Friday Favorites

I'm linking up with Andrea, Narci and Erika and sharing some of my favorites from this week.

First up on my list of favorites are a few of the quotes from the First 5 posts on Facebook...

 

Next on my favorites list is this funniness...

A friend and I went to a favorite Dakar grocery store and I finally found some of my favorite ice cream! I've been looking everywhere for it lately, with no luck. So yay for Casino! :)




My favorite group of 4th graders have had pretty awesome behavior lately, earning themselves a reward. What'd they choose? One of their favorite things... Playing musical statues :)

Their faces in these pictures are my favorite :)

Speaking of my favorite 4th graders - We've been writing stories the past 2 weeks and these 2 pages were a favorite of mine :)

"Ruff Draft"

Dedication Page

Something that's not my most favorite memory is/was the 5th anniversary of the tornadoes that hit Tuscaloosa. I clearly remember being scared to death upon finding out one had clipped the hospital where my dad was having an MRI and such, prepping for a surgery he'd have later in the week. That's why yet again, I truly truly hate storms...even thunderstorms! They can turn into something devastating!



Want to know what else is NOT my favorite? People making fun of those with disabilities. April is Autism Awareness Month, so I've been seeing lots of good, positive, uplifting posts like the pictures below on Facebook. But y'all... For some reason, some people feel the need to be ugly and post the negatives. If those people would open their eyes and hearts and spend just a short amount of time with some of the sweet babies I've taught affected by Autism, they'd realize just how especially awesome they truly are!

I bought some new fabric the other day. All 3 are definitely on my favorites list. I'll wear one of them and then I'll use the other 2 most likely for decor (a wall hanging or a curtain)...

Working with children is one of my favorite blessings in life, especially when they say cute things...

Cooking is a favorite activity of mine. Sitting down to a good meal isn't half bad either :)

My favorite brother posted this goodness earlier in the week and I loved it!

P.S. All this talk about bathrooms is NOT my favorite!

Want to know something else that IS my favorite? Milkshakes! :)

My BAMA cup is a favorite too :)

A favorite of my 4th graders is Kid President.

 

And last, but most certainly not least...

Learning more about God and His Word is my favorite!

Knowing I'm that much closer to becoming Ordained with the A/G is my favorite too :)

What's Up April

It's now time for April's What's Up Wednesday post. Aren't you excited?! :)

*Linkup with Mel, Shay, Shay, and Sheaffer. 

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

What am I eating this week?

I've been on a salad kick lately. So pretty much every single lunch and dinner that I've made myself has either had salad as the main dish or a side dish. I really do love salads. It's the things that accompany the salads that become a problem :)

What am I reminiscing about? 

The other night I went out for dinner with a friend and had a coke with my meal. When I saw the name on the coke can, it kind of surprised me how much it caught me by surprise. It was the name of one of my most memorable students. I remember the day he left going back to his home country. I remember taking the picture below with him and then putting on my sunglasses after he walked away because I didn't want anyone to see I'd been crying. I even wrote about the picture on my blog later that evening. My biggest prayer has been that the love of Jesus that I knew he had at that point somehow stuck with him. Memories are nice, but sometimes... Sometimes they're hard.

 

What am I loving?

I'm loving having a class that is loving reading! How's that for a sentence?! :) Seriously these kids love to read. Score 1 for 4th graders! :)

What have I been up to?

I'm trying to find new and exciting ways to make learning fun. If it takes throwing around a pink ball with letters all over it, then so be it. Whatever it takes y'all... :)

What am I dreading?

Lately, I've been dreading going outside because I'm afraid it's going to be another day full of inhaling the not-so-awesome dust that covers the sky and paints it brown...

 

What am I working on? 

I bought a copy of The One Year Bible this past December, with the intention of reading and journaling through it this year. Yeah, that didn't happen. I instead read through the book of James. Then it was the book of Acts. And while I thoroughly enjoyed and learned from doing that. I decided that I'm going to try to follow this "plan" from here on out.

