Currently

I'm currently sitting at a local fast food restaurant bumming their free wifi until it's time to go to the dentist so he can finish the work he started yesterday.

I'm currently happy with my new (improved) smile. So I know once everything's finished today, I'll really love it!

I'm currently experiencing a minor reaction to the lidocaine injections they gave in my mouth yesterday. ...so doesn't feel good :( But it'll be worth it in the end. I know it.

I'm currently listening to a guy a few tables over talking on the phone. He's ridiculously loud. I wonder why people do that... Do they not care if everyone around them can hear their conversation? I don't get it...

I'm currently full from breakfast. I had the joy of treating my grandparents and my dad to breakfast this morning. I love getting together with them, hearing stories of "days gone by," and talking about the Lord.

I'm currently thankful for the rich, Christian heritage I have. I feel so blessed to have grown up with such incredible role models, in my parents and grandparents. ...such a blessing!

I'm currently counting down 'til a few dates. There are 4 days 'til my niece's first birthday party, and me leaving for my trip to Orlando. There are 6 days 'til my birthday. There are 8 days 'til my niece's first birthday. There are 10 days 'til I leave for Dakar. I could probably go on and on...

I'm currently looking forward to my trip to Orlando. My mom and I are going to get the chance to go on a road trip together and spend some awesomely valuable time together. And I'll get to go to General Council and hang out with some A/G buddies. All in all, it's going to be a great trip. And I can't wait! :)

I'm currently excited about getting the chance to visit Animal Kingdom while in Orlando. A super sweet person is paying for the tickets for my mom and I to go. I've always wanted to go. Plus I figure this'll be the closest to Africa I'll ever get my mom, so I'm going to live it up :)

I'm currently double-checking my shopping list. Tomorrow, I'll be shopping for the last of the supplies I need to take back to Dakar with me. Here's hoping for good sales and finding everything on my list.

The 71st Dear _____ Post

The 71st Dear ____ Post

Dear Road Trip Playlist on iPod, You've been a nice accompaniment to the many road trips I've taken this summer. Thanks for providing an eclectic blend of music for me to enjoy on all those long drives I've been making.

Dear Daisy (my niece), I have so enjoyed being on vacation with you (and the rest of our family) this past week. You are such an incredibly happy baby. You just love life and your adorable smile is contagious! 

Dear Memphis, I visited you for the first time the week before last and I really enjoyed  my trip. The sights, the BBQ, the people... They were all nice and helped make my vacation to you a good one.

Dear Family Vacation, I got to experience you this past week when my parents, brother & sister-in-law and niece, and myself rented a cabin at Gulf Shores State Park for the week. I so enjoyed myself and know I'll cherish the memories made for a long long time! I'm so thankful for the blessing of this past week being spent with my family!

Dear One Year Old, You're how old my niece will be turning in a week and a half. It seems like just yesterday I got the phone call saying she'd been born. Now she's walking and talking and is the most lovable, adorable, awesome little girl ever!

Dear Family Reunion, You're what I went to earlier today. I always love going because I feel like I'm making up for lost time since I spend more time away from family than around them due to living overseas. So I consider it a definite blessing getting to see (almost) all of my relatives in one place, all laughing and talking together.

Dear Tennis Shoes, I bought a new pair of you last week since my pair "died" right before leaving Dakar. Thanks for 1) being on sale 2) being comfy 3) being cute.

Dear Applications for A Husband, Someone recently told me (jokingly of course) that I should start taking you. Hmm...

Dear 2 Weeks Exactly, You're how long it is before I land back in Dakar. While I'm incredibly excited to get back, it's still hard thinking about all those goodbyes I'm going to have to be saying soon.

Dear Goodbyes/See Ya Laters, I've said it before and will say it again. You stink...

Dear Orlando, You're where I'm headed next week. My mom and I are going on a road trip! 

Dear Last Wal-Mart and Target Run, I'll be making you Thursday since I'll have to be finished shopping and packing before my trip to Orlando. Here's hoping for good sales so I don't break the bank :)

Dear Proverbs 16:20, You're referenced on a t-shirt I bought the other day. I've decided to do my absolute best to start living my life with you as my motto.

Dear New Devotional, I got you earlier this week. I'm planning to start you next week when the one I'm currently using is finished. I can't wait. You look like you're going to be really good.

Dear Packing, I'm going to start you tomorrow. I've put you off long enough.

Dear Tuesday, You're my 4 year anniversary of landing in Dakar. Where has the time gone? 

