Introducing My Class

10 months ago, I wrote a blog post (here), in which I shared a dream God had placed on my heart. A dream in which I wanted to live out Proverbs 31:8 in real life.

I then shared my heart.

I brought awareness.

I raised funds.

I started with a blank slate of a classroom...

And then used those funds I raised to outfit my entire classroom.



Then, 1.5 months ago, school started. 

And with school's arrival, came the fulfillment of that dream. 

I've shared a tour of my classroom HERE and HERE.

And I've shared pictures like the ones below...

 

  

And now...

Now it's finally time to introduce you to my class.

Ladies first :)

E is a super sweet, Brazilian girl who loves art and fashion and the Bible. She likes to read books that make her laugh. She said Reading is her favorite subject and that she's not a big fan of Math. Although, I must say, she's quite the whiz at it. She has a servant's heart and seems to be a natural born nurturer. She is a huge help to me in class, especially when I was working one-handed the first month or so of school. She and I are currently working through a Girl's devotional 2 days a week, while the boys are in another class, and I'm loving this time to chat with her and get to know her better. She has a big heart for Jesus and wants everyone to know and love Him like she does. 

Next up is M, whose family comes from Oman. Have you watched the commercials including the Energizer Bunny? That's him times 100. But I will say this, his energy and spunky attitude is one of the main things I love about this kid. He can be shy around people he doesn't know, but he comes alive in the classroom. He is so full of life and makes every activity we do enjoyable. Why? Because he genuinely finds enjoyment in it all. He loves to read non-fiction books, especially books about countries around the world. He's a geography whiz and can point out even the most obscure countries on our globe in class. He says Math is his favorite subject, but he could live without writing. He's super creative and would sit and build things or play games all day if I would let him. He has a sensitive spirit and hates to see someone sad. He makes me laugh a zillion times a day, and for that I'm super grateful.

And last, but certainly not least, is R. R is my only fellow American. He's quite the chatterbox, and if I'd let him, would sit and chat with me for hours and hours. He loves reading books on the ipad, with his current favorite genre being non-fiction - especially biographies/autobiographies. He's one of the hardest working people I've ever met and is quick to show us just how hard he does work. He's full of life and personality and gives M. a run for his money in the energy department. He says Reading is his favorite subject, with Math being a close second. He's quite artistic and especially loves painting. I'm blown away at his determination and perseverance to get a job done. He's a great joke teller. And as a result, the four of us may or may not have spent a good bit of time yesterday afternoon, laughing and sharing our favorite jokes. He's super grateful that he and his family are missionaries and is proud to proclaim The Good News here in Senegal.

It's looking like I'll probably get another student in another couple weeks. 

And who knows? I may end up with even more as the year progresses. 

And along with these "full-time" students, I do also have some other students who come in and out at various points in the day, for shorter periods of time. 

Ya'll, I've said it time and time again, but it's worth repeating...

And I couldn't be more blessed to call these kids my students.

This class is a literal dream come true for me.

What's Up September

Happy Last Wednesday of September!  Today I am joining  Mel, Shay, and Sheaffer for their monthly What's Up Wednesday link-up party. 

 

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?

I ate pretty well this past weekend at our Staff Retreat... :)

What am I reminiscing about? 

Yesterday I wrote a post about some things I've already crossed off my Bucket List. Those items definitely had me reminiscing. Ah, what sweet memories...

If you missed that post, you can read it HERE.

What am I loving?

I've been writing/typing with my left hand. I'm still not at 100%. It still hurts a bit when I use it a lot. But hey, a little is better than none. So I'll take it :)

What have I been up to?

I loved having our Staff Retreat last weekend. It's always nice to get away for a bit. And while I did take my computer and some paperwork with me so I could do some work, I must say... It sure was nice to do that work in the AC. And I didn't do a lot of work. I read a good bit. I slept a LOT. And I got to hang out with some friends and co-workers. All in all, I'd say it was a nice getaway and just what I needed at this point in the school year.

 

What am I dreading?

