tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29834158813992376812011-12-07T13:42:58.296-08:00The Elisabeth ChroniclesElisabeth was raised in church, the daughter of an Assemblies of God minister and as a young child she accepted God into her life. In 2005, while on a mission trip to South Africa, God called her to work with children in Africa.
In August 2009, Elisabeth began teaching at Dakar Academy in Dakar, Senegal (West Africa) and working with Assemblies of God missionaries, Tom and Marla McLane.Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.comBlogger891100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-40780481899459283632011-11-18T02:37:00.000-08:002011-11-18T02:37:43.197-08:00NaBloPoMo, Day 18I love this song ( my new theme song) :) I think the lyrics speak for themselves.<br /><br />"You're Not Alone" by Downhere<br /><br />You feel the isolation, slowly take a toll<br />This season of waiting, is starting to get old<br />Looking for acceptance, and aching for a home<br />So tired of trying to make it out on your own<br /><br />There's no easy answer, but one thing you should know<br /><br />You're not alone, anywhere you go<br />You're not alone, hear the voice whisper to your soul<br />A promise you can always hold:<br />You're not alone, no<br /><br />You're stuck in a dive and you've almost had enough<br />Because of what you've been through, it's difficult to trust<br />You're still barely hanging on, trying hard to fight<br />If anybody's listening, you want to know tonight<br /><br />There's no easy answer, but one thing you should know<br /><br />You're not alone, anywhere you go<br />You're not alone, hear the voice whisper to your soul<br />A promise you can always hold:<br />You're not alone, no<br /><br />You're not alone<br />You're not alone<br /><br />Reach out, don't reach within<br />I'm at the door, if you just let me in<br />Reach out for what you need<br />What you won't find in yourself, you will find in me<br /><br />You're not alone, hear the voice whisper to your soul<br />I'll never leave or let you go<br /><br />You're not alone, I'm with you to the end<br />You're not alone, I'm closer than a friend<br />You're not alone, and I'm with you to the end<br />You're not alone, closer than a friend<br />You're not alone...<br /><h4>2. The Song You Sing</h4>Black lines white pages<br />Are waiting to be filled in<br />The right notes arranged<br />Are only a beginning<br />Into the silence<br />Your spirit breathes<br />Strike up the chorus<br />And sing to Me<br /><br />I'm just words and melody<br />'Til you're here with me<br />An unfinished symphony<br />'Til you breathe in me<br />All the parts yet incomplete<br />'Til you move in me<br />Oh let me be the song you sing<br /><br />I have tried to make a life<br />But I cannot create it<br />Soaring high in solo flight<br />And I cannot sustain it<br />Voice strains chords ring out of tune<br />There's no music without you<br /><br />Oh I'm just words and melody<br />'Til you hear with me<br />An unfinished symphony<br />'Til you breathe in me<br />All the parts yet incomplete<br />'Til you move in me<br />Oh let me be the song<br />Let me be the song you sing<br /><br />I can do nothing without you<br />How I've tried it on my own<br />I have fought this all my life but<br />Now I feel it now I know<br /><br />I'm just words and melody<br />'Til you're here with me<br />An unfinished symphony<br />'Til you breathe in me<br />All the parts yet incomplete<br />'Til you move in me<br />Oh let me be the song you sing<br />Let me be the song you sing<br />Let me be the song you sing<br /><br />('Til you're here, 'til you're here with me)<br />You sing<br />('Til you breathe, 'til you breathe in me)<br />I'm just words and melody<br />('Til you move, 'til you move in me)<br />Let me be the song you sing<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-4078048189945928363?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-81207187759565519222011-11-17T15:07:00.000-08:002011-11-17T15:07:32.639-08:00NaBloPoMo Days 11 - 17NaBloPoMo is short for National Blog Posting Month and the goal is to write a blog post every day for the month of November.<br /><br />Oops. I'm just a <i>little</i> behind in my NaBloPoMo postings, huh? :) <br /><br />So, for all of my faithful readers, here are 7 random things you may not know about me (<i>in honor of the 7 days I've missed in blogging.</i>)<br /><br />1. I get queasy at the sight of loose tooth. ...<i>not great since I teach a class full of wiggly teeth owners :)</i><br /><br />2. I've just recently started liking Oreo's. ...<i>as in the past week</i>.:)<br /><br />3. Cooking is a de-stressed for me. I love it!<br /><br />4. I'm named after my grandmother.<br /><br />5. I really miss teaching Special Ed.<br /><br />6. I hate grading papers! <br /><br />7. I'm horrible at memorizing things! ...study items for exams, Bible verses, anything...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-8120718775956551922?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-61643094974662189522011-11-10T01:10:00.000-08:002011-11-10T01:10:32.122-08:00NaBloPoMo Day 10<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">NaBloPoMo is short for National Blog Posting Month and the goal is to write a blog post every day for the month of November.</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KJiGqpizL1g/TruTT7FSb9I/AAAAAAAAAVU/Lowig6RB7CU/s1600/duggars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KJiGqpizL1g/TruTT7FSb9I/AAAAAAAAAVU/Lowig6RB7CU/s320/duggars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The Duggar family announced yesterday that they are now expecting their 20th child. This family has their own show on TLC, "19 Kids and Counting" (<em>...which will obviously be changed next season</em>). I absolutely LOVE their show! It's so refreshing to watch a show where God is the focus...where there is no cursing or immoral acts going on. While, I'm not saying that I agree with everything they do, I am saying that I enjoy their show and if they want to have 20 children (<em>or more</em>), that's there business. I personally think all the people calling themselves Christian and judging the Duggars' decisions are not really acting very Christian-like, are they?<br /><br />The most frequently asked question the family is asked is, "<em>Why do you have so many children</em>?" <br /><br />(<em>...some info about the Duggars, copied from their website <a href="http://www.duggarfamily.com/">http://www.duggarfamily.com/</a>...</em>)<br /><br /><strong>Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar married July 21st, 1984. At that time, they chose to use the birth control pill. They thought, “We don’t want children right now. We can’t afford them. We want children in our timing, when we’re ready.” Four years later they decided to have their first child. Then, Michelle went back on the pill, but she conceived and had a miscarriage. At that point they talked with a Christian medical doctor and read the fine print in the contraceptives package. They found that while taking the pill you can get pregnant and then miscarry. They were grieved! They were Christians! They were pro-life! They realized that their selfish actions had taken the life of their child. <span><span>They prayed and asked God to forgive them, and to teach them to love children like He loves children. They asked God to bless them with as many children as He saw fit in His timing. </span></span></strong><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-6164309497466218952?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-52845172586837877922011-11-09T08:51:00.000-08:002011-11-09T08:51:21.896-08:00NaBloPoMo, Day 9<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">NaBloPoMo is short for National Blog Posting Month and the goal is to write a blog post every day for the month of November.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U0i1xIUPTsM/TrmXcv2jppI/AAAAAAAAAVM/0ToCxDI8dI8/s1600/stress+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U0i1xIUPTsM/TrmXcv2jppI/AAAAAAAAAVM/0ToCxDI8dI8/s320/stress+picture.jpg" width="279px" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Do you ever feel like the guy in this picture? Do you feel like you have the stress of the world resting on your shoulders? Do you feel like you've got so much going on that you can't seem to catch your breath? Do you lie awake at night, unable to sleep, stressing about the things going on in your life?</span><br /><br />If so... welcome to my world. :)<br /><br />I have lately been feeling so incredibly overwhelmed by stress. I have been feeling like I'm just like the guy in the picture. I feel like I have so many things to do, so many people expecting so many things from me, that I have the weight of the whole world on my shoulders. <br /><br />However, I'm trying to remember these three things...<br /><br />1) My God is bigger than any problem I'm facing.<br />2) My God will not give me more than I can handle.<br />3) My God is in control.<br /><br />Isn't it great to know that God's in control? :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-5284517258683787792?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-5200298687557932422011-11-08T09:19:00.000-08:002011-11-08T09:19:01.195-08:00NaBloPoMo, Day 8<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">NaBloPoMo is short for National Blog Posting Month and the goal is to write a blog post every day for the month of November. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vg75zO_5EZc/TrlkBtQu6uI/AAAAAAAAAVE/G_3rfGG--9Q/s1600/senegal+map.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vg75zO_5EZc/TrlkBtQu6uI/AAAAAAAAAVE/G_3rfGG--9Q/s320/senegal+map.gif" width="290" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">At my school this week, we're having Senegalese Awareness Week. All week we're experiencing various aspects of Senegalese culture. This is what our schedule looks like. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Monday - no school (Muslim holiday)</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Tuesday - chapel service with a missionary and a drum (djembe) demonstration</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Wednesday - field trips to cultural locations & a traditional Senegalese meal</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Thursday - Senegalese games, Senegalese art demonstrations</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Friday - lunch and soccer game with the boys of a Talibe center, concert, and wrestling demonstration</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">And now for your reading pleasure... Here are 3 facts about the country I now call home. :)</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">1. The capital of Senegal is Dakar (<i>where I live</i>). Dakar is the westernmost city in Africa.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">2. Senegal is bordered by five (5) different countries - <i>Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, and The Gambia.</i></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">3. Approximately 95% of Senegalese people are Muslim. The first president of Senegal was Catholic. </span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-520029868755793242?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-64958430687358337282011-11-07T00:44:00.000-08:002011-11-07T00:44:38.436-08:00NaBloPoMo, Day 7<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">NaBloPoMo is short for National Blog Posting Month and the goal is to write a blog post every day for the month of November. </span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I_jI1MNAiok/TreYbGbp9iI/AAAAAAAAAU8/xU6kGPfxyhU/s1600/tabaski+ram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I_jI1MNAiok/TreYbGbp9iI/AAAAAAAAAU8/xU6kGPfxyhU/s320/tabaski+ram.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> common site in Senegal - People have to be creative about how they get their rams home for Tabaski. :)</span></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Day 7 - Today, I'm thankful that Jesus was sacrificed for me once and for all, because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. (Heb. 10.4)</span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Today is Tabaski (...known as </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Eid in other countries). This is one of the most important holidays to Muslims, where they celebrate the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, who God replaced with a ram, thus sparing his life. Muslims will celebrate by sacrificing a ram to symbolize their obedience to Allah and then will distribute the meat to family, neighbors, and the poor, and will then have a large celebratory feast with their families.</span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Please join me in praying for Muslims around the world. Pray that God will reveal the truth to them. Pray that their hearts, minds, and ears will be open to Christianity, the love of the one true God, and the true path to salvation (</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">...not good works, but rather the blood of Jesus Christ.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">)</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-6495843068735833728?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-41280117666733454752011-11-07T00:22:00.000-08:002011-11-07T00:46:17.274-08:00NaBloPoMo, Day 6 (posted a day late thanks to brown outs most of the day)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">NaBloPoMo is short for National Blog Posting Month and the goal is to write a blog post every day for the month of November. </span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT5l5HkJSfM/TrbkisDo9iI/AAAAAAAAAU0/9k_6-SuVGqw/s1600/386368_297357900282417_100000246285303_1187433_1469078782_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT5l5HkJSfM/TrbkisDo9iI/AAAAAAAAAU0/9k_6-SuVGqw/s1600/386368_297357900282417_100000246285303_1187433_1469078782_n.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">When you're born in Alabama, you have to make a choice - Alabama or Auburn. You can't cheer for both teams. And if you don't choose people look at you like you've totally lost your mind. People live for Alabama (<i>or Auburn</i>) football. Some people plan their lives, birthday parties, even weddings around football games. </span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Yesterday was a big game for Alabama. They played LSU. It was a sad day for dear ol' BAMA, as they lost to the Tigers. I didn't find out the results 'til the next day because I didn't feel the need to stay up until 4 a.m. to find out. (...<i>There's a</i><i> 6 hour time difference</i>)</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">When I went on Facebook, though, I noticed a lot of people had updated their statuses (<i>sp?</i>) to discuss how loyal they are to the boys wearing crimson and white. I didn't count, but I know there were a lot of people posting about it.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">So my question was... Do those same people spend as much time talking about their loyalty to God or their love and admiration to God, that they spend talking about their loyalty, love, and admiration of BAMA football? </span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">I'm not trying to criticize anyone. It just made me think a little.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Hmm... makes you think...</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-4128011766673345475?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-20736128031637051582011-11-05T13:44:00.000-07:002011-11-05T13:44:07.891-07:00NaBloPoMo, Days 1 - 5NaBloPoMo is short for National Blog Posting Month and the goal is to write a blog post every day for the month of November. Since I was feeling Blogger Remorse for not writing as faithfully as I "should," I thought I'd give this a try. :)<br /><br />Post 1-5 (in one post...)<br /><br />In keeping with the "5 Theme" (...<i>5 posts in one</i>)<br /><br />5 People that Inspire Me...<br />1) God<br />2) my mom<br />3) my dad<br />4) Helen Keller<br />5) Temple Grandin<br /><br />5 Bible Verses I Love...<br />1) Psalm 34:3<br />2) Philippians 4:16<br />3) Matthew 28:19<br />4) Jeremiah 29:11<br />5) 1 Timothy 4:12<br /><br />5 Foods I Love...<br />1) grilled hamburger<br />2) salad<br />3) bacon<br />4) french fries<br />4) ...pretty much anything Mexican<br /><br />5 TV Shows I Like...<br />1) 19 Kids and Counting<br />2) Psych<br />3) Bones<br />4) Lie to Me<br />5) Last Man Standing<br /><br />5 Awesome Places I've Visited...<br />1) South Africa<br />2) Paris, France<br />3) Florence, Italy<br />4) Gran Canaria, Canary Islands<br />5) Dakar, Senegal<br /><br />5 Dreams for the Future...<br />1) get married<br />2) have children<br />3) work with my family on the mission field<br />4) work in/run an orphanage<br />5) have someone (family, friend) visit me in Senegal :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-2073612803163705158?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-34347164615194602742011-11-05T12:45:00.000-07:002011-11-05T12:50:15.434-07:00Hi. My name's Elisabeth and I'm a Blog Forgetterer.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hi. My Name's Elisabeth and I'm a Blog Forgetterer (</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">...fyi - I know that's not a word.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">)</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I haven't posted anything in a LONG LONG LONG time. There's no big excuse. ...well, I guess there is. I've been crazy busy, but I think things may have finally slowed down enough I can join the blogosphere again. :) </span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">P.S. To all my faithful readers, thanks for sticking it out and reading The Elisabeth Chronicles. The ego boost you give me is nice. :)</span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial, 'Times New Roman', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-3434716461519460274?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-73585051378369498142011-05-28T15:03:00.000-07:002011-05-28T15:03:05.033-07:00Water<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJDSZ9EaN5o/TeFuUbSfv1I/AAAAAAAAAUw/e4mijDczEHc/s1600/styro-foam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJDSZ9EaN5o/TeFuUbSfv1I/AAAAAAAAAUw/e4mijDczEHc/s200/styro-foam.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>My new "office" is the next to last booth in the McDonald's where my mom works. I come with her, pay 22 cents for a large cup of water, and stay all day working on teacher work, school work, and missions work.<br /><br />Today I was looking at my cup and saw where it said, <i>"Get quenched.</i>" And it got me thinking. I get the large, styrofoam cup full of ice cold water because 1) I want it to stay cold longer and 2) I'm thirsty. I need something to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">quench</span> my thirst.<br /><br />John 4:10 says, <i>Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."</i><br /><i><br /></i><br />We, as humans, need water. We need it both physically and spiritually. The problem with physical nourishment is that this food and water only quenches our hunger and thirst for a short time and soon we're left wanting more. The living water that we need to quench the thirst of the soul is different, though. It is permanent. In God, we have a spring of living water flowing down and forever quenching our thirst.<br /><br />But here's the kicker. God's not like the automatic drink dispensing machine at McDonald's. We have to ask God for his living water. God created us with the ability to make choices. We have to choose to serve Him. We have to choose to ask for this living water.<br /><br /><i>Are you letting God quench your thirst today?</i><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><!--EndFragment--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-7358505137836949814?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-88253090106923452462011-05-28T14:46:00.000-07:002011-05-28T14:46:21.466-07:00Catch-up TimeThe last post I wrote was almost 2 months ago, on April 2nd. I've been crazy busy and a lot has happened, like...<br /><br />C25K "training" - I was doing pretty well while in Dakar. Then I came back to the U.S. and got a little behind. It was so hard to get back in the swing of things, but I did. I've found two different places to go running in town and one in the town where I'll be taking French classes in July. And I'll be running a 5K in late July. I'm not totally positive of the date since I haven't made up my mind on which race I want to run.<br /><br />Travel - I was scheduled to leave Dakar June 3 heading back to the U.S., but in late April, I received that my dad was placed in the hospital for another emergency surgery (which then turned into 4 surgeries in a little over a week's time). I spent a lot of time in prayer and seeking advice from my mission supervisors, school administration, my family, and most importantly with my Jesus. And I truly felt it was God's will that I leave early to help my dad with driving, emotional support, and care, and to help my parents move into their new house. Therefore I left on May 4th and after 2 fairly short layovers, I landed in Atlanta. I spent the night with my aunt, uncle, and cousin, and rode with my aunt to sweet home Alabama the next day, arriving at my dad's school around lunch time.<br /><br />My Dad - In early February, my dad had a heart attack. Then a month later, he had another one. Then, a month after that, he is taken to the hospital with severe stomach pain, later to be diagnosed as peritonitis (severe infection in the peritoneal cavity). He was in the hospital for 8 days with that, had 4 surgeries in a little over a week's time. He did go home from the hospital and went back to work. This time has been the hardest in my life. It's been so hard being so far away from my family, especially while my dad is in pain, severely sick, in the hospital, and fighting for his life. My dad is definitely my hero and to know that my hero was hurting and I couldn't be there was absolutely awful! But with all that said, he is so much better now. He still has a lot of restrictions, no heavy lifting (well nothing over like 10lbs). He gets tired pretty easily. He has to watch eating certain foods. But, he's ALIVE. He's at HOME. And he can do anything he did before this ordeal, just modified a little. :)<br /><br />Tornado - On April 27, the state of Alabama (and other states too) was affected by the worst series of tornados in a long, long time. The death toll rose to well over 200. People lost their family members, friends, homes, pets, businesses, vehicles, and some even lost their hope. It was such a sad, sad day for my home state.<br /><br />Moving - My parents moved to their new house this week. They chose to move for 3 reasons. 1) They're now be closer to my dad's doctors. 2) They're now closer to my mom's job. She works night/closing shift a lot and the thought of her driving a long distance in the pitch black dark wasn't nice. 3) They're now closer to their church, The Journey, which will be starting on June 12.<br /><br />Working - I left Dakar 1 month before school dismissed for the summer. Therefore, along with the typical travel items in my suitcase, I'd packed curriculum mapping, lesson planning sheets, copies of important pages from my teacher's editions, and a flash drive full of important documents to fill out this summer. Since arriving in Alabama, my new "office" has been an empty desk in my dad's classroom ('til school got out last week) and now the next to last booth in McDonald's (where my mom works) thanks to their free (fast) wi-fi. :) I come armed with my backpack, computer, all necessary papers and books, and 22cents for a large cup of water in a styrofoam cup (<i>because it keeps the water cold longer</i>).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-8825309010692345246?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-26424496516366187792011-04-02T15:11:00.000-07:002011-04-02T15:11:35.724-07:00C25KI'm thinking about starting a new exercise/diet program...<br /><br />C25K = Couch to 5K ... basically you go from being a couch potato to running a 5K in 3 months. I'm past the couch potato phase since I've already started my own "program." I would definitely have to change what I'm doing. But it would totally be worth it. Now I just have to find a 5K near me in July. <i>I'll be in Alabama then...if anyone has any ideas. :)</i><br /><i><br /></i><br />Cons...<br /><br /><br /><ul><li>I'd have to (ugh!) wake up even earlier or walk at night in the dark, since I would rather go walk/jog/run/whatever when my "track" is clear... (<i>I currently go and walk around the soccer field at school. Kids have to be in by 8, so I'd either have to go at 8 p.m. or go in the morning before school if I don't want an "audience."</i>)</li><li>I'd have to spend more time in food prep, meal planning, etc. <i>School starts back tomorrow and we only have 1 off day (Easter Monday) between now and the last day of school which means I'm going to already be busy, busy, busy.</i></li><li>I'd have to give up pretty much all yummy non-healthy foods. <i>...Ok, so this wouldn't be as big of a deal, but still...Living in a place that has yummy (chocolate) pastries pretty much everywhere is nice... :)</i></li></ul><div>Pros...</div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>I'd get in better shape.</li><li>I'd lose weight.</li><li>I'd be able to fit into smaller clothes. ...<i>FYI, I've already lost some and can fit into my "old" jeans so YAY for a little progress! :)</i></li><li>I'd have a goal to work towards.</li><li>I'd be proud of myself...<i>in a non-sinful prideful way, of course. :)</i></li></ul><div>Ok...so the PROS outweigh the CONS. Now to just do it...</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe I'll be like The Little Engine that Could. <i>...I think I can. I think I can...</i></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-2642449651636618779?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-80743655718563044042011-03-26T16:23:00.000-07:002011-03-27T01:12:15.605-07:003 Way Tie<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I'm sure you're asking yourself...<i>What's a 3-way tie? </i>Let me tell ya...</div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">It's a 3-way tie as to which areas of my life need to be changed. So, I'm starting tomorrow with...</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1. Physical Change - Of course I want to lose weight/inches, but past that...I want to get in shape. I want to feel better about myself and just plain, feel better. </div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">2. Spiritual Change - I read my Bible, pray, and do my devotions every day. I talk to God. I praise Him. BUT I don't do enough. After all, He's my SAVIOR. He died on the cross for me, for pete's sake. Would it kill me to give Him more than just the "<i>typical</i>" amount of time spent on each. </div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">3. Emotional Change - This has been a hard year. I've had a lot of (<i>major</i>) stuff happening with my family back in the States. I've taken a super full load of grad school and A/G licensing classes. We've had the most ridiculous amount of power cuts! Seriously...like this week we've had 1 full week of power. I really don't think that's happened since I got back in August. And I'm teaching a new grade this year with a (<i>loving, amazing, but...</i>) challenging class with such an incredibly wide-range of ability levels and needs. Needless to say, I've been super worried or stressed a lot!</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">So... Here's what I'm going to do. <i>...and for all of you out there in blogger land wondering why I'm posting this... It's because I need to hold myself accountable. If I post it for the world to see (and by world, I mean the 3 or 4 people that actually read this...), I'll be more likely to stick with it.</i></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br /></i></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1. Physical Change -- I'm going to start exercising more. I'm going to walk 30-45 minutes around the track at school AT LEAST 5 days a week. I'm going to eat better and do better with portion control. I'm not going to totally deny myself of all things sweet and salty :)...I'm just going to do so in moderation. I'm going to only allow myself to have coke 1 day a week (<i>...this is my biggie</i>). I'm going to have one "splurge" day, but still within moderation. I'm going to eat breakfast (<i>...which I HATE</i>) and try to eat 3 small snacks a day. I'm going to plan my meals on the weekend, so when I go to the store on Mondays I'll not buy JUNK. I've asked my roommate and another friend to help me. We're going to all 3 work together and keep each other accountable to all this stuff. </div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">2. Spiritual Change -- I'm going to <i>(gasp!</i>) wake up an hour earlier in the morning. I'm going to get up, get my shower, fix my breakfast, and do more than just read my Bible and quickly read my devotion and pray. I'm going to spend time studying the Word more deeply. I'm going to read books that have a Biblical application to my life. I'm going to tackle this like I do a class. I'm going to become a better student of Jesus.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">3. Emotional Change -- I'm a big worrier. I stress a lot too. ...which I know is wrong. God should be in control of my life (and my emotions). ...not me! So, I'm going to change my outlook on life. I'm going to try and look for the good in all situations, even when it's hard. I'm going to purposely look for "God things" throughout my day...you know, the little things that just remind you that God's right there with you. :) I'm going to journal my feelings more instead of keeping them all bottled up inside. And here's the biggie...I'm going to try my absolute hardest to stop comparing myself to others...to the missionaries that do more work with the nationals. ...to my friends that are skinnier than me. ...to teachers that are better than me. ...to Christians that know the Word better than me. I'm going to worry about numero uno...<i> after God, of course. </i>:)</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">It all starts tomorrow. I'm setting little goals for myself. </div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1. June 4th, 2011 - ...my cousin's wedding. I want to have lost enough weight to wow my family. ...P.S. I am not planning to steal her thunder AT ALL though. Please don't think that.