Lessons

No matter how old you are, you'll always be a baby in your mother's eyes.

People spend lots of money on toys, but kids typically end up enjoying the empty boxes and tissue paper more :)

Always check your blind spots. Never assume your path is clear.

Roadtrips are far more fun when someone goes with you.

Even after being back in the U.S. for 11 months, a trip to Walmart can be sensory overload with all the choices.

Optimism > pessimism.

A smile goes a long way.

Take the time to slow down and enjoy the scenery.

Dropping a suitcase on your toe will produce a high level of pain.

The generosity of others is often overwhelming.

Not being able to say goodbye is sometimes harder than actually saying goodbye.

Packing should be considered a form of art. 

What's up Tuesday

Since I'll be a little preoccupied tomorrow, I thought I'd go ahead and do this week's What's Up Wednesday post today :)

What are you eating this week? 

I'm so looking forward to eating some yummy Senegalese food!

What are you reminiscing about?

I've been going through old pictures and "reliving" all sorts of memories :)

What are your plans for today?

I'll be running last minute errands and spending time with my mama :)

What am I loving?

Summer Break and sleeping late!!!

What have I been up to lately?

Lots of computer work at work... That's why I'm looking forward to ignoring technology for a couple weeks while I'm gone :)

What am I dreading?

Sitting on planes/in airports for long periods of time with my toe being such a lovely, painful shade of purple.

What am I working on?

...reconditioning my mind to allow me to sleep late :)

What am I excited about?

Senegal!!!

What am I reading?

I'm looking forward to spending all that free time on planes/in airports, reading (for fun), since that's something I don't often have time to do. So I'm taking a few books with me :)

What am I looking forward to next month? 

My mom and I have a couple mini road trips planned for this summer. And I'm looking forward to those :)

And lastly, in honor of this being the season for grilling... 

What's your favorite food to grill? 

I love me some grilled hamburgers! Yum :)

Senegal... I'll see you soon!

In about 36 hours,  I'll be boarding the first of three planes, heading to Dakar, Senegal. 

...and barring major delays or problems, which I'm TOTALLY PRAYING AGAINST, I'll be landing 20ish hours after that. So feel free to join me in praying :)

I'll be spending the majority my time at Dakar Academy, and the surrounding community.

Oh D.A., I've missed you...

I'll be visiting friends, helping former co-workers wrap up their school year, pack up classrooms, pack up their homes, and do anything else I can to help out. I'll be reuniting with friends, former students, and co-workers, and enjoying life back in the DA "bubble" that I've missed so much since being back in the States.

I'll also be visiting/hanging out with former missionary colleagues and exploring the area of Senegal where they've set up their life/ministry. I'll be prayerfully praying through my time there, preparing my own self for the call God placed on my life. I'll be prayerfully planning for my own full-time return (which won't be for quite a while - so don't worry Mom and current co-workers).

I'm not naming the area or the missionaries just to protect their "open doors" and safety.

I look forward to embracing Senegalese culture again. I look forward to yummy food - meat stick sandwiches, nems, and of course meals around the common bowl. 

Oh, I so can't wait for cheb...and mafe...and yassa...and... :)

I look forward to visiting the market and acting like a tourist. I look forward to walking up and down the "aisles," practicing my Wolof greetings, speaking broken French, and checking out the items for sale.

But most of all, I look forward to going back to the place that stole my heart almost 6 years ago. I look forward to just being there.

And just in case my Mom or current co-workers are reading this... I PROMISE YOU THIS... I'm not staying for good. I'm only going to be gone the 2 weeks I planned. I know you all have a secret thought (fear) that I'm going to get there and not want to leave :)

Don't worry. This is just for a visit :)

Just sayin'...

I have a lot on my mind, but not enough for a full blog post on each topic. 

So, voila! 

You get this random assortment of thoughts :)

1. Memorial Day

You know what bugs me about Memorial Day? It's how many people clearly don't know the difference between it and Veterans Day. Just sayin'... It's kind of sad. 

2. Pentecost Sunday 

Yesterday was Pentecost Sunday, yet many Pentecostal churches don't even acknowledge it. ...which is also kind of sad. Just sayin'...

3. Homiletics

My Homiletics class was this past Saturday. And honestly, it was the absolute best class I've taken thus far! I came away with more knowledge and understanding and appreciation of the subject than I have with any other topic. And the teacher was awesome too! Seriously y'all... Best class ever! Just sayin'...

4. Not saying goodbye is hard.

As I prepare to fly to Senegal in a couple days, I can't help but miss my Dad even more. 

I didn't realize how hard it'd be to not be able to say goodbye. Just sayin'...

5. The Duggars

Wow! Talk about a shocker! Y'all, I've always been a big fan of the Duggars. And this recent confession truly did shock me! 

