Letting Go

Jenni, at Story of My Life, is sponsoring a Everyday in May Challenge, where she gives a writing prompt every day for bloggers to use on their blogs. While the idea of that is fun, I've been just reading the posts of others each day, enjoying what they've written, but not writing anything myself. 

Today's prompt struck a nerve. Today's prompt is "React to this term: Letting Go." And while I'm being completely open and a bit vulnerable here, I feel I need to share if for no other reason, but to be made accountable for actually doing what I'm saying I'll do. So here goes...

I'm a planner. I make a To Do List every single day. At this moment, I have today's list and I also have lists started for tomorrow, this weekend, next week, the summer, etc. I like to know what's going to happen and when. Don't get me wrong. I love surprises! I do. But I also like to plan some things...

I say all that to say, letting go is hard for me. 

What am I letting go of?

• I'm letting go of the plan I'd made for my life. ...of the time frame of various things happening. I'm letting go of how I thought my life would turn out. 

But that's not all. I am also letting go of things I've been holding on to that I shouldn't.

• I'm letting go of past hurts. 
• I'm letting go of the regrets I have.
• I'm letting go of the mistakes I've made (and learned from). I'm letting go of the hold they've had on my mind, making me feel like I couldn't move forward at times.
• I'm letting go of the walls I've built around me.

I'm letting go of fears I've held onto for far too long, such as...

• failing.
• not living up to the calling God's placed on my life. 
• goodbyes. I hate hate hate goodbyes. While they're an all too common part of my job, they're still hard. And I think I build up such an aversion to them that I become almost fearful or anxious about them.

And do you want to know what my absolute biggest fear is? Here's me being totally and completely vulnerable. My absolute biggest fear is...

• never having the (future) family God's promised me. When God called me to the mission field, he didn't say that it'd be only me. No, God told me that I'd be one day working with my husband on the mission field. So while I know He's promised this to me, I honestly haven't trusted Him. Instead, I've always had the intense fear that I'd never get married and never have a family of my own. How awful is that?! This is God I'm talking about. God, the One who created me. He gave me life and I can't trust Him with one detail of it?! So I'm letting go of my distrust. I'm letting go of this (irrational) fear. 

And lastly...

I'm letting go of the intensity of independence I have. It's good to be independent. However, I think sometimes I'm a little too independent. I have always had a hard time accepting help from others. I've always wanted to just do something myself rather than have someone else help me with it. 

Moving to Africa helped me with that. I moved to a place where I couldn't drive, I couldn't speak the language that well, I couldn't do a lot of things. So I had to learn to depend on others. It forced me to trust others and accept their help. But I still have a ways to go. So I'm letting go and letting God help me with it.

So now I'm going to just take a deep breath and let it all go.

Currently...

It's currently sinking in that I only have 3 more days after today with my 1st graders. Where has this school year gone?

I'm currently starting to make my packing list for the summer. I'll be landing in good ol' America in 11 days! I wonder how many times I can ask where this year's gone...

I'm currently happy I found a dress for our school's Junior Senior Banquet that 1) fits awesomely and 2) I love love love! Can you tell I'm excited? :)

I'm currently realizing, though, that I don't have shoes to match my dress. I guess that means I'm making a trip to the Saturday market...

I'm currently bummed that Senegal is going to start requiring us to get a visa. It's been so nice not having to worry about that.

I'm currently counting down the days 'til I can see my niece. It's 15 days from today in case anyone's wondering.

I'm currently excited about the field trip my class is going on today. Their excitement has been contagious and is rubbing off on me. They're all so stoked about going to the zoo and then having a picnic in the park. You'd think I was giving them a million bucks by the way they've been talking about this trip.

I'm currently thinking about the dream I had last night. It was so realistic. It took a few minutes after I woke up to realize that hadn't really happened - that it was only a dream.

I'm currently thankful for a friend that let me use her oven to make my zillion and one cupcakes last night. My oven is so tiny that it would've taken me 2 or 3 times as long to make them at home. Plus I got to have some fun company and be entertained while I was there.

