail this morning, I saw this e-mail and thought I'd pass it along...

Dear God:

I want to thank You for what you have already done. I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me; I am thanking you right now.. I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears ; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed.I am thanking you right now. I am thanking you because I am alive. I am thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties. I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles.I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better. I'm thanking you because Father, you haven't given up on me.

Love: Me

So...don't forget, in the midst of all the hustle and bustle of life, to take the time to thank God. After all, he deserves it.

New Website...

http://www.formspring.me/iamelisabeth85

Check it out. You can ask me anything and it be anonymous. Kind of odd...yes. Kind of funny...yes, that too. It was kind of interesting to see what people have already asked. Here's your chance to be nosy people. :)

February 2010

Welcome to the February 2010 Installment of the Elisabeth Chronicles. Where does the time go? It seems like just yesterday I arrived in Senegal for the first time, ready to start this new adventure in my life. Only I look at the calendar and realize that it has, in fact, been 6 ½ months since that Thursday morning in July.

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What is love? I asked my third graders this question during our class Valentine’s party. Here are just some of the responses I received…

1. Love is when your brother lets you have the last cookie.
2. Love is when your mom makes lemonade because she knows you like it.
3. Love is when your mom and dad cheer for you even when you do bad in basketball.
4. Love is when a mom and dad send their kids to boarding school because they know it’s good for them.
5. Love is when God sent his son to die on the cross, even though it made him sad.
6. Love is when God lets us ask for forgiveness even when we probably don’t deserve it.

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January and February have been busy months here. Along with normal day-to-day teaching duties, Dakar Academy held its annual Spiritual Emphasis Week, Olympics Days, and participated in WAIST – West Africa Invitational Softball Tournament.

I also got the opportunity to travel with 3 other A/G missionary ladies to Tambacounda, where we led a Children’s and a Women’s Service at the Assemblies of God church there. We were blessed with the whole 8 hour drive going and coming being safe and uneventful (always a plus here). We were able to share the gospel with approximately 25 children and approximately 20 women. It was my first experience speaking with a translator, so I was a bit nervous, but you know…I came away from this weekend feeling so refreshed and blessed by the Lord.


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Prayer Requests for February:

• I still need to raise the rest of my AGWM budget. As of today, February 16th, I need to raise $347 more in monthly pledges and $7572 in cash donations to meet my budget requirements. I am not allowed to come back on the field as a Missionary Associate (MA) until my budget is completely raised, so please pray that this happens soon.

• I am in the process of contacting pastors, family members, and friends to raise support and/or schedule services to speak at while I’m back in the States during the summer. Please pray that everything falls into place with this.

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For those of you that 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 or call my parents at 205-225-0255 and we can tell you how to do so. Any donations you make would be tax-deductible.

Happy Valentine's Day from Senegal,

Elisabeth Nichols
enichols85@gmail.com

Prayer Request

I'm writing today with an urgent prayer request.

I have been approved as an MA (missionary associate) with the Assemblies of God, pending my attendance at this summer's Pre-Field Orientation and also the completion of raising my budget set by the Assemblies of God World Missions Dept. This is where the prayer request comes in.

My budget is set into two parts: 1) committed monthly pledges and 2) cash budget. My monthly budget is $942 and my cash budget is $7997. And as of now I have only 18% of my monthly budget raised and 5% of my cash budget raised. Therefore, for me to get back to Dakar next August in time for the next school year to start, I have to have the rest of this money raised super fast. Plus, I've been having difficulty in my phone situation here. I had planned to use Skype to contact pastors and churches to set up services to speak this summer and to raise support, however, that hasn't been working. We've had bad power outages almost every night (when I can call -- 5 to 6 hours ahead of all of you), which has allowed me very little time to call.

Also, my situation is slightly different than most Missionary Associates, in the sense that I only have a little over a month to "itinerate" or speak at churches this summer (from June 27 to Aug. 1). I realize that this isn't a long time, but I know God called me here and I know this is God's plan. So now friends (and family), now, I need your help in praying. Please help me pray that I raise my budget in time for me to be back to start the next school year on time. Please help me pray that either Senelec (our electric company) cooperates and leaves the power on :) long enough for me to make these necessary calls or e-mails or that God makes another way for this to happen.

Thank you all for your continued prayers, encouragement, and support of me and my ministry here in Dakar, Senegal. It truly means the world to me.

-Elisabeth

A Box Full of Love

Yesterday I looked in my "mailbox" at school and saw a little piece of white paper that brought a smile to my face. It said I had a package and told the cost for picking it up. Since school was already over for the day, I had to wait until the business office opened today to get it. So, after I dropped my kids off at recess and French class, I went and got my package.

I went to the teacher's lounge, got out my handy dandy box opener (a.k.a. pencil), and opened it up. Inside were all kinds of goodies that my parents and brother had sent me. I had new earphones (...mine died a few weeks ago), Pecan Sandies (...only the BEST cookie EVER), pepperoni, Big Red gum, Christmas ornaments (for next year), shorts, a Valentine's Day gift, sunflower seeds, microwavable popcorn, and single serving packs of grits...just to name a few things. :)

This is a wide variety of items, but they each mean a lot to me. My parents and brother packed this random collection because they knew what I loved. They sent me things that they knew would bring a smile to my face. ...which did happen, of course. :)

This got me thinkning. When's the last time God received a "box of love" from us? I don't mean a literal box. I mean, when is the last time we gave God the things he loves...time in prayer, time in worship, time in service, ...just time in general? We should always be showering God with love. After all, he constantly does that for us. Why is it sometimes so hard for us to reciprocate that? I know I'm guilty of this at times...