My One Thousand Gifts - #'s 4 - 16

One Thousand Gifts

I'm reading Ann Voskamp's book, One Thousand Gifts. According to her website, simply put, this book is a celebration of grace and a recognition of the power of gratitude. It's all about being so thankful for the little things, that you become a person full of joy. As part of the accompanying devotional, Voskamp encourages readers to make their own list of one thousand gifts, which I've started. It's been fun becoming more aware of what's going on around me, of what gifts the Lord has put in my path.

For my Thankful Thursday posts each week, I'm highlighting new items I've added to my list. These aren't always big things. Sometimes, it's the littlest things that stick out the most. 

This week, I've added 13 new things...

#4 - a busy schedule

I know this might sound strange to some people. But I'm thankful for a busy week. Why? It keeps my mind focused on what I'm doing. Quiet times of nothingness are fine for a little while, but not for very long. Keeping busy keeps my mind focused and keeps me from getting homesick too. So believe it or not, a busy schedule is a gift.

#5 - how technology allows me to stay in contact with family, friends, and supporters that live so far away...

I'm thankful for things like Skype, Facebook, e-mail, and cell phones. I can't imagine living during the time when your only method of communication was "snail mail" letters that took a month or longer to arrive. These days you can easily contact someone living far far away with the simple click of a mouse or with a quick text or phone call. I know technology often gets a bad reputation since it's not always 100% reliable. But in this instance, I am most definitely thankful for the gift of technology - helping to make that few thousand miles & an ocean distance not seem quite so far.

#6 - my blog 

While I'm on the subject of technology... I'm thankful for my blog. This blog has been such an awesome gift. It's a way for me to update family, friends, and supporters on my life and ministry here in Dakar. It's also an outlet for me to get whatever I need to off my chest. It's a nice way to express my inner writer. It's just fun!

#7 - encouraging notes from people

Anyone that knows me well knows how much it means to me to receive a note from someone - whether it's a handwritten note, an e-mail, a Facebook message, whatever. Just knowing that someone put the thought into writing a sweet, encouraging note means so much to me.

#8 - iTunes

I'm so thankful for the ability to get music, t.v. shows, movies, books, and podcasts (...mainly just the sermons I listen to through them) at such a low cost.

#9 - pictures of family

It's so hard being away from my family so much. But it's so nice to have so many pictures of them. I have pictures on my fridge, in frames around my house and on my desk at school, on my ipod and computer, and in my Bible. It's like I've always got a piece of them with me even when I have to go so long without seeing them in person.

#10 - fans

I don't have air conditioning at home or in my classroom. So I am so thankful for the fans in both of these places. ...especially right now during hot season. They definitely provide a little relief in the times of ridiculously high temperatures/humidity!

#11 - the adults and students that help run Kids Club at DA

I have a group of 4 adults and about 10-12 middle/high school students that help with Kids Club at school. It's because of these ladies and gentlemen that we're able to run this program. I prayed and prayed that God would send more people to help this year and He did. The adults are fabulous. The kids love them! The middle/high school students are equally fabulous. The elementary kids think it's so cool that these "big kids" enjoy spending time with them. I agree with them. It is so cool. And it really warms my heart to see these older kids taking the time to pour into the lives of the younger kids. I love it!

12. breezes coming in my classroom windows

I’m thankful that it’s cooled off enough that I can feel nice breezes coming in my classroom windows. It’s been a bit harder this year since my new classroom does not have an air conditioner. So feeling the fresh (and cooler) air coming in from outside lately has been really nice.

13. the sound of children playing outside my classroom 

I usually spend one day, or at least part of the day, of the weekend working in my classroom. And now that it’s cooled off some, I’m leaving my windows open and using the nice fresh air to cool things off. Anyways – It’s nice hearing the students (of all ages) outside, playing and laughing, and having a good time. It always makes me smile.

14. the little geckos in my apartment

I know. I know. How could anyone be thankful for these? It's easy. They eat mosquitos. And for someone who seems to so easily attract mosquitos, these geckos are a lifesaver. So I am definitely thankful for them! :)

15. a gas stove

I live in a place where electricity cuts are all too common. Therefore, having a gas stove is a luxury. I’m so thankful that even if the power goes out, I can still cook food.