I'm currently considering going to the market this weekend. I need to get a few more "thank you" gifts for people to take back to the States with me. I so don't enjoy bargaining for a price though. I need to find someone to do that for me. Ha! :)

I'm currently feeling sad about leaving 1st grade. I'm so excited about teaching ESL. But elementary school has been my "home" for the past 5 years (4 here, 1 in the States). I'm ready to move forward, but at the same time, I'm sad about leaving. It's bittersweet I guess. I'm thinking I'm going to be pretty emotional on Friday. Bring on the tears... :)

10 Years

It seems like just yesterday I was wearing that green cap & gown, sitting with my friends, getting ready to walk across the stage and accept my diploma.

This past week marked 10 years since I graduated high school. It seems a little unreal that this is even possible. Where did those ten years go? As a trip down (my) memory lane...

In 2004, I went on my first short-term (2 week) mission trip to the Canary Islands. Then, the following year, I went to South Africa. That’s where I felt the call to one day serve full time in Africa.

2008 was a big year for me.

I watched my baby brother get married to the love of his life. I couldn’t have hand-picked a better wife for him. They are so perfect for each other! I pray that one day I can have even half the love the two of them share.

I also graduated from the University of Montevallo with a degree in Elementary & Special Education.

I was blessed to get a job teaching Special Education for the remainder of the school year at the school where I did my internship. I loved it. I could’ve seen myself staying there forever. But God had other plans.

On July 29, 2009, after packing up the majority of what I owned, my dad and I loaded up my car with 4 suitcases, 1 carry-on, and 1 backpack and headed to Atlanta to the airport.

My aunt and cousin met us there and I got to experience the first of many many goodbyes I’ve endured (and will endure) as a result of this career path I’ve been called to. I would say this is the biggest sacrifice of what I do. I know others would agree. Having to say those goodbyes/see ya laters so much is definitely difficult. But… I love what I do. And knowing that God’s called me to do this job makes it so much easier.

The next day (July 30^th), I landed in Dakar, Senegal, West Africa. I went to my classroom right away and couldn’t wait to get started as a teacher at Dakar Academy in Dakar, Senegal. Over this time, I’ve taught some of the coolest kids I know :) I so love my job!!

In June 2010, I was commissioned as a Missionary Associate with the Assemblies of God and spent my first summer (with many more to come) traveling to share my heart for Senegal and Dakar Academy with many different churches, pastors, men, women, boys, and girls

I have so thoroughly enjoyed teaching at this school. I feel like God’s brought some of the most amazing people in my life while being here. I know the time to leave will come one day. But for now…I am so very happy where I am!

On August 8, 2012 at 9:26 p.m., my time, (the same day I landed back in Dakar after a summer with my family), I got the most amazing text message from my brother. It said…

“I’m a DADDY!!!! DAISY OLIVIA NICHOLS is HERE!!!!!!!!!” and it included the picture below.

I ran next door and told my neighbor who cheered and cried tears of happiness with me :) I was so excited to add the status of “aunt” to my life. Aunt Lizzie sounded like the best name ever. This beautiful little girl made me Aunt Lizzie!

I had to wait 4 long months to meet her. And that day was the BEST day ever - the day my brother and sister-in-law pulled off the biggest, best surprise ever by showing up at the airport with my niece to welcome me home! :)

The hardest goodbye as of yet was the one I had to say to that beautiful baby girl a few weeks after meeting her. But thanks to Skype and a steady stream of emails including pictures/videos, I've been able to watch her grow.

Earlier this month, (after 3 1/2 long years) I graduated with my Master's degree in Teaching English as a Second Language. So now you can add a M.Ed. after my name. :) Ha! 

It was hard not being able to walk across that stage and have them hand me my diploma after working that long and hard on it. But, I was thankful for good friends and co-workers who helped me celebrate. In fact, my graduation celebrating lasted 2 weekends in a row! :)

So where did the time go? Well, in the past 10 years, I've done what the quote above says. I'm made time for what was important. I've served my Savior to the best of my ability. I've loved my family. I've been a good friend. I've moved a few thousand miles and an ocean away from all things familiar so I could follow the call God's placed on my life. I've gotten my dream job of being a teacher. I've taught 5 different classrooms full of unique, fun students.

