7 Years

Dear 7 Years,

I just can't believe you're how long it's been since I landed in Senegal for the first time. If I close my eyes, I can picture myself, standing there in the customs line at the Dakar airport for the first time. My beginner level, truly basic French was so rusty, that I barely made it through, but I did. And then I headed outside, where I was greeted by my then roommate and our then school director. It was so encouraging to be welcomed by such kind smiles and waves.

I remember my first trip to the local grocery store and then the fruit/veggie vendor located outside. I remember trips to the fabric market and the tailor, trips to the souvenir market. I remember trips to Ebbets Field for days full of softball and the occasional purchase of American candy/soft drinks. I remember those first trips to the beach or to a hotel who'd let us pay for lunch and time by the pool. I remember first trips to restaurants that quickly became favorites - Le Recif for lotte brochettes avec frites or N'ice Cream for 2 scoops of obama. 

I remember visits to Senegalese church services that'd last for hours and hours in a language I didn't understand, yet all the while I'd feel the Spirit moving stronger than ever before, so I kept wanting to go back. I remember being invited to the pastor's home for a delicious local lunch made by his wife, and shared by everyone around a common bowl, sometimes eaten with a spoon and sometimes with our hands. I remember being given my Senegalese name and the pride the pastor felt in me now sharing their last name. 

I remember the school guards teaching me greetings in Wolof and being so patient with me as I failed miserably. I remember cups of hot and sugary attaya. I remember greeting the guards of the houses on my street, the lady who sold vegetables down from the school, and the local butik owner. I remember the guy who knocked on my door, wanting to sell me fish and the guy who pushed his fruit cart a little faster when he saw me coming, knowing I'd want some fresh fruit.

I remember walking into my classroom for the first time. I remember seeing those desks piled in the middle of the room, covered to protect them from the dust, and ready for me to arrange for the school year. I remember meeting co-workers who became more like friends or family than just random people I worked with. I remember that first group of students who quickly stole a piece of my heart - which ironically (or maybe not so much) happened a little more year after year with face after face that walked through my classroom doors.

I remember teaching 3rd grade, then 1st grade, then ESL, then 4th grade. I remember helping in the library and computer lab after school. I remember heading up Kids Club and hanging out with 60 to 70 kids each week, teaching them more about the Bible and the one true God. I remember tutoring and mentoring and encouraging students. I remember receiving hand-drawn pictures, coloring sheets, and thank you notes over the years. I remember meetings with parents and co-workers and anyone else necessary to best meet the needs of the students placed in my care.

I remember people back home in the States who wrote and encouraged me, who sent cards and packages and emails and I'm thinking about you's. I remember those who gave supplies and goodies and even whole suitcases. I remember those who supported me through prayers and finances. I remember sharing my heart for Dakar Academy and Senegal, in general, with churches and small groups and families and friends.

Has it all been easy? No, of course not. Do I remember some bad stuff...some sad stuff...some painful stuff? I do.

Do you know what I remember most?

Most of all, I remember how God has consistently shown Himself to me. I remember how God has consistently made His presence known in my life. He has loved me and guided me, taught me and nurtured me, encouraged me and molded me, protected me and calmed me. God has proved Himself over and over to me.

Will I be here forever? I honestly can't answer that. Only God can. But one thing I know for sure is that I've enjoyed the past 7 years (both here in Senegal and in the U.S.). And I can't wait to see what the next 7 years hold for me.

-Elisabeth

Random Q & A

A friend did one of these Q & A things the other day. So I thought I'd follow suit.

What are you most excited about these days?

I'm not wishing my summer away by any means. But I have so many fun ideas floating around in my mind, ready to implement with my 5th graders. I've been doing a little prep each night at home. But I can't wait to get in my classroom, get things set up, and get started. I'm so excited about this school year! It's going to be great!

 

Favorite holiday? 

Christmas

Favorite season? 

Fall...in Alabama ;) The temp. has dropped. The leaves have changed colors. Football season has started. I love it!

Cold weather or hot weather?

Cold

Earliest memory?

I was maybe 3 or 4 and I was on the stage at church beside my grandpa. He was playing his guitar and I was standing next to him playing my toy guitar. I remember clearly standing there, strumming my little guitar, and smiling from ear to ear. 

Recent hobby? 

