If God gives a teacher a dream...

Have you heard of the popular children's book, 

If You Give A Mouse A Cookie

The premise of the story is that if you do one thing, then another will have to happen. Then if you do that, yet another thing will have to happen. And so on and so forth. It's one of my favorite books to use in teaching young children. It's great!

Well, my version of this story actually begins around 10 years ago, with a younger me sitting in Dr. Hollie Cost's office at the University of Montevallo in Montevallo, Alabama. 

It all began with...

If you allow an education student to change her major to Collaborative Education, it'll change her career (and her life) in ways she can only imagine at the time.

By changing my major, I would be qualified to teach both General and Special Ed. I knew I was up for the challenge. But I honestly had no clue, at the time, just how much teaching, and more specifically, teaching Special Education, would affect my heart because...

If you give a teacher a group of students, they will most definitely cement themselves into a place in her heart.

I've taught for 8 1/2 years now, teaching General Ed., ESL, and Special Ed. In that time, I've taught 100+ students and I can truly say that I have thoroughly enjoyed every single group. Over the years, I've come to realize, though, that while I do love teaching in all areas I'm certified in, Special Ed. is definitely my favorite. 

It's my passion. So that's where the next part of my story comes in...

If a teacher knows that God has called her to teach Special Ed., she can't help but follow Proverbs 31:8 and become an advocate for those who need her.

One of the responsibilities of a Special Ed. teacher is to advocate for students.Yes, that typically means students in her care. But sometimes it means other students at her school. And sometimes it may mean future students she doesn't even know about yet. 

Now fast forward to May 2016 and the next part of my story...

If you inform a teacher that certain students will not be able to continue at your school due to limited resources and enough trained Special Education teachers, you will definitely start the wheels turning in that teacher's head.

We have a fabulous Special Ed. teacher at my school. I love her. Her students love her. She's great! But even though she has a HUGE heart, she's only one person. So she could only provide services for a certain number of students. It just was not possible for her to add students with more severe disabilities and special needs to her already full caseload (and have their educational needs met). One person can only do so much.

So she and I chatted off and on about a dream I had... I wanted to start a class for students with more "intense/severe" special needs. At the time, these students were not able to attend our school past grade 5, or earlier depending on their (dis)abilities. We counted up the number of students whose families had expressed interest in such a class and realized we totally had enough students to financially run this new class.

You see, the truth of the matter was...

If God gives a teacher a dream of reaching students, helping families, and showing love to others, then she will work as hard as possible to turn that dream into a reality.

So what did I do? I scheduled meetings. I wrote plans and proposals. I sent emails. I consulted with other Special Ed. teachers and specialists. I listened to guidance and advice from knowledgeable individuals. 

But most of all, I prayed. 

And then 2 weeks ago, I sat in a meeting, holding back tears, when I was informed that this dream of mine - this new class - would be approved (as long as certain conditions were met - which totally have been). 

And at that moment, the next part of my story played out in my head...

If God makes a promise, He will keep it.

So now we're caught up. 

This coming up school year, my title will change from the 5th Grade Teacher to Special Education Teacher of the Self-Contained Class (to be named something incredibly cool/awesome at a later date). The students I will serve will be diagnosed with academic, physical, and/or behavioral disabilities that prevent them from successfully functioning in a typical general education classroom 100% of the school day. 

So that's where the next part of the story comes in...

If a missionary teacher starts a new class at her K-12 International Christian school in Senegal, West Africa, she will definitely need help.

I need financial help. I'll be given (by the school) a small amount of money to purchase basic supplies and such. But since we're starting from scratch, there are a lot of items I need/want to make this classroom the best it can be. 

And that's where you come in...

If a teacher in West Africa needs help raising funds, she'll put the word out via her blog, Facebook, email, regular ol' "snail mail," and scheduling face to face chats for when she's back in the States for a couple weeks in December. 

I made a list of what is needed for the class. And the total cost has come to around $5000, just to get the necessary items to set up a class like this, completely from scratch. This will allow me to purchase the typical classroom supplies (paper, pencils, etc.) but it will also allow me to purchase some technology equipment, two expensive software programs to help students with communication needs, adaptive music/art supplies in case my students aren't able to attend those classes with their "typical" peers, adaptive PE equipment, storage pieces, flexible seating, manipulatives for Math, a classroom library with books at various levels, items for teaching social/life skills, licenses for various necessary Special Education testing, and so much more. 