These past 10 years have been great! And I cannot wait to see what God has in store in the next 10 years - and beyond :)

The 63rd Dear ____ Post

Dear 5, You're how many more school days I have with my students before summer break. It's so bittersweet to think of this school year being over.

Dear ESL, Guess what! You're what I'm going to be teaching next year. It's FINALLY official so I feel like broadcasting it to the world! Hey world! I'm going to be an ESL teacher next year!

Dear "You're the type of girl a guy wants to marry...not date,"A friend and I were discussing you the other day based on something another of our friends posted on Facebook.. You're a phrase that is intended as a compliment, but when heard by a girl, is typically not taken that way. So what was the consensus drawn by my friend and me? Yes, you're a compliment. But we both agree that even if it is a compliment, it doesn't feel that great to hear...

Dear Field Trip, My class will be attending you this coming Tuesday. We're taking trip to the zoo and will have a picnic at the park. My crew is super excited!

Dear Thai Restaurant in Dakar, You are such a nice place. You're decorated beautifully. You're staff is great. And your food is delicious! Thanks for being such a nice "escape" this past Thursday. You were amazing.

Dear Bought a Dress, You're something I just recently did. My school has it's Junior Senior Banquet next weekend and as a staff member, I'm invited to attend. It's a pretty fancy night, so I needed a nicer dress to wear. So imagine my delight when I tried this one on and fell in love with it! :)

Dear Sweet Home Alabama (the state - not the song or movie), Guess who gets to see you in 18 days from today... That'd be this girl! I'm so excited!

Dear Mini Vacation, I get to experience you on my way home from Dakar. Thanks to some family friends acting as hosts/tour guide, I get to spend a few days visiting parts of my own country where I've never been. I'm so excited!!!

Dear Smaller Sizes, I'm able to fit into you now. I guess my hard work has paid off. Talk about an ego boost! :)

Dear Fun Idea for Last Day of School, I found you on Pinterest the other day. Oh my word... I can't wait to put you into action. You're going to be awesome! I hope my kids like it!! :)

Dear Les Mis', I rented the latest version of you through iTunes. And as much as I was looking forward to watching you, if I'm being honest... You really weren't that great. Sorry...

Dear 4:15 a.m., You're what time I woke up this morning. I had big dreams of sleeping late today, but no... Why in the world was I wide awake at 4:15? Oh well... It gave me a few extra hours to catch up on some work and some reading. So that was nice. And I suppose I can always take a nap later.

Dear God, Thanks for the lessons you're teaching me right now. I know I don't understand them all. But I know you know what's best for me. So I'm really trying harder to simply accept that and stop worrying about what I don't understand. Jeremiah 29:11 is so applicable to this and I seem to be quoting it to myself over and over again.

Thankful Thursday...Teacher Edition

I'm thankful for so much, but this week I'm focusing on my class. I'm thankful for the 8 children that have been placed into my care this year...

I'm thankful for their...

• eagerness to learn.
• kindness towards their peers.
• acceptance of those different from them.
• love of life.

I'm thankful for the 

• hilarious "quotes" and "conversations" I've gained from them throughout the year.
• numerous pictures drawn, letters written, books made for me to use to "decorate" the wall beside my desk.
• zillion and one questions they have asked me every. single. day. 

I'm also thankful for how they've made me become a better teacher. This class has challenged me, in a good way, all year. I've learned so much from working with these 8 kids! 

I'm looking forward to my next teaching position on campus. But I'm still a little sad to be leaving my elementary "family." And as my job as a general education elementary teacher is almost over. I can't help but think of all the kids I've taught this far, but especially this class. This class was the last class that I had for 7 hours a day. This class was the last class that, every single day, I welcomed to school first thing in the morning AND said goodbye to at the end of the day. 

This class has been an awesome class. And I am so very grateful for the GIFT of being their teacher this year. We have 6 more school days after today. And since I really HATE goodbyes, I'm trying not to think of having to say goodbye to them next Friday :(

Now, not that they'll read this, but if I were writing to them I'd say...