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">2. August 3, 2011 - ...the day I land back in Dakar. I want to have lost enough weight/inches that I can buy some cute, smaller (<i>inexpensive of course since I totally don't make the big bucks</i>) clothes to come back to Dakar with :)</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">3. September, 2011 - ...our Staff Retreat and the dreaded time to be in a swimsuit in front of almost all of my co-workers...<i>eek!</i></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">4. March 27, 2012 - ...one year from tomorrow ... I want to have gotten down to my goal size.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">So in all seriousness, pray for me. Pray that I kick my butt in gear. Pray that I stick to my plan. And pray that I see results! :)</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-8074365571856304404?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-81085107832947727692011-03-25T12:45:00.000-07:002011-03-25T12:45:40.364-07:00Confessions<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">I confess... that I've gone through a wide range of emotions/feelings today. ... sad, excited, lonely, homesick<i> (yes, that counts)</i>, fear, nervousness, boredom, hopeful, and happy.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">I confess... I miss going to work. I miss (gasp!) waking up at 5:30 every morning, getting ready, working on plans, and then being at work by 7(<i>ish</i>). And most of all, I miss those 10 hyperactive kiddos that make my life so incredibly fun!</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">I confess... I HATE sitting at home all day. It was nice for the first 2 days of Spring Break and then boredom crept in. I want to get out. I want to go do the things that I can't normally do because I work during the week.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">I confess... I don't like going places by myself. To be such an independent person, I really do like people around me. (<i>shocking, I know</i>) ...which is why the confession above is hard for me. I don't really want to do those things I want to do because I'd be by myself. (<i>I'm weird. I know.</i>)</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">I confess... I love wearing pajamas. I come home from work and put on pj pants. If I go to town, the minute I get home, I change into pj pants. Seriously...I'm most comfy in comfy pj pants. (...<i>because who would be comfy in "non-comfy" pants. ...good one, I know.</i>) </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">I confess... I am a big procrastinator. I will wait 'til the last minute to get things done. ...not always a good thing. BUT I totally kicked procrastination in the rear this week and worked ahead on a lot of my grad school and A/G licensing classes. (<i>Take that procrastination!!</i>)</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">I confess... I'm out of shape and want/need to lose weight. And I'm starting on a new "change of life plan" Monday. <i>(There. I said it in a public forum...which means I'll hopefully stick to it. I'm giving myself 6 months to kick my rear in shape.</i>) ..........<i>P.S. Notice I didn't use the word "diet." If I use the "d" word, I'll totally not do it.</i></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 5px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 6px;">I confess... I could totally use French more often than I do. But if someone's with me that can speak French better then me, I totally let them handle it. It's like my crutch.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 6px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 3px;">I confess... I miss drive-thru restaurants. Seriously, people ask me what food I miss the most. It's not a food. It's the drive-thrus. Why? ...convenience, super-quickness (<i>like that word?</i>), and nice tall styrofoam cups filled with ice I can actually eat! </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 6px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 4px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 8px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 6px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br /><div><br /></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div id="lws_2"><div class="linkwithin_outer" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="linkwithin_inner" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 358px;"></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-8108510783294772769?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-28202221132147958342011-03-25T08:15:00.000-07:002011-03-25T08:15:39.985-07:00I've become one of THOSE...Yep, it's true...<br /><br />I've become one of <i>THOSE</i>... You know, one of those people that follow EVERYONE's blogs. Yep, that's me. :)<br /><br />Ok, so maybe I've exaggerated a little, but still...I just realized that I follow a lot of people's blogs. Most of them are people I know, but some aren't like...<br /><br /><a href="http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/">The Journey</a><br /><a href="http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/">The Nie Nie Dialogues</a><br /><a href="http://miraclemason.blogspot.com/">Miracle Mason</a><br /><a href="http://iamyourpancreas.blogspot.com/">I am your Pancreas - (This blogger is a mom of a child with Type 1 Diabetes, hence the title.)</a><br /><a href="http://www.pink-moss.com/">Pink Moss</a><br /><a href="http://thelarsonlingo.blogspot.com/">The Larson Lingo</a><br /><br />...just to name a few.<br /><br />...and these don't even count the blogs of people I do know.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-2820222113214795834?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-47260909433971409642011-03-23T17:06:00.000-07:002011-03-23T17:06:27.036-07:00RandomnessMy mind is a great big bowl of randomness right now. How's that for a description? :) Anyways...instead of this being a one-thought post, I thought I'd list out the random thoughts I'm having right now. So without further ado, here is your portion of my randomness...<br /><br />1. I am so very happy that I FINALLY caught up on my grad school work. I've been a little behind for the past month or so ever since some stuff happened with my family and it's just been building and building slowly by slowly. But tonight I finally caught up! YAY! :) And not only did I get caught up on my overdue tasks, I also worked ahead some and finished things due for the next 2 weeks! So double YAY! :)<br /><br />2. I went walking around the field at school tonight with my roomie. Can I just say... I absolutely positively HATE going. I dread it. I grumble and complain to myself. But then it's like magic...I start walking and begin feeling GREAT! Then when I'm finished I feel totally AWESOME! I love it! Is that weird? Am I the only person like that...who absolutely dreads the thought of working out but absolutely loves the feeling afterwards?<br /><br />3. I went to the fabric market with some friends today and found 4 (yes, 4!) different styles of fabric I like...for AWESOME prices, I might add! :) That never happens, so YAY! :) And I already have a dress style in mind I want 3 of them made into and I'm going to venture out of my normal outfit making realm and get (wait for it...) pants! (big gasp!) I know...I said I wouldn't ever do that out of African fabric, but you know...I'm really liking the long shirt/tunic look, so I think I'm going to do it. :)<br /><br />4. I bought a pair of Chanel sunglasses today...and only paid about $3 for them! :) ...P.S. They were total knock-offs, but hey, who cares? :)<br /><br />5. I just got an email from someone that hurt my feelings. I really want to call my mom and cry "on her shoulder," but I'm trying to be a big girl about it. :(<br /><br />6. I miss having a balcony. Honestly, that's the only thing I miss about living on the third floor of my building. I wish I could just sit outside, read a book, feel the wind blowing, and just enjoy relaxing outside. But alas, our one outside place is a small courtyard with really high walls and above the walls are other people's apartments and clotheslines, so it's totally not fun to sit out there... Maybe I'll go up to the roof and sit up there... I don't know though. Is it really worth it to go up those 4 flights of stairs? :)<br /><br />7. I've been making a list of things to do in my classroom next week. I'm so excited to rearrange my room and get lots of new fun activities set up! I think my kids are going to LOVE it! :)<br /><br />8. I'm worried about my dad. I know he says he's doing ok, but I'm worried. And before anyone preaches to me, I KNOW! I know I shouldn't worry. I know I should give it all to God. I know that. Trust me. ...but you know, that's easier said than done sometimes...<br /><br />9. It's 12:05 a.m. here right now. That means it's WAY WAY WAY past my bedtime. Therefore, Elisabeth is now signing off. Goodnight Blog World. :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-4726090943397140964?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-77865561190671635252011-03-23T03:31:00.004-07:002011-03-23T03:31:42.472-07:00Spring Break Reading<!--StartFragment--> <br /><div class="MsoNormal">Spring Break Reading…<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve always loved to read. I still do. I just don’t have time for it much anymore, other than the required readings for grad school, A/G licensing classes, and teaching. So I made plans to do a lot of FUN reading over Spring Break. Here’s my list…<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Little Women<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Little Men<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Crimson Tide<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Life of Pi<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Three Cups of Tea<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Daughters of Islam<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Mere Christianity<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>The Foolishness of God: A Linguist Looks at the Mystery of Tongues <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Teach Like Your Hair’s on Fire<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Teaching Students with ADHD (…and yes, this is fun for me)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What are you reading?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph"><br /></div><!--EndFragment--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-7786556119067163525?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-9392279948596730152011-03-23T03:31:00.000-07:002011-03-23T16:46:13.676-07:00“Everyone eats and drinks, but few appreciate taste.” Confucius (551-479 BC)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre;">Post 1 of my 5 Senses Posts...Sense of Taste</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre;">“Everyone eats and drinks, but few appreciate taste.” Confucius (551-479 BC)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MSlxy8j_0qA/TYnIlx2LmvI/AAAAAAAAATc/ib-5kwrTqoE/s1600/cafffreedtmtndew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MSlxy8j_0qA/TYnIlx2LmvI/AAAAAAAAATc/ib-5kwrTqoE/s320/cafffreedtmtndew.jpg" width="188" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">I absolutely LOVE this drink...caffeine free diet mountain dew ... liquid gold, I tell you, liquid gold! :)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1CPEyw0EALo/TYnIpZlS2AI/AAAAAAAAATg/Kaysjkq5_RI/s1600/candy-cane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1CPEyw0EALo/TYnIpZlS2AI/AAAAAAAAATg/Kaysjkq5_RI/s320/candy-cane.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">...my favorite holiday treat - candy canes </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QfTY9SI3Pc4/TYnIttJavVI/AAAAAAAAATk/HtTb4wAGQTs/s1600/cathy7302-vip-blog-com-657393Almonds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QfTY9SI3Pc4/TYnIttJavVI/AAAAAAAAATk/HtTb4wAGQTs/s1600/cathy7302-vip-blog-com-657393Almonds.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almonds</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YUGqj-5Jxe8/TYnIvO2zqeI/AAAAAAAAATo/94y8lJV1g6Y/s1600/chef%2527s+salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YUGqj-5Jxe8/TYnIvO2zqeI/AAAAAAAAATo/94y8lJV1g6Y/s320/chef%2527s+salad.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Salads = Yum! I could eat salad 3 times a day and not get tired of it! :)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cIC6QJb3Pvg/TYnIzw-RLcI/AAAAAAAAATs/WIkecRNbJfs/s1600/French_fries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cIC6QJb3Pvg/TYnIzw-RLcI/AAAAAAAAATs/WIkecRNbJfs/s320/French_fries.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">French Fries are definitely my biggest comfort food item. I love them! ...I guess it's a good thing I don't live in the US then, since I'd totally be at the drive thru getting these way too much if I was! :)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--iDb3DlL68E/TYnI2P5beII/AAAAAAAAATw/AhGnOymI2z8/s1600/grilled+burger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--iDb3DlL68E/TYnI2P5beII/AAAAAAAAATw/AhGnOymI2z8/s320/grilled+burger.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grilled Hamburger...my absolute most favorite food!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--SMwG4E9-wA/TYnI6Ky4t7I/AAAAAAAAAT0/F5_ENf4ccN4/s1600/keylimepie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--SMwG4E9-wA/TYnI6Ky4t7I/AAAAAAAAAT0/F5_ENf4ccN4/s1600/keylimepie.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Key Lime Pie...my favorite dessert!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Q2_BNEQ1njg/TYnJBSwdIII/AAAAAAAAAT4/M2Z7BMli72A/s1600/PB+m%2526m.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Q2_BNEQ1njg/TYnJBSwdIII/AAAAAAAAAT4/M2Z7BMli72A/s320/PB+m%2526m.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peanut Butter M&M's...my favorite candy!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eNNdOJet9jw/TYnJC9GVmsI/AAAAAAAAAT8/_LrMaRQ6S1I/s1600/Pecan-Pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eNNdOJet9jw/TYnJC9GVmsI/AAAAAAAAAT8/_LrMaRQ6S1I/s320/Pecan-Pie.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pecan Pie...how can you be from the south and NOT like this yummy goodness? :)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bWDC3jGAej4/TYnJEcszV1I/AAAAAAAAAUA/t9-dcJT8jP4/s1600/taco_bell_logo_2934.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bWDC3jGAej4/TYnJEcszV1I/AAAAAAAAAUA/t9-dcJT8jP4/s1600/taco_bell_logo_2934.gif" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">...my favorite restaurant...I like pretty much everything from Taco Bell! ...which presents yet another reason why it's probably good that I don't live in the US. :)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-939227994859673015?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-28314982650619813632011-03-11T12:51:00.000-08:002011-03-11T12:51:48.231-08:00Today I am...Outside my window... There are kids playing. One's African. One's Middle Eastern. They are giggling and talking and having what looks like a really fun time.<br /><br />I am thinking... about how I really should be studying, but am not since my brain really needs a break.<br /><br />I am thankful for... electricity. I will never again take electricity for granted.<br /><br />I am eating... nothing. I'm full from the salad bar, corn dog, and peanut butter m&m's from Junior Carnival tonight :)<br /><br />I am wearing... jeans. PTL for Jeans Friday! :)<br /><br />I am wishing... that the electricity situation in Dakar would get better, but it doesn't seem likely.<br /><br />Tomorrow I am... going to be studying ALL day for my midterm, barring a short break somewhere in there for sanity's sake. :)<br /><br />I am reading... all about the fun-filled world of Multicultural Education. Seriously, this exam is consuming my every free moment (outside of teaching and lesson planning of course).<br /><br />I am hoping... that I can get a good night's sleep tonight. I've forgotten what that's like.<br /><br />I am hearing... nothing at the moment. It's almost "too" quiet...<br /><br />I am looking forward to... being done with my midterm this weekend.<br /><br />I am dreaming of... the future.<br /><br />I am not liking... the incredibly AWFUL power cuts we've been having. Having an average of 4 to 6 hours of electricity a day is a big huge PAIN, just so you know...<br /><br />A few plans for the week ahead... midterm, 4 page paper, grading, report cards, parent-teacher conferences, spring break...and hopefully some sleep somewhere in there<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-2831498265061981363?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-53859847808606878742011-02-14T10:23:00.000-08:002011-02-14T10:23:11.075-08:00Honestly speaking...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><div style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">After seeing a similar post on a friend's blog, I started to think about the things that we often hide from one another. God’s been dealing with me on honesty. I tend to hide things from everyone. I don’t let people see the “real me” per se. So here goes… total honesty about yours truly.</div><div style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">To tell you the truth...</div><ul style="list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 25px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 0px;"><li>Contrary to what people believe – due to my frequent FB status updates – :) I don’t like sharing my feelings. In fact, I absolutely HATE doing so. I would rather keep everything bottled up inside and let it “eat away” at me than share it with someone else, whether that be family, friends, whoever.</li></ul><ul style="list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 25px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 0px;"><li>I have a really close friend here in Dakar. …probably (no definitely) the closest friend I’ve ever had. This is such new territory for me. We moved so much growing up (like every 1 ½ years or so) that as soon as I’d get close to a friend, we’d move again. Because of that, I developed this fear of getting too close to someone. And as a result of said fear, I tend to push people away when I see that happening. But I don’t want to lose the closest friend I have just because of my insecurities and fears.</li></ul><ul style="list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 25px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 0px;"><li>I’m not a hugger. If you want to hug me, fine, but don’t expect me to come up and hug you. It’s nothing personal. I just don’t go around giving out hugs. I’m not a good sympathizer (is that the right word?) either. I feel extremely awkward in situations where people are hurting and crying, etc. I tense up. I don’t know what to say. I don’t know what to do. Therefore I usually leave the room. *<em>P.S. I do write notes to people. I do offer encouragement that way. So I’m not totally heartless. :)</em></li><li>I despise darkness. I slept with a nightlight in my room even through college. I just HATE the dark. …ironic since I now live in a place where the power’s off more than it’s on most of the time.</li></ul><ul style="list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 25px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 0px;"><li>I’m 25. It bugs me when people say things like… “<em>You’re still young. I didn’t get married ‘til I was X years old.</em>” or “<em>Maybe God just wants you to be single.”</em> or any other variations of those phrases… Don’t get me wrong. I’m happy with my life right now. I’m enjoying being my own person, doing what I want, when I want (mostly), and not having to worry about someone else. But I would like to get married. I truly want God’s will in my life and I truly believe that He has someone out there for me. I really just don’t think God would let me keep wishing and hoping and wanting for this to happen, just to have me be single for the rest of my life. After all, my absolute biggest fear is that I’ll never get married.</li></ul><ul style="list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 25px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 0px;"><li>I get incredibly nervous speaking in front of people (well, in front of adults). I will worry so much about it that I will literally get sick before I go up to speak. It never fails. But put me in front of a group of kids and I’m fine. :)</li></ul><ul style="list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 25px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 0px;"><li>I’m insecure in my status as a missionary. I’ve had “well-meaning” people tell me that I’m not really a missionary, that I’m just a teacher. …and this has come from people both on and off the mission field. I want to say, <em>Don’t you realize the mission field that is my classroom? You don’t see the Muslim girl I pray with every day…the one begging for a Bible to take home, even though we all know Mommy and Daddy wouldn’t approve…the one praying that her family would know Jesus since, in her words, He loves everyone even when they’re bad…the one that sits quietly and attentively through every Bible lesson, soaking it all in. </em>No. They don’t see all of that.</li><div></div></ul></span></span></span><span id="goog_1002403442"></span><span id="goog_1002403443"></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-5385984780860687874?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-24535567239751238232011-01-08T06:35:00.000-08:002011-01-08T06:35:07.908-08:0011 in 2011<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2e210c; font-family: 'century gothic'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We are 8 days into the year 2011, so I thought I would finally blog my New Years Resolutions.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Yes, I am "one of those" people who does New Years Resolutions. I sometimes wonder why I do them because it seems as if I've totally failed at most of them every year, but here's hoping that 2011 will be different.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, instead of calling them Resolutions this year, I am calling them "Hopes," since I <b><i>hope</i></b> I follow through with these Resolutions/Hopes. :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>1. Read the entire Bible (again). </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2. Fit in fitness. </b><br /><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>3. Get organized...home, teaching, grad school classes, Berean classes, etc.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>4. Read more books.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>5. Be more confident in speaking French. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>6. Get better in French. I'm not able to take classes right now, but I can at least practice more at home...practice more with the local shop owners, church members, random people I meet on the street. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>7. Limit coke. <i>I'm not saying <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">completely</span> cut it out...just limit it. :)</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>8. Journal more.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>9. Eat better.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>10. Manage/Eliminate stress. <i>I know Christians shouldn't be stressed about things. We've got God on our side after all, but this is something I struggle with a lot. </i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>11. Get more sleep. </b></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-2453556723975123823?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-8445362860170392612010-11-08T06:14:00.000-08:002010-11-08T06:14:04.992-08:00My New Weapon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TNgFEt9I0oI/AAAAAAAAASU/-DrNr4SqgO4/s1600/zapper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TNgFEt9I0oI/AAAAAAAAASU/-DrNr4SqgO4/s1600/zapper.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This, my friends, is a great invention. It is my weapon in Battle Mosquito. I love it!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-844536286017039261?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-2606078163623655092010-11-08T03:21:00.000-08:002010-11-08T03:21:00.177-08:00I'm a teacher...I'm a teacher, so I must...<br /><ul><li>simply baby-sit a bunch of kids all day.</li><li>watch kids color or write their ABC's all day. </li><li>only work from 7:55 to 3:00 M-F.</li><li>be able to have every night and weekend free.</li><li>teach lessons directly from the teacher's edition of texbooks.</li><li>have lots of planning time when my students are in other classes.</li><li>have free time during the school day while my students are working independently.</li></ul>ummm...NOT!<br /><br />Teaching is rewarding. That's true. But teaching is hard work. I have 9 lessons to plan each day (Math, Science, Social Studies, Reading, English, Spelling, Phonics, Handwriting, Bible). I have 3 Reading and 2 Math Centers to plan each week. I have a weekly Parent note to send home. I have papers to grade. I have experiments and projects to plan. I have books to read and ideas to gather. I have research to conduct. I have meetings to attend and lessons to plan. I have extra-curricular activities to conduct, supervise, and attend. I am usually working on school work every night before going to bed and also on the weekends. I get 1 real planning time during the day and the other is spent taking kids to their other classes and picking them back up at the end, leaving me about 15 minutes to make copies, do prep work, and maybe squeeze in a trip to the girl's room. <br /><br />My lessons take a long time to prepare, because while I do have a Teacher's Edition of all of my texts, that only meets the needs of a select few of my students. I still have 4 students receiving ESL services (1 of which speaks little English and 1 who understands little English), 2 receiving Special Ed. services, 1 that if in the States would receive Gifted services, and my 3 average-on grade level students. I have to meet the needs of all these students in each and every lesson, making it extremely difficult.<br /><br />But...with all that said...would I trade my job? No. I love what I do. Yes it's hard. Yes it would be nice if there were 10 of me. But I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. <br /><br />I'm a teacher, so I...<br /><ul><li>am teaching the potential future leaders of the world (or at least 6 different countries).</li><li>am always looking for fun and exciting ways to teach my kids, so they're not bored and educated, but rather excited and educated.</li><li>receive at least a dozen or so hugs, handshakes, or high-fives a day.</li><li>receive at least a dozen or so hand-drawn pictures or hand-written notes a day.</li><li>am challenged on a daily basis to be the best teacher possible.</li><li>am a comforter, encourager, 1st Aid provider, nurse, counselor.</li><li>am blessed beyond measure by my God to be able to have a job doing something that I truly truly love!</li></ul>I am a teacher!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-260607816362365509?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-65986962381446266012010-10-06T02:22:00.000-07:002010-10-06T02:22:00.566-07:00An Unwelcomed 3 A.M. Guest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKw_dBh3rVI/AAAAAAAAASM/zY1XVUtQXSE/s1600/roach+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKw_dBh3rVI/AAAAAAAAASM/zY1XVUtQXSE/s200/roach+2.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>What do a roach, my ceiling, and me jumping on my bed have in common? Um…an annoying, embarrassing, hilarious (after the fact) moment with an un-invited guest that occurred at around 3:00 one morning.<br /><br />My roommate and I had come home in the wee hours of that morning after helping a friend paint her guest room. I groggily showered the paint splatters off, changed into my pj’s and got ready for bed. Then I walked into my bedroom, turned on the light, and saw quite possibly the BIGGEST cockroach ever crawling on my ceiling. UGH! <br /><br />I’m normally not scared of bugs, but WOW – this thing was HUGE! After some loud girly screaming and hopping around, my roommate came to see what was wrong. Breathless and no longer half-asleep, I shrieked, “Bug! Big one! Help!” <br /><br />Now, what do you think my sweet and helpful roommate did? Yes she got me something to kill it with and a paper towel to dispose of it with, but FIRST, she grabbed her camera and took a picture of me in my 3 a.m. best hopping on my bed and freaking out like a little girl over this monstrosity of a bug! Nice, Emily. Thanks for that! :)<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnsLKFNlUI/AAAAAAAAAR8/3udMh-84APg/s1600/roach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnsLKFNlUI/AAAAAAAAAR8/3udMh-84APg/s320/roach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Anyways…My point for this post (past showing me looking like a mess at 3 a.m.) was to say this...<br /><br />Think about roaches. They just want to survive. They hide for protection, eat to survive, and procreate to keep their species alive. We should be the same way. We should hide ourselves in the protection of God's grace, feed ourselves with God's word, and we must share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the world (keeping the Christian 'species' alive). <br /><br />Now, don't get me wrong. If I see a roach am I going to let it live? Uh...NO! But, it does make you think. These annoying little creatures kind of have the right idea, don't they?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-6598696238144626601?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-65767398825997344712010-10-04T05:41:00.000-07:002010-10-04T05:41:37.242-07:00Back to SchoolSchool started on August 12th. It's hard to believe that almost 8 weeks have past since then. I'm teaching 1st grade this year and have the most adorable class EVER! :) I have children from the USA, Korea, the Middle East, Ghana, India, and Cameroon. I'll get 3 more kids in the next 2 weeks but for now here is my crew hard at work...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnJQIKSMII/AAAAAAAAARY/EkuVCFTjRoo/s1600/DSCN0898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnJQIKSMII/AAAAAAAAARY/EkuVCFTjRoo/s200/DSCN0898.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnJa6p4iDI/AAAAAAAAARc/2R1zIdod-kI/s1600/DSCN0900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnJa6p4iDI/AAAAAAAAARc/2R1zIdod-kI/s200/DSCN0900.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnJpr_3IpI/AAAAAAAAARg/ET6Ly-dpu6k/s1600/DSCN0901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnJpr_3IpI/AAAAAAAAARg/ET6Ly-dpu6k/s200/DSCN0901.