Currently

I'm currently staying in Gulf Shores, Alabama with my family. 5 adults and an 11 1/2 month old in a cabin for a week... I'm loving it!!! :)

I'm currently enjoying all this time with my family, because I know I leave in just 18 days and then it'll be at least 10 months before seeing them again.

I'm currently still full from lunch. We ate at Lambert's in Foley, AL for lunch today. There's nothing like good ol' Southern home cooking. Yum!

I'm currently happy with how the cake I made turned out. It's a Ding Dong cake and I got the recipe from my aunt. It looks soooo tasty. I can't wait to try it :)

I'm currently glad we got to meet up with good friends today for lunch. These people are more like family, than friends, though. I'm so grateful for people like them in my life.

I'm currently covered with a blanket. We may be at the beach, but it is freezing! At least, that's what it feels like to my African blooded self :)

I'm currently daydreaming about a sewing project I want to tackle. I'm not going to do it until next summer, but I'm starting to collect the pieces now. I can't wait!

I'm currently happy for Prince William, his wife, and the arrival of their baby, but I've got to be honest. I'd rather they didn't dominate all the news stations. After all, there are other things going on in the world right now.

I'm currently trying to wrap my head around the fact that in exactly 2 weeks from today I'll be turning 28...

I'm currently looking through pictures I took at the beach yesterday of my family. My niece absolutely loved the sand and the water. And I loved seeing all the smiles on everybody's faces. I know I've said it already, but I really am enjoying all this time with my family. I know I'll cherish the memories we're making this week.

I'm currently browsing the web for ESL ideas, adding them to the plans I've already made, and looking forward to starting my new adventure as ESL teacher at Dakar Academy.

I'm currently reminding myself that it only takes faith the size of a mustard seed, as described in Matthew 17:20, to move mountains.

I'm currently thanking God for this summer. I'm thankful for the people I've spent time with, the places I've gone, the things I've done, and the memories I've made. Somebody asked me today if I've enjoyed it even though I've been so busy. And my answer is definitely yes! I wouldn't trade a single minute of it!

Currently

I'm currently enjoying my trip to Memphis. What a fun city!

I'm currently enjoying spending time with a good friend here in Memphis and am glad we were able to meet up here.

I'm currently resting in my hotel room 'til time to head out a little later to explore some more.

I'm currently looking forward to having more good BBQ tonight for dinner. Memphis does know their BBQ :)

I'm currently feeling a little sad that I have to leave tomorrow. While it'll be nice to get back and see my family, I'm still sad to leave the land of vacation behind...

Although, I won't be leaving it behind for long. As a matter of fact...

I'm currently looking forward to our family vacation at the beach next week.p and spending time with the 5 people I love the most :) 

I'm currently excited for my dad. Since all non-tenured teachers were handed pink slips at the end of the school year, he'd been searching for a new job. Naturally, since nothing was coming he was feeling rather discouraged/defeated. Then he got the call last night, saying the job was his! Praise the Lord for answered prayers!!

I'm currently thankful for the friendships God has placed in my life. It's nice to know I have friends spread out (almost) all over the place. ...people that have enriched my life in some way (and hopefully the reverse too). I'm thankful that I can call these people friends.

I'm currently happy and content with my life. I've been blessed with so much and am so grateful for the people, the opportunities, even the things, God has brought into my life. And I'm thankful for the happiness and contentment He's helped me realize I possess. 

I'm currently realizing that in 18 days I'll celebrate my birthday! It's the big 2-8 and I so don't feel it. I guess that's a good thing, huh? :)

I'm currently realizing also that in 22 days I'll leave for Dakar. Where did the time go? It seems like it was just yesterday I was closing up my classroom, saying goodbye to friends, and packing for my summer trip. This summer has been a busy one for sure. But I've enjoyed every minute of it.

I'm currently claiming the promise in Proverbs 3:5-6. He never said we'd understand it all. We don't have to. We just have to lean on Him and trust Him.

Currently

Currently

I'm currently realizing I only have a little over 3 weeks 'til I leave for Dakar. Where has the time gone?

I'm currently feeling blessed to have family members like the ones that have let me spend the whole weekend with them :)

I'm currently still smiling about last night's service. I love being able to share my heart for Dakar Academy and Senegal. 

I'm currently feeling extremely blessed at the love I've been showed by churches this summer while working to raise my missions budget. I've been treated like family at each and every one. And last night's church was no different.

I'm currently glad for the contacts I've made as a result of traveling around and speaking at churches. God knows how to put just the right person in our lives at just the right time. He's cool like that :)

I'm currently excited about tomorrow. I get to spend the day with  my brother, sister-in-law, and niece.