We still have another couple months or so left of Hot Season. Y'all, the heat and humidity is just unreal at this time of year here in Dakar. It's so uncomfortable outside!



What am I working on?

Oh, just teaching and maybe playing a game every once in a while :)

What am I excited about?

Kids Club starts back this afternoon!!! Does it make my already crazy busy weeks even busier? Yep. Sure does... But y'all, it's so worth it - especially now that I'm not teaching elementary. I love that I'll still be able to hang out with our younger kids, get to know them better, and to pour into their lives, while teaching/sharing the love of Jesus.

We will be studying about the Beatitudes this semester. I think this unit is going to be my most favorite!

What am I watching?

Y'all... I'm typically exhausted by the time I get home from work in the evenings. So I definitely can't sit through many tv shows without falling asleep. And yes, I do totally recognize that this makes me sound so very old. But such is life :)

Anywho, the only two shows I'm watching at the moment are Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon, both of which started this week. It was the new season of Big Bang Theory and the brand new show, Young Sheldon. Honestly, they are both the perfect shows for me to watch on Tuesday evenings. They are both definitely funny. And neither one requires much thought from me while watching. So I can do some work as I watch :)

What am I reading?

I'm currently reading The Orphan's Tale by Pam Jenoff. It's a good book. It is a bit of a hard read, though, as there are some definite sad, painful parts. But I'd still recommend it.

What am I listening to?

My kiddos learned a fun song last week to help them in memorizing the days of Creation. It's sung to the tune of "This Old Man" and is super catchy and cute. :)

I bought it off of Teacherspayteachers HERE.

What am I wearing?

See the picture below. 

This is why I rarely wear my hair down during Hot Season.

What am I doing this weekend?

It's the last weekend of handball at school. So I'll probably go out and watch that. Saturday I'll be working in my classroom basically all day, catching up from being gone this past weekend on our Staff Retreat. A friend and I are going to go grab ice cream at some point on Saturday. Then on Sunday, I'll go to church, catch a nap, and then have a meeting with my fellow AG-ers in the afternoon. Then, I'm thinking by Sunday night, I'll crash :)

What am I looking forward to next month?

FINALLY being into a good routine at school - Although we have testing next week. And then the week after that will be Senegalese Appreciation Week. So getting into a "normal" routine is still a little bit of a ways off. But soon... So very soon.

What else is new?

My new student this week! 
Kids Club starts back today! 
I no longer have a free/prep period. So I must stay late every day to prep/plan.

But most of all... I'm so happy with how life is going at the moment :)

And then, each month there is a special question. 

This month's question is...

What TV show are you most excited about this Fall?

I'd say Young Sheldon. I'm excited to see how it plays out.

So what are YOU up to this month?

Reverse Bucket List

Happy Tuesday Y'all!

When I saw Andrea's Show and Tell Tuesday prompt for today, I thought it looked fun.

It's a Reverse Bucket List. Things on your bucket list you've already crossed off...

Here are mine (in no particular order)...

Getting my Master's Degree was not something originally on my bucket list. But eventually it became a goal of mine and made its way onto my list. Why? I realized that I LOVE learning and education. More specifically, I love furthering my education. So when I found out I could get my Master's almost entirely online, while living in Senegal, I jumped at the chance. And I assure you... If I could afford it, I would TOTALLY be pursuing my education further. But alas, that costs a lot of money I simply do not have. Anyone reading this know of scholarship or grant options for a teacher wanting to further her education? :)

I moved to Senegal. At 23 years old, I packed 4 suitcases, a carry-on, and a backpack, and left my family, my home, and everything familiar. Why? I followed the call God had placed on my life as a teenager. I knew God had called me into ministry and as time progressed, God furthered that calling by calling me to this continent I've grown to love. Senegal is now home. I love my life here. I love doing what God has called me to do.

I became a missionary. I am so grateful for this career God has called me to be a part of. I love this part of life. Sure it requires sacrifices, but y'all... I seriously cannot imagine doing anything else with my life.