Dear 1st Graders, Thank you for being such an awesome class this year. Thank you for being such a tight-knit, loving, caring class. Thanks for loving school and learning and each other. Thanks for always wanting to help out, to be a good student, and more importantly, to be a good friend. Thanks for showing God's love to others. Thank you for helping me to become a better teacher. Thank you for the gift of a great year. I can't wait to see where God takes you in the future! Love, Miss Nichols :)

Currently...

I'm currently grieving with some friends over the loss of someone we know. Death is never easy. That's for sure... So I'm also currently asking anyone reading this to pray for the family and friends and everyone affected by this death. Details aren't important. God knows...

I'm currently sitting on my bed, contemplating putting up my computer and going to sleep. But I can't. I have so much on my mind that I can't seem to just let it all leave so I can go to sleep. Hmm...

I'm currently frustrated about something someone said to me earlier today. Why do I let people's words get to me? What I know was intended as a compliment ended up feeling more like a major criticism. Weird, I know...

I'm currently liking this dark purple nail polish I'm wearing.

I'm currently remembering what was happening 10 years ago this week. I'm not doing exactly what I thought I'd be doing in ten years, but my life has definitely turned out pretty cool. I wonder what I'll be doing in ten more years...

I'm currently planning a blog post devoted to filling in the gap of those 10 years I just mentioned...

I'm currently wishing there was a Chik-fil-a in Dakar. Oh how awesome that'd be...

I'm currently starting my shopping list for the summer. It's almost time to replenish my supply of clothes, American food, school supplies, toiletries, and more. There's a lot we can get here in Dakar, but not everything, so shopping I must go...

I'm currently excited about some news I got this afternoon and can't wait 'til I can share it on here :)

The 62nd Dear _____ Post

Dear Teaching ESL, I so want to be able to have you as my job next year. But I can't unless we get a first grade teacher to replace me. So I'm hoping,  and more importantly, I'm praying that we find somebody. Does this sound desperate? I'm sure it does. ...because even though I have absolutely, positively loved loved loved teaching 1st grade, I believe it's time for a change. I believe God's ready for me to move into the field of ESL. Plus, I'm getting old, so I need to use this recent knowledge I've acquired through my ESL Master's program before I forget it all :) 

Dear Camel, You are such a cool looking animal. I've always been fascinated by you. And earlier this week I was finally able to enjoy the cooked version of you. I must say... You were pretty good. I'm sure PETA would have a "fit" over this one. Ha! :)

Dear Thankful, You're how I feel for the people and events you bring into my life. I've been reading a book that talks about how NOTHING is a coincidence. ...nothing! Everything happens for a reason and the Master Planner ordains every single tiny (or huge) detail of our lives. It's so cool to see how it works out. Don't you think?

Dear New Fabric, I bought you earlier this week. You're this really pretty mixture of colors - green and brown and purple. Now I just have to decide what to make with you. Hmm... Decisions, decisions...

Dear Cooler Weather, Oh how I enjoy you. Cool breezes, low humidity... I often wish I could live somewhere that experiences you year round. Yep, that'd be nice...

Dear Sleeping Late, I could so get used to you. Anyone who knows me very well, knows you and I haven't always seen eye to eye. I've just never been one to sleep very late. But I've decided you are an awesome, awesome thing and I think the whole world should start enjoying you more. Who agrees with me? :) P.S. I think it's ironic that after writing this part of the post last night, I ended up being wide awake at 5 a.m. today. Boo :(

Dear Phil Robertson's Book Happy Happy Happy, I started reading you this week. I love the show, Duck Dynasty. It's so hilarious! And it's refreshing to see a show that doesn't hide a family's Christian values. So naturally, I wanted to buy you when I first saw you go on sale. And I'm glad I did. So far, you're pretty awesome. And I'm sure the rest will be the same.

Dear Drawing Circles, You're a concept talked about by pastor/author Mark Batterson. I've started incorporating you into my daily quiet time and am loving it. I'm learning so much from Batterson's 40 Day Challenge. Thanks for helping each of my days get started a little better.

