Currently

I'm currently waiting on my niece to wake up from her nap. We've had a good morning together so far. We had a yummy breakfast and a snack of cheese at her request. We sang songs as she requested, "Jesus," "Twinkle," and "Baby." ...otherwise known as Jesus Loves Me, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and Rock a Bye Baby. And we've played with baby dolls and read books too. It's been  quite the busy morning. And I wouldn't trade a minute of it for anything else in the world! I so love getting to spend time with her!

I'm currently frustrated that we're having to wait even longer to see what's going on with my dad's health issues. I understand these tests take time, but it's Christmas. And it's hard not knowing. I just wish we could find out officially what's going on and what course of treatment, surgery, etc., could fix it. The waiting part just stinks...

I'm currently freezing. Alabama's weather is so bizarre. When I first arrived this past weekend, it was hot. In fact it was warmer here than in Dakar when I left. Then yesterday it started getting a little cooler. And today... Today it was below freezing when I left my house this morning. 

I'm currently thinking that it's a little sad that I still haven't gone to Starbucks since being back. I think the cold temperature outside warrants me going this afternoon, though. Don't you think? :)

I'm currently dreaming of a white Christmas, but am thinking it's probably pretty unlikely that it'll actually happen.

I'm currently planning later today to go do a little Christmas shopping for myself, courtesy of a Christmas gift card. Yay for free stuff :)

I'm currently enjoying watching Christmas movies every night on tv with my parents. I may or may not be going to bed at 7:30 or 8:00 every night like them, as well, leaving me to think I'm currently turning into an old person. Ha! :)

I'm currently looking forward to tomorrow and having my family of 5 all together. I love this time of year!

I'm currently praying for God's healing for my dad. It's so incredibly hard to see someone you love be so sick and in pain like this. I pray that God will work a miracle in my dad's life. I pray that he's able to enjoy Christmas tomorrow and all the fun, joy, and laughter that will come with the day. I also pray, perhaps selfishly, that God gives him many many more years of life, that he can see future grandchildren born, that he can walk me down the aisle, that he can one day retire, that he can live a long, healthy, happily life, serving the King.

The 90th Dear ______ Post

Dear "Happy Birthday to Jesus," You were sang during my Elementary Christmas party earlier this week. It was the sweetest thing... I had a Christmas tree shaped cake and the girls were oohing and aahing over it. Then one cutie asked, "Miss Nichols, you no have candles?" When I asked why we'd need candles, she said, "But Miss Nichols, Christmas is Jesus birthday." Thankfully I did have birthday candles in my desk. So sing to Jesus, we did. I loved it!

Dear Hangman, Who would've ever thought you'd be such a popular, often-requested game of my students (of all ages)?! They love you! And you're a good game to play in learning English. So Teacher loves you too :)

Dear Christmas Music, I love listening to you. Thanks for brightening my day the minute you come on!

Dear Headband with Reindeer Antlers Attached, I wore you to school on Tuesday. The kids loved you! You were a wise investment to make. I'm glad I could make the kids happy by embarrassing myself. Ha! :)

Dear Smile, I've had you on my face since finding out last week I was going to be going home for Christmas. And you haven't left since. Yay for an awesome, awesome reason to smile :)

Dear Cookies with Kindergarteners, You're what I helped make earlier this morning. Our Kindergarten teacher is my friend and when a friend asks you to help do something fun like this, you definitely agree. I knew this would be the highlight of my day for sure. This class has some of the cutest, funniest, most adorable kids ever!

Dear Blessing, You're what I'd consider my friendship with the teacher I just mentioned. I'm so thankful for her friendship!

Dear This Semester, It's hard to believe you're over. It seems like just yesterday we were starting school. You've held all sorts of ups and downs - mostly ups, though. You ushered in a new position for me as an ESL teacher. It was so hard at first. I always felt unsure of myself, questioning my ability as a teacher, feeling like a brand new teacher starting out. But you know... Over time, it grew on me. Now I love it. Do I miss teaching Elementary only? Yes. But do I want to stop teaching ESL? Not really. Thanks for being such a good 4 months. Here's hoping your buddy known as Next Semester is an even better one :)

Dear Christmas Movies, I've watched quite a few of you over the past 18 days. Thanks for being such a fun way to unwind at the end of the day and thanks, too, for helping to usher in the Christmas spirit. Plus, I have a couple more of you downloaded on my computer to watch on the plane tomorrow. I so love Christmas movies!!

