What's up November

Today I'm linking up with a few other bloggers for this month's What's Up post. Want to join along?

The questions for this month are...

What I'm eating this week...

I've had so much good food this week. Plus I got bumped up to first class and had this deliciousness for lunch :)

What I'm loving...

I have so loved being in Colorado this past week, spending time with my Best Bud :)

What I've been up to...

I've been reading, hanging out with friends, eating good food, laughing so very much, taking in God's beauty/scenery, enjoying cold weather, and having the time of my life in Colorado with friends who are like family :)

What I'm dreading...

The painful part of celebrating my first Thanksgiving without my dad. It's already hit me a few times. Not to be a downer, but it stinks. ...big time! I so miss him...

What I'm working on...

Y'all... Coloring books are so not just for kids anymore. I will totally be the 30 year old coloring on the plane later today :)

Past that... When I get home, I have to start hitting the phones, scheduling services, and raising my missions budget.

What I'm watching...

I've been doing quite a bit of people watching at the airport. Have you ever noticed some of the characters that come through? :)

As for TV - I'm looking forward to watching as many Christmas movies as possible.

What I'm reading...

Food: A Love Story - This book is hilarious! I'll be posting a review on here soon.

What I'm wearing...

I've worn a jacket and scarf and warm socks with boots everyday while here in Colorado. Brrr...

What I'm doing this weekend...

Hanging out with my Mama and enjoying the rest of my Thanksgiving Break :)

What I'm looking forward to next month...

No school - Christmas - no school - hanging out with my family - Oh, and did I mention 2 weeks off from school? :)

What else is new...

A friend offered her photography skills to help me get new photos for missions promo stuff. It's the first step of this itineration process. And starting next week, I'll be hitting the phones, calling pastors and friends and all, booking services and meetings to share my heart for Senegal and working to raise my budget to get back there next summer! 

Memories

It's been 7 months...

It's been 7 months since my dad passed away. They say it gets easier over time. And while I think that is somewhat true, sometimes it's still so incredibly hard. 

I just miss him so very much...

So in honor of 7 months of separation, I've been thinking about all sorts of memories...

I remember him laying on the floor with my brother and me, playing with our toys - Barbies for me and GI Joes for Josh :)

I remember one Fall, there were so many leaves, that the hill behind our house made for the perfect Fall sledding spot. So he rigged up a sled out of something and we all laughed and played for hours and hours and had the best time!

I remember moving all those times and thinking I was such a big shot riding with him in the uhaul truck.

I remember him chaperoning my field trip to Bellingrath Gardens when I was in elementary school.

I remember him praying with me at the altar of the church when I made the decision to follow Jesus forever. I remember him baptizing me when I was ready to make that public confession of faith. And I remember him laying hands on me at youth camp when I was baptized in the Holy Spirit.

I remember him driving our band bus in high school.

I remember him holding me tight and letting me cry over some boy who'd broke my heart.

I remember him waiting to open his Christmas gifts 'til we kids had opened ours.

I remember him leaving the Atlanta airport after my very first time going to Senegal and me turning around and seeing him wiping tears away. 

I remember him finding our he was going to be a grandpa and begging my brother and sister-in-law to not be joking :)

I remember him riding with me to Selma the day of my first interview at the school here - all so he could just be with me. 

I remember our trip to the Navy vs South Alabama game last year. He was freezing, but had the best time!

I remember his pride in talking about his family.

I remember his strength...

I remember his wisdom...

I remember his love.

I miss him. 

But I'm so very thankful for the memories. 

Things

Sometimes the greatest things in life cost nothing.

Things like...

...sharing among sisters.

...gratitude for a gift from a friend.

...pride for a student singing a special part in a song with his class.

...happiness for being with your loved ones.

...appreciation shown to teachers.

...fullness after a delicious meal.

...laughter caused by silly faces :)

...the beautifully fragrant smell of roses in bloom.

...comfort felt in a good pair of shoes.

...memories made with a loved one.

...and so many more than I could ever list on here :)

Missions - My Story

Today I'm linking out with Andrea at Momfessionals Blog and discussing missions.

I was raised in church and always looked at missionaries as heroes of our faith. I thought it was so cool that these men and women and children would leave everything behind and go around the world telling people about the love of Jesus. Little did I know that one day I would be like those people.

In 2004, I went on my first mission trip to the Canary Islands. God had called me to be a missionary, but just hadn't told me where at that point. 

The following year I went to South Africa and that is where God place the continent of Africa on my heart. I knew one day I would be back. I didn't know when or how or where. But I would be back.

Fast forward 4 years. On July 30, 2009, I stepped off the plane in Dakar. Senegal, West Africa for the first time. And it may sound cliché, but the minute my feet hit the ground, I knew I was home. 

I spent five years there. I taught at Dakar Academy, a K-12 international, Christian school. And while I taught reading and writing and math and all the usual subjects, I was also able to teach the love of Jesus to children who may never have heard it otherwise. 

I was also able to spend time with our other AG missionaries in the area, visiting Senegalese churches and pastors, helping in ministry projects, and just loving on the people. 

I took a break, so to speak, and have spent the last 17 months here in the States. I was able to serve my parents by providing support as my dad neared the end of his life and in the months after. 

And while I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the States, especially being able to be here for my parents, I know the time has come for me to go back. 