What am I excited about?

We have a 3 day weekend coming up! Woohoo! :)

What am I watching?

A friend told me about some videos I could watch in my quest to learn a little ASL. Oh my word, I feel like my 1 1/2 and 3 1/2 year old nieces would be quicker than me at this. It is so hard. But hey, I can sign numbers up to 20 and my ABCs and a few basic words now. And I'll keep watching the videos and practicing. And I'm hoping to spend even more time this summer working on it since I'll have a little more free time then...

What am I reading?

The books for my last 6 Berean (Global University/AG Licensing Classes) came in the other day. It looks like I'll have plenty of reading material to last me for the next 6 months (how long we're given to complete these classes).

What am I listening to?

This week is the 101st Alabama Assemblies of God District Council. So I've been streaming most of their services live (here). What a blessing to be a part of this fabulous group of men and women!

 
What am I wearing?

I wore my newly made skirt yesterday. Yay for homemade skirts that fit :)

Clearly I need to work on my clothing "selfies." 

What am I doing this weekend?

I'm going to the beach with some friends this weekend. I'm looking forward to sleeping late, hanging out with friends, catching up on reading, and watching the sunset over the ocean.

What am I looking forward to next month?

My class is currently prepping for our 4th Grade's Chapel service in May. They're loving the practices for it and so am I :)

Also, the 3rd grade teacher and I are planning a combined field trip for our kiddos next month. We're having a blast just with the planning of it. So I know they'll have a blast while there! I can't wait!

What else is new?

I'm trying to master the art of patience. FYI - It's not easy.

Letters on a Sunday

Happy Sunday Ladies and Gents!

What's on my mind today?

Dear Learning a New Language, You can be super difficult. A person often feels totally frustrated and like banging their head against the wall because they start off with the vocabulary of a 2 year old (or younger).  But it's totally worth it.

Dear Youtube Video that Discussed This, Something the lady that created you said stuck with me... She said that learning a new language really isn't about you. It's about the person you're communicating with - the person who calls this language their native language. Do you care enough about that person (or those people) to communicate with them effectively in their own language?

Dear Kids, It's no fair how fast you pick up language learning lessons. You do so far quicker than that majority of us, adults. You don't seem to be as worried about sounding like a dummy. Whereas we adults are so paranoid about saying things perfectly, so we often choose not to communicate in the language right away.

Dear Grief, You come and go. It's kind of like waves in the ocean. Sometimes they're strong and knock you off your feet. Other times, they barely move you. But overall, I'd say you've loosened your grip on my heart lately. So thanks for that. I definitely appreciate it.

Dear Friendship, You truly are a gift.

Dear Laughter, You are good for the soul.

Dear Power Cuts, Why do you tend to cut at the worst possible times? Honestly, why do you even exist? No one likes you. If you didn't happen, you'd make all of us far happier. That's for sure.

Dear Mountain Dew, My oh my, do you have a lot of caffeine. If a person goes a few months without drinking you and then has a can, they'll understand. Oh my word... I don't know why I do this to myself. You make my heart race and make me feel horrible. 

Dear "Stressed Out," by Twenty One Pilots, You are a good song. One of my kids asked if I'd ever heard you. So since I hadn't, I googled your lyrics and then listened to you. 

Dear Last 6 Berean Classes, I'm officially registered for you. The books I need for you are here at my home. I'm so ready to learn from you (and finish you too).

Dear Almost Finished, It's so crazy to think I'm actually almost finished with my Berean classes and I'm super close to receiving my Ordination. 

Dear God's Goodness and Grace, I'm so thankful for you. I'm reminded of you so very often. To see how you've blessed my life throughout this past year is so humbling. Thank you.