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnJz2lfi8I/AAAAAAAAARk/Ttt-0IO9_OY/s1600/DSCN0904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnJz2lfi8I/AAAAAAAAARk/Ttt-0IO9_OY/s200/DSCN0904.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnKJ9d7wbI/AAAAAAAAARo/sbmwX2wHi3g/s1600/DSCN0905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnKJ9d7wbI/AAAAAAAAARo/sbmwX2wHi3g/s200/DSCN0905.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnKVylPIpI/AAAAAAAAARs/R_7RUl4ZiBI/s1600/DSCN0906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnKVylPIpI/AAAAAAAAARs/R_7RUl4ZiBI/s200/DSCN0906.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnKe3x2y8I/AAAAAAAAARw/S3kubxnk4Bs/s1600/DSCN0907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnKe3x2y8I/AAAAAAAAARw/S3kubxnk4Bs/s200/DSCN0907.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnKoRDBpUI/AAAAAAAAAR0/oSnYHLvS-EY/s1600/DSCN0909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnKoRDBpUI/AAAAAAAAAR0/oSnYHLvS-EY/s200/DSCN0909.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnK2_LoXEI/AAAAAAAAAR4/z436ql5V_WY/s1600/muskaan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnK2_LoXEI/AAAAAAAAAR4/z436ql5V_WY/s200/muskaan.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-6576739882599734471?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-55477667648000578662010-10-04T05:17:00.000-07:002010-10-04T05:17:31.783-07:00Back in Dakar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKm-tFv_dLI/AAAAAAAAAQk/WFzQ6K9oKNs/s1600/4th+of+july.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKm-tFv_dLI/AAAAAAAAAQk/WFzQ6K9oKNs/s200/4th+of+july.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The main theme of my itineration sermons this summer was "freedom." Celebrating the 4th of July felt different this year. I know that many times I have taken all of my rights and things God's given me as an American for granted. I guess it hit me this summer more so since I'd spent the last 11 months living in a third world country in Africa. It was so nice to spend the summer with my family, friends, and church families from AL, GA, and KS. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I landed in Dakar on August 6th. It felt a little weird landing on my birthday...not sure why, but it did. I had spent most of my time in the airports and upon boarding the day before crying. I know God's called me to Senegal. And I was definitely happy to be going back. However, it was sad leaving this time. I didn't know for sure when I'd be coming back. I'd already planned not to return to the US next summer and since the cost of flying was on a continuous climb, I didn't know if I'd be able to come at Christmas time. I once heard someone say that this is the hardest part of being a missionary -- constantly saying goodbye to family. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">But with all that said, I woke up (from a rough night's sleep in an uncomfortable plane seat) on my birthday with a new outlook on life. I was so happy. I was happy to be coming back to Dakar. I was happy to be teaching a new grade level this year. I was happy to be coming back and seeing my friends and "family" here in Dakar. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">And as it turns out, this was one of my best birthdays ever. I woke up to a yummy (small) breakfast on the plane...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnBIQJeKRI/AAAAAAAAAQo/dfsZYfRp-qQ/s1600/Delta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnBIQJeKRI/AAAAAAAAAQo/dfsZYfRp-qQ/s200/Delta.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I had a yummy snack complete with colorful drink (OJ -- don't freak people) courtesy of the coolest 9 year old (now 10) I know... :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnBf4BrL_I/AAAAAAAAAQs/glo5Bp3sG3c/s1600/chloe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnBf4BrL_I/AAAAAAAAAQs/glo5Bp3sG3c/s200/chloe.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: xx-small;"><em>...At this point, I was running on about 2 hours of sleep and having some issue with my eye. So please excuse how rough I look. :)</em></span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">And then we celebrated the boss and my birthday (we share bdays) with a bunch of friends that night...complete with a yummy steak and chicken dinner complete with raspberry (for him) and key lime pie (for me) for dessert! :) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">There have been a lot of high and low moments since I arrived back in Dakar. The power has gone out quite a bit. ...but my roommate and I have gotten pretty good at making snacks and meals and playing card games by flashlight/candlelight/headlamps... :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnDUOM6zwI/AAAAAAAAAQw/dENI_w_j2KY/s1600/candle+dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnDUOM6zwI/AAAAAAAAAQw/dENI_w_j2KY/s200/candle+dinner.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">There's been a LOT of rain. ...so much, in fact, that the soccer field at school flooded, giving kids (of all ages) hours and hours of fun. :) ....<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: xx-small;"><em>P.S. These pictures are courtesy of 2 other teachers here at DA.</em></span></span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnEX2KsNwI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/eDByK1DPvJo/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnEX2KsNwI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/eDByK1DPvJo/s200/3.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnEiqntbRI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/ujb7C_Nb4_s/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnEiqntbRI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/ujb7C_Nb4_s/s200/2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnEmMF_0iI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/0L4MIe_Zhjw/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnEmMF_0iI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/0L4MIe_Zhjw/s200/6.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnEom1LqoI/AAAAAAAAARA/waDmc26YU_A/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnEom1LqoI/AAAAAAAAARA/waDmc26YU_A/s200/7.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnEy8Rj3FI/AAAAAAAAARE/vjFGjbKpLKc/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnEy8Rj3FI/AAAAAAAAARE/vjFGjbKpLKc/s200/8.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnFict3maI/AAAAAAAAARM/EGjqk2wQ_Fo/s1600/happy+levi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKnFict3maI/AAAAAAAAARM/EGjqk2wQ_Fo/s200/happy+levi.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-5547766764800057866?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-7749405580402040542010-10-04T04:26:00.000-07:002010-10-04T04:26:26.517-07:00The 10 Days of Elisabeth's Birthday<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Birthdays are not a huge thing in my family, but they are made special for each person. And since we knew I’d be back in Africa on my actual birthdate, my family (and I) decided to have the fabulousness that was "The 10 Days of Elisabeth's Birthday". Check it out…Who knows? You may decide to have a 10 day Celebration as well :) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">P.S. The 10 days were not right back to back...there were skipped days in between. ...just for those wondering why I'm wearing the same shirts in a lot of the pictures. :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKmbhu7xwcI/AAAAAAAAAP4/8HZCv65pocE/s1600/day+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKmbhu7xwcI/AAAAAAAAAP4/8HZCv65pocE/s320/day+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Day 1 - Toy Story 3 with my mom -- complete with Dippin' Dots and Coke Icee :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKmbiyDZVBI/AAAAAAAAAP8/yX_j4TYbEO4/s1600/day+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKmbiyDZVBI/AAAAAAAAAP8/yX_j4TYbEO4/s320/day+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Day 2 - Family Reunion -- I was especially happy to be at this reunion because I knew that I wouldn't be able to go to next year's, since I wouldn't be coming to the US next summer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKmbkPn8B_I/AAAAAAAAAQA/4bGmWhtXEHM/s1600/day+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKmbkPn8B_I/AAAAAAAAAQA/4bGmWhtXEHM/s320/day+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Day 3 -- Pecan Pie Blizzard from DQ -- FYI...The DQ Blizzard is celebrating its 25th birthday as well, so it was a double celebration! :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKmbmLayV7I/AAAAAAAAAQE/OMKsT1aGfxY/s1600/day+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKmbmLayV7I/AAAAAAAAAQE/OMKsT1aGfxY/s320/day+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Day 4 -- a trip to Coldstone with the family :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKmbnceVV4I/AAAAAAAAAQI/dwcoODgmMgY/s1600/day+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKmbnceVV4I/AAAAAAAAAQI/dwcoODgmMgY/s320/day+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Day 5 -- 25 cookies for my 25th birthday -- celebrating with my brother and sister-in-law</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKmboXQYXEI/AAAAAAAAAQM/YkxPfiMd5RI/s1600/day+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKmboXQYXEI/AAAAAAAAAQM/YkxPfiMd5RI/s320/day+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Day 6 -- Chocolate Gelato from my favorite brother and sister-in-law :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKmbpugE61I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/wcYSNMCou20/s1600/day+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKmbpugE61I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/wcYSNMCou20/s320/day+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Day 7 -- Celebration Chicken Strip Platter and Birthday cake Milkshake from Zaxby's </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKmbqdv2tlI/AAAAAAAAAQU/JOd_3ju6xxw/s1600/day+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKmbqdv2tlI/AAAAAAAAAQU/JOd_3ju6xxw/s320/day+8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Day 8 -- Birthday presents from the best parents ever :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKmbrcRaUGI/AAAAAAAAAQY/kHiENIP-STc/s1600/day+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKmbrcRaUGI/AAAAAAAAAQY/kHiENIP-STc/s320/day+9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Day 9 -- Surprise Birthday party from my parents' church -- full of yummy American snacks and baskets full of goodies to take back to Africa :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKmbsREVkhI/AAAAAAAAAQc/sztw6bMYf-E/s1600/day+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKmbsREVkhI/AAAAAAAAAQc/sztw6bMYf-E/s320/day+10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Day 10 - My favorite meal as my last lunch with my parents before leaving the USA again </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-774940558040204054?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-84673430287668901512010-10-03T12:16:00.000-07:002010-10-03T12:16:58.176-07:00Heroes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKjWY2JDguI/AAAAAAAAAPM/-qO0TNaWxP0/s1600/M.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/TKjWY2JDguI/AAAAAAAAAPM/-qO0TNaWxP0/s1600/M.png" /></a></div><br />Everyone has at least one hero. Some people choose military personnel. Some choose firemen or policemen. Some choose their parents or their teachers. When I was little, I chose missionaries. <br /><br />I can remember being in elementary school and attending the Alabama A/G Kids Camp one summer. A missionary came and spoke to us kids about BGMC -- Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge (where kids raise money for missionaries). I remember her talking to us like we were REAL people…not just kids. She told us how our change helped boys and girls around the world. I remember crying and telling my mom that it wasn’t fair that I had a mommy and a daddy that loved me and fed me and took care of me when so many little boys and girls around the world did not have that. I then told her that that missionary, Cynthia Lucas, was my hero. <br /><br />This summer, I had the opportunity to speak to boys and girls at the Kansas A/G Kids Camp about BGMC. I told them a story about how BGMC helps boys and girls in Africa. And then I told them how they can help those boys and girls that are less fortunate than them. After the service, I overheard a girl turn to her friend and say, “Miss Elisabeth is my superhero because she tells boys and girls in Africa about Jesus.”<br /><br />Later that night I turned to my mom, with tears in my eyes, and said, “My dream has come true. I’m a missionary.” Do I feel like I’m a superhero like that little girl thinks of me? No. But I remember being a little girl and looking at a missionary thinking that she was my superhero. And hey…God only knows what the future holds. What if that girl becomes someone else’s superhero one day?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-8467343028766890151?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-72188929267575898092010-09-08T05:39:00.000-07:002010-09-08T05:45:33.436-07:00It's been a while...<span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:78%;">After a really extended break from the blogging world, I’m back. The last time I wrote was May 8th. It’s hard to believe that 4 months have passed since I last wrote, so since a lot has happened since then, I thought I’d play catch up in this note…with at least what happened this summer. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:78%;">On June 6 I left Dakar for the summer. It was a day full of mixed emotions – sadness over leaving (even if only for the summer), happiness over knowing I’d be seeing my family shortly, excitement over finally being commissioned as a Missionary Associate with the Assemblies of God, and nervousness over the busy summer awaiting me in the USA. </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:78%;"><br />In my however many years of traveling, I have never had as many problems as I did on this day. Every flight was delayed. One flight was cancelled. One flight couldn’t be found. One flight didn’t have me confirmed (which made NO sense whatsoever). And the list could go on and on. After a lot of tears and a super nice Delta representative (the one nice person of my day), I did just barely make it home on the 6th though, finally seeing my parents at 11:57 p.m.<br /><br />I spent 4 days with my parents before heading to Springfield, Missouri. We drove around the city, went to a museum in, and spent the night in Springfield. And on Sunday, June 13, I started my 2 week School of Missions with the Assemblies of God. I spent the next 11 days in Springfield learning valuable information to help me in this next area of my life. I met and made many friends. It was so great knowing that even though we would all eventually be scattered all over the world, we’d all be working toward a common goal – The Great Commission. And on Thursday, June 24, I received a certificate saying that I was now commissioned as a Missionary Associate with the Assemblies of God.<br /><br />My parents and I drove back to their home the next day where I quickly washed clothes and repacked to go to Atlanta for the weekend. I arrived late Saturday night in Atlanta and was picked up by my aunt, uncle, and cousin who I was staying with that weekend. After a quick snack and chat, we headed to bed and got up the next morning for church. I went to their church with them that morning. And went to another church that night and shared my first itineration message. I was thoroughly blessed by this church’s pastor and congregation. It was such a nice way to start my first summer of itineration.<br /><br />I flew back to Kansas the following Monday morning. Upon arrival in Wichita, I thanked God for such amazing flights that weekend. AirTran is an AMAZING airline and my airline of choice for domestic flights from now on. Since my dad was at youth camp for the week, I spent the week with my mom, shopping, swapping recipes, cooking, talking, and just enjoying our time together. My parents’ church had their annual Freedom Bash that Saturday, celebrating our country’s freedom.<br /><br />On July 4th, I spoke at my parents’ church and was overwhelmed by the love and encouragement this church family showed me. Plus, I was finally able to meet the people that my parents had fallen in love with over the past few months. The following morning we left heading to Kids Camp where we spent the next week with about 500 or so kids having the times of their lives, learning about the best superhero of all, Jesus Christ. While at camp, I even had the honor of speaking to the kids one night about BGMC. On the last night of camp, I slipped and fell causing a large hematoma to rise on my knee and causing my whole knee to swell and turn a lovely shade of purple. Fearing what other damage might could’ve happened, and knowing my history with knee problems, we left thinking we’d make a trip to the emergency room. However, being the stubborn soul I am, I persuaded my parents to not worry so much and let me just keep my leg propped up with ice on my knee. That caused the swelling to go down quite a bit, so thankfully I didn’t have to make an ER visit.<br /><br />That following Saturday, July 10, I left mega early and flew to Atlanta. My brother picked me up and drove me about 4 hours to my grandparents’ house where I quickly said my hellos and goodbyes, picked up my car, and left. After a quick trip to Wal-Mart and the Wendy’s drive-thru , I headed towards Florala, Alabama to begin 3 ½ weeks of non-stop travelling. I spent the next week in Florala and Andalusia, speaking at 3 different churches and catching up with friends from high school. The following Thursday I had a quick visit with another aunt, uncle, and cousin and then headed to Clanton to meet with our district’s missions director. After that I headed over to a supporting church’s VBS service where I got to share about BGMC and missions with a great group of kids. This pastor was my one of my pastors as a child. It was such a fun experience getting to go back now and meet up with him and his wife again.<br /><br />I spent the next 3 weeks at my brother and sister-in-law’s apartment, while I travelled around the area speaking at different churches, visiting with family and friends, and catching up on good ol’ Southern cooking. I also bought a few things in AL (that I can’t get in KS) to take back to Dakar with me…like grits for example. My parents arrived the last weekend of the month and it was so nice spending time with our family of 5 (first time since Christmas) again. I got to have a mini birthday celebration with my brother and sister-in-law and then the following night my parents and I left heading back to Kansas.<br /><br />I really enjoyed this trip back to Kansas with my parents. Sure the car broke down. Sure we had to wait a long time somewhere in Arkansas while 2 different mechanics worked on the car. Sure we had to drive the rest of the way back with a big, long piece of the side panel of the car rested on my mom’s and my shoulders. BUT, with all that said we were able to spend quality time talking and catching up on our lives now. It was really nice. Plus…when one has been in a third world country for a year with no American food available, any chance for a road trip with yummy fast food is AWESOME!<br /><br />We got back to Kansas and I was able to spend my last week in the USA with my parents. I led my first Kids Crusade at their church, continued on with my self-proclaimed 10 Days of Elisabeth’s Birthday Celebration, went on a few last-minute shopping trips, and tackled the huge job of packing.<br /><br />On August 5th, I left the USA not knowing when I’d be coming back. I would love to come back at Christmas, but I still do not know if that will be a good option for me, due to the cost of plane tickets and possible ministry opportunities. Plus, my entire (immediate) family will be together in KS over Spring Break, so that might be a possibility too. And I’m hoping to still have enough support raised to not have to come back and itinerate this summer and rather stay in Dakar, do all my teacher work at a more relaxed pace, and also find ministry opportunities to participate in outside of DA. We’ll see.<br /><br />More blogs to come…<br /><br />• My Hero<br />• 10 Days of Elisabeth’s Birthday<br />• Back in Dakar<br />• Back to School<br />• The Great Roach Incident<br />• Learning from Mosquitos<br />• First Grade<br />• Let’s Eat Y’all<br />• …and many more I’m sure.<br /><br /><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-7218892926757589809?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-73021616021466131882010-05-08T05:55:00.000-07:002010-05-08T05:56:44.559-07:00God, give me your eyes...<span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">On any given day, there are usually two or three different men sitting outside of the school campus, with their little carts full of assortments of fruits and vegetables. They're always polite. Each one will greet you, compliment you, and ask if you want to buy fruit from him.<br /><br />Today I went to the school to check out a big multi-family yard sale going on. I chatted with some friends and some of my students, bought some books, got a few papers that needed to be graded from my classroom, and left.<br /><br />When I walked out the gate, I smiled at and greeted the one fruit guy sitting outside and turned to walk home. He had asked me if I wanted anything today and I apologized and said that I didn't want any today. I got a few steps away and felt this really strong urge to go back. And it was almost as if I was arguing with myself (and no, I'm not crazy...). I didn't really need fruit. I had some at home. But I couldn't shake the feeling that I just had to go back. So I did.<br /><br />When I got to him he showed me all the fruits he had today and I asked for 1 kilo of apples and 1 canteloupe. We talked for a few minutes about all the different fruits he had in his cart and about how I don't like bananas or mangos. I paid for my fruit and before he handed me my bag, we had the following conversation...<br /><br />Him: Do you work at the school?<br />Me: Yes. I am a teacher.<br />Him: Why do you teach in Dakar and not in the United States?<br />Me: God said for me to teach in Dakar.<br />Him: You are a Christian, yes?<br />Me: Yes, I am a Christian.<br />Him: Why are you a Christian?<br />Me: I love God and He loves me. He gave me and everyone the gift of his son. I asked his son into my heart.<br />Him: I think your God was kind to give people a gift that kind.<br />Me: Yes, he is very kind.<br /><br />Then he thanks me, hands me my bag of fruit, and walks off to catch another customer. I walked off feeling so many emotions. I was sad. I wish I could've said more, but I could only handle the most basic of French words. I was happy. What if this guy ends up getting saved? How awesome would that be?! And I must admit, I was a little happy for myself too...I had a conversation with someone totally in French. And I actually understood everything he said! But more than those two feelings, I was feeling worried. How many opportunities has God given me like this one that I have passed up? How many times has God put someone in my path that I could've witnessed to, but chose not to because I was afraid of using my severely limited French?<br /><br />My Prayer for today...As the song says, God give me your eyes. Let me see the people as you see them. Help me to leave myself behind and focus on you and the job you've called me to do. Help me to lose the shyness and to be bolder in my faith at all times. Help me to say what you want me to say, go where you want me to go, and do what you want me to do. </span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-7302161602146613188?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-63988889903695813112010-05-03T02:01:00.000-07:002010-05-03T02:05:08.725-07:00April 2010<span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:78%;">Welcome to the April 2010 Installment of the Elisabeth Chronicles. I have been in Dakar 9 months already. Where does the time go? It seems like only yesterday that I arrived. As the school year ends, I thought I’d do quick recap of my time here so far.<br /><br /><strong>July 2009</strong> I arrived in Dakar very early in the morning of July 30. It was dark and dusty and all new to me. But at the same time, it was home.<br /><br /><strong>August 2009</strong> I started teaching 3rd grade at Dakar Academy and met the most amazing group of kids ever!<br /><br /><strong>September 2009</strong> I went on the DA Staff Retreat to the nearby town of Saly. I got to spend the weekend relaxing in the sun and getting to know my fellow teachers.<br /><br /><strong>October 2009</strong> I had the privilege of working one day a week at Teen Bi, a community center in the area. I got to help teach English, crafts, and games to the local village children. Language was an issue, but as I quickly learned…love is the universal communicator.<br /><br /><strong>November 2009</strong> I experienced my first American holiday in Senegal. I had the pleasure of staying with A/G missionaries in Saint Louis, a beautiful city south of Dakar. I missed being with my family, and having our usual Thanksgiving meal, but I enjoyed spending the time with different missionaries, enjoying good food, fun, and fellowship.<br /><br /><strong>December 2009</strong> “I’m dreaming of tan Christmas...just like the ones in Africa. Where the sand is so deep and the mosquitos seem to not sleep, but the love…it stretches so wide. Oh, I’m dreaming of a tan Christmas…” I started my December support letter with this song. I was blessed to be able to fly back to Alabama and spend Christmas with my family.<br /><br /><strong>January 2010</strong> I began taking online classes with the University of South Alabama, working towards my Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language. I also started taking classes through Berean School of the Bible/Global University towards getting my credentials with the Assemblies of God.<br /><br /><strong>February 2010</strong> I got to travel with 3 other missionary ladies to the town of Tambacounda, where we led a Children’s and Women’s Service at the oldest A/G church in Senegal.<br /><br /><strong>March 2010</strong> I was blessed to be able to go with a group of my fellow teachers to the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Conference in Kandern, Germany. It was so great to meet and get to know teachers from all over Europe, Africa, and Asia and see how God’s working in education around the world.<br /><br /><strong>April 2010</strong> I finished one of my grad school classes last week, with a 12 page paper and a 3 1/2 hour long final exam. Next week, I’ll do the same for another class. Then the week after that, I’ll start back “hot and heavy” studying for my Global University/Berean classes. It’s been hard work and a bit stressful at times taking all these classes, but God has definitely helped me through it. I feel so blessed to have been able to do these classes, while teaching and ministering here.<br /><br />I will be in the States this summer, visiting family and friends, attending the A/G’s Pre-Field Orientation, speaking at churches, raising the rest of my budget, and of course, enjoying American food again. If I’m in your area and you’d like to get together for lunch, dinner, or just a chat, please email or call and let me know.<br /><br />I still need to raise the rest of my AGWM budget. As of today, April 30th, I need to raise $282 more in monthly pledges and approximately $5800 in cash donations to meet my budget requirements. I am not allowed to come back on the field as a Missionary Associate (MA) until my budget is completely raised, so please pray that this happens soon.<br /><br />For those of you that already support me each month financially, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you received a pledge form in last month’s letter from me, please fill that out and send it in to the Assemblies of God World Missions Office as soon as possible. Also, you may start sending in your monthly support to them as well, as they will apply that money to my AGWM account.<br /><br />If you do not support me financially, and would like to do so, please contact me at enichols85@gmail.com or call my parents at 620-886-3586 and we can tell you how to do so. Any donations you make would be tax-deductible.<br /><br />Have a blessed week,<br /><br />Elisabeth Nichols<br />enichols85@gmail.com<br /><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-6398888990369581311?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-87850244807618178982010-04-24T14:56:00.000-07:002010-04-24T14:57:57.821-07:00The Big 2-51. I was born in Greensboro, Alabama...the same place as the character Forrest Gump. :)<br />2. I played one year of t-ball and was a peewee cheerleader for one year. I hated both.<br />3. I worked at a vet's office for almost 5 years and I loved it!<br />4. I watch the movie, Sweet Home Alabama, about once a week. I can quote it now.<br />5. I have a hard time memorizing things. ...scripture verses, test information, etc.<br />6. ...but I can always remember birthdays and phone numbers. In fact, I remember my phone number from when I was in Kindergarten.<br />7. I've flown lots of times, but I get really nervous checking in at the airport. I can't calm down until I get to my gate. I'm just so afraid something will happen...they'll lose my reservation, they'll change my gate at the last minute, something...<br />8. I really want to go skydiving.<br />9. I really want to ride a bull. Why? I guess it's an adrenaline thing. ...although I think I should probably start with a mechanical one.<br />10. My biggest fear in the world is that I'll never get married. ...what's funny, is I know that God specifically said that I'd work with my husband on the mission field...to me and someone else. But still...<br />11. I like regular coke and diet pepsi. I do not like regular pepsi or diet coke.<br />12. I am absolutely terrifed of going to the dentist. I dread the time leading up to going. I dread being at the office. But once he's done cleaning my teeth, I love it and always wonder why I dreaded it.<br />13. I'm almost 25 years old and I've only dated one guy.<br />14. When I was little, I dreamed of becoming Miss America. I'd watch any pageant that came on tv. Then I grew up and realized why that'd never be a reality. :)<br />15. I love lively debates/conversations. ...but I refuse to get involved in one myself unless it's something that I 1)feel strongly for and 2) can actually have enough facts to back myself up with.<br />16. I write/type a To Do List every night and email it to myself to check at work the next morning.