What's Up December

     Happy Tuesday, Y'all

Today, I'm joining Shay and Sheaffer for their What's Up Wednesday link-up. Except, I'm posting on Tuesday, since I'll be traveling most of tomorrow...

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

So let's get started...

What am I eating?

I've been cooking/baking quite a bit since being out on Christmas Break. It's been nice to have the time to do it AND to actually not be exhausted while doing so. However, I really really just wanted a simple, "finger foods" type meal. So I made that happen... All sorts of fresh veggies, homemade sausage balls and some homemade chocolate chip/reeses pieces cookies (which didn't get pictured). So so good!

What am I reminiscing about?

Christmas with my students... The last couple weeks of school put me through the emotional ringer. But we took some time in between studying for exams and doing required classwork and the kids decorated the tree. Then we had the sweetest little Christmas party with the kids we see in our room each day. And then there were lots of times with various kids wanting to sit near the lit up Christmas tree and read or study or do their work. I love Christmas time as a teacher!

 What am I loving?

I must admit. I've been loving not having to set an alarm clock lately. I may still wake up super early each day. Not sure that'll ever change... But at least I don't have to hear an alarm clock blaring. Yay for breaks from school!

What have I been up to?

I finally started driving in Dakar. And while I found the picture below on Google images, I think I still could've taken one almost identical to it while out and about, driving, this past week. Y'all, traffic and driving in Dakar is no joke! But yay for independence!

What am I dreading? 

One of my students left. And if I'm being honest, I'm dreading the return in January with our classroom make-up being so different as a result of that departure. Boo to sad goodbyes :(

What am I working on?

I've been working on not working ;) Y'all... One of my main goals for the first week of Christmas Break was to rest/relax/take some time for me and just get refreshed. This past semester has been a doozy. And now I'm leaving today for a week and a half of meetings (with some fun times thrown in too, of course). So I knew I wanted to take some time at home, doing absolutely nothing. And it was glorious! :)

 What am I excited about?

I'm traveling. I'm leaving later today for a conference in South Africa. I'm looking forward to having time to fellowship with friends and colleagues, to worship together and hear about what God's doing all across Africa and let's be honest... I'm also looking forward to being able to visit a mall and maybe even McDonalds or Krispy Kreme, as well. :)

What am I watching?

I've always been a bit intrigued by the royal family. So even though I already have some pretty strong feelings about Harry & Meghan, I wanted to watch their Netflix series. So I downloaded all the episodes to watch while flying. I rarely can sleep on a plane anyway. So it'll give me something to do.

What am I reading?

It's Christmas Break so you'd think I would have had a lot of time to read. But I haven't read anything. I do have a few books downloaded (which have been downloaded for a while, actually, on my iPad to read while traveling tonight/tomorrow. So hopefully, that'll happen...

What am I listening to?

Nothing new or exciting... I will say, though, I think I've hit my limit of Christmas music. Which is odd because I am someone who can usually listen to some of it year around... Ah, how we change :)

What am I wearing?

As I was packing for my trip, I realized that I wear a lot of black. I mean, I already knew that. But wow, did I see just how much this is, indeed, true. Ha!

 What am I doing this weekend?

I'll be in South Africa for our AGWM West Africa and All Africa Conferences. So I'll be in meetings and such for that. It'll be nice seeing friends and co-workers I haven't seen in a while, hearing about what God's doing across this continent, worshipping and fellowshipping together, and staying in hotels/eating nice food/shopping a bit, etc. :)

What am I looking forward to next month?

Well, January starts off still in South Africa for a conference with all of my fellow AGWM co-workers serving in Africa. So that part will be nice. School will start back the second week of January. I can't say I'm thrilled about having to go back to school, but I will be happy to see my students again.

Favorite recent Amazon find?

A friend generously offered to bring me something back from the States, so I ordered some fun things to help me in my New Year's goal of Bible Journaling more. So I'm looking forward to putting those to use when she gets back and passed them on to me :)

What's new this month?