I know this seems like a lot. And trust me... I could use even more than that if the truth were known... But think of all the items you would find in a typical/traditional classroom. These items have been slowly collected year after year by that teacher. I am literally starting completely from scratch. 

So, if you're reading this and feel God leading you to partner with me in this adventure, you have a few options...

For a tax-deductible donation to my AGWM account, either click HERE and make a one-time donation, using your credit/debit card or send me an email at enichols85@gmail.com and I'll get you the form to send in with a check to the AGWM Headquarters. 

To give a Walmart, Target, Dollar Tree, Parent Teacher Store, etc. gift card, send me an email at enichols85@gmail.com and I'll send you my U.S. address so you can mail those to me there, where I can use them to purchase supplies when I'm back in December.

To purchase supplies/equipment, instead of money, to send to me, either here in Senegal, or to my address in the U.S. for me to pick up when I'm there in December, send me an email at enichols85@gmail.com and I'll get you the appropriate mailing address. 

To receive a Wish List of supplies and equipment I'll need, send me an email at enichols85@gmail.com and I'll send that to you today.

And if you're reading this and you're thinking, I'd love to give financially, but I just can't right now...

Don't worry. I didn't leave you out :)

Will you partner with me in prayer? Pray for the students and their families who will be served by this class. Pray for me as I make preparations for this class. Pray for me as I consider receiving more training (online) that will allow me to even better meet the needs of these students. Pray for all of the supplies and equipment that need to come before this class can officially start. Pray that I'll be a wise steward of the financial gifts God sends my way to use to purchase items for this class. Pray blessings on the administration of my school for being such HUGE supporters of this class (and me). Pray for openness and acceptance in the hearts of DA students (and staff too) as we begin to serve students who may look/sound/act/move/communicate differently than their typically-abled peers. Pray that we continue in meeting the mission of our school (to provide a quality education for the children of missionaries, and others as space allows). And above all, pray that through this, we show the love of Jesus to those around us and that we help further the Kingdom of God in Senegal and beyond.

And now to wrap up this long post, I'll finish up my story...

If generous men, women, and children partner with a missionary teacher in Senegal, West Africa to help fulfill the dream/calling that God has placed on her heart to reach an incredible group of students, that missionary teacher will be truly, forever grateful. 

What's Up November

Today I'm linking up with Mel, Shay, and Sheaffer for this month's What's Up Wednesday post. Normally, we wait 'til the last Wednesday of the month, but with the holidays coming up and most people's lives getting super crazy, the hosts thought doing it before Thanksgiving would be a better idea. So without further ado...

 

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

The questions are...

 

What am I eating this week?

Today is Turkey Bowl at my school, complete with American food, American football, and lots of fun. Then tomorrow is our AGWM Thanksgiving meal. So deliciousness will definitely be a theme of this week. Past that, a friend gave me the gift of my favorite cake mix and frosting, so I made cupcakes to share with my 5th graders :)



What am I reminiscing about?

The South Alabama vs Navy game that happened about this time two years ago... It was a fun Daddy Daughter date...one of our last ones. He was already in a wheelchair by that point and could only use his walker for very short distances. I remember that even though he was so cold and worn out by the end, he had the best time. Oh, what special memories I have from that trip and that ball game. Oh and P.S. Navy won! :)

What am I loving?

I'm still loving these 16 kids I call mine. They make my life so fun :)

What have I been up to?

I've been studying for my Global University/Berean/AG Ordination courses. Since I have some time off from school this week, I'll have lots of time to study. I truly do love these courses. I've learned so much the last few years while taking them. And I'm so close to being finished (April '17). Next up after that, will be a big test and an interview and somehow finding a way to make it back for my Ordination ceremony in 2018. ...which is difficult while teaching, since it's during a busy time of the school year and flights are ridiculously expensive. But we'll see...

What am I dreading?

Honestly... There's nothing I'm really dreading.

What am I working on?

I'll soon be starting to raise funds to help buy supplies for my class next year. Since it's a new class forming at my school, we're starting basically completely from scratch. That means I need a LOT of stuff. Anyone want to contribute to this? Send me an email (enichols85@gmail.com) and I'll let you know how you can help.

What am I excited about?

I'm excited about the news in my latest update letter. If you'd like to get my update letters, either comment on this post or send me an email at enichols85@gmail.com.. Seriously, y'all... You don't want to miss out on this awesomeness! :)

What am I watching?