Ok, so this isn't necessarily a new hobby. Rather it's one I've recently spent more time enjoying... Since I don't have internet at home yet, I've spent far more time than typical reading each night before bed. I love it!

What have you learned lately?

I finally started working through my ASL book/dvd. I think it'd be awesome if I could just lay the book under my pillow and my brain would just suck in the information. I think I'd learn so much better that way. Just sayin'... 

Seriously, though, I'm learning a few more basic words and phrases each time I open the book. So hey... Who knows? ;)

If you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would it be? 

Hmm... Honestly, I'm happy with my life at the moment. But if I absolutely had to pick, I'd probably pick Princess Kate ;)

If you could have coffee with someone from the past, who would it be? 

I'd love to have met Anne Sullivan, the teacher who worked with Helen Keller. Of course, for that matter, I would love to have met Helen Keller too. 

What’s the best thing that's happened so far this year? 

Working at Dakar Academy again.

 

What’s your best way to decompress? 

Peace & quiet...reading a book, playing a game on my iPad, watching some mindless tv show or movie, cooking.

Current stress level? 

If you'd asked me this a few days ago, I would have said "through the roof." However, God has so graciously intervened in a few situations, reducing that level to the point where now... I'd say that stress is basically non-existent for me at the moment :)

Last piece of advice you gave?

Don't worry about the future. Live in the moment.

 

Last piece of advice you received?

It's okay to say "no" sometimes :)

This is something I really struggle with. I want to be helpful. I want to do as much as possible to help everyone. I do. But sometimes, it's not healthy/beneficial to do so. So I'm trying. I really am.

If you had one superpower, what would it be? 

I'd like to be as fast as the Flash. Ooh...or maybe to be invisible. That could be fun ;)

Who do you miss most? 

My dad

 

Who was the last person to text you? 

My brother texted me a video of my nieces.

Last book you read? 

My Sister's Voice

Book you're currently reading?

Dirty God by Johnnie Moore 

 

Next book you plan on reading? 

Carly's Voice

Book you read because everyone else in the world was reading it? 

I read the Twilight series. Sure they were entertaining. Well, parts were. But honestly, I think my life would've been just find had I never had read them.

A book from your childhood that positively shaped you?

The Rainbow Fish

Favorite television show that’s currently on tv? 

I rarely watch tv anymore. The Food Network shows are about it for me. TV just isn't my thing anymore.

Favorite ice cream?

In the US...Mint Chocolate Chip.

In Senegal...Obama.

What makes you smile the most?

When God surprises me in the coolest ways with some of the seemingly smallest things.

Worst subject in school? 

I hated (with a passion) Math!

Best subject in school?

English and History - Let me write a paper any day. I loved (and still love) research and reading and writing!

Favorite game? 

I'm not the great at it, but I love Dutch Blitz.

Favorite sport?

I don't play at all. I am most definitely athletically challenged. But I love watching baseball and (American) football!

Coolest invention in the world?  

Technology

Cutest thing in the world? 

The video my brother texted me of my nieces is pretty cute. They're telling me "hey" and "love you" and all the while, my heart is totally melting :)

Best feeling in the world? 

Feeling loved

One talent you wish you had? 

To be instantly fluent in any language

One thing you still have from your childhood? 

Uh, a lot. I like to keep things ;)

Last song you listened to? 

That'd be The Fruit of the Spirit song. It's cute and catchy and may or may not get stuck in your head after listening to it a time or two.

Admit it. You totally sing/dance when you're alone. Don't you?

Sing? Yes. Dance? No. This girl has no rhythm whatsoever.

Best gift you’ve received? 

A group of people pooled their money together to buy me a flight home for Christmas one year.

Senior prom memories?

Ugh. My friends were great. I had fun with them. My date? Not so much.

First date memories?

We went to a Chinese buffet restaurant. We each paid our own way. He talked about himself the ENTIRE time. Fun times.

Last item you bought?

Groceries

Call or Text? Which do you prefer?

It depends. If there's a lot to discuss, I'd rather call. But usually, I just text. Honestly, though, I'd prefer a face-to-face conversation over the phone any day,

Favorite movie of all time? 

I love love love The Notebook! 

Favorite animated movie?

Mulan

Favorite Christmas movie?

Elf

Movie that makes you cry?

The Notebook gets me Every. Single. Time.

Last movie you watched?

I honestly don't remember the last movie I watched in the theater. The last I watched at home, though, was Kung Fu Panda.