16. flowers

I have always loved flowers. I love getting them as gifts. I love buying them myself. I love using them to decorate with. They just have a way of brightening up a room, or a day in general. Living in such a dry, dusty place is a little blah at times. There's so much dirt and sand and so little green. But every once in a while (especially at this time of year) you see the most beautiful flowers. On my walk to school this morning, the brightness of the flowers seemed to "pop." And right then, I thanked God for this beautiful piece of His creation. 

And in case you want a recap, here is the post where I wrote about #'s 1 - 3. 

30 by 30 Update

I was looking back through old blog posts and realized I have yet to write a 30 by 30 update post. I made my list 6 months ago. Want to see that original post? Click here.

A line drawn through an item (and a date in red ink) means I've already accomplished it. Words in italics beside an item mean I've started it, but haven't finished for some reason or another (...explained in the italics). 

Here we go. As of today, my updated 30 by 30 list looks like this...

Graduate with my Master's Degree. May 11, 2013

Receive my Certified Minister's Status with the A/G. *I only have 2 more courses and then I'll be finished with this.

Receive my Licensed Minister's Status with the A/G.

Teach ESL. I started this August 14, 2013

Pay off (or drastically reduce) my student loan debt.

Lose ___ pounds. Yes, I left the blank there for a reason. I know how much I want to lose. But I don't feel the need to post the actual number for the world to see. *I've started working towards this goal, but am giving myself until my 30th birthday to finish.

Wear a size ___ or smaller. And yes, I realize I left the blank here.  *I've started working towards this goal, but am giving myself until my 30th birthday to finish.

Run a 5K (...as in, not jogging/walking like before).

Run a 10K.

Visit New York City. June 2013

Visit Washington, D.C. June 2013

Go on a road trip with my mom. August 4-9, 2013

Go to Disney World. *My mom and I went to Animal Kingdom on August 6, 2013, but I still haven't made it to Disney World, itself.

Visit New Orleans. (...well, as an adult, I mean. I really don't remember a lot of our time living there when I was a kid.) July 2013

Spend Christmas Break in Africa. *I'll get to mark this one off this year! :)

Experience a real winter, complete with snow (and lots of it). 

Start driving in Dakar. It's not that I can't. I have just chosen not to drive here. 

Read more books for fun. I read a lot for my job (both parts - missions and teaching). I read for my own schooling. I just don't read a lot for fun.  All year - I've been reading more on the weekends and on nights when I don't have as much work to do.

Start being willing to say "no" more. Stop saying "yes" so much. I agree to do/help with a lot. And usually I don't mind. But sometimes, I agree to it even when I know I don't have the time to do so. Then something else ends up suffering. I've got to realize that it's sometimes okay to say "no." *I've gotten a little better at this, but not better enough to justify marking this one off just yet.

Do better at meal planning/grocery shopping.  *I'm editing this one. See next item...

Meal plan each week for 6 months straight. Don't veer from that (unless if invited to someone's house or out to eat). 

Invite people over at least once a month for 6 months straight.

Read the entire Bible twice (once a year). *I'm almost done with 2013. So yay for being half done! :)

Journal through the entire Bible twice (once a year). *I'm almost done with 2013. So yay for being half done! :)

Teach a class, lead a devotion, Bible Study (something...) totally in French.  *I'm editing this one. See next item...

Lead an adult English class. *Plans are in the works...

Make homemade bread.

Get re-certified in CPR and First Aid. 

Take a sign language class.

Try at least 30 new recipes (and blog about them).

Get rid of clothes that are too old/faded (thanks to the harsh sun and dust here) or are too big. Quit keeping things thinking I'll want them one day.

Blog my 30 by 30 achievements.*I'm editing this one too. See next item...

Blog updates for all of the 30 by 30 items. *I think this one will be easier to keep. :)

And just as I said in my original 30 by 30 post, I'd love to be able to add "get married" and "have a baby" to the list, but those are pretty much out of my control at this point in my life. I can't really make those happen like I can the others. But ideally, they'd be pretty close to the top of my list :)

My Dakar Passport

*Source*

As of tomorrow, I will have lived in Dakar exactly 4 years and 3 months. And I still haven't explored all there is to explore in this city I call "home."