I became a teacher. Y'all, some of my earliest memories are of me "teaching" my dolls and stuffed animals. I have ALWAYS wanted to become a teacher. So when that diploma finally hit my hand, I couldn't help but cry at this dream come true. I've now in my 9th year of teaching. I've taught students in Grades 1 - 12. I've taught General Ed., ESL, and Special Ed. I've taught over 100+ students in 3 different schools in my home state of Alabama, and also here at Dakar Academy in Senegal. I absolutely positively LOVE what I do. Teaching is my passion and my heart. And now that I'm teaching Special Education again... Ah, seriously y'all... I'm livin' the dream. I love it!

I went to London. Y'all... London is my "happy place." It's my dream vacation spot. And thanks to the generosity of a few amazingly generous people, I got to experience London a few years back. And trust me... If I could afford it, I'd most definitely go back again one day. I keep asking God to call me there. But He hasn't...yet :)

And last, but certainly not least... I became an aunt to these two beautiful little ladies. They are two of the biggest blessings God has ever given me. They have totally enriched my life in ways I can't even explain. I never knew my heart could feel such incredible love. And while I never actually put "Become an aunt." on my bucket list, I'm totally including it here because y'all... I can't imagine my life without having the title of aunt attached to my name.

Those are the things I've crossed off my bucket list already. 

Want to know what else is on my bucket list?

In no particular order...

1. Be Ordained with the Assemblies of God
2. Get married.
3. Have children (either biologically or through adoption).
4. Work in an orphanage/children's home.
5. Pay off my student loans.
6. Travel more.
7. Be truly content with my life if God chooses not to give me the last 6 items I listed. 

What about you? 

What's on your bucket list? What have you already crossed off your list?

What's In My Bag

Happy Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Happy Saturday Y'all!

I'm taking a break from some of the seriousness I have been posting here lately and instead, choosing to join Andrea and a few other bloggers in participating in her Show and Tell Tuesday link-up. 

I hadn't originally planned on posting because I totally forgot to plan for it to be ready on Tuesday. But then Andrea shifted it to Wednesday. And then I forgot again on Thursday. And yesterday, I woke up with a migraine and had no desire to do the post.

So here I am on Saturday, finally posting in the Show and Tell Tuesday link-up.

Better late than never, huh? :)

I decided to show what was in my work bag for this post.

After all, I know y'all are just dying to know ;)

So what is in my bag?

This is my current favorite tote bag. I bought it HERE on Amazon. I love elephants and bright colors. So that's what drew me to buy this bag. It's big and it has a lot of pockets. So it can hold a lot. Those points all combined make the bag a win in my book!

It held a lot of stuff. And this isn't even the usual amount it contains :)

1. Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type - a book I'll be using in my Grammar lessons this week
2. Consent form sent back by a student's parents that I grabbed out of my school mailbox, on my way home Friday
3. A notepad with a To Do List written on it (written messily since I still can't write with my left hand)
4. Task Cards for our Reading Lesson I brought home to cut out over the weekend

1. I bring my personal laptop to work on while kids are using my school laptop for online Speech Therapy. Look at that black case. It's a Vera Bradley, bought at a pharmacy back home. It originally costs $90, but I only paid $10!
2. Computer charging cord with 220v adapter attached
3. I always keep a spare 220v adapter with me.

1. Bible and Bible Study booklet
2. You Are What You Love by James K.A. Smith (our required read for work)
3. While the World Watched by Carolyn Maull McKinstry (for when I take a break every day after dismissal)

1. Lesson Plan Book
2. Planner/Calendar

1. Umbrella - Y'all, I typically hate using an umbrella. But while I had the splint on, I couldn't get it wet, and since it's currently Rainy Season here in Dakar, I had no choice. I am sooooo glad not to have to use this thing anymore :)
2. and 3. Markers and Stickers for Grading Papers (which I, ironically, forgot at school yesterday)
4. Dutch Blitz - I love this game. I can't remember why it's in my work bag, though...