Last TV show you watched?

Beverly Hillbillies (via a DVD) 

Last injury?

Does a paper cut count? ;) 

Favorite type of food?

Mexican

Last food you cooked?

Roast with Carrots & Potatoes

Last food someone cooked you?

Pizza

Least favorite food?

Cottage cheese 

Relationship status?

Single. Know of anyone who loves Jesus? Ideally, he'd love Africa and missions too :)

If you could make a documentary, what would it be about? 

Maybe something about missionaries...

First job?

Besides babysitting... I worked as a cashier at my college for a short time. Then it was on to the vet clinic for almost 5 years. 

Current job?

Missionary/Teacher

Dream job?

I'd love to work in/run an orphanage or children's home. 

What's Up July

Can y'all believe how fast this summer is flying by?

It's already the last Wednesday of July!

Today I'm linking up with  Mel, Shay, and Sheaffer for this month's What's Up Wednesday post.

 

Every month we answer the same few questions based on how things are currently going in our lives. 

The questions are...

 

What am I eating this week?

A friend and I went to the local pizza place the other day for lunch. I brought my leftover pizza home and had it for supper the other night, along with a little salad. I love cold pizza!

 

What am I reminiscing about?

I sure do love being back in Dakar. But that doesn't mean I don't miss my family... I so enjoyed my time with them this summer.

 

What am I loving?

I'm back in Dakar! The first thing I noticed upon arriving back were these trees in full bloom. I love 'em!

 

 

What have I been up to?

I've been working with some pretty awesome kids the past week and a half. I'm having the time of my life! Seriously, I don't think I've ever laughed so hard! 

 

What am I dreading?

Can I be honest for a second? I dread not having a dryer anymore. Ah, the things you miss sometimes... ;)

 

What am I working on?

My "work" plate is quite full at the moment. I'm doing a kids program each weekday morning, grabbing a quick bite for lunch, doing ESL testing (or prep work) almost every afternoon, spending a little time prepping at home for 5th grade usually while eating supper, and then crashing for the night before starting the day whole process over again the next day. I love being busy. I do. But those few  "off" days before school starts will be amazing!

 

What am I excited about?

I am almost completely funded with monthly missions support. It won't be long before I reach that 100% mark. Want to help me reach it faster? Send me an email at enichols85@gmail.com 

and I'll give you more info.

 

What am I watching?

I'm loving watching these kids interacting with each other as we learn all about the Fruit of the Spirit. 

 

 

What am I reading?

Right now I'm reading "Dirty God" by Johnnie Moore, which takes a look at how Jesus didn't just associate with the rich and fancy. He got down in the trenches, so to speak, getting His feet "dirty," ministering to and loving on the poor. So far, it's a really good book. I'm glad I picked it up this summer.

 

What am listening to?

I love this song by Newsboys. God led me to this song at just the right time. I was going through a bit of a rough patch, really struggling bad with fear. My mom and I were going somewhere and when she turned on the radio, "No Longer Slaves" came on. I instantly started writing down the lyrics so I'd remember them later. And now? Now this is like my motto... 

I'm no longer a slave to fear.

I am a child of God.

I'm no longer a slave to fear.

I am a child of God.

I'm no longer a slave to fear.

I am a child of God.

 

What am I wearing?

Thank you Lord for sleeveless shirts! It is so hot/humid right now! Plus, any excuse to wear my "Choose Happiness" shirt is a good one ;)

 

What am I doing this weekend?

A friend is getting married on Saturday, so some of us here in Dakar are having a wedding viewing party since we're too far away to attend the real thing. I'm bringing the pretend wedding cake ;)

 

What am I looking forward to next month?

I'll actually finally get a few (as in like 2 or 3) "off" days.

School starts back. 

But the biggest thing...

August is my birthday month!

And yes, I do accept presents. *Kidding of course... That is, unless you want to give me one. Then, go right ahead. Because, after all, who am I to rob you of a blessing?! ;)

 

What else is new?

It's starting to rain a bit, leaving the flowers around campus popping with color. I love it!

 

 

And each month, there's a special question. This month's question is...

What was the best part of your summer?

Being with family

Being in sweet home Alabama 

A really, really good friend came to visit

Sharing my heart for Dakar academy and for Senegal at churches

 

 

Summer in the USA

6 weeks ago today, I landed in sweet home Alabama after over being cramped in a plane seat or airport seat for close to 24 hours of traveling from Senegal.