While home sick this morning, I did a little blog surfing and came across this post, by a super-cool-in-the-know fellow Dakarois (or is it Dakaroise?). Khady always seems to know everything about Dakar and all the cool places to go and the cool things to do.

Anyways, in her post, she listed 52 things she and her hubby plan to do while in Dakar. And in the spirit of fun-ness, I've decided to join the Dakar Passport bandwagon.

So since my new passport has 28 brand new, sparkling, clean pages, I've decided to list 28 things I'd like to do in Dakar...

1. Go to the Artisan Market and get to know some of the vendors, learn about their families. ...just hear their stories.
2. Go to Gorée Island and explore. I've been once with a guide who explained the story behind the island. But I'd like to go again and just explore the island, myself.
3. Take a trip to see the Malika Monkeys place. Learn about the guys' work. Have lunch. Swim.
4. Spend the weekend in a village doing ministry. Our school offers this opportunity to our students and staff, but I've never gone...
5. Go to Presse Café. Order a chai tea latte and maybe lunch. Have you seen their menu? ...so good! :) Anyways, back to the plan... Sit and read or work on my computer or something. But just relax and enjoy the ambience. 
6. Go to HLM Market and buy some fun fabric (that's out of my usual comfort zone of  colors or prints). Bargain for the fabric by myself. Then while there, buy shoes and maybe jewelry too to match.
7. Visit a tailor and have him/her make me a cool (and again out of my usual comfort zone of style) outfit made with that fabric.
8. Get a henna "tattoo." 
9. Go to Bandia and pose with an animal. (I'm going this weekend!)
10. Go to Hann Park for the afternoon. Have a picnic by the pond. Check out the birds, the flowers, and maybe even go to the zoo (which only costs a few cents...score!). 
11. Go to Lac Rose (Pink Lake) when the water's actually pink.
12. Go get an authentic Senegalese lunch from the lady down the street one day. ...preferably on a day when she's serving ceebu yapp. 
13. Visit the Monday Market at the stadium. I never get to do this when school's in session. Here's hoping I get the chance over Christmas Break.
14. Buy something, other than a phone card, from the comfort of my car while riding downtown. 
15. Celebrate Christmas in Dakar. This will happen this year!
16. Take public transport, other than a taxi. Although, I must admit that this totally scares me! So we'll see...
17. Visit the African Renaissance Monument and climb the zillion or so stairs to the top.
18. Visit Les Mamelles Lighthouse. 
19. Go buy a meat stick sandwich from the guys at the round point near where I live. I haven't done this in so long...
20. Go back to Les Jardin Thailandais and sit outside while eating dinner.
21. Make a Senegalese dish from scratch. Maybe use recipes from here.
22. Write a blog post about grocery shopping in Dakar.
23. Write a blog post about common sights in Dakar.
24. Finally do the Chopped (Dakar Version) dinner we've been planning for a couple years with some friends.
25. Drink all 3 rounds of attaya. I usually can't make it past 1 or 2.
26. Have a meal catered by Shady Shack (who makes the best Lebanese food EVER!). 
27. Finally get my carte d'identité. Although, I know some people that have lived here for years and years and still haven't gotten theirs. FYI to non-Senegal peeps... We're given a récépissé (temporary identity) card. But for whatever reason, it takes FOREVER (or so it seems) to get the main card.
28. Go back to the Hotel Savana. Spend the day at the pool and eat lunch there too.

It's Question Time Again

1. Do you have any nicknames? 

A few people call me E (only a few people are allowed to call me this...) or Liz (not a fan of this one. fine for others, but not me..) or Lizzie.

In high school, a few kids called me Lizard. Why? Elisabeth changed into Lizzie which changed into Lizard.

2. Name three things you can't live without.

Hmm... This is a little tough.

1. God
2. some sort of communication with those "back home" - internet, cell phone, snail mail, something...
3. my Bible (whether that be the paper copy or the electronic version...)