Dear A&E, You have caused a big ol' stink in America right now by dismissing Phil from Duck Dynasty. My complaint is that people can complain, judge, and criticize Christians and people that stand for the Bible all day long and it's okay. But the minute a Christian stands up for the TRUTH and what is right and quotes the Bible, he's in trouble. That seems like a bit of a double standard. Doesn't it?

My One Thousand Gifts #'s 49 - 55

One Thousand Gifts

Each week, I'm highlighting new items I've added to my list of one thousand gifts. These aren't always big things. In fact, sometimes it's the littlest things that stick out the most. 

This week, I've added 7 new things...

#49 - a Christmas tree shaped cake pan  

I'm thankful for this fun invention, which helped me make 2 cute cakes earlier this week for my classes' Christmas parties.

#50 - Chayas 

Guys, these pants are the most comfortable pants I've ever worn. So I am definitely, definitely thankful for them! And I totally bought 3 pairs this week since they're 1) super comfortable 2) cheap 3) the best pants ever :)

#51 - Christmas Break

Tomorrow is my last day before Christmas Break since my students will be finished and I fly out early, early Friday morning. Can I get an AMEN?! :) I am so thankful, in advance, for an awesome Christmas Break spent hanging out with my family and friends, catching up on sleeping, spoiling my niece rotten, eating my mom's cooking, restocking my American stashes, and more. This Christmas Break is even more special due to the fact that I wasn't originally supposed to go home. But thanks to an incredibly generous surprise by some awesome, awesome people, I will indeed get to spend my Christmas Break with my family.

#52 - pilots

I was sitting at home the other night, thinking about how much time I spend on my planes now. For the past 4 1/2 years, I've taken 2 roundtrip, cross-Atlantic flights. I've also taken a few international flights during that time. And this doesn't count all the domestic and international flights I've taken before moving to Dakar. So, I said all that to say... Clearly I've spent a lot of time on airplanes. So another "little" (well, not really - more like HUGE) thing I'm thankful for are pilots. I'm thankful for the training these men and women have received. I'm thankful for their abilities to fly this massive mode of transportation safely to get me to my destination in one piece. I'm thankful for them working on holidays, in bad weather, all throughout the year. I'm thankful for them doing their jobs so awesomely. Thanks Pilots. You rock! :)

#53 - an ipod that takes pictures

I think this one's pretty self-explanatory. I'm just thankful that I can easily take pictures and (if connected to wifi) instantly email them or post them to Facebook. And 9 times out of 10, they're great quality pictures too.

#54 - hand drawn pictures from students

I'm so thankful for these little gifts. I'm thankful for how they can quickly and easily brighten my day.

#55 - meat stick sandwiches

This deliciousness can be bought just down the road from my school. It's the Dakar version of fast food, I suppose. It costs 500cfa, or about $1. So score for being within walking distance, for being super cheap, and for being super tasty. I'm definitely thankful for this tasty meal.

And in case you want a recap of the other things on my list, you can find them below...

1-3

4-16

17-24

25-28

29-34

35-40

41-43

44-48

Currently

I'm currently counting down the days 'til I see my family. I only have 4 more days 'til I see my parents and 5 more days 'til I see my brother, sister-in-law, and niece. I'm so excited! I can't wait to see them again! :)

I'm current sitting in my living room with only my Christmas lights on. I just finished reading my Bible and am about to get ready for work. I love being able to get up early enough to get everything done with time left over to just relax. ...especially when Christmas lights are around :)

I'm currently glad I baked my cakes this weekend instead of waiting until tonight. Today's going to be a busy one.

I'm currently looking forward to my class parties tomorrow. Then we'll have a party in Kids Club on Wednesday. ...got to love pumping kids full of sugar and then sending them home. Ha! :)

I'm currently reading through the Nativity story. I'm in awe every single time I read it. I hope I'm always like that.

I'm currently looking forward to our Bible Study Christmas party tonight. I have loved getting together with these ladies each week, learning more about the life of David and the Word of God.

I'm currently looking forward to my lighter work load this week. Bring on the perks of being a non-exam-giving teacher :)

I'm currently planning to start this week working with the other ESL teacher on our order for next year's supplies. It's crazy to think that it's already almost time for next school year. Time is just flying by!

I'm currently thankful for the pictures my brother posted of our (extended) family's Christmas festivities yesterday. It helped me not feel quite so far away. My two favorite ones...