My class earned a reward this week, but since it's a bit too crazy this week, we all decided to wait until next week to cash it in. So, it looks like we'll be watching Finding Dory one day next week. I still haven't seen it. So I'm excited too :) 

What am I reading?

I made a lofty goal of reading 30 books by the end of the year. Yeah, that was a joke. I became the chair of a committee, adding a bit more planning/emailing on to my plate. I was approved to start a new class/have a new position next year. So when I'm finished with 5th grade prep each evening, I try to do a bit of research/planning for that. And there are about a half dozen other things going on right now too. So, 30 was CRAZY. At this point, if I get 2 read, I'll be doing good :)

What am listening to?

We're practicing for our Elementary Christmas program every day this week and next week, too, preparing for our big performances at the end of next week. It's a super cute program. But oh my word... Those songs are stuck in my head :)

What am I wearing?

This past Monday I went some co-workers and I were invited to a big reception, celebrating Oman's Independence Day. Because one of the Omani Ambassador's sons is in my class, I got invited. But what do you do if you're invited to a fancy schmancy event and you literally have nothing fancy schmancy to wear? You have a beautiful dress made (thank you inexpensive tailor!) and borrow dressy shoes and jewelry from a friend (thanks Elaine)! Y'all, I was so very happy with my dress! I need some other fancy schmancy events to go to now! :)

 

What am I doing this weekend?

It's Thanksgiving Break at school. So I'll be enjoying days and days of sleeping late, and not having to hear an alarm go off in the mornings. Past that, I'll be spending time studying for my Berean courses, prepping for 5th grade, writing an exciting new missions update letter, and researching/planning ahead for next school year. And I'm sure I'll go somewhere/do something at some point in the middle of all that ;)

What am I looking forward to next month?

So much... But one of my top things is seeing my favorites again :)

What else is new?

...not a lot :)

And then each month, there is a special question for the month.

This month's question is...

What's your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?

Honestly, I love just getting together with family (or "pretend" family while overseas), spending time with each other, fellowshipping and eating good food. I also love introducing my students, many for the first time, to the history of Thanksgiving.

I'm Thankful

What am I thankful for?

*one*

I'm thankful, first and foremost, for my relationship with my Savior. I fail Him daily. Yet, He loves me all the same. I'm thankful that He was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice - to pay the ultimate price - for me, someone so very undeserving of such love and grace. I'm thankful for the lessons He's taught me, is teaching me, and will teach me in the future. I'm thankful for the Holy Spirit and the truth of the book of Acts. I'm thankful for an advocate, a guide, a mediator, and the gifts of healing and teaching and even that special prayer language. I'm thankful for the TRUTH and LOVE of the One TRUE God. I'm thankful for Jesus. Without Him, I am nothing.

*two*

I'm thankful for a family who loves me and encourages me and supports me, even though I'm a few thousand miles and an ocean away. I'm thankful for prayers and notes of encouragement, for emails and Facebook messages, for videos and pictures of my nieces being their cute selves. I'm thankful for long Skype calls and face to face chats. I'm thankful for airport runs, hang out sessions, and loud and crazy dinners full of good food, lots of talking, and laughter for hours and hours. I'm thankful for aunts and uncles and cousins. I'm thankful for grandparents who gave us a godly Christian heritage. I'm thankful for the 29 years I had with my hero and first love - my Dad. I'm thankful for sweet memories and the hope of seeing him again one day. I'm thankful for role models, advice givers, and prayer warriors. I'm thankful that God saw fit to place me into my family.

*three*

I'm thankful for friendship. I don't take the word "friend" lightly. Friendship is such an amazing gift and I am so thankful for the friendships God's placed in my life over the years. I'm thankful for childhood friends who've always stayed in touch. I'm thankful for friends who've shown up at just the right time. I'm thankful for open doors and open hearts. I'm thankful for road trips and fun events, for late night chats both face to face and online. I'm thankful for emails full of memes and funny stories. I'm thankful for open invitations to come over, for dinners and ice cream runs, for spa days and for Duck Dynasty marathons. I'm thankful for friends who have invited me in and let me be an honorary family member. I'm thankful for long chats about anything and everything, for fits of laughter and notes of encouragement. I'm thankful for shoulders to cry on, ears to listen, and open arms to hug or the knowledge to not hug, depending on the situation. I'm thankful for true friends, whether we've known each other for 30 years or just 1 year. I'm thankful for each and every friend God has placed in my life.