3. What has been the most difficult moment of your life?

Take your pick... Flying back home to say goodbye to my grandfather and then having my dad have a heart attack the day my grandfather passed away OR being in Africa, a zillion miles away, as my dad's having open heart surgery. 

4. What is the most recent compliment you have received and treasured? Why?
A parent of one of my students wrote me and thanked me for how I'm helping their child. It was a hard week. I wasn't sure I was doing that great of a job at that. But then I got that email. And it totally brightened my weekend :)

5. What has been your most favorite vacation and why?

That would have to be my trip to Orlando with my mom that I took this past summer. It was such a fun time to spend that week with my best friend. We got to enjoy a long, fun road trip. I got to introduce her to the awesomeness that is my ipod on shuffle. We got to explore a new city that neither of us had been to before. We got to experience the powerful services at the A/G General Council and feel the mighty move of the Holy Spirit. We got to celebrate my birthday at Disney's Animal Kingdom. And the best part... We got to do all of that together. ...such an awesome trip! 

6.  If you only had $20 to spend at Target, to which section would you go?

Clothes...or maybe flip flops...or jewelry...or maybe food (after all, I've been in Africa where we have no good/cheap American food options)

7. What is a dream that you hope will come true in your life?

being a wife and mother 

8. What are the top 3 things on your Christmas wish list? 

Well, if I were dreaming, #1 would definitely be an all-expenses paid plane ticket to see my family. But since that one's unlikely, I'd have to say, 1) iTunes gift card 2) Amazon gift card to buy all sorts of goodies for my classroom 3) new pictures of my niece since I just got some new picture frames (*hint, hint*)

9. Put your ipod on shuffle. List the first 3 songs that come on. Don't cheat.

#1 - "Marry You" by Bruno Mars

#2 - "Ain't No Party" by Alvin & the Chipmunks (oh yeah...I'm that cool.)

#3 - "How Many Kings" by Downhere 

10. Keep your ipod on shuffle. List the first line or two from each of the next 3 songs that come on. And again, don't cheat. See if anyone can guess what songs they are.

#1 - "Well I was sitting, waiting, wishing you believed in superstitions. Then maybe you'd see the signs."

#2 - "They say life is so much sweeter through the telephoto lens of fame. Around here you get just as much attention cheering at the high school football game."

#3 - "I am not skilled to understand what God has willed, what God has planned. I only know at his right hand, stands one who is my savior."

Currently

I'm currently thankful that I still have water at home. There were rumors that it would be cut this weekend. Praise Jesus that hasn't happened yet. Although, it looks like the rumors have now changed to saying it'll be Tuesday when it's cut.

I'm currently mapping out my week. Starting tomorrow, my calendar is pretty full (for the whole week). While I do like my free time, I must admit that I like keeping busy. So I guess that means I'll really like this week :)

I'm currently sad that my favorite pair of flip flops are dying. I've rigged them up with tape, but I just don't think they're going to make it... Dear Black Teva's, You served me well for quite a while. I wish you'd lasted longer. But now I'll give you a fitting burial in a trash can. Boo :(

I'm currently taking a break from working to write this post. I've been working in my classroom since church got out and I think my brain's trying to tell me it's ready for a break.

I'm currently planning meals for the week. What am I having? I'm glad you asked. Monday- hummus & veggies, Tuesday - jambalaya, Wednesday - salad, Thursday - gumbo & salad, Friday - leftovers

I'm currently missing the days of naps and carefree afternoon play times. Oh childhood... Why didn't I cherish you more :)

I'm currently daydreaming about what it'd be like to go on a cruise after seeing a friend's vacation photos on Facebook...

I'm currently looking forward to the month of November. I've got a lot of stuff planned, for my classes and for myself too. There's also Thanksgiving and a few days off from school. And the best of all... Since my rule is to wait until November 1st, I can put my Fall decorations up and start putting out my Christmas decorations. Come on November! I'm ready for ya!

I'm currently blasting my worship music and loving it. It's so much easier to procrastinate work to music :)

I'm currently loving how students keep coming by my classroom window to say hi and chat since they saw me in here working.