I've recently been approved to go back to Senegal as a Missionary Associate with the Assemblies of God World Missions Department. 

What will I be doing? The plan is for me to, once again, teach at Dakar Academy and then assist my fellow AG missionaries however God allows.

I'm currently in the beginning stages of the budget raising process. While I don't have the exact amount yet, I will be getting that soon. There will be a certain amount to raise in monthly commitments and there will also be a certain amount to raise in one time cash donations. 

I feel blessed that God is allowing me to go back on this adventure. And I look forward to seeing how He will work through me. 

If you would like to be a part of this adventure, there are many ways for you to do so...

1. Pray. Pray for open doors and favor, as I contact pastors and others to gather financial support. Pray for God's will to be done above all else. And pray for me to adequately share my passion for Dakar Academy and the country of Senegal.

2. Commit to give monthly. The monthly commitments that I get are what helps me survive from month to month while on the field. This is my salary, so to speak. This is what helps me eat and live and work with each month.

3. Commit to give a one (or more) time cash donation. This is what pays for my plane ticket to Senegal. It helps me set up a living space. It helps me purchase supplies for my ministry in Senegal. And it helps me with unexpected emergency expenses that may arise, among other things.

Want to know how to give? 

1. You can click here. Once you get to the page, click on "Give Now" at the bottom of your screen. That will take you to the Giving page.

2. Or you can email me at enichols85@gmail.com and I'll help you out.

*FYI - All monetary gifts made this way or tax deductible. :)

If you have any questions about what I'll be doing in Senegal, about the AGWM (Assemblies of God World Missions Department), about Dakar Academy, or about missions in general, just comment on this post or email me at enichols85@gmail.com and I'd be happy to chat with you! :)

It's Picture Time

Happy Friday Ladies and Gents!

Apparently I have too many photos and need to clear up some space on my phone. Therefore, here ya go... :)

My brain seems to go into overdrive the minute I lay down to go to sleep. Anyone else?

Veterans Day was this past Wednesday. I am so thankful for all the men and women who have sacrificed, and are still sacrificing, so much for our freedom, including three of my favorite men.

Y'all... These are girls have totally stolen my heart. I feel so incredibly blessed that God allowed me to be their aunt. Zizzie is by far my most favorite title at this point in my life :)

I posted the below on Facebook the other day. After a couple months of waiting, it is finally official... I'm heading back to Senegal as a Missionary Associat with the Assemblies of God! 

The other Special Ed teacher at my school and I both ordered these shirts. I can't wait 'til it's time to start wearing Christmas shirts! I love the kids I get to work with. It may be hard work. There may be a lot of (sometimes annoying) paperwork. But I truly do love what I do.

I bought my first pair of boots last week. Well actually I bought two pairs, but who's counting. After all, they were cheap and cute :)

I love watching my mom interacting with my nieces. The love you can see between them is one of the best things ever! My prayer is that one day I'll have children that can experience that with her as well :)

I love this picture of my niece is playing with their blocks. They are quite the master builders :)

Look at this little one striking a pose. Could she be any more adorable? :)

I love these rainbow roses. Look how beautiful they are with since they opened up!

It has been really foggy lately around here. I took this picture at my brothers house the other morning.

Anybody had the funnel cake sticks from Captain D's? They are so delicious!

Can you guys believe Christmas is almost here?!

And last but certainly not least... Guess who's going to Colorado one week from tomorrow and seeing her Best Bud! This girl! :)

Alphabetical Awesomeness on a Saturday

There was a booth with African items at the Christmas Village at the BJCC today. And yes, it made my heart so very happy.

My brother shared this photo of my nieces. Can you tell they've got a little mischief in them? :)

I cooked a delicious pot of Chicken Taco Soup last weekend. Yum!

I have definitely started listening to Christmas music! I love it!

I enjoyed my time at the Christmas Village today. 

My new favorite shirt is this one...

Although, this one with a guitar is close behind...

I'm happy to have my nieces spending the night with us tonight. Bring on the fun!

I am incredibly happy that 96.5 has started playing Christmas music. I love it!

I have jumped into studying for my last License level class with both feet. I love missions!

I had some happy kids in my classroom when they opened our treasure box the other day... :)

I love my new boots! 

I love modern music as much as the next girl, but I still love singing/hearing the old hymns too.

This picture of my mom and myself is my new favorite!

The On This Day app in Facebook is pretty cool. I love looking back at my memories from over the years. Plus, it reminded me of a fun activity I could do with some of my kids :)

I'm planning to start reading this book next week.

I made quesadillas for my mom and myself the other night. Yum!

I remember as a child, I'd get so excited when the cokes with Santa on the label would arrive at all the stores. So when I saw one in Walmart this morning, I just had to get it :)

I loved this star I saw earlier today...

I totally LOL'd on this one. I may not have to grade papers, but I do have plenty of paperwork to bring home over the weekend. And yes, the majority of the time it goes right back to work on Monday, having never been touched :)

I said "ummm..." when I saw this carved pumpkin a few weeks ago at a hotel my mom and I stayed at.

The Velveeta mac & cheese is the best!

I went to Olive Garden with a friend for lunch this morning. It was so good!

I was eXcited to find, not 1, but 2, pairs of boots that fit at a super great price last night. Yay for deals!

Yum! A friend brought me breakfast Thursday morning :)

I feel like time's just zoomed by. These two cute little superheroes are growing up so much...