I'm currently also excited about having (getting?) freshly pedicured toes tomorrow :) 

I'm currently looking forward to my trip to Memphis, starting tomorrow, exploring a city I've never been to, and seeing a good friend I haven't seen in close to a year.

I'm currently also looking forward to a week from today. Why? That's when my family leaves for our family vacation! :)

I'm currently gearing up for the drive back to Alabama. I leave Georgia today, heading to pick up my aunt, and then on to see my parents, siblings, and niece!

I'm currently being honest when I admit that I think I missed my niece more than any of the rest of them :)

I'm currently struggling a little. I can tell people all day long to just trust in God, to have faith, and He'll answer your requests. But I'm struggling at doing that myself. Why is this seeming to be a case of being easy to say but hard to do?

I'm currently grateful for my God. I'm so thankful that He loves me no matter what. ...even when I'm admitting struggles like the one above.

I'm thankful for my Mama. I'm thankful for her incredible listening ear and advice giving self. I am definitely blessed to have this lady as my Mama :)

The 70th Dear ___ Post

The 70th Dear ____ Post

Dear Trip to Louisiana, I so enjoyed you! Thanks for being such a fun trip...one I know I'll remember forever!

Dear French Market in New Orleans, We stopped at you before leaving Louisiana Wednesday. You definitely didn't disappoint. Thanks for being a highlight of my trip.

Dear Georgia, You'll be the 9th state I've been to this summer and where I'm headed in a few hours. 

Dear Photos, I had a sweet and talented lady offer to take you for me this past Thursday. The previews I've seen so far are absolutely AMAZING! I love them! 

Dear ESL Teacher, You're what I'll be starting in August. It still seems unreal at times. I'm so excited about this new adventure in teaching!

Dear Good and Clean TV Shows, There aren't very many of you left on anymore. That makes me sad. Come on entertainment industry, you can do better than this, can't you...

Dear Memphis, You're where I'm headed next week. I can't wait! :)

Dear Friend I Haven't Seen in Close to a Year, We get to see each other Wednesday! I'm so excited!!

Dear Birthday, You're what my aunt will be celebrating tomorrow. I so love that woman!

Dear M&Ms, You're going to be part of my topic of discussion at a ladies' ministry meeting I'll be speaking at this coming Tuesday night :)

Dear Dakar, I miss you. ...just so you know.

Dear This Weekend, I'll get to spend you staying at my aunt and uncle's house while in GA. I'm looking forward to spending time with family, and speaking at a church that treats me like family :)

Dear Chik fil A, I think you're the restaurant I miss most while being in Dakar. And after being home for a month already, I'm finally going to be able to eat your chicken-y goodness today for lunch :)

Dear Missionary, What an amazingly awesome job you are! You're such a blessing!

Currently

Currently

I'm currently in West Monroe, Louisiana, home of the Robertson family from Duck Dynasty. We went by their warehouse yesterday, but sadly they weren't there. We did get to take some pictures and check out the gift shop, and pick up some fun souvenirs.

I'm currently full from breakfast. Our hotel had some amazingly delicious breakfast options.

I'm currently drinking good ol' 2% milk. Oh homogenized calcium-rich awesomeness, I've missed you.

I'm currently gearing myself up for the 5 hour drive to Des Allemands, Louisiana. 

I'm currently looking forward to seeing a sweet couple that I haven't seen in a little over 15 years. 

I'm currently grateful for and blessed by people (and church families) like this couple...people who've stuck by me the past 4 years, offering continuous prayer, encouragement, and support. 

I'm currently thinking back to a conversation I had with my mom the other day. I so thankful for the closeness we share, for the advice she gives, and for the love and encouragement she so freely shares. 

I'm currently thankful for air conditioning while in Louisiana. It's been hotter than Dakar. There have been crazy high temperatures and humidity the whole time.

I'm currently enjoying this time with my parents. It's something I'll cherish for sure.

Thanks America!

This post was originally supposed to be posted on Thursday, July 4th, but due to my forgetfulness unforeseen circumstances, it's being posted today instead. Enjoy :)

Thankful Thursday ... USA Edition

For this week's Thankful Thursday post, I'm listing just a few of the many reasons why I'm thankful for my home country, the United States of America. So without further ado...

I'm thankful for the freedoms I have as an American. I'm thankful for...

- my freedom as a Christian.

- my freedom as a woman.

- my freedom as a U.S. citizen.

I'm thankful for people, like...