I'm currently grateful for the breeze coming in the windows and the fans on inside. Those are helping make this incredibly hot and and humid day not feel quite so bad...

I'm currently happy about the 7 pounds I've lost. I know that's not a lot, but it's better than nothing. And it's putting me a little closer to my goal, which I'll blog about one day...

I'm currently praying I don't get the sickness that's been going around our school. I have had at least 2 students out every day this past week with this plague flu. And there have been countless other students and staff members out too. I guess we're taking sharing seriously here... :)

I'm currently reading up on the educational doctoral program at Vanderbilt. I love the sound of a certain degree they offer. I love the course descriptions. I love the descriptions of the faculty. I love it all. I don't, however, love the cost, the location, or the thought of going back to school for 3 to 4 more years...

And speaking of school, I'm currently loving this photo/quote that someone posted on Facebook.

*Source*

Songs and Memories

"Songs will bring you back to a moment in time more than anything else. It's amazing how much can be conjured with a few notes of a song. A song you didn't even pay attention to at the time..." -Emily Giffin

*Source*

The other day I read a blog post that listed a few songs that when heard immediately caused certain memories to flood in. So it got me thinking and planning this blog post. Then one of my co-workers led our staff devotions the other day and spoke on this same exact topic. I guess it was a sign, huh? :)

So what songs instantly bring back memories for me?

1. Jesus Loves Me

As a young child I was often plagued by bad dreams. I hated going to sleep unless my mom would stay by my bed, holding my hand, 'til I fell asleep. One day, I very distinctly remember my mom telling me that Jesus would help me sleep if I'd just ask him. So I did. My mom then sang Jesus Loves Me and I felt so much better, that I was able to go to sleep without her being in my room. From then on, any time I'd be scared before going to sleep, I'd sing this song. To this day, I think of my mom singing it to me and of me remembering how cool it was that Jesus cared so much for me that he'd help me sleep better.

2. We Are the Reason by Avalon

This is the first solo I sang in church. I was in 5th grade and had been taking piano and voice lessons for a while. I remember being scared out of my mind. When that song started, but I also remember being so happy for and proud of myself for singing it. Even now, when this song comes on, I am immediately taken back to the stage of that church in Alabama and can see me as that nervous 5th grader getting ready to sing in front of all of those people.

3. Graduation (Friends Forever) by Vitamin C

Oh my goodness... It's hard to believe it's been 10 years since my high school graduation!

The other day, I had my itunes playing on shuffle while I worked and this song came on. I was immediately transported back to Florala High School's gym and felt like I was again sitting there in that green cap & gown, nervous about what the future held, wondering if I'd ever see my friends again, and thanking God I'd made it that far :)

4. How Beautiful by Twila Paris

I remember, just like it was yesterday, sitting in District Council service during the Missions Service and hearing this song for the first time. I remember sitting there thinking, one day that's going to be me walking in with the flag of the country God's called me to. To this day, when I hear this song, I am reminded of that service. I am reminded of all of the workers that have blazed this trail before me. I am reminded of how God's helped me over the past (almost) 9 years since calling me into missions. I am reminded of how important The Great Commission really is.

5. People Get Ready by Melinda

Any time I hear this song, I feel like I'm back in the Canary Islands on my first missions trip. I'm sitting there, watching a group of kids on our team do a human video to this song. I remember sitting there as they did the human video, being in awe of the awesomeness of being on this trip. I remember thinking it was so cool that God brought me there and paved the way for the future "road" (career) I knew he was leading me down, even if I didn't know what that road would look like...

6. Viva la Vida by Coldplay

This song was playing on my ipod at one of the most incredibly bittersweet moments in my life. It was July 29, 2009 and I was at the airport in Atlanta, Georgia. I had just said goodbye to my parents and brother and was walking towards security. I knew I had a long walk, so I put my headphones on and turned my ipod up real loud, thinking it'd somehow drown out the tears that were starting to flow. I was so excited to be heading to Dakar, Senegal, and start this new life God had called me to. But at the same time, I was sad. I was saying goodbye to my family, my country, and all that was familiar to me.