But what's shocked me even more is the way the media has hypocritically attacked this family. Yes. What he did was wrong! ...bad wrong! And yes. His parents also did wrong by not reporting it immediately and not getting him (or his victims) REAL help. 

But y'all... How many celebrities have come out with shocking revelations like this (or worse) and nothing is even said about them?! The media totally picks and chooses who they want to focus on.

Josh Duggar did wrong. So did Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar. But they've ackowledge that and repented of those wrongs and have asked for forgiveness. 

And after all... Every single one of us on this planet, including myself, sins. If you say you don't, then you're sinning now by lying. My point is, we all mess up from time to time. Why focus on this one family?! Just sayin'...

ABCs

I saw this ABCs thing floating around Facebook, so I thought... 

Why not?! :)

Available? Yep. Know any single Christian guys of marrying age? Send 'em my way :)

Biggest Fear? Snakes are pretty high up there. Also, there's the whole never getting married thing...

Crushing On? Wouldn't you like to know? ;) Seriously, there's no crush. Cross my heart with my hand on the Bible. But again, refer to my answer for letter A. 

Drink You Last Had? Ice Water - my new cold beverage of choice.

Easiest Person To Talk To? ma mère

Favorite Song? I know this is a cop out answer, but I honestly have too many to pick just one...

Grossest Memory? Definitely when I threw up all over my seat mate on the plane that one time. Fun times y'all. 

Home? Trick question... Quick answer would be sweet home Alabama. 

In Love With? Jesus :)

Jealous Of? People who have super confidence and seriously could not care one iota what people think of them :)

Killed? What kind of question is that?! Uh, the last thing I killed was a big huge black ant. The ones that inflict all sorts of pain on you when they bite (sting?) you.

Longing For? Some good Senegalese food. Just a few more days... I can't wait! :)

Middle Name? Elisabeth - with an S, not a Z

Number of Siblings? 1 brother

One Wish? World peace? Ha! Seriously, I'd wish for my student loans to be completely paid off!

Person You Last Called? Shoney's Restaurant to see what time they closed.

Question for America? Why can't we all just get along?

Reason to Smile? I have a lot actually, but the 2 girls who call me (aunt) Zizzie are top on my list :)

Show Last Watched? Cutthroat Kitchen

Time You Woke Up? 7:00 

Unbelievable? ...that so much hate and racism still exists today.

Violence? Often preventable and unnecessary, in my opinion.

Worst Habit? Biting my nails.

X-ray Last Had? Knee

Youngest, Oldest, Middle? I'm the oldest.

Zodiac Sign? I don't believe in that stuff. Such a waste of time!!

Just to clarify...

I've received quite a few questions since I started announcing my Senegal countdown updates. So I thought I'd answer a few of the questions here...

What's the big deal with Senegal?

For those who don't know, here's a bit of my history. Almost 10 years ago, God called me to be a missionary to Africa. I didn't know when. I didn't know where. I didn't know what I'd be doing. But I knew eventually it would happen. Fast forward to July 30, 2009. This was the day I stepped off the plane in Dakar, Senegal, West Africa for the first time. At that very moment, I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that I was home. I loved it there! Yes, there were days that I missed sweet home Alabama, but for the majority of the time, I truly did love it! I was there for 5 years and came back to the States this past June.

If you loved it so much, why'd you come back then? 

Multiple reasons... But to save time, let's just discuss the biggest one.

That's my dad. He was quite the fighter, having fought his way back from kidney cancer, multiple heart attacks, multiple stints, multiple open heart surgeries, pancreatitis, peritonitis, a septic gall bladder, etc. But around the time I'd made the decision to take a year off from Senegal and raise more financial support, etc., my dad started getting sicker.

So I decided to put my plans for going back on hold for a few years. This way I could assist my parents, by helping out with my dad, and helping with financial support as well, since neither of my parents were able to work anymore.

So why are you going back now?

As anyone who's read my blog recently knows, my dad passed away a month ago. 

And my last day for work here in Selma is today (*insert my happy dance here*). So I saved up throughout the year and decided to go for a visit this summer.

How long will you be staying?

Only 2 weeks. Actually it's 13 days, counting travel days. So not long...

What are you going to do while you're there?

That's a good question. One I honestly don't know an exact answer to. And since I'm deciding not to make a lot of plans, that may stay my answer for a while longer... :) 

But I do know I'll be helping my former co-workers finish out their school year. I've also offered my assistance to a friend, packing for her move back to the States this summer. And I'd also like to visit some other co-workers to check out the "village" (city) where they live and get a feel for the ministry our organization is doing for the people who live there. And while I'm there, I plan to get some of my own things out of storage and bring them back home with me. And I'm sure I'll get my fill of super deliciously awesome Senegalese food. I can't wait!! :)

Are you ever planning to go back full-time? When will that be?

Yes. As for when... I'm not sure.