Dear A Month and A Half, You're about how much time is left 'til I get back to the States for meetings and trainings, services and programs, missionary support raising, family time, friend time, and a little I love America time :)

Dear Filling Up My Calendar, You're what I've been doing lately. I've still got a little bit left to raise before I will be 100% fully funded by the Assemblies of God. So if anyone's reading this and wants me to come share with your church, small group, class, etc., please let me know. My email address is enichols85@gmail.com. 

It's the little things...

Sometimes it's the little things that mean the most. Things like...

... a sweet Facebook message from a former co-worker.

... a hug when you're having a bad day.

... an I miss you from a friend living an ocean away.

... the plan of a meal with friends.

... an I'm thinking of you card in your mailbox.

... a picture from a child.

... an unexpected surprise.

... lunch with a friend. 

... a shoulder to cry on.

... a text at just the right time.

... a phone call.

... talking for hours and hours with a friend.

... an invitation for a meal.

... letting someone "crash" your family time.

... laughter.

... even a smile.

I love the quote below.

It's so true.

Too often we underestimate just how important the seemingly "little" things can be. 

Too often we underestimate just how much these seemingly "little" things can mean.

But what a gift they truly are!

And I consider myself blessed to have received all of these just in the last week.

Sometimes it's the little things that mean the most.

1 Year Later

Tuesday will make one year since my dad passed away.

It feels so weird to say that. I don't know why. It's been a year. You'd think I would've gotten used to that sentence. But no. It still makes me catch my breath each time I say it...

Last week I wrote a new Life Lately post and I said that life lately has been a little hard...

People ask how I'm doing with this painful anniversary... 

And I always give the same answer of either Fine or Ok. After all, what do you say?  

I'm hurting. Yes, I know it's been a year. But it still hurts.

I feel horrible.

I'm sad. Yes, still... I'm sad. 

And as much as I try to deny it, the truth of is...

I try to be tough. 

I like to pretend I'm a super strong person.

But when it comes to this...

I'm not tough. 

I'm not strong.

When I'm at work or at a friend's house or anywhere in public, I'm fine...

But let me get alone and probably 80% of the time, that facade melts away.

The pain is intense. 

The tears are real.

I feel like the memory of that day (and the painful days that came before it) are still so incredibly fresh.

I've always been a pretty open book. 

It's usually pretty clear how I feel about things. 

And I have shared about this some.

I've even written about it on my blog...

I wrote (somewhat) monthly posts...

2 Weeks, One Month, Three Months, Six Months, Seven Months, Ten Months, Eleven Months

And I wrote some other posts about it too...

How am I doing

Beauty in Pain

My Heart 

People

It's easy to share those things and say all the "good" things I'm supposed to say as a Christian.

Just have faith.

He's in a better place.

Look for the positive.

But there's a great distance between the mind and the heart sometimes. And it's that distance that makes truly believing that and feeling it in my heart connect. It's hard, you know...

Yes, it's hard. Yes, I still cry. 

Yes, I sometimes want to scream my lungs out asking...

Why couldn't he have been healed here on earth instead of in Heaven?

Why'd this have to happen?

But you know...

I serve a great big God. 

I serve an ALL KNOWING God. 

He knows my pain before I express it.

He knows my questions before I ask them.

I even included Isaiah 65:24 (which talks about this)  in my chapel lesson on Friday

But y'all... 

It's easy for me to say those things.

It's easy for me to tell others advice like this.

It's hard to actually do them.

But I can try.

So, to finish this long post up, I'll say this...

I miss my dad. 

I wish I could still feel his hug, 

...hear his voice say I love you and I'm proud of you,

...receive an email containing a prayer or a piece of advice, 

...anything really.

But as painful as it is that I can't, that's okay.

It really is okay. 

It's okay because my God is bigger than the pain. 

My God wraps His arms around me and holds me tight.

My God showers me with love.

My God reveals Himself through His Word and guides my life.

My God loves me.

He accepts me and my pain-filled self.

My God gives me peace.

My God gives me comfort.

My God is my Heavenly Father.

And I am constantly reminded of a gift I received a long, long time ago.