Dear Answers, Lately, I've been asking God for a few of you. But I have to remind myself that you don't always come immediately after I ask. Patience seems to be the trait He wants to work on in my life at the moment... :)

Dear Change, Contrary to what one might think, you're not always a bad thing. You can be good. You can also be scary and unknown and even a little unnerving. But the One in charge of your life knows what's best for you and knows every single detail of your life. So why dread change? No. Embrace it. And just to clarify... I'm speaking to myself here too :)

Dear Isaiah, I've been having verses from you brought to mind a lot this week. ...especially from chapters 61 to 64. And all have been good reads. I'm learning a lot out of this!

Dear Obama Flavored Ice Cream, You are seriously my most favorite flavor of ice cream. One of the ice cream shops in town carry your amazing goodness. I went with a couple friends last night and had you. You definitely brightened my night and made me smile. It's the little things in life people :)

Dear Brazilian Food, You're what I'm having tonight. Yay! :)

Dear Shopping and Going to Lunch, You're where I'll be going with friends in a little while. I'm looking forward to it :)

Dear Patience, You're what God seems to be dealing with me about right now in a lot of areas. It's ironic. I am so incredibly patient with my students and with most people in general. But when it comes to my own life...not so much. It's hard sometimes. And I seem to be struggling with it a lot! And clearly, God sees that as something needs to be changed. So Patience, I'm asking that you come quickly so these tests can stop :)

Currently...

I'm currently eating an egg and cheese burrito with homemade salsa for breakfast.

I'm currently wishing I hadn't added that second hot pepper in my salsa. Wow! Is it hot!

I currently just finished reading for my morning devo's. This morning's read was Luke 1:45-56.

I'm currently claiming Luke 1:45 as my "life verse," clinging to the promises He will one day fulfill in my life.

I'm currently hoping my mom has an awesome Mother's Day and am currently wishing I could be there with her to celebrate.

I'm currently enjoying my new hair cut. It makes my head feel a ton lighter. Plus, it's not near as hot since all that hair's gone. 

I'm currently looking forward to the week ahead.

I'm currently looking through my ipod and thinking that I have quite the eclectic taste in music. It's funny to see the wide range of music that comes up when on shuffle.

I'm currently counting down to when I get to see my family again. ...one month from today! :) Can you tell that I'm currently excited about that?! :)

I'm currently typing my last blog post for a week, as I'm planning to be as internet-free as possible this week. It'll be nice :)

The 61st Dear ____ Post

Dear Technology Break, You're what I'm going to be taking next week. I think it'll be nice to not be "tied" to a computer for a few days. And to my parents - Don't worry. I'll try not to ignore you completely, and will let you know I'm alive :)

Dear University of South Alabama, It's been nice saying I was a student of you. However, I must say that I am beyond excited to say that, as of today, I am FINALLY finished with grad school! :)

Dear Going to Dinner with Friends, You're what I'm doing tonight. Yay for good food and more importantly...good friends :)

Dear Homemade Chocolate Milkshake, I got to enjoy you earlier this week. After a particularly rough day, you (and a long chat with a friend) were quite the mood lifter :)

Dear 6 Almost 7 Hour Power Cut, We had you on Wednesday. And after not having a power cut like that for a while, I must admit I wasn’t totally thrilled with you. However, you weren’t all bad. My computer battery ended up being drained, so I chose to take a long nap and then I woke up to have a long chat with my Maker about all sorts of things, so that was nice :)

Dear Mother’s Day Craft, I found the idea for you on Pinterest last week. Then one of my teacher buddies gave me an idea for thumbprint flower-painting to go along with it. And I must say, you turned out pretty awesome-ly. Thanks for being such a fun craft for my class to make and for making them (and me) smile so much.