*four* 

I'm thankful for my education. I truly mean it. I'm thankful for long nights of studying, writing papers, creating lesson plans. I'm thankful for my professors at the University of Montevallo and the University of South Alabama. I'm thankful for the guidance and advice, their knowledge, their encouragement, and even their critiques. I'm thankful for their persistence in making me work to be the absolute best teacher I could be. I'm thankful for  classes that did more than just teach me. I'm thankful they stretched and challenged me, made me learn to think for myself. I'm thankful they taught me to be an advocate for those who needed me to be. I'm thankful for the skills they gave me - the skills needed to do what God had called me to do. I'm thankful that I can say I'm following my dream/passion/calling. I'm thankful that I can say, I'm a teacher.

*five* 

I'm thankful for the calling God placed on my life. I'm thankful that in 2004, He opened my heart and eyes to the world of missions. I'm thankful that in June 2005, He placed the continent of Africa on my heart. And I'm thankful that on July 30, 2009, He allowed me to step foot onto Senegalese soil for the very first time - solidifying this place as "home" in my heart. I'm thankful that He saw fit to call timid ol' me to leave everything familiar and comfortable and to fly across an ocean and go into the unknown. I'm thankful He called me to use the skills and education I'd received to further His Kingdom. I'm thankful for the opportunities He's placed in my path ever since. I'm thankful for the 100+ students who have walked through the doors of my classrooms over the past however many years. I'm thankful for the lessons each and every one has taught me. I'm thankful that God decided to call me to this amazing work. I get to do what I love - what I'm passionate about. I get to teach. And for that, I am so incredibly thankful.

*six*

I'm thankful for my supporters. I'm thankful for churches and pastors who have shared my vision for pursuing the call God placed on my life. I'm thankful for men, women, boys, and girls, who have listened to my stories and followed the Lord's leading to partner with me in staying on the field. I'm thankful for partners in prayer, encouragement, and finances. I'm thankful for handwritten cards, for emails, for Facebook messages, just to say I'm thinking of you. I'm thankful for packages full of goodies that say "home." I'm thankful for all the tangible and un-tangible ways God's blessed me through these people. I'm thankful for continued partnerships and for what God will do through these partnerships in the future. What a blessing my supporters truly are!

*seven* 

I'm thankful for the students I call "mine." I'm thankful that God has allowed me to get to know them, to watch their sweet minds grow and grow. I'm thankful that I get to hear their stories, see their smiles, and watch their thirst for knowledge. I'm thankful that I get to play just a tiny part in this thing called life for them. I'm thankful that God chose to send each of their families, for various reasons, to Senegal, and then to Dakar Academy, giving me the opportunity to be their teacher this year. I'm thankful for their parents too. I'm thankful for teamwork and collaboration. I'm thankful for positive meetings and emails and conferences. I'm thankful for support and open communication and even necessary criticism. I'm thankful that they shared some of their most precious gifts with me this year. I'm thankful for the laughs, the lessons, and the love shared in A7 - our classroom. I'm thankful for these 16 gifts. That is for sure.

*eight*

And last, but certainly not least, I'm thankful for the future. I'm thankful for the unknown blessings coming my way. I'm thankful for the class I'll have next year, knowing it will be new and challenging, yet so incredibly exciting. I'm thankful for my life and all God has in store for me. I'm thankful that He knows what's best for me and that His timing is not just good. It's perfect. I'm thankful for peace to wait for "what's next." And above all else, I am so very thankful for a God who holds my future in the palm of His Hand. 

Q & A - Tuesday

Heard any good quotes lately?

When's the last time you sent a handwritten note?

I sent a thank you note to a friend yesterday. I'm a big fan of handwritten letters/notes. I love writing them. And I really, really, really LOVE receiving them. Hint, hint, hint to people who'd like to send me some mail :) 

Last day of relaxation?

I went on a Women's Retreat this past weekend. The whole weekend was relaxing. ...just hanging out, chatting with friends, lounging, relaxing, and the amazing treat of pedicure and a good book to finish out the weekend. Ah... Bliss :)

How many hours of sleep do you need to function?

I'm usually good with 5ish...

Last bit of fun at work?

We played Multiplication Baseball in class the other day :)

Last bit of fun outside of work?