The first song that came on was this song. I know I'd heard it before, but I guess I hadn't really paid attention to the lyrics. When the part that says, "My missionaries in a foreign field..." were sang, it hit me. I'm a missionary. That was the moment that it all finally felt real. I am a missionary.

So, I realize this isn't a Christian song. But any time I hear it played, I immediately am reminded of that bittersweet moment in life when I was feeling so sad at saying goodbye to my family, yet feeling so incredibly excited about starting the new chapter in my life.

The 82nd Dear ____ Post

Dear Peppermint Essential Oil, You rock! I totally heart you :)

Dear Bones (the t.v. show), Your episode for this week was AMAZING, including a wedding of two of the main characters. Some friends and I had a special Bones viewing, complete with "wedding" themed snacks, like Bloody Heart Wedding Cupcakes and obama flavored ice cream (since the show's set in D.C. where Obama lives). Yep, we're cool like that :)

Dear Freezer Bags, I'm using you more and more thanks to finally having the desire to cook. And since I can't seem to make a one-serving meal, I always have leftovers. Yay for a full freezer of pre-cooked meals :)

Dear Coffee Filters and Watercolor Paints, You're going to be the main materials for a fun craft I have planned for my younger students to make next week. I hope you turn out as cute as the ones online did.

Dear Package, I received you in the mail this week from a sweet, sweet group of people from a church in the States. Yay for fun surprises! :)

Dear Work Day, You're what I have planned for today. When I said that to one of my classes, they thought that was weird that I'd work on a Saturday. So I told them it was like me doing homework. ...which they thought was even weirder :)

Dear Halloween, I'm not a big fan of you. ...never have been. I'll be so glad when November comes and you're over.

Dear "I Don't Understand," You're what I say to Christians saying such incredibly rude, hateful, disrespectful, un-Christian things about our president and his administration. I guess I just don't get how a Christian can say some of the things I'm seeing people saying on Facebook. We're not supposed to judge people, right? Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that what's happening? I may not be Mr. Obama's #1 fan, but I still feel that I must pray for him and respect his authority over my country and not criticize him.

Dear Christmas in the States, I'm going to miss having you this year. While I'm glad I'll be able to celebrate with friends, it's going to be hard to be away from family... :(

Dear Portuguese Dictionary, Praise Jesus that my new student had you this week. Between that and Google Translate, my limited French, and her limited English, I've been able to teach her new things in English and help her with her other classes. Think about how hard abstract concepts are in each and ever subject you take as a high schooler. Now, imagine having to learn those already difficult abstract concepts in a language of which you only know a small handful of words. This is what a few of my students face every day. Major kudos to them. I can't imagine being in their shoes...

Dear Sad, You're how I'm feeling after learning of a friend suffering a painful, heart-breaking loss. I sometimes don't understand why such horribly bad things happen to such good people. But I was so moved by the sweet testimony that she shared, showing how God had clearly been with them every step of the way, even at the worst times.

One Thousand Gifts #'s 1 - 3

One Thousand Gifts

I'm reading Ann Voskamp's book, One Thousand Gifts. According to her website, simply put, this book is a celebration of grace and a recognition of the power of gratitude. It's all about being so thankful for the little things, that you become a person full of joy. As part of the accompanying devotional, Voskamp encourages readers to make their own list of one thousand gifts, which I've started. It's been fun becoming more aware of what's going on around me, of what gifts the Lord has put in my path.

For my Thankful Thursday posts each week, I'm going to start highlighting the new items I've added to my list. These aren't always big things. Sometimes, it's the littlest things that stick out the most. This week, I've added 3 things...

#1 - my Christian heritage

I'm so thankful for the heritage passed down to me from my parents and grandparents. I'm thankful that I was taken to church from the time I was born on. I'm thankful that I was taught to love learning about God and His Word. I'm thankful that I wasn't just taught to do these things... I was taught by example. I'm thankful I was able to see my parents and grandparents studying the Word, attending (and participating in) church, and living godly Christian lives.