<br />17. I hate touching raw meat, eggs, and anything slimy like those things... I love eating them cooked though. :)<br />18. I've lost 30 lbs since coming to Dakar. Yay! ...I'm a little worried about the temptation of fast food and mountain dews and all kinds of other yummy American foods I'll be presented with this summer when I'm in the States.<br />19. I hate talking on the phone!<br />20. I love being from Alabama. I absolutely love it! And I really hate it when people criticize my state.<br />21. I've dislocated my knee twice. ...same knee...both times in July...exactly 5 years apart. Hopefully, that won't be a trend starting.<br />22. I spent my 18th birthday in the orthopedic surgeon's office...who was absolutely HORRIBLE. If you want to know why, just ask and I'll tell you.<br />23. I failed my driver's test twice. I guess the saying, Third time's a charm, rang true for me.<br />24. When my brother got married and moved out, I cried myself to sleep the first few nights because I missed him so much.<br />25. There's this one dream that I keep having over and over again. ...5 times to be exact. And I really hope it comes true!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-8785024480761817898?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-11828092713851664312010-04-18T13:09:00.000-07:002010-04-18T13:26:22.142-07:00Keep the Candle BurningI've had a great day. I woke up to the AMAZING smell of roast, carrots, and potatoes cooking in the crock pot. I went to church where I felt God ministering to me from the beginning of worship to the end of the sermon. I came home and had 3 friends over for dinner and received compliments on my food. I went driving on the highway for the first time (in a standard) and did pretty well (except for that darn 3rd gear...). :) And then I started working on some grad school work...which was actually interesting and not boring for a change. I felt great. I felt like this was a great day.<br /><br />Then... I tried Skyping my parents, but they weren't home. I made a few calls about setting up services for this summer and came up with a bunch of answering machines or no answers at all. I hit the cut on my finger, causing it to break open, and then I got vinegar in it. OUCH! I could go on and on, but there's no point...<br /><br />The reason I'm writing this is to say that I was having a great day and then a few little things got me discouraged. That's how the devil works. The devil is not happy when Christians are happy. Therefore, he'll use any means necessary to erase that happines...hence, my discouragement.<br /><br />But Praise the Lord, He's still in control of my life and the minute those thoughts of discouragement set in, God reminded me of an older song by Point of Grace...Keep the Candle Burning. One of the verses says...<br /><br />When you're down and you're discouraged...When the darkness clouds your view...You've got to gather up your courage...You know the Lord is gonna see you through. <br /><br />That's a promise we have in the Lord. And I, for one, am so grateful of that promise.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-1182809271385166431?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-8662393881585157492010-04-16T05:19:00.000-07:002010-04-16T05:20:59.805-07:00Talibes<a href="http://allafrica.com/stories/201004150114.html">http://allafrica.com/stories/201004150114.html</a><br /><br />Read this article to find out about the Talibe boys I see everyday begging for money and food. The stories behind these boys just breaks my heart. Why does this go on? Why isn't something done to stop it?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-866239388158515749?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-84766988057640519972010-04-10T15:12:00.000-07:002010-04-10T15:13:53.183-07:00#44 -- Check#44 on my 101 in 1001 list was...Make a new Life Goals list. <br /><br />I made a Life Goals list in Sunday School about 4 or 5 years ago. It was a list of 10things I wanted to accomplish before I died. I thought it'd be a good idea to make a new one, since 1) I lost the first list and 2) I've changed quite a bit in that time, so my goals are different too. So, now for your reading pleasure... Here are my life goals (in no particular order). <br /><br />1. Visit Europe. (done) <br />2. Visit Africa. (done) <br />3. Graduate with my teaching degree. (done) <br />4. Become a teacher. (done) <br />5. Fall in love. <br />6. Get married. <br />7. Become a mommy. <br />8. Live in Africa with my husband and family doing what God's called us to do. <br />9. Work in/run an orphanage somewhere in Africa. <br />10. Do what God wants me to do with my life.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-8476698805764051997?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-7584492174145504342010-04-10T14:43:00.000-07:002010-04-10T14:47:33.328-07:00Driving and God<div align="center">I learned to drive when I was 15. I remember riding around the parking lot at the church with my mom, learning the basic skills needed to drive an automatic. I loved driving! I was so happy when I got my learner's permit and I would beg my mom to let me drive her to the store, to the school, anywhere just so I could drive. I loved it when I saw my schedule 10th grade year and saw it had Driver's Ed. on it. I thought I was in Heaven. I could go to school and drive there too! It was awesome! When I turned 16, my mom took me to get my driver's license. The third time’s the charm, right? After the third attempt, I finally possessed that wonderful card. After an unsuccessful attempt (due to my inherited strong will and occasional stubbornness) at learning to drive a standard from my dad, I decided I would stay in my comfort zone, and only drive automatics. I knew automatics. I knew they were easy. Life would be simple.<br /><br />Then…<br /><br />God called me to Africa. …more specifically, to Senegal, the land of non-automatic cars. Upon arrival, I realized that my choosing to not learn how to drive a standard created a problem. I would have to become dependent on others. If I wanted or needed to go anywhere farther than my legs could take me, I’d have to ask someone to take me. And I did that. I would either wait until someone was going that way or if I absolutely had to, I’d ask someone to drive me somewhere. It’s hard asking for help. It’s hard going from being totally independent to being totally dependent. Plus, my biggest stress reliever used to be getting in the car and driving…with no particular destination even in mind. …just get away from it all. And here, I can’t do that. I’m out of my comfort zone. And let me tell you…it’s hard sometimes.<br /><br />But then…<br /><br />A friend offered to take me for a driving lesson here. On the one hand, I was excited. I would finally start learning how to drive a stick. But on the other hand, I was nervous. What if I messed up? What if I couldn’t handle using a clutch? What if I stalled out? What if I got nervous while driving? What if I got frustrated? What if…and the list went on. The day (today) came. And you know what… I messed up quite a few times. I kept forgetting to push the clutch all the way in. I stalled out twice. And I did get nervous and frustrated with myself at times. But all in all, I did ok. I wouldn’t say great by any means, but I did ok. And I didn’t totally freak out my “teacher” …probably only just a little. :)<br /><br />So…<br /><br />My point is this… Sometimes we get stuck in a rut. We get stuck in our comfort zones, where everything is easy and comfortable. And we just stay where we are. We don’t try new things because *gasp* it might be hard. We only drive automatics because they’re easy. :)<br /><br />But…<br /><br />That’s not always what God wants. I truly believe that God wants us to (in the words of some song) step out of our comfort zones into the unknown. We need to learn to rely on God. And sometimes that means doing things that are a little “scary” or “nerve-racking” (like driving a stick). So, my second point is... Don’t get stuck at a point in your life where you feel that life is going to easily and perfectly that you don’t need to rely on God. Always rely on God. Always put your trust in Him. Never become so confident in yourself that you lose confidence in Him.<br /><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S8Dxe_KKWnI/AAAAAAAAAN4/FwWyAWYlt-w/s1600/first+car.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 312px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 208px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458628263025465970" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S8Dxe_KKWnI/AAAAAAAAAN4/FwWyAWYlt-w/s320/first+car.bmp" /> <p align="center"></a>Here I am not long after I got my license, driving my first car (an automatic, of course.)<br /><br /></p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S8DxfCtKrlI/AAAAAAAAAOA/MZhgrYmgL68/s1600/4.10.10.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458628263977594450" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S8DxfCtKrlI/AAAAAAAAAOA/MZhgrYmgL68/s320/4.10.10.jpg" /></a> <p align="center">Here I am learning to drive a stick for the first time -- at the "Cow Crossing." :)</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-758449217414550434?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-76897284726311377832010-04-08T07:58:00.000-07:002010-04-08T08:01:31.177-07:00101 in 1001A lot of people are doing this 101 in 1001 blog, so I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon and do it too. :) All you do is make a list of 101 things you plan to do in 1001 days and then blog about your adventure(s) completing your list. I'll be blogging about mine at <a href="http://elisabeth101in1001.com/">http://elisabeth101in1001.com</a> if you want to check it out. I will, however, post my list on here...just to show you what my plans are...<br /><br />1. Start a new blog solely for this list & 1001 photo journal.<br />2. Make a web timer thing for the blog for completing this list & photo journal.<br />3. Read the Bible all the way through (again).<br />4. Become a fully-appointed Missionary Associate with the Assemblies of God<br />5. Go skydiving<br />6. Go bungee jumping.<br />7. Meet my future hubby :)<br />8. Fall in love (maybe even get married)<br />9. Learn to drive a standard<br />10. Make a Senegalese meal<br />11. Visit Goree Island<br />12. Visit an orphanage<br />13. Get prayer card pictures taken<br />14. Go back to South Africa for a visit.<br />15. Learn to swim<br />16. Go on a road trip in the US<br />17. Visit Washington D.C.<br />18. Visit New York City (airport layover’s don’t count)<br />19. Visit Canada<br />20. Get my teeth professionally whitened<br />21. Read or reread (and write/blog about) 101 books.<br />22. Read at least 5 “classics.”<br />23. Read at least 5 biographies or autobiographies.<br />24. Ride a motorcycle (maybe learn how to drive one)<br />25. Spend one month trying out a new recipe every week<br />26. Get a pedicure (maybe even more than one)<br />27. Make album of my first year in Senegal<br />28. Make album of my second year in Senegal<br />29. Do a devotion, Bible Study, lesson, etc. totally in French<br />30. Get down to goal size/weight<br />31. Then get a tattoo<br />32. Keep a food diary for one month.<br />33. Bargain for something totally on my own (in French)<br />34. Teach kindergarten<br />35. Try 5 new flavors of ice cream (already have 2 – Obama and guava)<br />36. Go on a picnic<br />37. Start a journal (and actually stick to it)<br />38. Make Scripture verse cards for purse<br />39. Make a pie from scratch<br />40. Make a cake from scratch<br />41. Learn sign language (more than what I already know)<br />42. Start over on Year of Thanks<br />43. Make a list of 20 things I like about myself.<br />44. Make a new Life Goals list<br />45. Compile recipes into a book<br />46. Make a pizza from scratch<br />47. Make homemade bread<br />48. Take a photo a day for 1001 days.<br />49. Make a 1001 photo book.<br />50. Write a thank you note to a teacher that’s impacted my life.<br />51. Stop biting my nails<br />52. Organize songs on iPod into playlists.<br />53. Get re-certified in CPR.<br />54. Get certified in 1st Aid.<br />55. Learn Wolof (more than just greetings).<br />56. Carry on a conversation in Wolof.<br />57. Learn to play the guitar.<br />58. Learn to play the violin.<br />59. Go on a cruise.<br />60. Start exercising (and actually stick to it).<br />61. Deposit at least $10 in my savings acct each month.<br />62. Write at least one new blog post every week.<br />63. Read the dictionary from beginning to end in English. Why? to expand my vocabulary.<br />64. Read the dictionary from beginning to end in French. Why? To expand my vocabulary.<br />65. Finish Global University/Berean courses to get Certified Minister’s License with the Assemblies of God.<br />66. Put an extra $5 in savings for every goal not completed.<br />67. Learn more about my country’s history.<br />68. Go camping.<br />69. Learn how to hold/shoot a gun. <br />70. Go hunting.<br />71. Learn how to fish.<br />72. Go fishing.<br />73. Create an updated address book.<br />74. Plan weekly menus and shop from those, rather than just sporadic grocery shopping.<br />75. Wear hair down every day for one week each month.<br />76. Pay for the person behind me in the drive-thru line once a month (when I’m in the States, obviously).<br />77. See/experience/take a photo in snow (more than the sporadic flurries AL gets every couple years).<br />78. Take goofy photobooth pictures.<br />79. Write (and send) at least one handwritten note/letter a month.<br />80. Learn how to yo-yo.<br />81. Create a wallet size 101 in 1001.<br />82. Learn and understand the rules to football.<br />83. Learn and understand the rules to soccer.<br />84. Go horseback riding.<br />85. Ride a mechanical bull.<br />86. Do a photoblog of my meals for one week.<br />87. Make a hard copy “scrapbook” of my blog(s).<br />88. Purchase scrapbook materials while in the States to take back to Senegal.<br />89. Give up soft drinks for one month.<br />90. Give up caffeine for one month.<br />91. Try 5 new cheeses.<br />92. Eat Ethiopian food.<br />93. Memorize one Scripture verse a week.<br />94. If the process was enjoyable, do a new 101 in 1001.<br />95. Make popcorn (non-microwaveable)<br />96. Eat sushi.<br />97. Eat cow tongue.<br />98. Buy a waffle maker.<br />99. Start writing my book (possibly even finish it).<br />100. Inspire someone else to do a 101 in 1001 challenge.<br />101. On the 1001st day, start a new 101 in 1001 challenge.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-7689728472631137783?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-87295327934262813892010-04-07T07:09:00.000-07:002010-04-07T07:36:50.492-07:00March 2010Welcome to the March 2010 Installment of the Elisabeth Chronicles.<br /><br />* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *<br /><br />The month has been extremely busy. We finished our third quarter at school, participated in SIPS (Sports Invitational for Private Schools), Junior Carnival, Parent Teacher Conferences, along with the normal day-to-day school routine activities.<br /><br />Also, during Spring Break I had the opportunity to go to the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Conference in Kandern, Germany. I was so blessed that my school paid half of our way there, making it possible for me to go. It was so nice to get to spend time with and learn from Christian school teachers from all over Europe, Africa, and even Asia. I came away with so much valuable knowledge about teaching in a Christian school and in an international setting with such diverse groups of students. Plus, there were awesome worship and devotional times in which God taught me so much about myself and Him.<br /><br />* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *<br /><br />Prayer Requests for March:<br /><br />• I truly believe that when God is doing a work in His children’s lives, that the devil will use any means necessary to attack them. I have never felt such a strong attack of the devil as I have this past month. Please pray for myself, and for all the Christian workers in this spiritually dark place.<br /><br />• I still need to raise the rest of my AGWM budget. As of today, April 7th, I need to raise $282 more in monthly pledges and $5877 in cash donations to meet my budget requirements. I am not allowed to come back on the field as a Missionary Associate (MA) until my budget is completely raised, so please pray that this happens soon.<br /><br />• I am in the process of contacting pastors, family members, and friends to raise support and/or schedule services to speak at while I’m back in the States during the summer. Please pray that everything falls into place with this.<br /><br />* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *<br /><br />For those of you that already support me each month financially, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you do not, and would like to, please contact me at enichols85@gmail.com or call my parents at 620-886-3586 and we can tell you how to do so. Any donations you make would be tax-deductible.<br /><br />Happy Easter from Senegal,<br /><br />Elisabeth Nichols<br />enichols85@gmail.com<br /><br />* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *<br />Here are some pictures from the last few months...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S7yS4X6UFLI/AAAAAAAAALs/HYZX5tDZVtc/s1600/bama.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 206px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457398345655129266" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S7yS4X6UFLI/AAAAAAAAALs/HYZX5tDZVtc/s320/bama.jpg" /></a> See! I supported BAMA during the BCS Championships too! :)</p><br /><p align="center"></p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S7yT1Etem9I/AAAAAAAAAL0/O2bLmeKTKR8/s1600/ladies.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 230px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457399388473039826" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S7yT1Etem9I/AAAAAAAAAL0/O2bLmeKTKR8/s320/ladies.jpg" /><br /><p align="left"></a></p>In January I went to Tambacounda (8 hrs from Dakar) with 3 other A/G missionary ladies. We led a Children's and Ladies' Service at the oldest A/G church in Senegal while there.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S7yWGZuideI/AAAAAAAAAL8/KOAZeOwCdd8/s1600/class.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457401885195662818" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S7yWGZuideI/AAAAAAAAAL8/KOAZeOwCdd8/s320/class.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center">I just love this picture of my class. I feel so blessed to get to spend time with this fabulous group of kids every day. They are awesome! :)</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S7yXYWyNFEI/AAAAAAAAAME/LH72P1H4Tns/s1600/grass.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 217px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457403293155005506" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S7yXYWyNFEI/AAAAAAAAAME/LH72P1H4Tns/s320/grass.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center">"Look at the grass Emily!" This is what I exclaimed to my friend when we were walking around Kandern, Germany. It's amazing how much you miss the beautiful green stuff when you don't see if for such a long time! :)</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-8729532793426281389?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-76200840312787335222010-04-03T16:18:00.000-07:002010-04-03T16:22:42.452-07:00Happy Easter<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S7fNhPwI6LI/AAAAAAAAALk/blDVN03wxzQ/s1600/jesus+obit.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 208px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 408px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456055444630464690" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S7fNhPwI6LI/AAAAAAAAALk/blDVN03wxzQ/s320/jesus+obit.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Easter is one of my favorite holidays. Why? It reminds me just how much my Savior loves me. He loved me so much that He sent His only son to die for me...undeserving me. Thank you God for the sacrifice you made and please help me to continue to never take it for granted! </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-7620084031278733522?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-59278154151101579382010-04-02T16:09:00.000-07:002010-04-02T16:27:43.827-07:00Good FridayToday is Good Friday. So in honor of this special day, I thought I'd list a few good things going on in my life right now (in no particular order)...<br /><br /><blockquote></blockquote><ul><li>I have a Savior who loves me so much that He sent his one and only son to die a painful death for me!</li><li>I'm living/working/ministering in Senegal, West Africa, where God called me to go! I just celebrated my 8 month anniversary of being in Senegal! </li><li>I have a family that loves and supports me!</li><li>I get to work with some pretty fabulous missionaries! </li><li>I get to spend each Monday through Friday with the most awesome group of kids EVER! </li><li>I have a really great group of friends that are there for me when I need them.</li><li>I'm getting closer and closer to finishing raising my budget to be a Missionary Associate with the Assemblies of God. ** I only need $282 more in monthly pledges and $5877 in cash donations if you'd like to support me too. :)</li><li>I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get good pictures for my prayer cards, since I was in Africa and didn't have the liberty of going to a professional studio and absolutely HATE having pictures taken of myself, but all those worries went away tonight. I had the most fabulous pictures taken by a really talented photographer. I've only seen the pictures on his camera so far, but I was really happy with them.</li><li>I just got back from an awesome conference (and vacation) in Germany. And as part of this trip, I also got to spend time in Switzerland and Portugal. Plus, the weather was cold/cool the whole time...which if you know me, you know cold weather = good in my book. :)</li><li>I get to see my parents in 2 months and can't wait! I love it here, but it's so good to know I'll get to see them again really soon! :)</li></ul><p>The list could go on and on. I really have a good life. I just feel so incredibly blessed by all God's given and done for me so far and can't wait to see what else He has in store for me down the road.</p><p>Happy Easter Blog Readers! :)<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-5927815415110157938?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-29865257003859025652010-03-25T04:11:00.001-07:002010-03-25T04:11:30.191-07:00FacesOn my walk to and from school every day, I pass a lot of people...<br /><br />1. Astou -- She lives in a building near mine. I'd went with a friend to check out the building the other day and met her. The day we went, I said very little...just a "hello" when we got there and a "have a good day" wen we left. But every day since then, when I walk by, Astou waves at me, smiles, and says "Hello Elisabeth." She's this sweet older lady with the most beautiful spirit. She seriously makes my day! And even though my French is not the greatest, we exchange greetings, waves, and smiles.<br /><br />2. Tapha -- He owns the boutique (little "shop") near my apartment. He is very friendly and is helpful to those like me, whose French is not so hot. Most of our conversations are a mixture of French, Wolof, and English, which usually causes us to end up laughing at ourselves. Tapha is a Muslim, but always asks for us to pray for him. He's such a kind-hearted man.<br /><br />3. Fruit Man -- I don't know this man's name. But he has a little cart he wheels around our little community with all kinds of fruit on it. He usually parks his cart outside the gate of the school, hoping to make a sell from the toubabs coming out. :) He always smiles, says hello, and asks how I am. And when do buy fruit from him, his eyes light up and he picks out the best fruit and tells me why they're good and when's the best time to get them, and all kinds of other random info. And even though I understand what he's saying, I can't always find the words (French) to offer a good reply. But he is patient and even helps me find the right word.<br /><br />These are only 3 of the many faces I see all the time. These faces remind me of the good in the world. When I get aggravated about all the sand, my constant dirty feet, the extreme heat, power outtages, lack of "conveniences"...all that stuff...I remember these faces. I remember...that's why I'm here. I'm here to help spread the Gospel. God called me to come to this truly wonderful place and meet these truly wonderful people.<br /><br />** Don't forget to take the time to notice the faces around you...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-2986525700385902565?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-79048691008381413082010-03-21T09:42:00.000-07:002010-03-21T09:50:16.956-07:00Random Wonderings...<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">I was taking a break from</span> the massive amounts of schoolwork I have to do, and started thinking... P.S. I'm not crazy...I'm just in brain overload right now! :) </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">1. Who thought of the term potluck? Where'd it come from? What'd it originally mean?</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">2. Why are they called jelly beans? Is there jelly in them? Was there ever jelly in them?</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">3. How do they decide how many different kinds of nuts to put in mixed nuts? Is there a certain percentage of each nut?</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">4. Why are Greenland and Iceland named what they are? Greenland is covered with ice and Iceland's covered with green. Go figure.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">5. Why do we say we're "writing" a paper, when in reality, we're "typing" it? </span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-7904869100838141308?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-58252198825821377372010-03-18T09:26:00.000-07:002010-03-18T09:35:28.326-07:00John 10:10<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S6JWMoWzDcI/AAAAAAAAALU/oYkJfjC6I24/s1600-h/DSCI1761.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 190px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450013274063179202" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S6JWMoWzDcI/AAAAAAAAALU/oYkJfjC6I24/s320/DSCI1761.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />...such an awesome verse!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-5825219882582137737?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-86509288523859230762010-03-18T00:46:00.000-07:002010-03-18T04:38:52.489-07:00Going from :( to :)I got the news in late February that my parents were voted in as the Senior Pastors at a church in Kansas and would be moving in March. And even though I was very excited for them, I couldn't help feeling a sense of sadness. I felt like that girl that would sit with her little brother while they comforted each other each time their family had to move again. But I didn't have that. I wanted to be with my mom and dad and help them pack, load the U-haul, say goodbye to friends and family, etc...but I couldn't do that. I was here, in Senegal, my new home, doing what God's called me to do...which I love. <br /><br />...but I couldn't help feeling sad. Towards the middle of last week, I started experiencing major homesickness. I shied away from friends. I didn't even go to a friend's birthday/pool "party," opting to go to dinner with her and a few others that night instead, because I couldn't handle the thought of being around so many people and feeling so sad. I would wake up sad and crying, wipe my eyes, and get ready in a "fog." I would come to school feeling sad, but the minute my students arrived in the classroom, I pushed my sadness aside. I taught them and went about my day as usual. I would tell people that I was feeling "fine." ...when in reality, I wasn't. I was feeling sad. I would go home in the afternoons, try and stay away from everybody, and just be sad.<br /><br />Saturday I spent the day with a fabulous missionary and woman of God (and friend) just talking and hanging out. I poured my heart out to her, told her what I've been feeling, and she gave me great advice... It's ok to feel sad. Just turn to God...spend more time talking to Him, more time devouring His word, more time in reflection of Him. After all, He wants to take control of my life and love and comfort me. I need to let him. I came home Saturday feeling better about things. I went to dinner with my friends to celebrate one's birthday and then came home, called my parents, telling them how much better I felt. <br /><br />I went to church the next day, where this fabulous missionary lady's husband preached on the deserts of life and how God is there to help us through them. I felt on such a "high" leaving church. I was telling my friend walking with me that I felt he was preaching just to me. It was as if God knew exactly what I needed to hear when I needed to hear it. It was awesome! I was smiling and happy and couldn't wait to call my parents and say hey, I'm fine. I'm doing well. I'm not all sad and in that "mood" anymore.<br /><br />I spent that afternoon to myself, doing homework and then just relaxing. That night, I went to a friend's house and watched a movie and had a great time being with everybody. I was feeling great. I came home that night and got on Skype to call my parents. They were on the road going somewhere, so they didn't have great cell service and my dad told me they'd find somewhere to pull over and to call back in 5 minutes. So, I hung up and bawled my eyes out. I mean I cried HARD. I couldn't believe it. I lost it all because of something "silly." <br /><br />After composing myself enough to call, I called back. I talked to my mom and told her how I was so excited to call them that night and tell them how much I enjoyed my day Saturday and the sermon Sunday morning...and how I felt the Holy Spirit moving in such a mighty way and how the sermon just totally ministered to my heart. But the whole time I'm saying this I'm crying and my mom finally says..."Elisabeth, you've got to stop this. You're letting the devil rob you of your joy." And it was true...I felt so amazing after church. I felt a new sense of joy and I let the devil sneak in and snatch that joy away from me. I ended the call and sat there on my couch, crying like a baby for a few minutes before going to bed completely exhausted.