...getting away this past weekend. It helped that I had a fun roommate too. Laughter and long chats with friends is always fun.

How's life?

You know... Life is actually pretty good at the moment.

Finish this sentence. Desperate times call for _______.

Reese's :)

What's your favorite candy?

See above.

Although, I do love Skittles and Sour Punch Straws :)

What's the last thing you bought at the grocery store?

I went to one of the stores that sell American food products. I bought a jar of salsa, a jar of queso, cereal, black beans, a few cans of Dr Pepper for myself. Then I bought a carrot cake mix & frosting for our AG Thanksgiving meal next week. 

Read anything good lately?

This verse...

How patient are you?

Haha... I'm patient with my students. I have all the patience in the world with kids. But with adults? Or with life in general? Not so much... In fact, I wrote a blog post on this topic this past weekend. It's something God and I deal with often. 

*Miss that post? You can read it here.

Do you have a weak stomach?

I used to not. But now it seems that I do. The worst is loose/wiggly teeth. Oh dear Lord... That'll make me lose my lunch faster than anything. I think it's just one of the ways God proves He has a sense of humor, seeing as He called me to a job that surrounds me with loose, wiggly teeth. Ha! :)

Saw any funny memes recently?

What's on the menu today?

Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - (leftovers) Sloppy Joe and Mac & Cheese
Supper - Who knows? Anyone want a guest for dinner? :)

Highlight of your day? Or, if your day's just starting... Highlight of yesterday?

The highlight of my day today was a meeting I was in, planning for next year. To say I'm simply excited is a huge understatement! I can't wait to share about it soon :)

Last phone call you made?

I called a friend to share with her some exciting news of an answer to prayer :)

Last phone call you received?

...from a friend at the Women's Retreat this past weekend, asking where I was when she couldn't find me at the opening/registration time.

Share your last selfie.

Lessons in Waiting

How often do we just sit around waiting?

Waiting for what exactly?

...waiting for the next big event at school.

...waiting for graduation.

...waiting for college.

...waiting for a job. 

...waiting for a wedding.

...waiting to have children.

I distinctly remember my 23rd birthday being difficult.

I wasn't married, with kids, living in a nice house with a cute little white picket fence like I thought I'd be by 23. I wasn't even dating anyone. I had a job that didn't make much money. And while I definitely did enjoy it, it wasn't the job I wanted long term. I was 4 months from my college graduation. So I still didn't have my diploma in hand. ...which meant I wasn't a teacher yet, like others my age. 

I know it was wrong of me. But y'all, I was honestly jealous of others who had what I so truly and desperately wanted. And I just remember crying out to God one night, literally and quite dramatically, saying...

It's not fair God. I've served you for almost my entire life. I've waited so long... I've had to take longer than most to graduate because I literally couldn't afford to go any faster. I've watched friend after friend, and people younger than me too, get married and have babies, while I'm still all alone, dreaming of the day when I'll have that too.

 So here I am God.

Here I am still waiting...

Well, time has gone on now. 

My 23rd birthday was over 8 years ago. 

And I'm still in that same bit of a waiting mode. 

I do have the dream job. I'm a teacher. ...have been for quite a while.

But there's still no husband. ...no kids. ...no white picket fence. 

So I wait. 

 

And you know...

I would totally be lying if I said I never have moments of weakness. 

Moments when I feel the emptiness from what I don't have... 

In fact, this very weekend, as I held a tiny, 1 month old, baby while her mom played music during a worship service, I felt that same little twinge. The one that makes me think...

Oh I wish...

But it was while holding that precious little one in my arms that God spoke to my heart, ever so clearly, saying...

 

Be patient. I hear your prayers. I see your heart. My timing is perfect. 

Trust me.

We serve such a big God. And I know it's crazy not to always trust in His goodness. He knows my heart. He's seen my tears. He's heard my prayers. 

He KNOWS.

And it was in that worship service that God revealed that to me yet again in such an incredibly sweet and genuinely precious way. It was such a small (yet at the same time, big) reminder of His amazing love and His tender care for me and my heart. 

So while I continue to wait for what God has next for my life... 

I'll cling to His amazing goodness. 

I'll hold strong to His unfailing love.

I'll remember His awesome promises. 

 

Q & A

What's been the highlight of the last week?