- my country's founding fathers. I'm thankful for the stance they took way back then. I'm thankful for the values they had in mind when founding our country.

- the men and women who have fought, and are still fighting, for our freedom. I'm thankful for the sacrifices they have made, and are still making, so our country can remain free.

- the hardworking people that work jobs in our country to make things easier for me and my fellow Americans. 

I'm also thankful for our president. 

I may not be President Obama's number 1 fan, but I'm thankful for him. I'm thankful for the good he's done for our country. While I do believe he's made some bad choices, he hasn't been all bad. I'm thankful for him doing a job that I definitely would not want to do. I'm thankful that we don't live in a country that's a total dictatorship. And I'm thankful that even though things aren't 100% perfect, things aren't as bad as they are in many other countries around the world.

But most of all, I'm thankful for God.

I'm thankful that God has America's, and my, best interests at heart. I'm thankful that God has a plan for each and every one of our lives. I'm thankful that no matter what happens, God's will will come forth. I'm thankful that God loves us no matter what. I'm thankful that no matter how many mistakes we make, He still loves us. He still gives us a chance to change. He still gives us a choice in how we spend eternity. 

And I'm thankful that God still loves this country. I'm thankful that even though it seems as if many of America's citizens have turned their backs on God, He still cares for them. He still loves them. He still wants to spend eternity with them. 

The 69th Dear ____ Post

Dear 4th of July, You were this past Thursday. I spent the day with family and had a great time. I think you're a great holiday. And while I love Senegal and it's people and my ministry there, I am proud to be an American. I love the freedom I have and the rights I've been given. And 4th of July, since you're the day we celebrate America, I say thank you to you. Thanks for giving Americans an annual reminder to be thankful for the country we live in :) 

Dear Birthday Presents, I bought you this week for my niece's first birthday which is next month. It feels like time has just flown by and that it was just yesterday when she was born, and not (almost) 11 months ago.

Dear Woodstock, Alabama, You're where I'm headed tomorrow morning to speak at a church there, sharing my heart for the ministry God's called me to. Each chance I get to do so, I feel so grateful for the life God has called me to and am reminded of how blessed I am.

Dear Louisiana, You're where I'm headed Tuesday and Wednesday. Bring on the Cajun awesomeness :)

Dear Student Loans, Earlier this week, I made my first of many payments on you. Thankfully, I had miscalculated so I didn't owe as much in total as I originally thought I did. Now to just get the rest of you paid off.

Dear Fried Rice and Egg Rolls, I just got back from the store with the ingredients to make the homemade versions of both of you for lunch today. 

Dear Glasses, I seem to be singing "I can see clearly now..." a lot more often now that you've re-entered my life. I only need you to see farther off, and pretty much only use you for driving at this point. But man do you come in handy :)

Dear Easy Button, You're what the store, Staples, identified as the thing to have to make shopping easier. I wish life came with you. It'd be nice to be able to simply press an "easy button" and have instant clarity on things I'm confused and praying about. I know God's teaching me patience. That much is clear to see. It's just hard sometimes living in the "waiting stage."

Dear Turnip Greens and Fried Cornbread, I know I'm in the South when I can get you at almost all restaurants. I can also easily get sweet tea, grits, good fried chicken, and bologna biscuits. I'm loving it :)

Currently

I'm currently wearing a short-sleeved shirt and capri's and am freezing. Oh my word, I'm still not used to having A/C everywhere :)

I'm currently planning to cook dinner for my parents later this week. What's on the menu? Homemade fried rice and spring rolls. Yum!

I'm currently wearing glasses to drive again. Hello far off things. It's nice to actually be able to see you for a change :)

I'm currently still in shock over an answered prayer that occurred yesterday. What is it? Stick around. You'll find out later this summer :)

I'm currently having my faith restored in humanity :) I've encountered quite a few angels in disguise this week. Praise The Lord for people that listen to Him and do His will.

I'm currently excited about going to Louisiana next week. I get to visit with some people I haven't seen since I was in middle school. And I'll also get to make a side trip to the Duck Dynasty guys' warehouse since we'll have some extra time to kill. I can't wait! :)

I'm currently recognizing the significance of tomorrow. Happy Birthday America! I really like you! :)

I'm currently remembering the dream I had last night. It's the second time I've dreamed this exact dream. And both times it's been so incredibly realistic. I wish I knew the meaning behind it...