Dear Haircut, I got you the day before yesterday. You left me feeling ten pounds lighter :) I’m so glad the sweet lady that did you is here in the country and is so good at what she does. I’ve always preferred my hair short. And this time didn’t disappoint. Thanks for being a nice part of my day Thursday :)

Dear Good Luck Card, My 1^st graders asked me if we could make you for our high school aide that helps us out 2 days a week to wish him Good Luck on his exams this week. So they dictated what was possibly the sweetest letter ever and even asked if we could give him an Iron Man pencil because, and I quote, “He needs a superhero pencil Miss Nichols, so he can make a superhero grade on his big tests.” I wish I’d taken a picture of the letter. Seriously…it was the sweetest thing ever! And they were so happy to give it to him! :)

Dear ESL, I really want to teach you next year. But we still haven’t found someone to take the 1^st grade position, meaning I can’t leave it to teach ESL. So, to anyone dying to teach 1^st grade at an awesome school in West Africa… Come on and apply. We need you! :)

Dear Whistling, This week, my class all realized they are able to do you. And oh my word, that sound… Wow! You sure can get loud!

Dear Marriage, You were the topic of conversation between two of my 1^st grade boys earlier this week. According to them it’s yucky and gross because you have to kiss girls and that’s disgusting! Plus, you have a butterfly that lives in your belly telling you to be in love. Ha! :)

Dear I Heart Gelato, You’re the name of a gelato place here in Dakar. You have a nice selection and you’re prices are pretty reasonable. I must say… I think you’re pretty great. Now if we could just get you to start carrying obama flavored ice cream like N’ice Cream does, we’d be all set…

Dear Killing Trees, I didn’t realize how much I do of you, ‘til I was making copies for the entire week of school. Wow! Sorry environment…

Dear iPad, You fell earlier this week. You were sitting on the corner of my coffee table and when I walked by, I accidentally bumped into you, causing you to fall, screen first, to the floor. Now you have a lovely "smashed" look in one corner. You're still usable, though, thankfully. Your appearance is just a little sad at the moment...

Dear Life, It’s interesting sometimes, the things you bring about… The way things happen… The people that come along… I often wonder why things in life happen the way they do. Then I remember… It’s all a part of the master plan of the One who gave me life. I’m thankful for the life I have and all the things in it – the good, the bad, the otherwise…

Dear Unrestrained By Mandisa, Someone played you in staff devotions yesterday morning. If it wasn’t for being in a room full of people, I probably would've cried like a baby. Your lyrics are so amazing. Thank you for reminding me of the love of the Father and how unrestrained I should be in my worship and adoration of Him.

Thankful Thursday

This week I’m focusing on just a few of the many people I’m thankful for, like…

• people that treat me like I’m a member of their family.
• friends that have recognized my upcoming graduation, leaving me feeling encouraged and loved.
• friends who’ve let me “cry on their shoulder” when tough things have come along and have offered advice and encouragement when needed.
• the lady that’s going to cut my hair this afternoon. I’m so ready for it to be cut and thinned and am so thankful that this lady could fit me in.
• men, women, boys, and girls that are supporting me and my ministry here. I don’t know how to ever thank them enough for the endless amounts of support through prayer, encouraging notes, and financial support.
• the 4 boys and 4 girls that make up my 1^st grade class this year. I am so thankful for them. They have challenged me so much this year (in a good way) to be a better teacher. 
• teachers I have had, especially Mr. Jerry Strickland, who passed away this week. I’m so thankful for teachers that took the time to pour into my life, teach me about more than just the required curriculum, and to make me want to become the teacher I am today. I only hope that one day I can be half the teacher Mr. Strickland was and that I can be an inspiration to at least one of my students like he was for me.
• my Savior and the hope I have in Him.

Obviously there are SO VERY MANY MORE people I could list on here. But these were the main ones that have stuck out in my mind this week.

So who are you especially thankful for this week and why?

Currently...

I’m currently enjoying having a tiny bit more free time now that all of my grad school assignments have been turned in.

I’m currently waiting to receive my grade for this semester. If I pass, I get my Master’s degree. If I don’t, I’ll be a sad, sad person… :)

I’m currently happy that my jeans are getting looser, causing me to have to wear a belt with them. ...such a nice feeling :)

I’m currently relieved that I finally got all the necessary paperwork taken care of at the embassy this week.