<br /><br />I've spent most of this week in that same "fog." I've kind of spent my time just doing the motions, not really feeling like myself. I've talked to friends, my parents, my brother, even the counselor here, gotten advice, and asked/received prayers. I was told I needed to quit telling myself to simply "get over it" and it'll be fine. I needed to allow myself to grieve and to just be sad over this change in my life. <br /><br />And that's what I did. I cried and cried and cried some more. And when I was finished, I took a deep breath and made a plan. I know that I already spend a lot of time with God, but not as much as He truly deserves. Therefore, I, Elisabeth Nichols, would start, at that very instant, spending a lot more time with my God. I would spend even more time in prayer, fasting, reading (or rather, totally devouring) God's Word, and genuinely seeking God's face.<br /><br />...and guess what! By doing this I feel better. Yes, I'm still feeling a little bit of homesickness, but not to the extent I was before. And I truly believe that I went through this bought of major sadness, because God wanted to teach me a lesson...<br />I needed to be taught to rely more on God. Sure, I did before. But I didn't rely COMPLETELY on him. I needed to be taught to STOP trying to "fix" all my problems on my own. God is in control of my life. God wants to help me. So I need to let Him. Simply put, I need to let God be God. :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-8650928852385923076?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-63754456252474047862010-03-11T00:07:00.000-08:002010-03-11T01:21:10.446-08:00I've fallen, but unlike the commercial, I WILL get up.There's a quote from a commercial ('89-'90) that said, "I've fallen and I can't get up." Do you remember it? I do. Well...I don't remember the commercial, but I do remember the quote.<br /><br />Lately, I've been feeling like this. Why?<br /><p>Next week, my parents are moving to another state, in another part of the country, to be senior pastors again. I'm so excited for them, because I know they've been longing to be full-time senior pastors again. They deserve a good church that will treat them the way pastors should be treated. On the other hand, though, I can't help but feel sad. They're moving. I want to be there. I want to help pack and load the u-haul. I want to reminence with them. I want to say goodbye to the house and the community. Plus...and this is me being totally self-centered, thinking only of myself...but now I'll have added expense this summer flying or driving 14 plus hours back and forth between being with them in Kansas and speaking at churches and visiting family in Alabama. </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>School (both as a teacher and a student) is going well, just full-force ahead. I love it. I love my class. I love my school. I love my co-workers. I love my college classes. I just seem to stay soooo incredibly busy. I keep volunteering to do more and more and even though I usually like staying busy, I seem to be staying overwhelmed right now. I keep telling myself, "Be the best teacher you can be. That's all you can do." </p><p>I have always been the type that didn't really care what other people said about or thought of me. But lately, I can't seem to get past other's negative, and sometimes hurtful comments. I know I'm not perfect people. Yes, I mess up. Yes, I realize I don't have the greatest habits. Yes, I still want to do exactly what my parents want me to do. I don't want to buy or do something that I know upsets them. I don't want to disappoint them. And yes, I'm 24, an adult and out of my parents' house and can make my own decisions. I know all this. I don't need you to criticize me for my decisions, though.</p><p>Yes, I'm sad about my parents moving. I know I'm out of their house and I'm 24 years old. And yes, I know Africa is my home now. But still...it's hard. Please don't tell me to get over it. Please don't tell me it's crazy to be sad about this. Just let me "grieve." Know that it's hard to have your family go through something and not be able to be with them.</p><p>Last night I hit a point where I just felt so overwhelmed that I just felt like I was almost drowning, barely holding my head above the water. I felt like I had fallen and couldn't get up. I was on the phone with my mom, crying my eyes out, and just didn't see how things could get better. And then my mom said something, that helped me. She said "Elisabeth, take one day at a time. That's all you can do."</p><p>So I've decided that's what I'm going to do...just slightly modified. I'm going to take it one thing at a time. Right now I'm going to worry about my class (once they're back in the room). I'm going to teach them to the best of my ability. I'm going to love them, nurture them, encourage them, and do my absolute best today to help them grow. Then after school I'll deal with tonight's big dinner. Then after that I can deal with the cake I've got to make for tomorrow. Then I'll deal with homework. Then, I'll deal with the next thing. And so on and so forth. </p><p>And it's true...I may have "fallen" right now, but unlike that commercial, I WILL get back up. I have God, my family and friends, my missionary community, and the Word of God on my side. And that gives me such awesome HOPE! </p><p>So...when you read this, please take a few seconds to lift me up in prayer. And I know others are going through this as well. So, don't just pray for me. Pray for your family, friends, and co-workers that might be going through something like this. Take the time to simply smile and say hello to them, to ask about their day or their family, to just be there to listen to them. </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-6375445625247404786?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-79598926307481328932010-03-06T09:35:00.000-08:002010-03-06T09:53:42.269-08:00Tales of Elementary CampDakar Academy held its annual Elementary Camp last weekend. This is an event for 1st through 5th grade students. It starts on Friday afternoon immediately after school and ends at 8:00 the following morning. We had fun games, a yummy snack, a fabulous guest speaker, a yummy dinner, a bonfire for roasting marshmallows, 3 movies, a game of flashlight tag, free play time, and sleep time. **Although, I must say, not all participated in that last event. :)<br /><br />I forgot my camera, so I didn't get any pictures, but I thought I'd share 3 of my favorite moments of camp (all coming from my class)...<br /><ul><li>Daniel came to me during school Friday and said, "Miss Nichols, am I going to be able to read my Bible tonight during camp?" I told him that he would and he went on about his business. When we dismissed the kids for a game of flashlight tag on the soccer field, Daniel comes up to me and asks if he can go to the lunch shelter where it's lit up and read his Bible, which of course I said yes to. This sweet boy read his Bible for about 15 to 20 minutes. All the while kids were running around him playing flashlight tag and other games, laughing and carrying on. When I would've probably gotten distracted and possibly even stopped reading and joined in on the fun, Daniel kept on reading. I felt so proud of this little boy at this moment. </li><li>Mihdi came to me on Monday and opened his backpack to show me he was already packed for camp...which wasn't until Friday. When I asked him why he'd packed so early, he said "Miss Nichols, I've never been to camp. I'm just so excited!"</li><li>Mihdi -- I heard someone yelling excitedly and turned around to see & hear Mihdi jumping up and down yelling, "I'm roasting marshmallows! I'm roasting marshmallows!" I asked him why he was so excited and he said, "Oh Miss Nichols my dreams have come true!"</li></ul><p> </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-7959892630748132893?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-33381970006186526092010-03-05T15:03:00.000-08:002010-03-05T15:05:30.536-08:00new addressMy parents have recently been voted in as Senior Pastors at 1st Assembly of God in Medicine Lodge, Kansas and will be moving in the next few weeks. Therefore, I will have a new home address in the US. For obvious reasons, I'm not putting the address on here. If you'd like it, you can email me at enichols85@gmail.com and I'll send it to you. Be blessed! :) Love, Me<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-3338197000618652609?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-31861427674644062642010-02-19T08:35:00.001-08:002010-02-19T08:35:56.109-08:00Take Time to Thank GodToo often we thank God only AFTER he's done something for us. We beg and plead for him to give us something, or do something for us, or whatever...And we don't thank him or what he's doing in our lives now or even what he's done in the past. We ask and ask but never thank him in return. I know I'm guilty of this. <br /><br />So when I opened my e-mail this morning, I saw this e-mail and thought I'd pass it along... <br /><br />Dear God: <br /><br />I want to thank You for what you have already done. I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me; I am thanking you right now.. I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears ; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed.I am thanking you right now. I am thanking you because I am alive. I am thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties. I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles.I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better. I'm thanking you because Father, you haven't given up on me. <br /><br />Love: Me <br /><br />So...don't forget, in the midst of all the hustle and bustle of life, to take the time to thank God. After all, he deserves it.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-3186142767464406264?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-17148293433927988172010-02-17T13:03:00.000-08:002010-02-17T13:04:29.709-08:00New Website...http://www.formspring.me/iamelisabeth85<br /><br />Check it out. You can ask me anything and it be anonymous. Kind of odd...yes. Kind of funny...yes, that too. It was kind of interesting to see what people have already asked. Here's your chance to be nosy people. :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-1714829343392798817?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-54130358363680739962010-02-16T12:52:00.000-08:002010-02-16T12:54:02.578-08:00February 2010Welcome to the February 2010 Installment of the Elisabeth Chronicles. Where does the time go? It seems like just yesterday I arrived in Senegal for the first time, ready to start this new adventure in my life. Only I look at the calendar and realize that it has, in fact, been 6 ½ months since that Thursday morning in July.<br /><br />* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *<br /><br />What is love? I asked my third graders this question during our class Valentine’s party. Here are just some of the responses I received…<br /><br />1. Love is when your brother lets you have the last cookie.<br />2. Love is when your mom makes lemonade because she knows you like it.<br />3. Love is when your mom and dad cheer for you even when you do bad in basketball.<br />4. Love is when a mom and dad send their kids to boarding school because they know it’s good for them.<br />5. Love is when God sent his son to die on the cross, even though it made him sad.<br />6. Love is when God lets us ask for forgiveness even when we probably don’t deserve it.<br /><br />* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *<br /><br />January and February have been busy months here. Along with normal day-to-day teaching duties, Dakar Academy held its annual Spiritual Emphasis Week, Olympics Days, and participated in WAIST – West Africa Invitational Softball Tournament.<br /><br />I also got the opportunity to travel with 3 other A/G missionary ladies to Tambacounda, where we led a Children’s and a Women’s Service at the Assemblies of God church there. We were blessed with the whole 8 hour drive going and coming being safe and uneventful (always a plus here). We were able to share the gospel with approximately 25 children and approximately 20 women. It was my first experience speaking with a translator, so I was a bit nervous, but you know…I came away from this weekend feeling so refreshed and blessed by the Lord.<br /><br /><br />* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *<br />Prayer Requests for February:<br /><br />• I still need to raise the rest of my AGWM budget. As of today, February 16th, I need to raise $347 more in monthly pledges and $7572 in cash donations to meet my budget requirements. I am not allowed to come back on the field as a Missionary Associate (MA) until my budget is completely raised, so please pray that this happens soon.<br /><br />• I am in the process of contacting pastors, family members, and friends to raise support and/or schedule services to speak at while I’m back in the States during the summer. Please pray that everything falls into place with this.<br /><br />* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *<br /><br />For those of you that already support me each month financially, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you do not, and would like to, please contact me at enichols85@gmail.com or call my parents at 205-225-0255 and we can tell you how to do so. Any donations you make would be tax-deductible.<br /><br />Happy Valentine's Day from Senegal,<br /><br />Elisabeth Nichols<br />enichols85@gmail.com<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-5413035836368073996?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-13331505520531083982010-02-10T15:03:00.000-08:002010-02-10T15:04:54.447-08:00Prayer RequestI'm writing today with an urgent prayer request.<br /> <br />I have been approved as an MA (missionary associate) with the Assemblies of God, pending my attendance at this summer's Pre-Field Orientation and also the completion of raising my budget set by the Assemblies of God World Missions Dept. This is where the prayer request comes in.<br /> <br />My budget is set into two parts: 1) committed monthly pledges and 2) cash budget. My monthly budget is $942 and my cash budget is $7997. And as of now I have only 18% of my monthly budget raised and 5% of my cash budget raised. Therefore, for me to get back to Dakar next August in time for the next school year to start, I have to have the rest of this money raised super fast. Plus, I've been having difficulty in my phone situation here. I had planned to use Skype to contact pastors and churches to set up services to speak this summer and to raise support, however, that hasn't been working. We've had bad power outages almost every night (when I can call -- 5 to 6 hours ahead of all of you), which has allowed me very little time to call. <br /> <br />Also, my situation is slightly different than most Missionary Associates, in the sense that I only have a little over a month to "itinerate" or speak at churches this summer (from June 27 to Aug. 1). I realize that this isn't a long time, but I know God called me here and I know this is God's plan. So now friends (and family), now, I need your help in praying. Please help me pray that I raise my budget in time for me to be back to start the next school year on time. Please help me pray that either Senelec (our electric company) cooperates and leaves the power on :) long enough for me to make these necessary calls or e-mails or that God makes another way for this to happen.<br /> <br />Thank you all for your continued prayers, encouragement, and support of me and my ministry here in Dakar, Senegal. It truly means the world to me. <br /> <br />-Elisabeth<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-1333150552053108398?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-1033059409266382512010-02-03T04:19:00.000-08:002010-02-03T05:24:29.734-08:00A Box Full of Love<div>Yesterday I looked in my "mailbox" at school and saw a little piece of white paper that brought a smile to my face. It said I had a package and told the cost for picking it up. Since school was already over for the day, I had to wait until the business office opened today to get it. So, after I dropped my kids off at recess and French class, I went and got my package.<br /><br />I went to the teacher's lounge, got out my handy dandy box opener (a.k.a. pencil), and opened it up. Inside were all kinds of goodies that my parents and brother had sent me. I had new earphones (...mine died a few weeks ago), Pecan Sandies (...only the BEST cookie EVER), pepperoni, Big Red gum, Christmas ornaments (for next year), shorts, a Valentine's Day gift, sunflower seeds, microwavable popcorn, and single serving packs of grits...just to name a few things. :) <photo><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S2lu9tS2wWI/AAAAAAAAALM/zXW_c80Q0r0/s1600-h/package+items.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 236px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433996431808971106" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S2lu9tS2wWI/AAAAAAAAALM/zXW_c80Q0r0/s320/package+items.JPG" /></a><br /><br />This is a wide variety of items, but they each mean a lot to me. My parents and brother packed this random collection because they knew what I loved. They sent me things that they knew would bring a smile to my face. ...which did happen, of course. :)<br /><br />This got me thinkning. When's the last time God received a "box of love" from us? I don't mean a literal box. I mean, when is the last time we gave God the things he loves...time in prayer, time in worship, time in service, ...just time in general? We should always be showering God with love. After all, he constantly does that for us. Why is it sometimes so hard for us to reciprocate that? I know I'm guilty of this at times... </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-103305940926638251?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-78004518743168520542010-02-01T13:32:00.000-08:002010-02-01T14:14:06.851-08:00Buying GroceriesBuying groceries at home in the United States...<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S2dQl6IupAI/AAAAAAAAAKE/bcIbu0hxTXI/s1600-h/walmart.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 259px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433400087637042178" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S2dQl6IupAI/AAAAAAAAAKE/bcIbu0hxTXI/s320/walmart.jpg" /></a><br /><br />1. Make a list.<br />2. Drive to Wal-Mart.<br />3. Buy all groceries (and other necessary supplies) at Wal-Mart. Also, while there, buy my favorite candy bar, soft drink, and a magazine at the checkout counter.<br />4. Load groceries in trunk.<br />5. Pour water over an apple and eat apple on the way home.<br />6. Get home and put up groceries.<br />7. Make dinner, using pre-packaged "quick-fix" meal ingredients, including a dessert made from a Betty Crocker package.<br />8. Eat dinner.<br />9. Maybe even watch t.v. afterwards.<br /><br /><br />Buying groceries at home in Senegal...<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S2dQ4pT7C_I/AAAAAAAAAKM/gYWnwV2UlSw/s1600-h/senegal+fruit+stand.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 221px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433400409538104306" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S2dQ4pT7C_I/AAAAAAAAAKM/gYWnwV2UlSw/s320/senegal+fruit+stand.jpg" /></a><br /><br />1. Make a list. (Take into consideration all the many food items that cannot be bought here and will have to be made from scratch.)<br />2. Walk to the store (through all the sand).<br />3. Buy groceries. Check aisles for random American items that arrive every now and then.<br />4. Walk back outside to the fruit/veggie stand and buy all produce items.<br />5. Walk to boutique and buy bread (baguettes) and bottled water or cokes. *<em>A boutique...Imagine a tiny little building with just enough room for you and one person to stand, side by side, with shelves lining the walls stocked with all kinds of random food & other items, and a big deep freezer inside.<br /></em>6. Walk home carrying all bags.<br />7. Get home and put all fruits and veggies in bleach water to soak. In another bowl, put eggs in bleach water to soak.<br />8. Put remaining groceries up.<br />9. While fruits, veggies, and eggs are soaking, go wash dirt off of feet from the walk home.<br />10. Once veggies and eggs are done soaking, wash/rinse them well to get rid of bleach. Then begin making dinner. Before putting rice in pot, pick out any bugs (because while they're full of protein, they don't taste that great). Do the same with sugar and flour.<br />11. If having salsa, make from scratch (no jars here...Well, no cheap jars here). If making sour cream...pour cream into bowl and then add vinegar. Let set and then stir. If making a dessert, get out all ingredients and make from scratch.<br />11. Eat dinner.<br />12. Watch a t.v. show (downloaded from iTunes) or movie on your computer.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-7800451874316852054?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-66283578453369149902010-01-20T13:19:00.000-08:002010-01-20T13:35:31.916-08:00January 2010Welcome to the January 2010 Installment of the Elisabeth Chronicles. It’s hard to believe that it’s already been a month since I last wrote! This past year has been amazing. It’s been a year full of changes and adjustments, for sure. But it’s also been a year full of learning and blessings.<br /><br />* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *<br /><br />So far, we are 20 days into the new year, and I’ve stuck to my one New Year’s resolution. I’m keeping a journal, entitled “A Year of Thanks.” Every day I write down at least one thing I’m thankful for, sometimes adding in meaningful scripture verses or quotes. And I’ve noticed how much better my attitude becomes when I start listing things I’m thankful for. My mood lifts. I smile. I realize how grateful I really am to God and how I take so many things for granted.<br /><br />I also asked my third graders to list things they were thankful for from 2009So now, for your laughing pleasure, here are some of the funniest things they came up with…<br /><br />• I’ m thankful for having P.E. during 2009 because without P.E. life as I know it is over.<br />• I’m thankful for Christmas when I got toys and more toys and more toys and a pencil.<br />• I’m thankful for my family not having a dog doing you know what in the house because mom says you know what is hard to clean up.<br />• I’m thankful for learning to write in cursive even though humans don’t write in cursive.<br /><br />Of course, there were some serious ones as well…<br /><br />• I’m thankful for coming to a school now where I learn about Jesus since I don’t at my home.<br />• I’m thankful for celebrating the birth of the baby Jesus at Christmas in 2009.<br />• I’m thankful for my baby sister that was born in 2009 because I love her so very much.<br />• I’m thankful for God healing my mom when she had to fly to America and have surgery.<br />• I’m thankful that I am in a missionary family because I love telling people about Jesus.<br /><br />* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *<br />Upcoming Events/Prayer Requests for January:<br /><br />• January 29 – February 1 – I go with 3 other missionary ladies to Tambacounda, where we’ll lead a Children’s and a Women’s Service at an Assemblies of God church there. Please pray for safe travels (approx. 8 hr. drive on somewhat rough terrains). Pray for open ears and hearts in our “audiences.” Pray for courage and God’s guidance on ourselves, as speakers.<br /><br />* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *<br /><br />For those of you that already support me each month financially, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you do not, and would like to, please contact me at enichols85@gmail.com or call my parents at 205-225-0255 and we can tell you how to do so. Any donations you make would be tax-deductible.<br /><br />Happy New Year from Senegal,<br /><br />Elisabeth Nichols<br />enichols85@gmail.com<br /><br />Don’t forget to check out my blog at http://elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com for more frequent updates.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S1d2ouXJI2I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/PlJws8W9c_A/s1600-h/class.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 191px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428938317830366050" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S1d2ouXJI2I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/PlJws8W9c_A/s320/class.jpg" /></a> Here is me our latest class photo (minus one student), taken the last day before Christmas Break.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S1d1cLSdf9I/AAAAAAAAAJs/nR_pqsCrsTo/s1600-h/family.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 202px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428937002745429970" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S1d1cLSdf9I/AAAAAAAAAJs/nR_pqsCrsTo/s320/family.jpg" /></a> Here's me with my family celebrating me being back for Christmas at one of our family's favorite places to eat -- Longhorn's<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S1d2GY6x-mI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/cqf41R8KLs4/s1600-h/me+and+allie.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 258px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428937727958710882" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S1d2GY6x-mI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/cqf41R8KLs4/s320/me+and+allie.jpg" /></a> Here's me with my "baby," my beautiful lab, Allie<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-6628357845336914990?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-39726946538281407872010-01-13T01:28:00.000-08:002010-01-13T01:54:31.244-08:00Busy as a Bee -- Are Bees Really Busy?<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S02YNnaFiEI/AAAAAAAAAJk/n_Omseb2qV0/s1600-h/textbooks.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426160485735434306" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S02YNnaFiEI/AAAAAAAAAJk/n_Omseb2qV0/s320/textbooks.JPG" /></a><br />This past Monday I started back to school. This is the first time I've taken online classes, which makes me a feel both nervous and excited at the same time.<br /><br />I'm working on my Master's Degree in Teaching English as a Second Language through the University of South Alabama. And I'm taking two classes -- Psychological Principles of Learning and Cross-cultural Studies for Teachers of ELLs.<br /><br />~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br /><br />Along with these, I'm also working on my Certified Minister's License through the Assemblies of God and taking two classes through Berean School of the Bible (Global University). The classes I'm taking for these are Assemblies of God History, Mission, and Governance and Synoptic Gospels: The Life and Teachings of Christ.<br /><br />I've always admired and respected the Assemblies of God and what they stand for. And I've had some great A/G "teachers/mentors" along the way, in the form of preachers (my dad being my #1), teachers, missionaries, etc. And I feel so blessed that I get to be a part of this great organization.<br /><br />~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br /><br />I realize that this semester's going to be a bit crazy at times with teaching, attending various D.A. events (some required/some not), ministry events, and now adding taking 4 classes to the mix (not to mention spending time with friends and family -- through skype, of course). But to be honest, I like it that way. I really do like staying busy.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-3972694653828140787?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-27579484331398479322010-01-08T04:03:00.000-08:002010-01-08T04:27:30.478-08:00A Day in the Life of Moi<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S0ckig2JE0I/AAAAAAAAAJc/7f-XCcXirn8/s1600-h/Bama+Shirt.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 206px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424344451542225730" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/S0ckig2JE0I/AAAAAAAAAJc/7f-XCcXirn8/s320/Bama+Shirt.JPG" /></a><br /><p>Here’s a glimpse into the life of Elisabeth. Why? …just because somebody asked me what my days usually look like, so I thought I’d share with everybody…<br /><br />5:00 or 5:30 – Wake up. Read my Bible. Do my devotion. Get ready. Make my lunch.<br /><br />6:30ish – Leave for work. I walk approximately 3 blocks to work.<br /><br />Once I get to work – I put my lunch (usually leftovers from the day before or a sandwich) in the fridge, check my mailbox, and go to my classroom where I get everything ready for the day.<br /><br />7:20 – On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, we have Staff Devotions. I’m responsible for doing 1 devotion each semester. Devotions usually last 10 or so minutes, followed by prayer request/praise reports, prayer, and announcements.<br /><br />7:55 – The bell rings and kids come inside from playing on the playground. I usually am standing outside close to my door waiting on all my kids to arrive. Between teaching, recess, lunch, etc., I’m at school until…<br /><br />3:10 – School dismisses. I have to wait until 3:30 when all my kids are either gone for the day or are in the office waiting on their parents/drivers to get there. I could leave at this time if I wanted, but I typically stay after each day to work and plan for the next day/week/etc. When I leave each day, I usually end up going out the same gate, and getting “taught” Wolof by one of the guards. This man is very patient and makes me repeat the words or phrases over and over until I get them right. I still have an incredibly long way to go, but I’ve gotten a lot better than I was when I first arrived. That’s for sure.<br /><br />On Mondays, I have French class at 5:00.<br /><br />On Tuesdays, I usually eat dinner with a group of girls (teachers) in my apartment building.<br /><br />On Thursdays, I sometimes go to Teen Bi (community center in the area) and help in 1 of 2 classes. The first is a group of older girls learning English and crafts. The second is a group of young children learning English/playing/crafts/etc. The kids are so much fun to be around…all of them! I love going here and also getting to practice the few Wolof phrases I know.<br /><br />On Fridays, I have after school library duty from 3:30 to 5:00. During this time I check in/out books, help students/teachers search for books, monitor students working/studying, etc. Then, each Friday at 5:30, I eat dinner with the other new teachers at another teacher’s apartment.