I know God has called me here for at least a couple more years. I need to be a wise steward of my money. Right? Well, my student loan debt is significant. Therefore, I need to keep making payments on that. Unless, of course, anyone super rich is reading this and wants to pay that big ol' bill off for me :)

But seriously, I really don't know when I'll be headed back for good. It all depends on God. All I know, is He's telling me to stay (here), so I'm staying. And whenever He tells me to go, I'll go. 

What are you most looking forward to on this trip?

I can't pick just one thing. ...seeing friends, seeing former students, the sights, the smells, Senegalese food (especially some cheb), visiting the market, visiting the new area co-workers are living/ministering, greetings in Wolof, speaking French, and on and on :)

Is it safe? What about war? Ebola? 

Yes it's safe. As of now, there is no war and no Ebola. :)

How can we, here in the States, help you?

PRAY!

Pray for safety, wisdom/guidance, nice reunions, good health, fun times, and most of all... Pray for God's will to be done and for His name to be glorified through everything I say and do!

What if we want to support Dakar Academy or the Assemblies of God Missionaries you'll be visiting/working with? How can we do that?

Email me at enichols85@gmail.com and I'll be happy to help you out.

A Dear _____ Post

I haven't done a Dear ____ post in a while, so I thought now might be a good time.

Dear Last Day with Students, You're what today is at my school. It seems like just yesterday school started and I was meeting my kiddos. Now it's time to say goodbye.

Dear Last Day for Teachers, You're tomorrow! Can I get an Amen?!

Dear This School Year, You've been tough. I'm not gonna lie. You've challenged me to be better and better. And you've confirmed what I've always said... Out of the three areas I'm trained in, Special Education is by far my most favorite!

Dear I love it!, You're how I'd describe my feelings toward my job. No lie, y'all. It may be difficult at times and include a ridiculous amount of paperwork. But I really do love it!

Dear 5th Grade Graduation, You happened yesterday. I loved getting to know so many of these kiddos this year!

Dear 6 Days, You're how many days are left 'til I fly to Senegal! Eek!! :)

Dear Packing, I'm not really looking forward to you. But alas, you're a necessary evil attached to traveling.

Dear Unexpected Day with My Mama, You're what I'll have on Monday. Yay for extra time spent with just me and her :)

Dear Dinner with the Fam, You're what I'm having tomorrow evening. It'll also be my time to say goodbye to these two cuties and their mama...

Dear Daddy, I've missed you so much this week. And as I plan this trip to Senegal, I can't help but miss you more. You were my #1 supporter, pushing/guiding me to follow the call God placed on my life...

Dear God, Thank you for the friends you've placed in my life. Friends like the ones described in this quote...

One month later...

I love this quote. And in this past month I've come to realize just how true it really is.

One month ago today...

I woke up and tried to prepare myself, knowing "today's the day." 

I visited with family and friends that came by.

When the time got close, I stood close to my mom and brother.

I said my last goodbye and gave my last hug and kiss.

I cried. ...a lot.

I prayed. ...a lot.

I realized no amount of preparation could've worked.

I stayed close to my mom and brother.

I called my closest co-worker and my principal.

I called students' parents to reschedule meetings.

I called family and friends.

I emailed friends around the world.

I realized my dad would celebrate his birthday (which was the following day) in Heaven.

I cried. ...a lot.

I prayed. ...a lot.

And I thanked God 

...for the 29 1/2 years I had with my sweet Daddy.

...for the memories I have.

...for the lessons he taught me.

...for the countless words of encouragement, advice, and guidance.

...for the love I had been shown.

...for the support of family, friends, and co-workers.

...for prayers that went up, all around the world, on my/our behalf.

But most of all...

I was (and still am) thankful for a God who, in His infinite wisdom, chose to allow me to be born with my dad as my dad. 

I'm thankful that no matter how much pain I was (and still am) feeling, I know I would never called him back from Heaven.

I'm thankful that I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I will get see him again one day. 

Monday Musings

What am I musing about on this fine Monday? ...quite a bit actually.

Things like...

1. The countdown to my trip to Senegal is officially in the single digits. I fly out in 9 days. Can you believe it?! Where did the time go? It seems like just yesterday I landed back in the States.

I've so enjoyed my time back. I really, really love my job. And God knows I am eternally grateful for the time I've had with my family. ...especially the time I had with my dad before he passed away. But I'm feeling that sense of restlessness. It's hard sometimes. This is home. Yet, at times, it feels foreign to me. I miss the closeness and the sense of community over there. I miss being in full time ministry. I miss the sights, the sounds, the smells. I miss the food and the fellowship. I miss hearing/speaking French (even if I wasn't always that great at it). I miss the people. Oh boy, do I miss the people. I recently read an article that summed up why it's so difficult to come home after having lived overseas. It explained so much of what I've felt since coming home.