1. Empty/Clean container from breakfast the day before, which I'd forgotten at school
2. M&Ms (useful for teacher's sanity saver & bribery for students) - Ha! :)
3. and 4. Random Snacks (cookies and Pringles)
5. Two packs of gum - Why 2? I have no idea... :)
6. Mints

1. Ziploc full of bandaging materials leftover from when I wore the splint - I probably should take it all back. But I've held on to it just in case... Although, I'm praying I won't need it anymore.
2. Random assortment of toiletries/meds
3. A few gallon size ziploc bags, leftover from an experiment we did in class a week or so ago

1. Wallet (which is more like a small purse)
2. Receipts from x-rays - I finally filed them on my insurance and brought them home to put away for safekeeping.
3. Leftover coin that didn't make it into my wallet 

Want to join the fun? Click HERE for more info.

September's Coffee Date

Today, I'm joining Erin for her monthly Coffee Date link-up, where bloggers come together, pretend they're on a "coffee date" with a friend and share a bit about life at the moment.

So pull up a fake chair and let's chat.

Let's be honest. Coffee's gross. Give me a cup of Dr. Pepper instead :)

If we were on a coffee date, I'd likely be drinking a Dr. Pepper. Why? Two reasons... 1) Coffee is gross. And 2) I mean, really... Is there anything better? :)

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that this chat blog post is going to start off negative. But I'd tell you not to worry, because it does get better. I promise.

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you about the blog post I wrote 8 days ago, in which I discussed a shift in perspective I'd recently experienced. If you missed that post, you can read it by clicking HERE. In that post, I talked about how, since I'd injured my wrist, God had been dealing with my heart, helping me to see the positives that had come out of a frustrating and painful situation.

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that on Monday night, I considered deleting that same blog post. You see, I sat through my Bible Study holding my arm, feeling intense pain and frustration, over "this stupid injury," as I liked to call it.

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that fear gripped my heart. I was so scared that I would end up having to have surgery on my wrist. I was scared that I would have permanent damage to my wrist. I was scared of all the "what ifs" and worst case scenarios.

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that the frustration over not being able to do my job the way I want to do it was taking it's toll on me, adding to the stress I was (am) feeling already from other various situations at work.

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that on Friday morning, during our staff prayer time, I asked for prayer for healing. You see, Friday morning, my wrist was still hurting. I was still in the splint. I was still unable to give 100% at work due to having my dominant wrist/hand/arm immobilized. I was totally, 100% overwhelmed. And I knew that the only remedy was prayer.

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that on Saturday evening, I took the splint off and noticed my arm was broken out. FYI - The ridiculous heat/humidity here in Dakar plus a wrap/splint that doesn't allow air flow is a bad combination. Anywho - I cleaned up my arm and realized there was no way I could put that splint back on. But I noticed something... My wrist could rotate right and left and not hurt. So I wrapped my wrist so it couldn't move, but left the splint off. Then I wore the sling, so there was no chance of my wrist moving more than it should.

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that a doctor examined it yesterday morning, and we realized that I could still rotate it side to side and it only hurt a tiny bit. Flexing it up and down hurt more. But even that wasn't unbearable like it was earlier this week. So we formed a new plan, of which I shared on Facebook yesterday.

 

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that I know God has started the healing process of my wrist. And just as I said in the Facebook post I shared above, I can live with a little pain. A little pain is nothing. But I'm just so over the moon excited that it appears that God is honoring the time I'd hoped I'd be healed by. How's that for coolness?! :)

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that things may not be perfect in my life. I may have a lot on my plate right now, playing catch up at work, due to working one-handed (with my non-dominant hand) causing everything to take way longer than normal. I may be feeling stress from time to time.

But if we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that taking that splint off and feeling such little pain was such a HUGE spirit lifter for me. So even if that dull pain were to stay forever, at this point, I'd say I'm fine. :)

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that I know this recover process isn't over. I know my left wrist/hand/arm is immobilized, meaning I'll still have a bit more time of working with my one (non-dominant) hand. I know there are things I'll still have to get help with. I know there'll still be pain. 

But if we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that I can so very clearly see God's hand at work in this. And that is such an incredibly amazing feeling.