I'm currently enjoying more and more Southern Gospel music. I love hearing those old hymns. They seem to be the songs I'm singing to myself more and more. I guess being back in an area that incorporates them into their worship so much has rubbed off on me. I still wouldn't call it my favorite genre of music, but I still do love to hear it :)

I'm currently liking being able to go through a drive thru at a restaurant and get a large cup of water with lots of ice. It's been nice not having to worry about whether the water and the ice was filtered and safe to drink or not. Sometimes it's the little things in life that mean the most...

I'm currently considering growing out my hair. I've always preferred it short, but lately I've been toying with the idea of keeping it long. Hmm... What do you think Blog Readers? :)

I'm currently wearing my BELIEVE necklace. I've gotten a few compliments and a few questions about the reasonings behind it. Why do I like it so much? ...because I am choosing to believe in the fulfillment of promises God has given me. I am choosing to believe in prayers being answered. I am choosing to believe in all of these even though they haven't happened yet. Why? ...because I believe in a God that I can trust in completely, knowing that He'll always fulfill His promises and answer His children's prayers according to His perfect will.

The 68th Dear ____ Post

Dear Florala, Alabama, You're where I spent this past weekend. It was so nice getting together with friends, spending the day together, having dinner together Saturday night, and hanging out at the park afterwards so all the kiddos could play. Then I got to visit a supporting church yesterday morning, enjoy lunch with them afterwards, and spend the afternoon with the Pastor's family, before going back to church last night with them where I was able to share my heart for Dakar Academy and Dakar, Senegal. 

Dear 10 Years, It's hard to believe you're how long it's been since I graduated from high school. I don't feel old enough to be able to say that :)

Dear Driving, I do so enjoy you. You are my de-stresser. It's fun to get away for a little while, drive around, talk to my Jesus, listen to music, and clear my head. So this weekend was nice getting so much driving in :)

Dear Curriculum for Kids Club, I bought you the other day. I can't wait to get back and get started using you. Now I just need some DA teachers that will be willing to help me teach this fabulous curriculum. *Hint, Hint :)

Dear $4.99, I found the cutest pair of brown sandals that cost you. Thanks for being such a low price :)

Dear Duck Dynasty Guys, I'm coming to Louisiana next week with my parents and we're planning to make a stop at your Duck Commander Warehouse. It'd be really nice if you guys could be there when we come so we could visit you. I so love your show and your family and what you guys stand for. I'm a fan for sure!

Dear Rental Car, I wasn't thrilled at having to get you. I'm still not thrilled that I had to fork over all that money for you. But I must say, you drive sooooo nice. And It's been incredibly AWESOME driving a car that has A/C in it. So, I guess you're not all bad :)

Dear Calera Public Library, I've come to you a few times to work on the internet and do a little paperwork. You're such a nice library. You're pretty big and quiet and just a nice place. Plus the people that work for you are always so nice and helpful. Thanks for being a makeshift "office" for me. 

Dear 4 Years, Come the end of this month, you'll be how long I've called Dakar home. It seems almost unreal. I love this life I live and am so grateful for these past (almost) 4 years. Thanks Jesus for this adventure you've led me on - and are continuing to lead me on :)

Dear Louisiana, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida, I'll be visiting each of you (for a few days each) this month. Oh and Mississippi, I might be stopping in you for a couple hours. So we're going to say I'm visiting you too :)

Dear People Talking Loudly on Cellphones in Public, Do you realize that everyone around you can hear your conversation? Do you realize that some of the things you're talking about should be considered personal and not for the public to hear? Do you realize that you are extremely loud? Just wondering...

Dear Paula Deen, I still don't like the excuse you gave. I still don't think there's any excuse for saying what you did. However, at the same time, I don't think you should've lost your jobs with Food Network, Wal-Mart, Target, etc., because of it. I think that's a bit ridiculous. There are so many other people that have said and done much worse, but they haven't lost their advertisements and jobs. I may not like what you said, but there shouldn't be such blatant double standards. That I don't understand...

Dear World Peace, I know you get made fun of a lot when beauty pageant contestants give you as their answer in interview questions. But you know, I really think it'd be awesome if we could indeed have you. Wouldn't it be nice? :)

Dear Prayer, I heard an awesome sermon about you at a revival service I attended last week. It was so nice to see how God worked it out for me to attend this service and hear a sermon geared towards EXACTLY what I've been dealing with lately. Prayer is such a vital part of our existence. How awesome is it that we have a Savior that we can talk to all the time?! Thank you God for answering my prayers in your perfect timing, according to your perfect will.

Dear Jesus, Seeing how things are going in the world, it's being confirmed more and more to me that it's not going to be very long before You come back. Heaven is such a better alternative than this world, especially in the state it's in right now. I can't wait! :)