#2 - the joy of learning in my students

I'm thankful for students that really are eager to learn. I'm thankful that they enjoy coming to school and that they have fun at school. I'm thankful that they work hard and want to excel.

#3 - free translation websites

I'm thankful for websites that help me translate words/phrases into the various languages spoken by my students. While it is, of course, important for them to be learning how to speak/read/understand English, there occasionally are times when I need to be positive they understand a concept, a word, a set of directions, etc. And since I don't speak the majority of their native languages, websites like these help so incredibly much.

It's Question Time

1. IF YOU HAD TO BE STUCK IN ONE SEASON FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Easy... It'd be Fall (...that is the cool, Fall temps of America, but while living in Africa).

I absolutely HATE being hot and sweating. ...which is ironic since I was born and raised in one ridiculously hot and humid place and then God ended up calling me to a place that was even more hot and humid. I've only experienced one real winter and that was back in elementary school. 

But Fall... Ah Fall... It's such a nice time of year. The leaves are changing colors. The temperature is dropping. Long sleeved shirts and closed toe shoes are dug out of storage. It really is my favorite season. Oh Fall, I so miss you!

2.  WHO IS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE? 

That's easy. It's this lady...

This is my Mama. This lady is amazing! She has gone through so much in her life and has risen above all of that. She is one of the most hard working, dedicated, loving, genuine, godly women I know. She's my best friend, my closest confidant, my most faithful supporter, my constant encourager, my biggest role model, and so much more. But most of all... She's an amazing mom! I couldn't have hand-picked a better mother than this lady. I'm so truly blessed by her.

3. WHERE DID YOU GO TO COLLEGE? WHAT DID YOU STUDY?

I got my Bachelor's from the University of Montevallo. I got a degree in Collaborative K-6 Education. What's that mean? It's a "fancy" way of saying I have a dual degree in Elementary Education and Special Education.

I got my Master's from the University of South Alabama. I got a degree in Teaching English as a Second Language (K-12). 

4. WHAT T.V. SHOWS DO YOU WATCH REGULARLY (WHEN IN SEASON)?

19 Kids & Counting

Bones

Survivor

Army Wives

Big Bang Theor

And I also have a few dvds of random "TV Land" shows, like Happy Days, I Love Lucy, M*A*S*H, Petticoat Junction, and more that I watch every now and then.

5. WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB? WHAT ABOUT THE WORST?

The best is getting to work with such a diverse group of students. I have students in almost every grade, 1st through 12th. I have students from many different countries. I have students from different religions and family backgrounds. I love being able to not only teach them English, but also teach them about the love of God. I love that God's called me to do a job that I really enjoy. 

The worst is definitely the goodbyes. I hate having to constantly say goodbye to my family. I hate having to miss birthdays, anniversaries, first steps, family events, sicknesses, funerals, my niece growing up, etc. etc. etc. This is something that I think almost all people in my line of work would agree with. The goodbyes stink big time.

AND NOW FOR SOME QUICK ANSWERS... ANSWER EACH QUESTION, USING ONLY THREE WORDS


CURRENT RELATIONSHIP STATUS? I am single.

CURRENT JOB? teacher and missionary

CURRENT MOOD? happy, but tired

CURRENT LIKE? That's my job. 

CURRENT DISLIKE? morning alarm clock :)


AND NOW FOR SOME FAVORITES...


WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE FOOD? Mexican food, followed very closely by Asian food

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE? The Notebook

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW? It'd probably be a tie between 19 Kids & Counting and Bones

LAST SECTION - THINK BACK JUST A LITTLE AND ANSWER SOME WHO/WHAT/WHEN/WHERE/WHY QUESTIONS...

WHO'S THE LAST PERSON THAT TEXTED YOU? my daddy :)

WHAT'S THE LAST THING YOU ATE? spring rolls with (spicy) sweet & sour sauce and asian noodle salad

WHEN'S THE LAST TIME YOU SAW YOUR PARENTS? last month when I went back to the States for my grandfather's funeral

WHAT'S THE LAST THING YOU BOUGHT? a kilo of avocados

WHY DID YOU BUY THE ITEM(S) YOU JUST SAID? I'm planning to make guacamole this weekend.