 

The first place I went after my mom and brother picked me up was to see my nieces (and sister-in-law) and out to eat for my favorite...good Mexican food :)

 

I spent a lot of time with my two favorite people...my nieces :)

 

 

 

And speaking of my nieces... It made me sad to miss both of their birthdays this year. But thankfully, I did get to attend their joint birthday party since it was a few days after I arrived this summer.

 

I also got to hang out with my favorite road trip buddy and partner in crime...my Mama :)

 

 

And I got to see my favorite brother and favorite sister-in-law too :)

 

 

We had some tough stuff happen too. My uncle had emergency open heart surgery just a couple days after I arrived. One of my aunts got a major infection, causing her to be hospitalized around the same time as that. Then, another aunt passed away only 6 days after I arrived and the issues surrounding her death were especially troubling/painful. So there was a lot of pain and sadness towards the beginning of my summer. 

But with that said... It was through all the not so good stuff that God reminded me of something. 

Even when things aren't the greatest, I'm still blessed.

 

I got to speak and share my heart for Senegal and Dakar Academy at 6 different churches. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I got to visit other family...

 

 

My Best Bud from Senegal came to visit!

 

 

 

And I got to visit with other friends too...

 

 

I got to soak in some of my favorite sights that I miss while in sandy, dusty, and not very green Senegal...

 

 

 

I was able to get my fill of lots of yummy food I can't get in Senegal...

 

 

 

 

...not to mention, my mom's good ol' Southern home cookin' :)

 

I got to visit a few places dear to my heart in my home state of Alabama.

 

 

 

 

...and Kansas.

 

 

...and Missouri.

 

I caught up on a bunch of reading/studying... 

I started prepping for Kids Club for the year.

 

I continued with my mission to learn ASL and be able to better communicate with those around me who use it.

 

I kept going with the coloring book craze.

 

I studied for my Global University/Berean classes. And I read my Bible and journaled too. Although, somehow, I ended up not taking a picture of those...

I even took time to read some books "for fun" - books that required no real thought, but rather helped me to relax and unwind at the end of a long day. 

 

I played a game or two...

 

 

 

I went to MEGA 2016 - an awesome educator

conference put on annually by my home state, where I learned so much valuable info and good "tricks" to take back with me to Dakar.

 

I went shopping for supplies to take back to Dakar. Food, toiletries, school supplies...

 

Of course, then I had to pack all of it :)

 

I got my hair cut.

 

 

I was given an early birthday party by one of the churches I spoke at this summer. 

 

Then last night my mom made some of my favorite foods as an early birthday dinner.

 

 

I made a pit stop at the cemetery. ...because while I know he's not really there, I still feel drawn to make a visit when I'm nearby.

 

And I finished my time this morning at Cracker Barrel (one of my favorite places) with my favorite people...my family.

 

There were a few other things not pictured, like hanging out with fellow M's in Springfield, sitting through trainings/meetings on safety/security, and other non-pictured parts of life.

 

And you know...

The first couple weeks were tough. There was a lot of worry and sadness and pain. 

And towards the middle of my time, I had to confront some fears and anxiety that had clearly been unresolved for quite a while, leaving me a big ol' emotional mess.

But by the end, a switch flipped in my mind. And while I can't really explain it, I've felt such overwhelming peace lately. ...peace about my future, the current state of the world, and life in general. 

But you know... Actually, I can explain it. It's God. He had such amazing patience, waiting on me to finally put  all the fears and worries and stressors in His hands. 

And oh my word... 

The peace that comes from that is amazing. 

 

These past 6 weeks have been super busy, but overall, I'd have to say the good definitely outweighed the bad.

 

And I am now am sitting here killing time 'til it's time to go to the airport to head back to Dakar, where I'll have just one day to catch my breath before starting back in the full swing of things with a kids program for some of our AGWM MK's in the mornings and ESL testing (for DA) most afternoons. Oh and I'll be prepping my new classroom for teaching my favorite incoming 5th graders too. 

But as busy as I'll be the rest of my summer, I will be taking a tiny bit of time to fully embrace the Biblical principle of RESTING.

 

Y'all, I'm so excited to see what God has in store for me and my ministry there in Dakar! 

I can't wait!