<br /><br />On Saturdays, I usually sleep in (7:30 is late for me), eat breakfast, and then do my devotions/Bible reading. When I’m done with that, I’ll pack a lunch and go to the school and work in my classroom (starting Jan. 11th, I’ll be working on my own personal classes – Berean and Univ. of South Alabama graduate classes too). I’ll work at the school for a few hours and then play around on Facebook, check e-mails, etc. Usually this is when I’ll skype or call my parents. Afterwards, I’ll either go back to my apartment and or go to a friend’s place and hang out/watch a movie/make dinner, etc.<br /><br />On Sunday mornings, I’ll go to church at 1 of 2 places.<br /><br />The first is the church service at Dakar Academy. Worship is led by a group comprised of local missionaries, teachers, students, dorm parents, etc. There is a different speaker each week. I love going to the D.A. church and getting to see/be a part of a service comprised of people from so many different denominations/missions organizations and nationalities. It’s a diverse group of believers. However we’re all they’re with a common purpose, worshipping our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.<br /><br />The second is one of the local African Assemblies of God churches. I typically go to these with either with A/G missionaries, Tom and Marla McLane or A/G missionary, Amy Farley. The majority of these churches are in Wolof or French, with only a few having English translations. My French is getting better day by day, though, so I’m able to understand a lot more during these services. It’s amazing, though, to be in these churches, often around others worshipping in native languages other than my own and feeling the Holy Spirit move in such mighty ways.<br /><br />The rest of my Sunday usually includes eating lunch, taking a nap (love those) when able, and spending time with friends or just hanging around my apartment enjoying a little peace and quiet (minus the dogs barking outside).<br /><br />Of course I also do other things during the week sometimes, such as…<br /><br />• I walk to one of the grocery stores near my apartment.<br />• I walk to the local boutique (hard to explain accurately – picture a small little enclosed structure, big enough for lots of shelves on all the walls, and room enough for 2 or 3 people tops). The boutiques usually carry fresh bread, bottles of water and coke products, and lots of other “grocery” items.<br />• I ride with others to Casino – a larger grocery store that has a LOT more. (Imagine going from the regular Wal-Mart grocery section to a Supercenter Wal-Mart. That’s basically the difference in grocery selections of this store and the local grocery stores that I usually just walk to.)<br />• I go to various sports events either at D.A. or other locations.<br />• I go out to eat with friends/co-workers. There are a few little places within walking distance of my apartment and the school. Then there are a few we’ll ride to downtown. There’s also an awesome ice cream place that we all like called N’ice Cream that we go to every now and then.<br />• I go to HLM. This is a GIGANTIC market, where vendors sale primarily fabric, but also pre-made clothing, shoes, and various other items. It’s a bit intense at first, getting used to being surrounded by all the people and bargaining for prices, etc., but I absolutely LOVE going here, just soaking it all in. Plus I’ve found some beautiful fabric there, which I’ve then taken to a local tailor who has made me some beautiful African outfits.<br />• I’ve gone once shopping downtown at a couple stores there. I’ve also gone once shopping at the Artisan’s Market (African products – clothing, jewelry, musical instruments, statues, purses & bags, etc.).<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-2757948433139847932?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-19258642352268648902009-12-31T08:02:00.000-08:002009-12-31T08:03:30.027-08:00Happy New Year<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SzzLSgGmhBI/AAAAAAAAAJU/zqbYh3f4Frg/s1600-h/appy+new+year.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421431570162942994" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SzzLSgGmhBI/AAAAAAAAAJU/zqbYh3f4Frg/s320/appy+new+year.jpg" /></a><br />"O give thanks to the Lord for he is good for his steadfast love endures forever."<br />1 Chronicles 16:34 (NRSV)<br /><br />For my 2010 New Year's Resolution, I am going to do "A Year of Thanks," where every day I write at least one thing I'm thankful for.<br /><br />This may sound simple, but it's something that I feel I need to do. Like most people, I stay busy and often neglect spending time giving thanks to God for all he's done in my life. Therefore, my resolution for this year is to make time daily to do this.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-1925864235226864890?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-43549115345475493802009-12-28T17:45:00.001-08:002009-12-28T17:46:41.537-08:00Home<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SzlfXHCRIxI/AAAAAAAAAJM/NGsK8L2qvek/s1600-h/my+feet.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 176px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 97px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420468477147292434" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SzlfXHCRIxI/AAAAAAAAAJM/NGsK8L2qvek/s320/my+feet.jpg" /></a><br />What is a home? Is it a structure built with four walls and a roof? Or is it more like the quote says, “Home is where the heart is”? I’m going with the second choice.<br /><br />We moved around a LOT growing up – every year and a half to two years to be exact. And I’ll be honest…it was hard. Every time I got to be close to new friends, or got used to the way things were done at a certain school, etc., we had to move again.<br /><br />At the time, I couldn’t understand why my parents (and why God) felt the need for my family and me to go through that. Why couldn’t God give my dad a church to pastor where we could stay for a long time? Why’d we have to go through some bad things at different churches he pastored? Why did some people claim to be Christians and treat us (their pastor and family) so bad? Why?<br /><br />Then one day I realized something…Because of moving so much, I have friends all over the state (scratch that – all over the world). Yes, there were people that weren’t very nice to my dad and my family over the years, but there were far more good Christian people that were nice and did treat us like we weren’t just their pastor and his family…we were their family too.<br /><br />Back to my point about the word “home”…<br /><br />I always said I didn’t know where my home is. I’ve moved so much and lived in so many different places that I didn’t know where to call home. Then to make matters even more confusing (or so I thought), God calls me to Africa (thousands of miles and an ocean away). Because of this I really wouldn’t know where my home is. …or so I thought.<br /><br />On July 30, 2009 that all changed. At a little before 6 a.m. that morning I stepped off the plane in Dakar, Senegal and honestly at the moment my feet touched the ground I knew something…I knew I was home. Home is where God calls me to be. Home is where the heart is. And Dakar is where my heart is. Will God change that one day? Possibly…I don’t know. But for now, this is my home. And I couldn’t be happier!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-4354911534547549380?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-70618346430792672292009-12-15T22:47:00.000-08:002009-12-15T22:50:49.097-08:00$20<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SyiDPrmQdOI/AAAAAAAAAJA/l7R48YckG1s/s1600-h/20.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 141px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 60px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415722857337484514" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SyiDPrmQdOI/AAAAAAAAAJA/l7R48YckG1s/s320/20.jpg" /></a><br /><div>A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20.00 bill. In the room of 200, he asked,<br /><br />"Who would like this $20 bill?" Hands started going up. He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this. He proceeded to crumple up the $20 dollar bill. He then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air. Well, he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty.<br /><br />"Now, who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air. My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value..<br /><br />Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who DO LOVE you. The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we know, but by WHO WE ARE and WHOSE WE ARE. You are special. Don't EVER forget it"<br /><br />If you do not pass this on, you may never know the lives it touches, the hurting hearts it speaks to, or the hope that it can bring. Count your blessings, not your problems.<br /><br />"And remember: amateurs built the ark .. professionals built the Titanic.<br /><br />If God brings you to it - He will bring you through it. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-7061834643079267229?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-26686003281407364482009-12-10T06:57:00.001-08:002009-12-10T07:00:58.298-08:00December 2009<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SyEM7Jzou9I/AAAAAAAAAI4/qJ5Y6xLz5lk/s1600-h/sandy+christmas.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SyEM7Jzou9I/AAAAAAAAAI4/qJ5Y6xLz5lk/s320/sandy+christmas.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413622437460360146" /></a><br />"I’m dreaming of tan Christmas...just like the ones in Africa. Where the sand is so deep and the mosquitos seem to not sleep, but the love…it stretches so wide. Oh, I’m dreaming of a tan Christmas…”<br /><br />* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *<br /><br />Welcome to the December 2009 Installment of the Elisabeth Chronicles. I changed the popular Christmas song to be a little more fitting for life here in Senegal. The sand is everywhere and the mosquitos never leave. However, even with those minor inconveniences, I love living here so very much. God has blessed me more than I can imagine this year and I can’t wait to see what He has in store for me next year.<br /><br />I have been blessed with the opportunity to go back to Alabama for Christmas, which I’m very excited about. It will be very nice to see family and friends again…and even eat American food again. But even as exciting as that is, I know the real reason for Christmas is not presents, good food, visiting family, etc. The real reason for Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.<br /><br />And now for a little fun reading…The Birth of Jesus in the Words of my 3rd Graders<br /><br />Now the clock struck the time that Augustus said he needed to count everybody in his empire. So Joe, which was short for Joseph, took Mary, his fiancee to his family’s city which was Bethlehem. They lived in Nazareth so it was a long ride. Joe and Mary probably rode on donkeys since cars hadn’t been invented yet. Mary was pregnant with God’s son. God was so sweet that he sent his son to our Earth to live and die, even though it made him sad.<br /><br />When Joe and Mary got to Bethlehem they stopped at a hotel but the man that owned it said he was out of rooms. Then he told them that they could stay in his barn. After they’d tucked all the animals into bed, Mary and Joe were ready to go to bed. But God had other plans for them. Jesus was born that night, but since it was too late to go to a baby store and they probably didn’t have them anyway, Mary wrapped Jesus in a blanket so he was warm and snuggly and put him in a manger, which is a feeding place for animals.<br /><br />That same night there were shepherds watching their sheep nearby. Angels appeared to the shepherds which probably scared them. But the angels weren’t trying to be scary. They wanted to tell the shepherds that Jesus had been born. When the angels went back to Heaven, the shepherds decided to make a visit to see Jesus. Also there were wise men who came to see Jesus and gave him gifts of gold, cents (frankincense), and a mirror (myrrh). They gave such nice gifts because Jesus was a king. He was a king because he was God’s son.<br /><br />* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *<br /><br />For those of you that already support me each month financially, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you do not, and would like to, please contact me at enichols85@gmail.com or call my parents at 205-225-0255 and we can tell you how to do so. Any donations you make would be tax-deductible.<br /><br />Merry Christmas from Africa,<br /><br />Elisabeth Nichols<br />enichols85@gmail.com<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-2668600328140736448?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-65773150082765271112009-12-06T00:56:00.000-08:002009-12-06T00:58:14.234-08:00Christmas in Many LanguagesMerry Christmas (English)...Joyeux Noël (French)...Natal feliz (Portuguese)...Feliz Navidad (Spanish)...<br /><br /><br />Last night was the elementary Christmas program at my school. Students from a variety of nationalities sang and spoke about the birth of Jesus. It was so amazing to see everyone come together and share the true meaning of Christmas. There were Indian angels. There were Korean, American, and African sheep. The wise men were originally from Brazil, Nigeria, and Cameroon. And Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and Adam and even were all American. And the choir was made up of all of those, plus Saudi Arabian, Senegalese, and more.<br /><br />As one of my fellow teachers said, Seeds are being planted and this program was proof ...that different nationalities can live in Peace! Merry Christmas!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-6577315008276527111?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-18496411951479821132009-11-27T13:13:00.001-08:002009-11-27T13:14:37.952-08:00Randomness is a part of life...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SxBBHz9XBcI/AAAAAAAAADA/IU8yjQdDVpE/s1600/jesus.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 141px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408894754934425026" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SxBBHz9XBcI/AAAAAAAAADA/IU8yjQdDVpE/s320/jesus.jpg" /></a><br />Directions: You have to write a note with 16 random things, facts, habits or goals about you.<br /><br />16. I never cooked before coming to Africa. I just thought I'd never like it. Now, I love it!<br />15. My dream job would be to be working in an orphanage somewhere, preferrably in a poverty-stricken place in Africa.<br />14. I love watching 18 Kids and Counting. I know people don't like this family for different reasons, but I honestly think it's refreshing to see a family that's not ashamed to talk about God on tv and who have good goals in life.<br />13. I was in college the first time I ate sour cream.<br />12. I love driving...just getting in the car and driving...no particular place in mind. That's why it's so hard here since I can't drive... :(<br />11. I've never been trick-or-treating...and it doesn't bother me...which is strange to some people...<br />10. My biggest fear in the world is that I'll never get married.<br />9. I don't know how to swim. Although...I did take one lesson at the Women's Retreat last week. So, I'm making a little progress.<br />8. I absolutely, positively LOVE cold weather! ...which is kind of funny, since I've NEVER lived anywhere that had really cold weather.<br />7. I want to learn how to play the violin.<br />6. I am about to start taking the Berean classes needed to get my Certified Minister's license with the A/G and I'm so excited about this!<br />5. I could never be a vegetarian.<br />4. I'm not a big fan of Obama, but I'm not going to bad mouth him.<br />3. Mosquitos seem to love me. There can be one mosquito in a room full of people and he'll zoom in on me. Grrr...<br />2. I love reading, but I have a hard time remembering what books are about...that's why I read a lot of books over and over again.<br />1. God has called me to be a missionary in Africa. I'm currently in Senegal (West Africa) teaching and ministering. I just feel so incredibly blessed that God trusted me with this gift of the call on my life. I can't wait to see what God has in store for me in the future.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-1849641195147982113?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-70606774820207317892009-11-24T15:01:00.000-08:002009-11-24T15:02:13.689-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!Thanksgiving is almost upon us. It is hard to believe that in a few days I'll have been in Senegal for 4 months. Where has the time gone? I have so many reasons to be thankful this year. Here's just a few (in no particular order)...<br /><br />1) I serve an awesome God. I just love knowing that! :)<br />2) I am living/teaching/ministering in Africa. Wow! How absolutely positively amazing is that?!<br />3) I have the best group of students ever!<br />4) God has made my transition into life in Africa a good one. There have been minor bumps in the road, but nothing major. And I feel those minor bumps have made me better in the long run.<br />5) I have made some really good friends in the teaching and mission community here.<br />6) I have so many wonderful friends and family around the world that support me through love and prayer and encouragement.<br />7) My French is getting better each week. I have a wonderful French teacher. And I finally was able to carry on a whole conversation (more than just a few sentences) with her.<br />8) Somebody somewhere had the wonderful idea to invent Skype. This invention has not only saved me a lot of money, but has allowed me to stay in touch with my family and friends even while living thousands of miles away.<br />9) Cool season is finally here in Dakar. I am sooooo thankful for this one! :) This morning (Nov 24) was the first day that I said "I'm cold" since I've been here. Now, granted, that feeling didn't last all day, but it was wonderful and I was very thankful while it lasted. :)<br />10) I teach at a school where I'm able to freely talk about God and post scriptures on my wall. This is so wonderful and still brings a tear to my eye when I think about how great this is.<br /><br />Now...what are some things you're thankful for this year?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-7060677482020731789?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-89880292627193327332009-11-14T02:42:00.000-08:002009-11-14T02:44:05.909-08:00Our Ticket in LifeThis is a true story about something that happened to Corrie Ten Boom, the lady who protected and hid Jews in her home with her papa and sister, and was imprisoned in horrible concentration camps during the Hitler years.<br /><br />As a small child, Corrie loved her papa. He was so kind and loving, and more jovial than the other members of the family. One day as Corrie sat on her papa's lap, she asked him, "Papa, what will I do someday, if a horrible trial comes to me? How will I handle it? I am afraid that something bad is going to happen to me, Papa."<br /><br />Her papa said something like this: "Corrie, supposing I planned a train trip for you."<br /><br />"Oh, papa! A train trip! How lovely!"<br /><br />"Yes, but it is not time for the train trip yet. You will have to wait a few years, so I will not give you the ticket right now. You might lose it. When the time comes for your trip, darling, then I will give you the ticket. Until then, live for God and don't worry over things you can't control."<br /><br />Just like this young version of Corrie, we are small children to our wonderful Father God. He knows when we are not ready to handle certain situations. He will make us ready in His time. He will give us the words to say when the right time comes. So don't worry, for the Holy Spirit will fill your mouth when that moment arrives. And this is your ticket, so to speak, to living for Christ. Each day has enough worries of it's own, Jesus says.<br /><br />P.S. I got this from someone else, so I can't take total credit for this one. :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-8988029262719332733?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-55761482453062873282009-11-11T14:32:00.001-08:002009-11-11T14:32:44.236-08:00Things I say now that a few months ago I would've never said...Things I say now that a few months ago I would’ve never said…<br /><br />1. I just bought some fruits and veggies. Let me get the bleach out so I can soak them.<br />2. Why’d I get ketchup and mustard packets with my pizza.<br />3. I’m walking to the store after I walk home from school.<br />4. Make sure you put filtered water in the ice trays, not straight faucet water.<br />5. I love going to Casino.<br />6. Hey – that person spoke English!<br />7. How do I tell the meat guy I do not want the head, feet, and other nasty internal nastiness in the bag with my chicken when he cuts it for me?<br />8. Can you translate this can of fruit for me?<br />9. Why do they keep milk on the shelf and not in the refrigerator?<br />10. I just paid $5.60 for a 2-liter bottle of diet pepsi and I don’t care. (only said this once)<br />11. I’m buying a liter of Obama.<br />12. I can make homemade spanish rice, salsa, sour cream, alfredo sauce, sloppy joe sauce, pizza sauce, etc.<br />13. She has a lot of kids in her class. She has 12.<br />14. How do you convert CFAs into US dollars?<br />15. I went to a dinner to help my new Canadian friends celebrate their Thanksgiving.<br />16. The smallest turkey, that will feed 3 to 4 people costs 20,000CFA (a little over $40.00).<br />17. How do you ask for a big bottle of water?<br />18. Cool season is almost here.<br />19. I miss driving.<br />20. Je voudrais un kilo viande hachee. (I would like one kilo (2.2lbs) of ground beef.)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-5576148245306287328?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-88282640423925065022009-11-04T06:20:00.000-08:002009-11-04T06:26:58.793-08:00October 2009<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SvGOXFN0McI/AAAAAAAAAC4/Kg0ej__5xJo/s1600-h/sunset.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 217px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400253955382194626" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SvGOXFN0McI/AAAAAAAAAC4/Kg0ej__5xJo/s320/sunset.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Welcome to the October Installment of The Elisabeth Chronicles.<br /><br />~*~ Tales of My Third Graders ~*~<br /><br />Student: Miss Nichols, I can't go to PE today.<br />Me: Why not?<br />Student: It's like 200 degrees out here and my brain's fried like french fries.<br />Me: Well, I think you'll be ok.<br />Student: Ok, but if my brain turns to mashed potatoes, it's not my fault.<br /><br />Student: Miss Nichols, how old are you?<br />Me: I'm 24. Why?<br />Student: Wow! You're almost as old as Methuselah!<br /><br />Student: Why did Bible men have two wives?<br />Me: Umm...Well...<br />Student: Well, I think it's crazy. I have two girlfriends and they drive me crazier than a cookie with no chocolate in it.<br /><br />Me: Why aren't you swinging with the other kids?<br />Student: Back in my childhood, I liked to swing. But now that I'm old I don't like to anymore.<br />Me: *Thinking...He's 8 years old. When was his childhood?<br /><br />~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br /><br />I have had the privilege of teaching my class for almost 3 months now. I am finally beginning to see their individual personalities and I am enjoying getting to know each of them. I love being able to share the word of God with these kids…some of which do not hear anything about God at home. It is truly a blessing to spend time with these 11 kids. </div><br /><div><br />For the past month, I have been working one afternoon a week at Teen Bi (*bee*), a community center which teaches children English, art, music, etc., and also provides them with basic first aid and gives them time to play and have fun. I have mainly been assisting in the older girls’ class, teaching them English and crafts. These girls are so eager to learn. Even though my language skills are poor in French and non-existent in Wolof, I can still communicate the language of love. And that’s what makes a difference. </div><br /><div><br />Some people have asked for a list of items that I need and want. So in this letter, I’ve included a wish list and an address for where cards and letters or packages can be sent to me. Please know I’m not sending this asking for these items. I’m just responding to what people have asked of me. Also, if you send a package, know that it’s typically cheaper to send one in a flat-rate U.S. postal box. If you have any questions about what can or cannot be sent or anything else, please let me know. </div><br /><div><br />Thank you all for your prayers and support. This means so much to me. It’s so great to know that I have so many people “back home” and also abroad supporting me while I’m fulfilling the call God has placed on my life. When you pray, I ask that you specifically remember these things: 1) Pray for Senegal. This is a nation that is in desperate need of God. 2) Pray for all the missionaries in Senegal, working to further the kingdom of God. 3) Pray for Dakar Academy and its teachers and students. 4) Pray for me that I’ll continue to do and say all God wants me to. Also, pray that my French will improve. </div><br /><div><br />If you already support me each month financially, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you do not, and would like to, please contact me at enichols85@gmail.com and I can tell you how to do so. Any donations you make would be tax-deductible.<br /><br />May God Bless,<br />Elisabeth Nichols<br />enichols85@gmail.com<br /><br />Elisabeth’s Wish List<br />You may send letters, cards, and packages to:<br />Elisabeth Nichols<br />Dakar Academy<br />B.P. 3189<br />Dakar, Senegal West Africa<br /><br />Ziploc-type bags (all sizes – freezer and regular) – doesn’t have to be Ziploc bag (Dollar Tree brand is what I boughtJ)<br />Nuts – you can take them out of the can (if they’re canned) and put in Ziplocs to save weight/$$<br />Pepperoni<br />Yellow Mustard<br />Dried fruit<br />Candy (nothing that would melt too bad preferably)<br />Ranch dressing mix<br />Italian dressing mix<br />Seasoning packets (any kind)<br />Cocoa<br />Brownie/Cookie/Muffin mixes (usually smaller/weigh less)<br />Cornbread mixes<br />Packaged, microwaveable meals (those quick ones – nothing expensive)<br />Snack foods (nothing that would melt too bad preferably)<br />Individual packets of grits (I’m from the south and I love them…what else can I say?) JPop-Tarts (doesn’t have to be name brand – my favorite kind is the strawberry ones)<br />Stickers, pencils, or other small (cheap) toys to give as prizes to my students<br />Sticky notes (doesn’t have to be post-it brand – any brand is fine)<br />Lined, looseleaf paper<br />Cinnamon flavored gum<br />Note cards or stationery/envelopes (really any kind of paper/cards and/or envelopes)<br />Lead pencils (any size) and lead<br />Ink pens (I really like the SHARPIE brand ink pens and flair brand colored pens, but I would honestly be happy with any kind.)<br />Christmas time – candy canes<br />Chocolate chips<br />Peanut butter (I prefer crunchy, but either is fine.)<br />Kool-aid (any flavor) or flavored water packets<br />Jello and Instant pudding mixes<br />Clear Tape (any brand – doesn’t have to be scotch brand)<br />Books (no big preferences – except that they be clean and nothing sci-fi/mystery preferably)<br />Magazines (no big preferences)<br />Puzzle books<br />Holiday Decorations (inexpensive ones – wall decorations, plates/napkins, stickers, etc.)<br />Games (board games or card games – nothing expensive…just small to save on packing/$$)<br />T-shirts (adult XL) – clothes take a real beating here between the sun fading the fabric, and the harsh sand and water too<br />American stamps (There are always people going back to the US that can mail letters for us.)<br />Dvd’s or TV shows on dvd’s (I’m not hard to please… J If you’d like to see what I already have first, just ask…)<br />Cd’s (same as dvd’s/tv shows)<br />Itunes gift cards<br />Online Gift Certificates (I know Amazon.com ships overseas and many others do too…)</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-8828264042392506502?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-34322845189089772502009-11-03T14:48:00.000-08:002009-11-03T14:49:37.936-08:00My Life in Shuffle Mode<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SvCzedf6H9I/AAAAAAAAACo/zAvEQtkT39Q/s1600-h/animal+music.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 230px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400013289113133010" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SvCzedf6H9I/AAAAAAAAACo/zAvEQtkT39Q/s320/animal+music.jpg" /></a><br /><div>1)Put your iPod on shuffle.<br />2)Write the first lines to each of the first 30 songs that play.<br />3)Post them here.<br />4)Make your friends guess the songs and artists.<br /><br />1- You are the open door to freedom. You are the only hope I have.<br /><br />2- Someday when my life has passed me by I'll lay around and wonder why...you were always there for me.<br /><br />3- Tomorrow morning if you wake up and the sun does not appear, I will be here.<br /><br />4- I see your mama and candles and tears and the roses I see your daddy walk his daughter down the aisle.<br /><br />5- Where was the moment we needed the most? You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost.<br /><br />6- Is it true today? That when people pray...cloudy skies will break, kings and queens will shake.<br /><br />7- Did you forget...that I was even alive? Did you forget...everything we ever had?<br /><br />8- I keep a close watch on this heart of mine. I keep my eyes wide open all the time..<br /><br />9- Almighty God...The Great I Am...Immovable Rock...<br /><br />10- He became sin who knew no sin...that we might become His righteousness...<br /><br />11- I can almost see it...that dream I'm dreaming, but there's a voice inside my head saying you'll never reach it.<br /><br />12- I think it'd be much easier if I could see you...If only I had a face to put with the name I love...<br /><br />13- The sun is shining everyday. Clouds never get in the way...for you and me.<br /><br />14- Well she got her daddy's car and she cruised through the hamburger stand now...<br /><br />15- The wind is moving, but I am standing still...a life of pages waiting to be filled.<br /><br />16- Love is a burning thing...and it makes a fiery ring...<br /><br />17- Wonderful, so wonderful...is your unfailing love. Your cross has spoken mercy over me.<br /><br />18- I've been hearing voices telling me that I can never be what I want to be...