2. Body image/Self-esteem have always been a touchy subject for me. I've lied to myself so many times, saying I don't care what people think about me. But you know what? I do. I really do. And I let the negative views people hold about me eat at me and eat at me until I feel about an inch high. Let's be honest... I've never been a skinny woman. I know that. And yes, I could lose weight. But you know what... I'm actually (gasp!) happy with myself. But just when I think I've accepted that, someone comes along and says something hurtful. I've had friends, co-workers, family members, church members, even guys I've dated, say little remarks aiming at my size. Like seriously... What's the point in that? Does it make you feel better to joke about me being fat?!

Anywho, I lead in with that to say... A friend sent me the picture below, along with a link to an article that went along with all of that, reminding me that while I cannot change what people think/say about me, I do have a choice about what I do/think/say.

And now to shift from a couple heavy topics (no pun intended)...

3. Yesterday was the (combined) birthday party for my two nieces.

These two little girls laughed and played and ate and had the time of their lives. My world forever changed when I became Zizzie to these girls. What a blessing they've been in my life!

And now for a few more party pictures because what better way to end this serious post than with some seriously cute pictures :)

Lessons

Humility is a great character trait to possess. 

A teacher's work is never done.

Asking an almost 30 year old single woman do you even plan on getting married isn't the nicest idea. 

Music has the ability to evoke almost any emotion. Choose wisely.

Looking ahead to that first big holiday after a loves one dies is hard. ...really hard.

Never underestimate what God can do.

Waiting 'til the last minute to get a job done produces far too much stress.

It's all a matter of perspective.

It must be exceptionally difficult for some people to use the blinker in their car. I mean, that's the only logical explanation... Right?! :)

A nice handwriting is a rare sight to see.

A pop of color can brighten an entire outfit. 

Having hair that is long, thick, curly is nice 'til it's a zillion degrees with a zillion percent humidity outside. 

Swimsuit shopping isn't always the most ego-boosting activity.

Where God guides, He provides.

Laughter may not be the best medicine, but it is pretty close :)

Watching a children's movie is a good way to relax.

Don't wait too late. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.

Kids these days know too much at too young of an age.

And last, but certainly not least - I saw this next one posted in the bathroom at work and thought I'd share :) 

If you sprinkle when you tinkle, be sweet and wipe the seat. Unfortunately most users of public bathrooms seem to forget this lesson.

What I Wish I Could Say, Part 2

About a month ago, I wrote a post detailing how hard it was to keep my mouth closed when some people have said truly ridiculous things to me. 

Well, it's now time for Part 2 of that post. Let's face it y'all... This craziness is still alive and strong!

As with my last post, I am thankful that God helped me keep my mouth closed when encountering these people. 

But if God would have allowed me at certain times in my life, I would have definitely spoken my mind to certain people, like...

...the people who use the word, retarded, to make fun of someone. Seriously... Do you not realize how ignorant that makes you sound?!

...the people who blatantly lie to my face and I know they're lying. I so wish I could call them out on it. But alas, I take a deep breath and just turn the other way.

...the woman who thought it was hilarious to discuss my size with her friend one aisle over at the store the other day. 

...the parent who told me how lucky I was to be able to work from 8 to 3:39 every day. I wish I could've pointed out that I arrived at 6:45 that morning and I didn't leave until 5:40 pm, and I only left then because I had to go to the board meeting from 6 to 7:30. Oh and once I got home, I worked on IEPs and other paperwork until 1 a.m. But no, I didn't say all of that. Instead I just smiled and continued on my way. Grrr...

...the person who said, and I quote, "Why would you go back to Senegal? Aren't you afraid of catching Ebola or getting caught in the middle of the war? Africa is always in the news for Ebola and war, you know." Oh Dear Baby Jesus, it's times like this when I have to literally clench my teeth together to prevent myself from calling someone a big ol' idiot! I mean seriously...

And now another meme, just to show how I feel when confronted by this ridiculousness...

It's the little things...

Periodically I take a step back from the busyness of life and look back at some of the seemingly little things that have recently brightened my life. 

Because sometimes it's the little things that mean the most.

It's little things like...

...winning an award at work.

...the bright green all around me, which I can appreciate so much more now that I don't live in a dry/dusty place that has no green.

...eating lunch with my mom after church.

...finding a little taste of Africa here in Alabama.

...seeing the joy in my oldest niece's eyes while swinging.

...holding this little cutie, but only for a little while 'til my allergies kick in.

...seeing my youngest niece have the time of her life with a ball almost as big as her.

...cheering on some of my favorites at Special Olympics.

...a cup of peach ice cream - the perfect snack for a hot Alabama day.

...having the money to treat some friends to breakfast.

...a free chai tea latte courtesy of a gift card from a friend.

...counting down to the two weeks I'll spend in one of my most favorite places in the world.