I’m currently enjoying seeing how excited my students are getting about correcting grammar and the like. I write a few sentences on the board and include a few spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Then we work together at correcting them. If I choose not to do them one day, or if I simply forget to write them on the board before they arrive, almost all of my students will beg me to write some on there. I think that they think it’s a game. And I guess that’s a good thing :)

I’m currently sitting in the library at school. I volunteer in the library, manning the check-out desk, one afternoon a week. I’m also currently still laughing at the “Miss Nichols, you are awesome sauce!” comment I got from a high school kid a few minutes ago, all because I helped her find a book for a project she’s doing.

I’m currently downloading the Duck Commander, himself, Phil Robertson's book, Happy Happy Happy and am planning to start reading it this weekend :)

I'm currently writing out my prayers, and have been for a while now. I've found it helps me stay a little more focused. Plus, it's nice looking back and seeing how God's worked in my life and those around me.

I'm currently questioning why certain things happen the way they do. But at the same time, I'm currently thankful that our Maker has our best interests at heart. He loves us and cares about us and knows exactly what we need, when we need it. 

I’m currently considering taking a mini technology break next week. I think it’ll be nice not to be “tied down” to facebook, email, blog posting, etc. for a few days. To my parents… Don’t worry. I’ll still check in every once in a while, so you know I’m alive. Ha! :)

The 60th Dear ____ Post

Dear Elisabeth, Did you realize that you are FINISHED with grad school? Now you just have to wait on your final grades and your diploma, and you, Elisabeth, will have your Master's degree? :)

Dear Parking Lot Duty, You are typically a responsibility of my job that I don't enjoy. But this week... This week you've been all right :)

Dear The Notebook, You are such an awesome movie. I totally heart you :)

Dear Videos of My Niece, You make me smile. ...especially the ones where she's giggling :)

Dear Cookies Made From a Boxed Strawberry Cake Mix, You started as a lazy alternative to making treats. But you know what... You actually turned out pretty tasty. I was pleasantly surprised.

Dear Last Grad School Assignment, I turned you in yesterday around 6:00. Do you know what a relief that was? I wonder if I'll be bored now... Ha! :)

Dear Cinco de Mayo, You're tomorrow. I'll be having a tasty lunch full of all sorts of Mexican yumminess with co-workers. Yay for Mexican food and hanging out with a great group of people.

Dear Skype, Thanks for making it so easy (and cheap) to talk to my family. You are an awesome invention! And I just thought you should know how I felt about you :)

Dear 30 Day Shred (workout video), You are hard work! Oh my goodness... But you are so very worth it!

Dear Elf (the movie), I watched you the other night while finishing up my grad school work. I realize it’s the beginning of May and nowhere near Christmas, but I was in the mood for something funny, but not totally distracting so I could still work. Anywho… Elf, you did the trick. You are such a funny movie! P.S. “I like Smiling. It’s my favorite.” is a quote from the movie that I love and use quite often! :)

Dear Words That End in “en”, You have always been hard for my Southern accented self to pronounce correctly. But for whatever reason, this week, I’ve been “magically” able to pronounce you correctly. I’m not sure why… I guess all of my learnin’ :) has finally paid off. Ha! :)

Dear Someone Who Teaches 1^st Grade OR Someone Who Teaches High School Math, We need both of you at Dakar Academy for the 2013-2014 school year. You’re the only 2 positions left open at this point. So if anyone reading this post knows of anyone that would be qualified for either of those positions, PLEASE let me know and I’ll put you into contact with our principal.

Thankful Thursday

This week I’ve been thankful for…

* the new recipes I’ve found online. I really love cooking and I’m always looking for new ideas, so it’s nice to know I can easily search for recipes to try.

* the knowledge that I'm almost finished with grad school. The plan is to turn in everything tomorrow night, so my weekend is free.

* Kids Club this week. It was a little "funny" how the lesson the Man upstairs placed on my heart to share with the kids was one I needed to hear as well. While I was teaching them, I was also being taught. Go Man upstairs! :)

* the friendships that God has brought into my life since moving to Dakar.

* those 4 pounds that I've lost AND the tiny bit of inches I've lost in my waist - noticed when I realized my jeans are starting to get a little loose. It's not much, but it's definitely a start! :)

* the peace that can only come from above.