<br /><br />19- Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning? And who told the ocean you can only come this far?<br /><br />20- Head under water...and they tell me to breathe easy for a while...Breathing gets harder. Even I know that.<br /><br />21- Come fly with me. Let's fly. Let's fly away.<br /><br />22- I am unwritten...can't read my mind. I'm undefined.<br /><br />23- He was a boy. She was a girl. Can I make it any more obvious?<br /><br />24- There are days...when I feel...the best of me is ready to begin...<br /><br />25- At twenty years of age, I'm still looking for a dream...A war's already waged for my destiny.<br /><br />26- She spins and she sways to whatever song plays without a care in the world.<br /><br />28- I probably shouldn't say this, but at times I get so scared...when I think of the previous relationship we shared.<br /><br />29- I got chills! They're multiplying. And I'm losing control...<br /><br />30- This is the life I've always wanted...to know the Prince of Peace...and to feel my faith restored... </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-3432284518908977250?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-80350821784308223702009-10-25T16:16:00.000-07:002009-10-25T16:18:19.103-07:00Mosquitoes<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SuTcmPkH7CI/AAAAAAAAACg/CFmTKg8V26c/s1600-h/mosquito.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 123px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396680803067882530" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SuTcmPkH7CI/AAAAAAAAACg/CFmTKg8V26c/s320/mosquito.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Mosquitos are here to annoy, harrass, and help you finish your lovely day with a swat, a scowl, a scratch--and a "Where IS that blasted bug!" We can smile for we are indoors on our computers, away from the ornery little creatures (unless you have a laptop outside -- or you're in Africa where they follow you inside too!)<br /><br />But did you know mini, menacing mosquitos--the "spiritual" kind--are all around you though, harrassing, annoying, distracting and diverting you from the work of the Lord in your life and through your life?<br /><br />Mosquito Number One makes its grand entrance, buzzing around by day, when we're too BUSY to pray, then buzzing around by night, when we're too TIRED to pray. Communication with God gets lost in the craziness of your hecitic, busy days--you can make your own list of what you're doing--and all the while this little mosquito smiles away. He's diverted another Christian from the strength and power needed to fight the enemy....and he's the enemy! The devil would like nothing more than to keep you and me from a quiet time with our Lord. That's where our strength lies and he's won a battle when we're just TOO busy! Well, stop in your tracks--the house and the office work can wait.<br /><br />Mosquito Numer Two and his cohorts take over! Listen to them confer among themselves: "Let's break down her Internet connection, let's get the kids in a major fight, let's cause criticism and hurts to annoy. She/he/they won't be able to focus on the work the Lord has called them ALL to do! They'll have to just focus on the hurts and the heaviness, the issues and irritations of life, and we'll build up the anxiety level till they're worthless for anything godly. No encouragement to others or service to God today--they're too busy swatting us all day!" Ever been there? I have--sometimes, the mosquitos come alone, sometimes in pairs, sometimes in a swarm--and you're left to swat the empty air in frustration, fear, anxiety, unbelief and despair.<br /><br />Mosquitoes are tiny, little things, but let them buzz endlessly for minute after minute, which seems like hours, and they've GOT you! Stress mounts, anger flairs, irritation develops bigtime--and you've lost it, over a silly little mosquito! That's exactly what "he" wants--let the pressure build with the burdens and there goes her peace! There goes her rest in the Lord--out the window where the mosquito should be headed! Burdens are a part of life, but so many times we let them pile upon us without taking them to the Lord. The pressure builds and we've lost our peace. The little mosquito has done its job--he's happy and we're harrassed....but stop! There's hope for us all....read on!<br /><br />Now here's where the fun begins! You see, you don't need any special equipment, except maybe a really good "swatter" to get the house and yard mosquito! But you are going to need bigtime equipment to get to the mosquitos under control in your spiritual life! You see, a tiny mosquito can become the "stronghold" of the house - unbelievable, but true. This miniature menace diverts, distracts and disturbs the life of the believer with annoyances, harrassments, little digs here and there, and then he smiles, for HE is in control! Now what to do--I mean, what to wear! Here it is--your guaranteed gear to successfully wear when swatting a spiritual mosquito. Ephesians 6:10-17 -- The Armor of the Lord.<br /><br />So put on that helmet of salvation, wear that breastplate of righteousness, tighten up the tummy with the girdle of truth, get on those gospel-peace shoes, and hold up that shield of faith. Now you are fully dressed, and ready to wield the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God--and that dratty little mosquito who's been bugging you all week has to GO!! Bzzzz away, you mini-menacing critter. You have no place in the life of a child of God and we will NOT be diverted, distracted or disturbed any longer by your clever schemes! GO in the Name of the Lord! </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-8035082178430822370?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-28121326752053374002009-10-24T15:45:00.000-07:002009-10-24T15:47:45.165-07:00Exercise and God<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SuOEBrHVucI/AAAAAAAAACY/6flve7Pzgbs/s1600-h/exercise.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 100px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 100px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396301942808230338" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SuOEBrHVucI/AAAAAAAAACY/6flve7Pzgbs/s320/exercise.jpg" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">I found out this morning I've lost 17 pounds since I've been here. I haven't been trying necessarily, but it's just happened.Of course, in the 3 months I've been here, I've started eating healthier (just by necessity and lack of McDonalds too). I walk more too (1/2 mi one way to school -- not to mention walking almost everywhere else). There's nothing like swating for Jesus. That's for sure.<br /><br />This got me thinking. How is exercising, or working out, like serving God?<br /><br />1) We have to strengthen our minds and bodies through prayer and devotion.<br />2) We have to take water breaks every now & then. These little breaks replenish our minds, bodies, and souls.<br />3) We need "workout buddies" to help encourage us along the way.<br />4) We have to spend time with our personal trainer (God). He has a plan set for us. He wants to work with us. Yes, He'll push us hard, but that's only because He wants us to succeed.<br /><br />Too often people treat God like the newest, most trendy diet or exercise plan. It's fun to try for a while. Sure, I'll go to church every Sunday. Sure, I'll give my tithes and a nice offering when the plate comes around.<br /><br />Then something changes. And that new "fad" of serving God isn't as appealing. Oh I'm sorry. I can't come to church this Sunday. My favorite tv show's on that day. Or oh I'm sorry. I can't pay my tithes this week. I'll just put a little change in and maybe no one will notice.<br /><br />The excuses pile up and soon (just like with a lot of those new diet/exercise trends) you're not serving God anymore. God becomes a burden to you. You think you don't have time to pray or read your Bible or witness anymore.<br /><br />But God's not a fad or a trend or the latest cool idea. God is God. God is constant. He never changes. And He never leaves us. Even when we ignore Him and don't treat Him the way we know we should, God still loves us. He still cares for us. He still wants to train us into the best shape (the best Christian person) we can be.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-2812132675205337400?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-43159099308980202212009-10-22T04:39:00.000-07:002009-10-22T04:44:13.832-07:00Why I Love Senegal<strong><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">In my class of 10 students, there are 7 different nationalities. Only 1 of those is Senegalese. 6 are children of missionaries. 2 are children of embassy workers. And 2 are children of area business men. I love my little eclectic group of kids. They bring such diversity (and fun) to my day every day.<br /><br />This week my school is celebrating Senegalese Awareness Week. These are just some of the reasons my kids said they love Senegal...<br />1) I can pray to God and go to church here.<br />2) I can walk to school and don't have to ride a stinky yellow bus. (cute, I know) :)<br />3) I can go to different villages and speak different languages.<br />4) I can go to school with people from different countries than me.<br />5) I can eat yummy food I can't eat in America.<br />6) I can learn about people different from me.<br /><br />It got me thinking too. Why do I love Senegal? These are just a few reasons I came up with...<br />1) God called me here. So I am blessed enough to live, minister, and work in the place He’s called me to.<br />2) I get to use the French I learned in high school and college (and thought I’d never use).<br />3) I am able to talk about God and hang scripture verses on the wall in my classroom, without punishment.<br />4) I get to try new (and often tasty) foods.<br />5) I’ve learned to cook…and I think I’m actually getting pretty good at it.<br />6) I get more exercise. I walk ½ mile (one way) to school each day. I also walk to the grocery store and some other places.<br />7) I get to visit churches where the service is entirely in French or Wolof…which is a good thing, because I’m able to feel the Holy Spirit moving in a place full of people that are totally different. Does that make sense? </span></strong><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-4315909930898020221?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-70885596661150177662009-10-14T16:16:00.000-07:002009-10-14T16:19:59.628-07:00You Know You're From Alabama If...<p>You have a party or a barbeque whenever Alabama plays Auburn in football.<br />You go to Gulf Shores every summer.<br />You call the Atlanta Braves baseball team "us" like they're actually from Alabama.<br />You would much rather visit Florida than California.<br />You don't "take", you "carry" or "tote"... as in "You want me to carry you down to the store?" or "You want me to tote that box for you?"<br />A soft drink isn't soda, cola, or pop, it's Coke. "What kind of coke do you want?"<br />You call it a "buggy" and not a shopping cart.<br />You've said "fixin' to" at least once during the last week.<br />Someone you know has used a football schedule to plan their wedding date.<br />You know the meaning of the phrase "Fobbed again."<br />You can properly pronounce Arab, Eufaula, Opelika, Loachapoka, Bayou La Batre, and Oneonta. You know exactly what chitlins and mountain oysters are, and you know someone who eats them anyway.<br />You think that people who complain about the humidity in other states are sissies.<br />You aren't surprised to find rental movies, groceries, ammunition and bait all in the same store. People actually grow, eat, and like okra.<br />You measure distance in minutes.<br />You've ever had to switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day.<br />You know what "cow tipping" is.<br />The local papers cover national and international news on one page but require 6 pages for sports.<br />You think that the first day of deer season is a national holiday.<br />You know all four seasons: Almost summer, summer, still summer and Christmas (which often feels like summer).<br />You know whether another Alabamian is from east, west or middle Alabama as soon as they open their mouth.<br />You visit Wal-Mart at least once every other day.<br />You can drive without your license because you know if a cop stops you he'll know you and let you go.<br />You know the difference between redneck, hillbilly, and southerner.<br />You think everybody from the north has an accent.<br />Y'all is a word.<br />There is no such thing as tea.. it's sweet tea.<br />If a single snowflake falls, the town is paralyzed for three days and it's on all the channels as a news flash every 15 minutes for a week. All grocery stores will be sold out of milk, bread, bottled water, and toilet paper. If there is a remote chance of snow, and if it does snow, people will be on the corner selling "I survived the blizzard" tee-shirts, not to mention the fact that all schools will close at the slightest possible chance of snow.<br />Your directions include "when you see the Waffle House" or "turn on the dirt road."<br />You say "sir" and "ma'am" if there's even a chance someone is even thiry seconds older than you.<br />The falling of one rain drop causes all drivers to immediately forget all traffic rules; so will daylight savings time, a girl applying eye shadow in the next car, or a flat tire three lanes over.There is nothing but country on the radio.<br />Almost everyone you know is Baptist or Assemblies of God.<br />A Mercedes Benz isn't a status symbol. A Chevy Silverado Extended Bed Crew Cab is.<br />You know everything goes better with Ranch dressing.<br />You learned how to shoot a gun before you learned how to multiply.<br />Krispy Kreme doughnuts are the only doughnuts that exist.<br />You know at least one Bubba, and maybe a few guys named Bo.<br />You don't assume the car with the blinker light on is actually going to turn anytime in the near future.<br />Your idea of a traffic jam is ten cars waiting to pass a tractor.<br />You actually get these jokes.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-7088559666115017766?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-4817947084667017132009-10-14T14:31:00.000-07:002009-10-14T14:42:26.160-07:00PackingPacking is something I HATE. I know that's a strong word, but it's true. I get so stressed out about packing for even a short weekend get away. So, you can imagine how I felt packing for Africa.<br /><br /><em>How do you plan for such a long time? How many outfits should I bring? How many bottles of shampoo should I bring? What food should I bring? What can I buy there? What American items will I miss the most?</em> All of these questions rang through my head.<br /><br />To me, this is similar to being called to the mission field. We want to hold on to the things of our past. We want to cling to our family and our friends and all the things that are familiar to us. We worry about whether we'll be able to learn the language. We worry about whether we'll adapt to a new culture...a new way of life. We worry about whether we are good teachers, preachers, leaders. Plain and simple...we worry.<br /><br />But why? When God calls us to walk with Christ and serve him, he gives us exactly what we need to do so. Jesus sent the twelve disciples out on a very difficult mission. They were to spread the message of the kingdom of heaven. <br /><br />In addition to that, they were not to take money or extra provisions with them. To the natural mind, embarking on such a mission might seem foolhardy. They had nothing for their physical needs except the clothes on their backs. They had no arrangements for where they would stay, and on top of that Jesus told them to expect hostility. <br /><br />However, the spiritual side to this is quite different. In fact, in this area, they were well-prepared for their mission. Jesus gave them a very powerful tool that they would need to complete their mission: the authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and every sickness. He also gave them the promise of the Holy Spirit, who would give them the words to speak to their persecutors. <br /><br />Each of us is called to follow Jesus and serve him in some special way. God has gifted all of us with unique combinations of talents and circumstances that can be used to bring him glory. Some of those gifts may be used for current tasks and some for future tasks. When we receive orders for a mission, we need not feel that we have to bring every talent and ability God has given us to bear to complete the mission. Like a hiker with a small backpack for a long journey, we only need to pack the items that God tells us to bring.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-481794708466701713?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-18619363670664366022009-09-28T02:53:00.000-07:002009-09-28T03:04:02.213-07:00September 2009Welcome to the September Installment of The Elisabeth Chronicles! It’s hard to believe that on September 30, I will have been in Senegal for 2 months. The time has definitely flown by!<br /><br /> We’ve been in school for almost 6 weeks now. I now have 9 students, with two more coming in the next few weeks. My class will be comprised of 6 boys and 5 girls. There are 4 Americans, 1 British, 1 Brazilian, 1 Nigerian, 1 Senegalese, 1 Saudi Arabian, 1 Indian, and 1 from Cameroon. Of those, 6 are from missionary families, 3 are from embassy families, and 2 are from business families. Only 7 of these families are of the Christian faith. Of the others: One is Muslim, one is Hindu, and the other two are unknown. Please pray for my students (and the school’s other students as well). Pray that the Christian values we are teaching them stick. Pray that one day, these students will be able to take what they’ve learned back to their “home” countries and spread the Gospel there.<br /> <br /> Since I last wrote, I had the pleasure of going on Dakar Academy’s Staff Retreat to the nearby city of Saly. We stayed in a very nice “resort,” where I was able to enjoy the luxury of the swimming pool, the beach and nearby shops, good food and fellowship, and air conditioned rooms. *This is always a plus here. :) It was a great time of rest and relaxation and fellowship with my fellow staff/board members. I also got to spend a little more time getting to know the McLanes during this time as well. I feel so privileged to have been given the opportunity to work with, learn from, and get to know this missionary family. <br /> <br /> I have also started reading a new book: Twelve Ordinary Men by John MacArthur. It is about the lives of the twelve disciples of Jesus and how they were just ordinary men called to do great things for God. I’ve always questioned why God chose me to be in the ministry. I often feel that I’m not a great speaker or leader. I still get nervous when I speak in front of a group of people. I’m not the best at remembering the exact scripture verse to give someone in different situations. I don’t possess any awesome talents or skills. I often feel that I’m just too ordinary to be used by God. But then I remember something. God takes ordinary people and transforms them into something extraordinary. Just as Jesus chose twelve “ordinary” men and trained them to spread His Gospel, He chose me and is training me to do the same.<br /><br /> A lot of people have been asking for a list of items I need/want. So in this e-mail, I’ve included a sort of wish list. Please know I’m not sending this asking for these items, I’m just responding to what a lot of people have asked. J Also, if you do send a package, know that it’s typically cheaper to send one in a flat-rate US Postal box and please let me know when you mail it, so I can be prepared to pay the small tax/fee to pick it up. If you have any questions about what can or can’t be sent or anything else, please let me know. Also, if you would like any contact information (address, phone numbers) for me, please let me know.<br /><br /> Thank you all for your prayers and support. This means so incredibly much to me. It is so wonderful to know I have so many people “back home” and abroad supporting me while I am fulfilling the call God has placed on my life. When you pray, I ask that you specifically remember these things…1) Pray for Dakar Academy and its teachers and students. 2) Pray for all the lost people in Senegal. 3) Pray for the missionaries in Senegal, working to further the kingdom of God. 4) Pray for me. I am starting French classes today (the 28th). Also, [ray that I do the things God wants me to do, say the things God wants me to say, and go to the places God wants me to go.<br /><br /> If you already support me each month financially, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you do not, and would like to, please contact me at <a href="mailto:enichols85@gmail.com">enichols85@gmail.com</a> and I can tell you how to do so. Any donations you make would be tax-deductible. <br /><br />May God Bless,Elisabeth Nichols<a href="mailto:Nicholsenichols85@gmail.com">enichols85@gmail.com</a> <br /><br />Elisabeth’s Wish List<br /><br />Ziploc-type bags (all sizes – freezer and regular) – doesn’t have to be Ziploc bag (Dollar Tree brand is what I bought)<br />Nuts – you can take them out of the can (if they’re canned) and put in bags to save weight/$<br />Dried fruit<br />Candy (nothing that would melt too bad preferably)<br />Ranch dressing mix<br />Italian dressing mix<br />Seasoning packets (any kind)<br />Cocoa<br />Brownie/Cookie/Muffin mixes (usually smaller/weigh less)<br />Cornbread mixes<br />Packaged, microwaveable meals (those quick ones – nothing expensive)<br />Snack foods (nothing that would melt too bad preferably)<br />Individual packets of grits (I’m from the south and I love them…what else can I say?)<br />Pop-Tarts (doesn’t have to be name brand – my favorite kind is the strawberry ones)<br />Stickers, pencils, or other small (cheap) toys to give as prizes to my students<br />Sticky notes (doesn’t have to be post-it brand – any brand is fine)<br />Lined, looseleaf paper<br />Cinnamon flavored gum<br />Note cards or stationery/envelopes (really any kind of paper/cards and/or envelopes)<br />Lead pencils (any size) and lead<br />Ink pens (I really like the SHARPIE brand ink pens and flair brand colored pens, but I would honestly be happy with any kind.)<br />Christmas time – candy canes<br />Chocolate chips<br />Peanut butter<br />Kool-aid (any flavor) or flavored water packets<br />Jello and Instant pudding mixes<br />Clear Tape (any brand – doesn’t have to be scotch brand)<br />Books (no big preferences – except that they be clean and nothing sci-fi/mystery preferably)Magazines (no big preferences)<br />Puzzle books<br />Holiday Decorations (inexpensive ones – wall decorations, plates/napkins, stickers, etc.)<br />Games (board games or card games – nothing expensive…just small to save on packing/$$)<br />T-shirts (adult XL) – clothes take a real beating here between the sun fading the fabric, and the harsh sand and water too<br />American stamps (There are always people going back to the US that can mail letters for us.)Dvd’s or TV shows on dvd’s (I’m not hard to please… Just ask If you’d like to see what I already have first, just ask…)<br />Cd’s (same as dvd’s/tv shows)<br />Itunes gift cards<br />Online Gift Certificates (I know Amazon.com ships overseas and many others do too…)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-1861936367066436602?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-27581002011016837532009-09-19T15:45:00.000-07:002009-09-19T16:21:09.746-07:00God, you want me to do what?!Saturday I was asked if I wanted to do Children's Church at one of the African churches some time soon.<br /><br />My first reaction was almost shock -- He wants me to do what?! Then I asked if he was serious and he said he was and then asked, wasn't that what you were wanting to do here? I answered yes (with a little hesitation in my voice). And he said ok then, why don't you do it then? I then said, I don't know if I could do that by myself. He said, Oh yeah you could and then the subject got changed after that and it was left at that.<br /><br />The rest of the afternoon and throughout the night (I couldn't sleep.) I kept thinking about him asking me this. The devil kept putting thoughts in my head, like...You're not good enough. You can't speak French. You're not even a real missionary.<br /><br />So during thenight I was still praying about this and finally felt peace about it. I heard God say, Elisabeth I wouldn't call you to do a ministry if I'm not going to be with you and help you and take care of you. Why do you worry about these things? And this is the verse he gave me...<br /><br />"I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is always right beside me." Psalms 16:8<br /><br />Yes, I may be nervous. Yes, I might even mess up. But God will be right beside me.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-2758100201101683753?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-49135789528083579652009-09-17T09:12:00.000-07:002009-09-17T09:49:27.923-07:00Technology<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SrJogdzaK5I/AAAAAAAAABw/-E2Jxox21cw/s1600-h/computer.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382479411626519442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 285px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SrJogdzaK5I/AAAAAAAAABw/-E2Jxox21cw/s320/computer.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><em>My ipod's not working. An error message popped up and when I called the technical support people the lady sent me an e-mail of things to try, none of which have worked. So either a miracle happens and my ipod starts working again, or I'm going to have to call in on my warranty (I've only had it 6mths.) and get another one, which will be hard since they're in America and I'm in Africa! Grr to technology...</em></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This is my latest status update on Facebook. And I called my mom on Skype and as soon as she asked how I was doing, I launched into a big spill about my ipod not working and blah, blah, blah and why me. And in the midde of my moaning and groaning and pity party, I remembered something. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Just last week gave a devotion at school, in which I said -- <em>Remember, we need to not worry, but be happy.</em> Plus, technology isn't all bad. It does make my life a LOT easier and it helps me stay in contact with all my family and friends since we're separated by thousands and thousands of miles. Plus, I've only had my ipod for less than 6 months, so it's still under warranty, so I could have it replaced/fixed. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>My point is this...Sometimes we focus so much on the bad things that happen in life, that we forget good things happen too. We need to take time daily to thank God for all of these good things, like...</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>1) We didn't have running water when I woke up today, but it came on later in the day.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>2) The electricity has not gone off in almost a full week.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>3) I'm surrounded by people that daily encourage me.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>4) I'm teaching in a Christian school -- which means I can post scripture on the wall and I can pray in class, all without fear. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>5) I'm in Africa. I'm working with children. I'm doing what God has called me to do.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>6) I'm saved, filled with the Holy Spirit, and working on the mission field.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>7) God loves me.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-4913578952808357965?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-60699295944781344472009-09-09T08:58:00.000-07:002009-09-09T09:16:30.294-07:00Elisabeth Needs...This is a silly little fad for bored people (like me right now). You google your name and Needs in quotes ["elisabeth needs"]. I got some interesting ones and some not-so interesting ones...<br /><br />1. Elisabeth needs coffee.<br />2. Elisabeth needs to raise her voice.<br />3. Elisabeth needs to shut up. (It kind of contradicts the last one, doesn't it?)<br />4. Elisabeth needs a vacation.<br />5. Elisabeth needs to wake up.<br />6. Elisabeth needs a reality check.<br />7. Elisabeth needs to stay home.<br />8. Elisabeth needs a date.<br />9. Elisabeth needs to find a new doctor.<br />10. Elisabeth needs guidance and clarity.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-6069929594478134447?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-15298146165835277502009-09-09T03:14:00.000-07:002009-09-09T03:49:48.804-07:00Don't Worry. Be Happy.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SqeILfNsQnI/AAAAAAAAABo/vx6PpYLCopQ/s1600-h/BigMouthBillyBass2.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379418010856211058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SqeILfNsQnI/AAAAAAAAABo/vx6PpYLCopQ/s320/BigMouthBillyBass2.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Did you know that God wants you to be happy? He does. He really does.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I know what you're thinking. <em>Duh, of course God wants us to be happy. Why are you asking that question? </em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div>But often, Christians are walking around worrying about things going on in their lives, their families, their world. They are walking around looking sad and just truly unhappy. They complain about every little thing -- whether that be the electricity going out, mosquito bites, or even health problems.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><em>Oh wait. I'm talking about myself here. I've been in Senegal for 6 weeks now. The power has been going out almost every day. The mosquitos here love me. I get at least one new souvenir bite every day. I've been sick 3 times -- and had to see a doctor 2 of those times. I've been on all kinds of medicine -- including medicines to treat the allergic reaction I had to one of those.</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div>Through those times, I know I did not act happy all the time. I cried. I complained. I was just in a good ol' fashioned bad mood. And all the while I was not doing what God wanted me to do. I was not acting happy. I was worrying about everything and not letting God take control, like I know I was supposed to.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In Philippians 4:6, Paul writes "<em>Don't worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he's done</em>." (NLT) There are 3 clear commands in this verse.