There have been a few... 1) Kids Club this week was a lot of fun. We learned about the Sword of the Spirit, sang fun songs, did a fun craft, laughed at Ms. Nichols' sharing the Bible story, and played a fun game. The kids were so excited the whole time. And of course, that made me excited! 2) My 5th Graders did presented their Science projects to our Kindergarten and 1st Grade classes on Thursday. I was so proud of all of the hard work they'd put into them. And it was so sweet watching the little ones enjoying the presentations too. 3) I don't know if you heard, but the Cubs won the World Series. So, I mentioned to my kids we should have a party. And one boy said, "We could have CUBcakes." And thus, a super fun party complete with CUBcakes and a trivia game about 1908 America was held on Friday in our classroom. :)

Read any good books lately? 

I have a stack I checked out from the library last week. My goal is to start reading more. I have a problem where my phone likes to be glued to my hand. And it's not good for my sleep schedule. Books, on the other hand... No. Seriously, I do want to read more. So I'm setting a goal for myself to read 30 books by the end of the year. Crazy? Perhaps. But hey... Why not live dangerously? :) I'll probably be blogging about this later in the week.

How early do you decorate for Christmas?

I typically wait until after Thanksgiving is over. I do love me some Fall. So I like decorating for it first. Plus it just feels weird to me to decorate for Christmas BEFORE Thanksgiving. But with that said, I will totally listen to Christmas music all year long. So who am I to judge folks for decorating for Christmas early? :)

Show off some recent creativity.

My kids made scrolls the other day as part of their Bible lesson. They had to choose a verse from Jeremiah 17 (which we had read in class) and then write and illustrate it on their scrolls. When they finished, they asked if they could show off their scrolls. Who am I to argue? :)

How was yesterday?

Good... I watched some of our kids, staff, and parents play softball. I did a little work in my classroom. I took a nap. I made a delicious dinner of lemon pepper chicken strips, mashed potatoes, black eyed peas, turnip greens (hello can from America!), and good cornbread (the REAL Southern non-sweet cornbread). Yum!

What about today?

I have a cold. I woke myself up coughing and sneezing. Trust me. It wasn't pretty. I was looking forward to church, but because I couldn't go 2 minutes without a coughing/sneezing fit, I decided to stay home and take some meds. After I slept for a few more hours, I woke up, made some breakfast, listened to a Church of the Highlands podcast, and even watched a movie, I felt human again. I still have a cough and I'm all stuffed up. But I don't have a fever and I really really don't want to write sub plans for tomorrow, so...

What's made you laugh recently?

A friend sent me the following quote/meme. And FYI - It is meant to be funny. So don't judge. Just laugh. :)

Show us your go-to hairstyle.

Typically in this heat, I wear it in a ponytail every single day. But since I have AC in my classroom, I can handle it down a little more. So I usually start the day with it down. Of course, by the end of the day, it's usually back up in a ponytail.

 

What's the weather like?

It's hot and humid for most of the day. But we've been having some nice, cool breezes lately. I'd like to think Cool Season is coming. But I don't want to jinx anything :)

If money were no object, would you still have the same job?

I'm sure my job would include ministry and teaching in some way...

What's been for dinner this week?

M - Taco Soup
T - Chicken & Dumplings and Salad
W - Stir Fry with Steak and Veggies with Rice
Th - Hamburgers
F - Pizza and Salad
S - Chicken, Black Eyed Peas, Turnip Greens, Mashed Potatoes, Cornbread

The best part? I only had to cook 2 of those meals. Yay for friends :)

Current Frustration(s)?

At this very moment, it's that Skype isn't cooperating. My mom doesn't have internet at home. So I have to call her on the phone. Since it's super expensive to do so, someone gave me a Skype gift card for my birthday. (YAY for gifts like that!) Anyways... I can use that as a more inexpensive option for calling her phone. But lately, Skype is worse than a cell phone in a bad service area, with horrible quality. And it's super frustrating because I really really need (well, not need...more like want, but still...) to talk to my mom about something and Skype is being STUPID at the moment. 

Finish this sentence. Sometimes I wish life were ______ .

easier, but then I suppose it'd be boring. Don't you think? :)

What's the last advice you received?

Pray about it.

Last time you were sick?

I have a cold at the moment. Sneezing, coughing, fun times...

Last movie you watched?

I finally watched The Martian this afternoon. I loved the storyline! ...could've done without the language in it, though.

Anything exciting happening in your life?

At this very moment, no. I do have some exciting lessons and activities planned for my students for this coming up week though.