The 89th Dear _____ Post

Dear AWESOMENESS, You showed up in a major, major way Thursday when I found out that I was receiving a ticket to the States for Christmas. YAY for being able to spend Christmas with my family, for being able to go to doctor's appointments with my dad, for being with my favorite 5 people on Christmas day, for getting some of my mom's delicious cooking, and most importantly... YAY for amazingly, generous people making my Christmas this year be so incredibly special! :)

Dear 6, You're how many days are left 'til I see my parents again! And then I'll be able to see my brother, sister-in-law, and niece the following day. Since I thought it'd be June before I saw them again, this extremely low number is even more special! And yes, I realize I'm being a bit obnoxious talking about it so much, but I can't help it! I'm so over the top excited! :)

Dear Christmas Tree Shaped Cake Pan I Got Way Back When, You're going to finally be used next week. But the cakes won't be the traditional green Christmas "trees." Just wait and see. It's going to be awesome :)

Dear Dinner Last Night, I had a caesar salad with chicken. It was so delicious! To any Dakar people... If you haven't tried out La Piazza, you definitely should. I've ordered something different every single time I've gone and I've never been disappointed. Seriously guys... This place is awesome :)

Dear Awesome, I just realized that I use you a lot. Sometimes I vary it up and use awesomeness instead. But still... I'm realizing that I must really place a great deal of importance on the use of you. I hope you realize how awesomely :) important you are. You're such a great word. Oops... I mean, you're such an awesome word :)

Dear Exams, I'm so very glad I don't have to give (or more importantly, grade) you next week. Yay for a much lighter week!

Dear Most Comfortable Pants EVER, I bought you yesterday. Well, actually, I bought 3 pairs. Umm... I may have a slight addiction. But in my defense, they're cheap and cute and fun and awesome. Want to see what I'm talking about. Read what Khady says about them here.

Dear Cancer, I hate you!

Dear Life, I don't pretend to understand what's going on with you all the time. I'm usually pretty content with how life's going. But occasionally you throw in an often painful curveball and it totally throws me for a loop. I'm thankful, though, that the man upstairs always has you under control and knows what's going on. I'm thankful that He will take care of the big stuff and I can just sit back and let him do so.

Dear Mary (...as in, the mother of Jesus), I've been thinking a lot about you this week. I can't imagine being in your shoes. Here you are, a teenager, a virgin, engaged to be married. And you're hit with some pretty powerful news - you're going to have this baby. And he's not going to be just any baby... No. He's going to be the Savior of the world. What must have been going through your mind? What must you have felt? How must you have been treated? How did you handle it all?

Dear God, What an amazing gift you gave us all those years ago! You sent your son. ...your son! You sent this incredibly precious gift to us - people that definitely don't deserve such a gift. Why? ...because you love us. Wow! Thank you so much God! 

My List of One Thousand Gifts #44 - 48

One Thousand Gifts

Each week, I'm highlighting new items I've added to my list of one thousand gifts. These aren't always big things. In fact, sometimes it's the littlest things that stick out the most. 

This week, I've added 5 new things...

#44 - seeing former students again 

The end of each semester is always fun here. We have alumni coming back to visit their families. It's always nice reading their Facebook posts about being excited to come back here, seeing them back on campus, having them stop by and say hello. The other day I got to see a girl whose family moved away a couple years ago. She was in my first class at DA and was (and still is) one of the sweetest girls... It was so great seeing her and her family.

#45 - teaching in a Christian school

It's nice being able to have Bible verses posted on my wall. It's nice being able to teach about the love of Jesus. It's nice being able to answer students' questions about the Bible and God. It's nice being able to incorporate the Bible and its teachings into my lessons. And the best part of this... It's so incredibly nice working in a school where my fellow teachers and my students believe in the power of prayer. They are always exhibiting an amazing Christian witness, sharing the love of Jesus with others around them, and living out the Truth daily. I love it! I'm so very thankful for this!

#46 - Christmas decorations

What is it about Christmas decorations that can instantly brighten your mood? I'm so thankful for this beautiful, colorful mood lifter :)

#47 - Christmas music

This one ranks up there at about the same level as #46. There's just something about hearing (and singing along with) Christmas carols that just makes me smile. I'm so thankful for this one too!

#48 - hand sanitizer

I work with little kids. ...kids who hug you right after sneezing (and not washing their hands). Lovely thought, isn't it? :) Not to mention the fact that I live in a part of the world that typically doesn't have the cleanest public restrooms, let alone have soap in those bathrooms. Therefore, I am definitely thankful for hand sanitizer! :)

And in case you want a recap of the other things on my list, you can find them below...