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>1) Don't worry about anything. </div><br /><div>2) Pray about everything.</div><br /><div>3) Thank God for all he's done.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>It's simple. God is in control of our lives. God loves us and wants to help us. And we should let him. We should not worry about things in our lives. We should pray about it -- tell God what's going on, what we need help with, etc. -- and let God take care of it. And last, (but not least) we should thank God for everything. <em>P.S. This doesn't just mean thank God for the good things. Everything happens for a reason (even bad things). We need to still thank God in the midst of our troubles.</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div>Do you remember the Big Mouth Billy Bass? It was a popular item (at least it was in the South) during the 90's. It was this fish that was mounted on the wall and had this motion sensor on it. So when someone would walk by, it would start singing, "<em>Don't worry. Be happy now...</em>" </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-1529814616583527750?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-64397219678575684232009-08-31T03:42:00.001-07:002009-08-31T03:43:10.942-07:00August 2009Welcome to the August Installment of The Elisabeth Chronicles!<br /><br /> A lot has happened since the last installment. I arrived in Dakar, Senegal on Thursday, July 30th. As strange as it sounds, the minute I stepped off the airplane I felt as if I were home. To know that I am where God has called me to be is such an awesome feeling. I had one week to rest, relax, and get used to my surroundings before starting to work. During that week, I had many missionaries and fellow teachers invite me to dinner, which was nice because I was able to get to know so many people before school (work) started and things got busy. Also during that week I was able to spend a lot of quiet time with God…just praying and reading and studying his Word.<br /><br />I started to work. I had 5 days of orientation (meetings) before school officially started on the 12th. I went on a tour of Dakar with my fellow new teachers which was nice. I found out where all the grocery stores, fruit/veggie stands (markets), and bakeries were. I found out where all the good restaurants and ice cream shops (yay!) were. I also found out where the pharmacies and doctors offices were (which came in handy not too long afterwards). And I found out where all the shopping places are and got my first taste of the Fuki (“fookee”). This is a 1 mile long outdoor market held on Saturdays. It’s similar to a really big yard sale, with lots of used clothing among other things. It’s VERY crowded, so you learn quickly to accept people in your personal space. J<br /><br />I did have a couple (very minor) health issues. After I’d been here a week I got, what most here call the “Welcome to Africa stomach bug,” which lasted about 12 hours. And after being here about 3 weeks, I got a severe urinary tract infection, requiring me to make a visit to the doctor. I then developed an allergic reaction to the first antibiotic she prescribed so I had to call and get another antibiotic prescribed. And after taking that one and Benadryl for the allergic reaction, and lots of prayer, I finally got over the UTI. But as I’ve told some people already…I know God had a reason for me to go through that pain and sickness. I spent more time in prayer and reading scriptures during that time than I have in a long time and I really believe God had me go through something like that so I’d learn to rely on Him more. So I say Thank you God…lesson learned!<br /><br />I have been practicing my French more and learning phrases in Wolof (another language spoken here). I love going to the grocery store and markets (fruit/veggie stands) and practicing. The owners/workers of these places are very nice and are always patient with my elementary speaking abilities and help me find the words to say. Plus, the night guard at the school teaches me new phrases almost every afternoon when I leave school. And on the 30th, I went to my first African service, which was almost entirely in French.<br /><br />I walk just about everywhere I go, which is nice because I’ve been able to see all the little things showing God’s hands at work. I see such beautiful flowers blooming. I see all the little critters along the way like the brightly colored lizards and birds. I love these times, because I’m able to pray and just have some “God time.” I thank God for all of these beautiful things he’s created and for allowing me to be here to enjoy them. I also thank God for missionaries, Tom and Marla McLane. I’ve been able to hear Tom speak at the African service and I’ve been able to get to know them all a little. So I’m looking forward to getting to know them all a lot more in the coming time.<br /><br />Thank you all for your prayers and support. This means so incredibly much to me. It is so wonderful to know I have so many people “back home” and abroad supporting me while I am fulfilling the call God has placed on my life. When you pray, I ask that you remember these things…1) Pray for Dakar Academy and its teachers and students. 2) Pray for all the lost people in Senegal. 3) Pray for the missionaries in Senegal, working to further the kingdom of God. 4) Pray for me. Pray that I do the things God wants me to do, say the things God wants me to say, and go to the places God wants me to go.<br /><br />If you already support me each month financially, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you do not, and would like to, please contact me at <a href="mailto:enichols85@gmail.com">enichols85@gmail.com</a> and I can tell you how to do so. Any donations you make would be tax-deductible.<br /><br />Don’t forget to check out my blog at <a href="http://elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com/">http://elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com</a>.<br /><br />May God Bless,<br />Elisabeth Nichols<br /><a href="mailto:enichols85@gmail.com">enichols85@gmail.com</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-6439721967857568423?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-10425819146950429582009-07-31T16:11:00.000-07:002009-07-31T16:50:43.131-07:00Looks Can Be Deceiving<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SnODNGeEw7I/AAAAAAAAABY/0xzZclPb3Ho/s1600-h/turnip+greens.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364775842226684850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SnODNGeEw7I/AAAAAAAAABY/0xzZclPb3Ho/s320/turnip+greens.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This blog was also written while I was on the plane heading to Dakar.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Have you ever heard the saying, "<em>Looks can be deceiving"? </em>Well, I just experienced that saying first-hand.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I just finished my in-flight dinner, comprised of some beef and rice dish, salad, bread and cheese, a brownie, and what I thught was turnip greens. That's where the deceiving part comes in...with the green substance on my meal tray. Any true Southern (and Alabama) girl should know her greens. I think it's programmed into our DNA when we're created. Anyways...I took one bite, expecting to taste turnip greens and boy was I disappointed. It was spinach with some kind of potato in it...not turnip greens. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So...the reason for me sharing this is to make a comparison. Sometimes looks can be deceiving when it comes to Christians too. Sometimes they go to church, raise their hands, pray, maybe even have roles of leadership. They do it all and on the outside they look like a Christian, but when they're alone they're different. They watch movies and t.v. shows they shouldn't watch. They say words they shouldn't say. They participate in activities they shouldn't participate in. They do all these things when no one is watching...</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Of course this really isn't the case. There is someone who is watching all the time... God knows everything we do and say. So why do we try and hide from him?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I can sum all I've said in three sentences. A Christian should live his/her life the same on the inside and the outside. Don't let anyone, including yourself, be deceived by your looks. Let everyone know who you are and what you stand for.</div><br /><div></div><div>**Disclaimer... this isn't the best picture of turnip greens, but the only one I could find. :)</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-1042581914695042958?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-51695580117411522722009-07-31T15:55:00.000-07:002009-07-31T16:08:43.134-07:00In Flight<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SnN5YxOObqI/AAAAAAAAABQ/xeRhHj1K0Eg/s1600-h/5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364765047565217442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SnN5YxOObqI/AAAAAAAAABQ/xeRhHj1K0Eg/s320/5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>So...this was originally written while I was on the airplane. However, since this is the first time I've had enough time to update, here is this blog... :)<br /><br />Welcome to the In-Flight Installment of The Elisabeth Chronicles!<br /><br />I'm sitting on the plane now heading to Dakar, Senegal to begin my journey on fulfilling the calling that God has placed on my life.<br /><br />This morning I experienced a variety of emotions. i felt sad about leaving my family, my church family, my friends, and even my dog... :) ...not to mention leaving the only life I've known for my 23...almost 24...years of life.<br /><br />However, as sad as it was to leave my family, i still feel happy and excited about this new adventure in my life. God has blessed me so incredibly much with this gift -- this calling -- and I cannot wait to see what all God has in store for me!<br /><br />Once again, thank you to everyone backing me with encouragement, prayer, and support. You all mean so very much to me! </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-5169558011741152272?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-55385388279529691822009-07-27T19:09:00.000-07:002009-07-27T19:24:28.671-07:00A Big To Do List<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/Sm5hURfwIHI/AAAAAAAAABI/gAe56Osa6zM/s1600-h/todolist.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363331207166697586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 280px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/Sm5hURfwIHI/AAAAAAAAABI/gAe56Osa6zM/s320/todolist.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">There were so many things I had to do before leaving for Africa, so I've been checking things off every day from the biggest To Do list I've ever written. Here are just a few things I've checked off my list.<br /><br />-- Go to Wal-Mart to get supplies...and I did this at least a zillion times (or so it seems), including the 2 1/2 hour long trip and the 1 hour long trip.</span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">-- Go on one last Daddy-Daughter date...We went to see G-Force & to eat dinner at Outback, our favorite place to go together.</span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">-- Spend the day with my mom...We went shopping and to eat lunch at Taco Bell, our favorite place to go together.</span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">-- Spend the day with my "2nd mom" (my Aunt Sandra)...We went to the Peach Park to eat lunch and went window shopping (which is much more fun than shopping for real...you get to save your $$) :)</span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">-- Have a going-away party with my closest friends and family</span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">-- Write letters to each of my kids (from Children's Church)</span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">-- Write letters to my parents and brother and sister-in-law...I'm a letter writer. Can you tell?</span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">-- Send a million or so thank-you notes...at least that's what it seemed like...the lady at the Post Office knew me on a first-name basis after a while :)</span></p><br /><p>-- Get a yellow fever shot...not a fun experience.</p><br /><p>-- Start taking anti-malaria meds...It was kind of interesting to see the faces of the pharmacy staff when they saw I needed a year's worth. :)</p><br /><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">-- Pack...I was dreading this more than anything. I absolutely positively HATE packing. Therefore, when I had to pack for a year I was dreading it. :)</span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And I could go on and on... I'm a big list-maker and I love being able to check things off of my to do lists. So, it was almost like a challenge to check different things off this list. </p></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-5538538827952969182?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-79812114205823861502009-07-27T18:31:00.001-07:002009-09-23T01:45:31.919-07:00July 2009 E-mail<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/Sm5VK4g8u4I/AAAAAAAAABA/HCDhfpsM4QQ/s1600-h/July+09+picture.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363317851702475650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/Sm5VK4g8u4I/AAAAAAAAABA/HCDhfpsM4QQ/s320/July+09+picture.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Hi everyone!<br /><br />Welcome to the July installment of The Elisabeth Chronicles. Since this is the first installment, I thought I’d share my testimony and calling with all of you.<br /><br />About five years ago God called me to work with the people of Africa…more specifically with the children of Africa. Now at the time I didn’t know exactly where in Africa that’d be, but I knew it would happen. I had just returned from a short mission trip to South Africa and could not get the pictures out of my head. I saw children that were yearning for something greater than food and presents. Sure they enjoyed those things we gave them, but they all wanted more. They wanted to fill the emptiness that was in their hearts. They wanted someone that would be with them forever, someone that would never leave nor forsake them. They wanted to know the love of Jesus Christ. In fact, there was one children’s service held at a village school that we ministered at that I will never forget. In fact there is a moment in that service that is permanently stuck in my mind. The preacher had asked the children if there were any that wanted to ask God into their hearts, to forgive them of their sins, and live with them forever, and at least a hundred children raised their hands, with tears in their eyes, saying yes they wanted to know more about God. They wanted God in their hearts and lives.<br /><br />That’s when I knew. God wanted me to minister to children like those. And there was a reason that God had me going to college to get an education degree. For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to become a teacher. And now I know that was all part of God’s master plan. In fact, this August I will begin teaching 3rd grade at Dakar Academy in Dakar, Senegal…which is in West Africa. This school is owned by the Assemblies of God, United World Mission, and World Venture (formerly known as Conservative Baptist International). It is a school for the children of missionaries, embassy officials, and others. Along with teaching I will also be working with Assembly of God missionaries, Tom and Marla McLane, in ministering to the people of the local villages.<br /><br />This is such an awesome opportunity and I feel so incredibly blessed to have been granted the chance to do it. And yes, I will need financial help. The school will furnish housing and a small stipend every month, but not enough to fully live on. But more importantly than the financial help, I’m asking for spiritual help. More than anything I need your prayers. I need men and women praying for me that I’ll say and do the right things…that I’ll go to the right places and minister to the right people…that I’ll continue to do what God wants me to do.<br />If you would are already supporting me through prayers and through monthly pledges, I thank you. If you are not currently supporting me financially, I ask you to consider this in the future. And please know that any contributions (whether they be monthly pledges or one-time offerings) can be tax-deductable. Just make your check out to Abundant Life Assembly of God (my home church) and they will then turn around and send the money to me and send you a statement at the end of the year showing your tax-deductible gift.<br /><br />Thank you and God bless,<br />Elisabeth Nichols<br /><a href="mailto:enichols85@gmail.com">enichols85@gmail.com</a><br /><br />Senegal Address:<br />Elisabeth Nichols, Dakar Academy<br />B.P. 3189<br />Dakar, Senegal – West Africa<br /><br />USA Address:<br />Abundant Life A/G<br />P.O. Box 130<br />Brent, Alabama 35034 – USA</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-7981211420582386150?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-84530623232876059682009-07-24T12:36:00.000-07:002009-07-24T13:38:11.065-07:00My Parents<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SmobqJ2lJYI/AAAAAAAAAA4/PnG6IH4jQpU/s1600-h/parents.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362128717351298434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SmobqJ2lJYI/AAAAAAAAAA4/PnG6IH4jQpU/s320/parents.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Dad -- I'm a daddy's girl, that's for sure. My dad is my hero. He's shown me how a Christian man, husband, and father should act. He's battled cancer and came away with a testimony of healing that will always bring me to tears.<br /><br />Mom -- My mom's my best friend, and always has been. I've always been able to talk to her about anything. She's given me what I feel to be the best possible example of a Christian woman, wife, and mother. She's overcame a lot in her life and has never waivered in her walk with God.<br /><br />My parents are truly awesome people. I've been so blessed to have been born into the family I was. I've aways felt this way, but now that the time for me to move to Africa is soon approaching I feel it even stronger. We've always been a very close family, so I know it's going to be hard at times being thousands of miles away from them. However I'll be able to remember what they've always taught me... God is in control. And if God calls you to do work for him (even thousands of miles away from your family) He will take care of you. Plus...God will never put more on you than He knows you can handle.<br /><br />My prayer for today is... <em>Dear Lord, please help me to make my parents proud. Help me to do what you have called me to do to the best of my ability. And Lord, help me not to miss them so much that I lose sight of what I'm there to do. Help both myself and my parents through the times of sadness and "missings." </em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-8453062323287605968?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-9627063152807139772009-07-21T20:49:00.000-07:002009-07-21T20:51:29.654-07:00The 12 OpossumsThe following is from a lady in Oregon. It is priceless! The Bible explained by kids - truth has been redefined!<br /><br />One of our favorite jobs has been leading Children’s Church. We try to do more than baby-sit our church's beloved little ankle-biters during their time in our special Children’s Church facility. We aim to give them a solid background in biblical history. At the end of each year we give the kids pencils and paper and ask them to chronicle what they have learned. This assignment never fails to elicit some intriguing responses. In case you're a little foggy on your biblical history, let our students help you with this complete overview of the Bible, compiled from their essays.<br /><br />In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one,' but I think He must be a lot older than that. Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did. Then God made the world. He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet. Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden. Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars. Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was able (get it – Abel).<br /><br />Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something. One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check. <br /><br />After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable. God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then He gave them His top ten commandments. These include don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's bottom (the Bible uses a bad word for bottom that I'm not supposed to say. But my Dad uses it sometimes when he talks about the President). Oh, yeah, I just thought of onemore: Humor thy father and thy mother.<br /><br />One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua, who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the Battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town. After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me. <br /><br />After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore. There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.<br /><br />After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of the New Testament. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn, too, because my mom is always saying to me, Close the door! Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was.')<br /><br />During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Republicans. Jesus also had twelve opossums. The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him. Jesus was a great man He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount. But the Republicans and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead. <br /><br />Anyways, Jesus died for our sins then came back to life again. He went up to Heaven, but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.<br /><br />There! Now you understand it, right? :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-962706315280713977?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-38274298113952577482009-07-20T17:35:00.000-07:002009-07-20T18:08:19.803-07:00Saying Goodbye to My KidsYesterday was especially hard for me. A girl (my possible replacement) came to check out our church. After church one of my kids (a 5 year old adorable boy) came up to her, grabbed her hand, and said <em>I'll show you around our Children's Church room if you come with me</em>. Now, let me first say, that I'm proud that he was so polite and friendly to her. But, I broke down. I started crying right then. And I HATE crying in public...especially in front of my kids. So, I tried sneaking out the back door and going to wait in the car so they wouldn't see me crying. Then, one of my other kids (the 11 year old tender-hearted boy I bring to church every week) saw me crying and came to the car and asked me why I was crying. Therefore, on the way taking him home I explained to him how sad it is for me to leave them and how much I'm going to miss each one of them. This made him cry...which of course made me cry even more.<br /><br />On Sunday, July 26 I'll say goodbye to my kids (my Children's Church kids). I've watched these kids grow so much in the last year...not only physically, but spiritually and socially. These kids have definitely attached themselves to my heart. And as each day passes I begin missing them more and more. And as bad as I hate it, I know I'll break my no crying in public rule.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-3827429811395257748?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-50598093377655704552009-07-14T21:12:00.000-07:002009-07-14T21:32:36.389-07:005 Things You May Not Know About MeSo...I stole the idea for this blog from a friend of mine. It's kind of neat to learn new things about your friends, so I thought hey, why not do it myself. Here's five things about me that very few people know.<br /><br />1) I want to skydive.<br /><br />2) I used to not want to share my testimony because I felt it wasn't a good one because I wasn't delivered from anything really bad. I was saved as ayoung child and have lived for the Lord ever since. (I now think otherwise.) :)<br /><br />3) I used to want to be a figure skater. <em>Funny since I've never ice skated before. :)</em><br /><em></em><br />4) I used to love to watch Batman. And when I was in 2nd grade, I wrote Batman as my name on an assignment and lied and told the teacher the boy next to me wrote it on my paper. <em>I know, I know...that was bad. :)</em><br /><br />5)My biggest fear in the world is that I'll never get married and have children.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-5059809337765570455?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-52420616124306677872009-07-09T07:17:00.000-07:002009-07-09T15:53:10.736-07:00My Papa<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SlZ0r0S259I/AAAAAAAAAAw/jxmfmcpalgc/s1600-h/papa.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-UziQo5czyE/SlZ0r0S259I/AAAAAAAAAAw/jxmfmcpalgc/s320/papa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356597102924720082" /></a><br /><p>Claude Nichols is a great man. He's a devoted husband, a loving father, and the best grandfather and greatgrandfather there ever was. He is a Korean War veteran. He is a cancer survivor. He is a child of God. He is a confidant, a mentor, a hero. He is my papa.<br /><br />I remember...</p><p>- playing my little plastic guitar with him playing his guitar at church.</p><p>- him coming to our house on his lunch break giving me "pite" -- <em>Well, I don't remember this one since I was only a few years old.</em></p><p><em>- </em>him letting me and my brother catch minnows at the bait shop when we were little.<br /><br />- him bringing us food when we were out of electricity for 2 weeks after a hurricane.<br /><br />- him crying telling his church how proud he was of me for becoming a missionary.<br /><br />I have so many memories of my Papa and I know there will be more memories to come. But I know that, at 79 years old, our time together is running low. I know this is a somewhat morbid blog, but I've been thinking a lot about this lately, especially since I'll soon be living across the "big pond" from him.<br /><br />My prayer for today is... <em>Dear Lord please heal my Papa. Help him to get healthier and stronger every day. Lord help my family and myself value each moment we are given with him. And Lord, in the event that something does happen while I'm thousands of miles away, please help me to be at peace since I wouldn't be able to come back. Help me to realize that in the case of that event, I should rejoice, not cry, because I know that my incredible Papa is in Heaven with you. </em></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-5242061612430667787?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-67427448722262377832009-07-08T20:26:00.000-07:002009-07-09T07:13:33.518-07:00Kids say the sweetest things...<em>Miss Elisabeth, I'm going to miss you ever so much when you go across the ocean. </em><br /><br />This is what one of my kids from Children's Church said to me tonight. I couldn't speak at first. I just hugged him. Then I told hm that was the sweetest thing anyone's ever said to me. And it was...<br /><br />In the past year and a half I've grown to love this group of kids. They range in age from 4 to 12, and all are so close to my heart. It's going to be hard to leave them, but I know God will send someone even better than me (hard, I know) :) to take my place.<br /><br />So, in conclusion, here's some of the sweet (and funny) things my Children's Church kids have said...<br /><br /><em>"How long will it take you to drive to Africa?" </em>Well sweetie, I'll be flying. It's too far to drive. <em>"But Miss Elisabeth, we go to the beach every year and it's a far drive."<br /><br />"Jesus is the Life of Bread. He gives us life like bread...long and healthy." </em>-- on explaining how Jesus is the Bread of Life.<br /><br /><em>"Heal these bodies Lord and save them so they don't get super hot in the bad place." </em>-- a prayer for the sick people and lost people in the world.<br /><br /><em>"Jesus loves everybody and he doesn't care what color people are...white, black, blue, green. He loves them all." </em>Sweetie, there aren't blue and green people. <em>"Yes ma'am there is. Those are my friends you and mama can't see." </em>-- a 4 year old telling me that Jesus loves everybody (even imaginary friends)<br /><br />My prayer for tonight...<br /><br />Dear Lord, please help these children grow into the adults you want them to be. Help them reach their full potentials in whatever you call them to do. And Lord, please let the person that takes my place love these children as much as I have.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-6742744872226237783?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983415881399237681.post-67065138415788165702009-07-08T12:22:00.000-07:002009-07-09T07:08:44.735-07:00In 21 days, my life will change...In exactly 21 days, I will embark on a journey that will forever chnge my life. I will be flying from Atlanta, Georgia to Dakar, Senegal (West Africa) to begin my tenure as a 3rd grade teacher at Dakar Academy. I will also be working alongside Assembly of God missionaries, Tom & Marla McLane, in their ministry there.<br /><br />Nine years ago God called me to work with children. Since I’d always dreamed of becoming a teacher, I assumed that’s what God had planned for me to do. Four years later, while on a mission trip to South Africa, God furthered that by calling me to the mission field and then the following year He confirmed what I’d been dreaming of. God called me to the mission field of Africa.<br /><br />The reality of this has finally sunk in. In 3 weeks, I'll be living quite a few miles and an ocean away from my family, friends, church, and the place I currently call "home." I can't wait until the time comes that I am able to call the people I live around, work with, teach, worship with, and minister to, my family, friends, and church...and the place I am moving to "home."<br /><br />My prayer for today is...<br /><br />Dear Lord, please use me in a mighty way in this journey. Help me to further your kingdom. Please help me to do and say the right things. Help me to learn from those already there. Help me to make this place I am going to home.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2983415881399237681-6706513841578816570?l=elisabethchronicles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00801400400691930284noreply@blogger.com0