It was the day my earthly father told me about our Heavenly Father. 

It was the day my world changed for the better.

That's what I'm thankful for.

That's what will get me through the hard times.

My Heavenly Father is still with me every step of the way.

ABCs

April is Autism Awareness Month. And April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day. I wrote a post including some of my thoughts on Autism on the 3rd. You can read it here.

I baked a cake for my kids today to celebrate doing their best all week on the standardized tests. And do you want to know the best comment I heard in regards to the cake? One sweet boy said "Mmm. I love the burnt part at the bottom! Good job Ms Nichols!"

I had carrots and ranch for breakfast the other morning. The healthiness of the carrots cancelled out the Coke. Right? :)

The first anniversary of my Dad's death is in only 5 days. It's so crazy to think it's been that long. It seems like just yesterday...

My crew was excited to watch a movie the yesterday after we finished testing. Some of them were even more excited to sit in the fancy chairs (camping chairs) and on their desks! :)

I have a kind of love hate relationship with Facebook's "On this Day" feed. Sometimes it's great and wonderful and other times... It's like a sucker punch to the gut with painful memories.

When I saw this goodness about gray hairs (oops, I mean glitter) growing, I just knew I had to share it on Facebook. Ah 30, you've brought so many of these little "glittery" strands into my life. Feel free to stop. Just sayin' :)

I'm so happy that testing week is over. Yay for getting back to our normal schedule! :)

Independence Day in Senegal was 10 days ago. I'm so grateful to be living in this country God's called me to. I love it here!

I've been booking services for June and July to help me connect (or re-connect) with churches and pastors and friends and share my passion for Senegal and Dakar Academy. Want me to come share with your church or group? I'd love to tell you all the cool things that are happening here! Send me an email at enichols85@gmail.com and we'll set something up!

We had Kids Club yesterday afternoon. One of the perks of not being in charge of it this year has been watching the kids as they participate. I love seeing how intrigued they are by the Bible lessons. It's awesome!

I wrote a post entitled Life Lately the other day. It was a fun look at what my life as of late has included.

I made blueberry and banana nut muffins for my students earlier this week. You would've thought I'd made the best thing ever judging by how excited they got over them. I so love this squirrely bunch of kids :)

I thought this quote needed to be shared the other night. I was told recently that I tend to dream really big. Not that that's a bad thing, but still... It got me thinking. What a blessing it is to already be living out some of my dreams. Now for the rest of them to start happening... :)

Sometimes, this is my opinion on life...

I am so proud of how well my kids did this week while testing. While I don't know their scores, I have never seen them work so hard and stay so focused for such long periods of time. It was awesome!

This quote popped up in my Memories feed on Facebook the other day. My mom and I were talking about this not long ago. It's kind of sad actually...

On Monday, I gave my student ring pops as part of their Testing Day One treat. They loved them! Their teacher may have loved them too :)

My school took our standardized tests this week. I do agree that they aren't completely evil. They can be incredibly helpful in some cases. But in others... 
 

A friend emailed me this funny-ness about thought bubbles. I laughed and laughed! And of course I shared it with another friend. 

My crew played the most hilarious and lively round of Uno ever on Tuesday after the tests. I've never laughed so hard in my life :)

I visited a tailor yesterday with a friend and dropped off a couple sets of fabric. Here's hoping the skirt and the dress I ordered fit like I'm hoping!

I played a kids worship dvd for my kids the other day, letting them vote on songs for us to share in Elementary Chapel on Friday. I love seeing these kids excited about worship!

My kids were eXcited to hear that we'd be doing elementary chapel this month and next month! I love their enthusiasm!

Last weekend some of my fellow AG peeps and I went to an Italian place here in Dakar and I had the yummiest dish I've ever eaten in my life. FOR REAL! If you're in Dakar, y'all have got to try this place out! 

So, I got stuck at the letter "Z" and decided to forgo it and include this trip down memory lane instead... :)