1-3

4-16

17-24

25-28

29-34

35-40

41-43

Currently...

I'm currently sitting here in the library at school, waiting 'til 5:00 comes so I can go home. The kids are great. It's an easy job, but I could totally use a nap. Ha! :)

I'm currently wishing I could be with my family this Christmas. Of course, I was already wishing that, but now with this latest news, I'm wishing it even more so.

I'm currently looking over my plans for the rest of this week. I can't believe we only have a week and a half before Christmas Break. And since I don't have to give exams (just help my students study), next week is going to be a breeze...

I'm currently finished with my Christmas To Do List, which is my list of things to do in Dakar during Christmas Break when no one's around... And as lame as it may sound, I'm actually looking forward to checking off the things on my list. Most of the things on the list are things I've done before, or things I just have put off and just never have gotten around to doing. So I'm looking foward to having this time to do them.

I'm currently planning to finally decorate for Christmas when I get home tonight. I've been too tired or busy to do it 'til tonight. I'm hoping that decorating will put me in the Christmas spirit, since that hasn't really hit yet...

I'm currently happy I got to see one of my students from my first year in Dakar. Her family moved away a few years ago, so the little third grader that I remember is now almost as tall as me. ...such a sweet girl (and such a sweet family)!

I'm currently hungry and wishing I could have some of my mom's good ol' southern home cooking :)

I'm currently thinking I may make some soup for dinner tonight. Maybe I can pretend it's cold outside and I need it to warm up with. Ha! :)

I'm currently happy with how my classroom door turned out. We're having a door decoration contest at school and 3 of my students wanted to decorate my door. It turned out really cute.

The 88th Dear ______ Post

Dear Tiring, You're the first word that comes to mind when I think of this past week. I've enjoyed it. Don't get me wrong. But I was so glad when the weekend arrived!

Dear Christmas, You are in 18 days. Where did the time go?

Dear Gifts for my Family, I finished buying you the other day. Everything is now being shipped from their various stores to their respective locations. I'm thankful for my parents and my brother and sister-in-law, helping me by wrapping gifts so they can each be surprised :)

Dear Elementary Christmas Program, You were last night. I told a few people this last night. In my opinion, this program was the best one we've ever had. It was so funny! It had a great message. And the kids did a superb job! I loved it! :)

Dear Christmas Decorations, I've been putting you off and putting you off thanks to one reason or the other. But I'm finally going to finish putting you up today. I'm excited! I love Christmas decorations. They make things so much fun :)

Dear Artisan Market, I'm going to visit you tomorrow. I have one more gift to by for someone. Of course I have no idea what to get them, though. So I'm hoping I'll just know it when I see it :)

Dear Cool Season, Where'd you go? I miss you...

Dear People Complaining about Cold Weather, I'll trade places with you...

Dear No Running Water, You're what I have at home right now. And I have just enough saved at the moment for a shower (well, bucket bath) and some filtered water in the fridge to drink. I guess that means I'll be heading to the store in a little while to buy some water.

Dear Dreaming of a White Christmas, You're the theme a few of my kids decided on for our door decoration at school. It's going to be super cute. I can't wait 'til it's finished and I can post pictures to share and brag on them about it.

Dear Philippians 4:6-7, You are such an applicable verse to my life right now. Thanks for being there for me to read, study, memorize, and try to never ever lose sight of.

Dear Birth of Jesus, Thanks for being the real reason for the season. Thanks for happening all those years ago. You ushered in a new way of life, a hope, a security. You are to be celebrated and revered. I'm sorry we place such emphasis on so many other things. I'm sorry we lose sight of the truth. I'm sorry we don't put you first. I'm so thankful for the joy and the hope I have as a result of you happening.

My One Thousand Gifts #41-43

One Thousand Gifts

Each week, I'm highlighting new items I've added to my list of one thousand gifts. These aren't always big things. In fact, sometimes it's the littlest things that stick out the most. 

This week, I've added 3 new things...

#41 - God's artistry as seen in nature

This past weekend was my first time ever to sleep outside, under the stars. It was so incredibly breathtaking to just lie there staring at the night sky. The stars were so bright. It was just so beautiful! And then I was able to see the sunrise and sunset every day. I was in awe at all of these times. I'm so thankful for the beauty God allows us to see.

#42 - the diversity of our school 

I always say this is one of the, if not the biggest, reasons I love working at DA. It's so great to think that we have approximately 30 different passport countries represented by our student body. We also have 5 continents represented. That's pretty cool, I think :)

#43 - healing

I'm so thankful for this (not so little) gift. I'm thankful that Jesus bore those stripes for us. I'm thankful that we serve a God who is a Healer. And I'm also thankful that He gives doctors, surgeons, and pharmacists the training and knowledge on how to help people get better. I'm thankful that He chooses to heal in His own time, even if we don't understand that timing. And I'm thankful that He will give us the patience to wait for His healing. 

And in case you want a recap of the other things on my list, you can find them below...

1-3

4-16

17-24

25-28

29-34

35-40

Currently

I'm currently...

...looking at the stack of grading I should be doing instead of writing this post, but knowing I'll just finish it tonight from the comfort of my couch with a Christmas movie playing in the background and hot chocolate in my hand.

...double-checking my Christmas gift shopping list. My plan is to finish all of that online tonight so the gifts will have time to ship to their intended recipients in the US of A :)

...wishing I had some candy canes. The one store here that has them has priced them for a little to steep of a price for me. And I can't find any stores online that will ship them to me.

...planning to make a chocolate cake in the shape of a teddy bear for a student's birthday on Friday. Yep, I'm cool like that. ...of course, it helps that I have a cake pan in the shape of a teddy bear :)

...looking forward to our school's elementary Christmas program on Friday. It's always fun seeing "my" kids perform.

...thinking it's fun that I was able to incorporate the movie, Elf, into my lessons for one of my high school classes. There is quite a bit of multicultural learning to be seen in Elf and connected to my ESL-ers in real life :)

...loving that it's Christmas movie watching season! I'm planning on watching a Christmas movie (or tv special) a day from December 1st through Christmas day. 

...feeling sad that the super cool weather we've had the past few weeks didn't stick around. Boo to it being hot again!

...encouraged by a sweet email from a friend and thankful for God having that note sent to me right when I needed it the most.

...participating in a photo a day challenge on Facebook for the month of December. I know this is only the third day, but it's been fun looking at the prompt each morning looking for just the right photo to capture throughout the day.

...finalizing my week Christmas Break to do list - things to keep me busy while being off from school. I'm trying to find a few more things to add to the list, so if any Dakar people have ideas, please share :)

...enjoying my caramel apple lollipop. Yes, I'm 28. But are you really ever too old to like caramel apple lollipops? Of course not :)

...reading the book, Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus, by Kyle Idleman.

...looking forward to this coming weekend and not having to set an alarm. Oh how nice that will be... :)

The 87th Dear ____ Post

Dear Cool Weather, I should've known you were too good to be true... Thanks for hanging out for as long as you did. Please hurry back. We don't like your enemy - hot weather. 

Dear Thankful Trees, We made you in ESL last week with my elementary classes. Some of the cutest responses on what they were thankful for...my ballet tutu, Korea food, and pretty pink princess dress. And the cutest response of all... "I'm thankful we no have boys in ESL class." Ha! These girls are a mess :)

Dear Thanksgiving Food, You are quite possibly my favorite meal. I love the turkey, dressing, green bean casserole, potato salad (if I'm home, that is. No one around here eats it at holidays...), pecan pie, homemade rolls, etc. Yum! 

Dear Family, This makes the 5th Thanksgiving I've missed celebrating with you. It never gets easier being away from family on holidays. I'm so thankful for friends and co-workers getting together, sharing a meal and stories, and just spending time together. That, combined with a Skype call to my parents, made for a great Thanksgiving day for sure!

Dear Not Having to Set an Alarm, I will get to experience the joy of you this coming weekend and I know I will love it! :)

Dear Decorating for Christmas, I've started you, but have ran out of time to finish before heading out last weekend. I guess I'll work on you some time this week. I'll be so glad when I'm finished with you. You definitely make things so much nicer!

Dear Long and Exhausting but Exciting and Rewarding, You're how I described this past weekend's trip to a nearby village. I'm planning a longer blog post on the whole trip later this week. Let me just say, though... I thoroughly enjoyed myself and am so grateful for the opportunity to have gone.

Dear Jesus, Thank you for the ministry opportunities you send my way. Thank you for loving me so much that you chose to die on the cross for me. Thank you for giving me a hope for the future. Thank you for equipping me with the abilities needed to do your work. Thank you for helping me to be your light shining in this dark place. Thank you!