Normally, on Christmas Day, I go with my mom to my cousin's house. It's a fun day celebrating with my mom, her sister, and all of my cousins on that side of the family. I love that we all get together like this each year. Well, since I couldn't make it this year, my cousin set out one of my missions prayer cards so it was like I saw still there with them. It may seem like such a small thing, but to me, it meant so incredibly much. It definitely brought a smile to my face as I faced a "new" way of celebrating Christmas this year. 

And that's what I'm up to this month.

What about you?

What are YOU up to this month?

What's Up November

    Happy Wednesday, Y'all

I missed last month's link-up. In fact, I haven't posted anything since the end of September. But have no fear... Here I am, back again, with all the random info you know you are just dying to hear :)

Today, I'm joining Shay and Sheaffer for their What's Up Wednesday link-up. 

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

So let's get started...

What am I eating?

Last week, I did get to enjoy a plate full of deliciousness when our AG people all got together for Thanksgiving. We had a mixture of traditional and non-traditional Thanksgiving themed foods and it was all delicious! And thankfully, one sweet friend (and fellow southerner so you know she knows how to make it right) sent me home with some dressing/giblet gravy. So I had leftovers the next day. So so good!

I did make some fried shrimp the other night that turned out pretty tasty. It might not have been the most beautiful item I've ever cooked. But it sure did taste good.  I'm so not a fan of peeling/deveining shrimp. The grossness of those tasks is so intense to me that it makes me typically just not buy shrimp here. But thankfully, a couple weeks ago, I found some peeled/deveined shrimp in the freezer section at one of the grocery stores, so I bought a bag. I first coated it in yellow mustard and then battered it with a mixture of a bag of Louisiana Fish Fry mix combined with garlic powder and dill. And y'all... It was so so good.

What am I reminiscing about?

Memories made with the kiddos I've taught/worked with over the years. In a position like mine, you have most of the same students year after year. So naturally, you get end up getting closer to your students than most teachers do. And when you think of those students leaving, it can be hard. So yeah... Lately I've been reminiscing and feeling grateful for the time I've had (and still have) with the incredible kids God has allowed me to teach over the years. One of my students is preparing to leave soon and my teacher heart is absolutely breaking at the thought of saying goodbye next month... So yeah - Definitely reminiscing and thanking God for the time we've had to teach this student, to love this student, and to share the love and truth of Christ with this student. And now, I'm reminded... What a gift memories are!

 What am I loving?

I'm loving the cool breezes we've had lately. It's been nice to finally not pour sweat the instant you step outside. Let's be honest... I'm a big fan of Hot Season, and its ridiculously high temperatures and humidity finally leaving Dakar. 

What have I been up to?

Putting the finishing touches on my missions newsletter... I'm so far behind on it. But I promise. It is coming. If you'd like to be included on my mail out (either via email or good ol' "snail mail"), please let me know. I'll add you to my list.

What am I dreading? 

Honestly... I'm dreading not being able to spend Christmas with my family. Yes, this is a normal part of life in this line of work. Yes, some missionaries stay on the field far longer in between visits to family. Yes, I'm grateful that I get to follow the call God has placed on my life. But, yes, it's still hard to not be able to see my family at Christmas.

What am I working on?

 What am I excited about?

Christmas decor that will soon be set up in my classroom. I've been too busy the last few weekends to get it done, but it's coming. And y'all, I'm so ready! I know my students will love it and so will I! And when school gets out for Christmas Break, you can bet I will be taking the tree and lights home to my apartment so I can enjoy it there too :)

What am I watching?

Honestly, I just want silence when I get home from work most nights. So I opt for no TV. However, once we got out on Christmas Break, I'm planning to watch all the fun Christmas movies :)

What am I reading?

I've been reading through The Bronze Bow with one of my classes. I have loved how engaged this book has kept them. It was fun to find a book they were actually interested in reading! Yay for learning and fun joining together! :)

What am I listening to?

Christmas music, of course :)

What am I wearing?

Nothing terribly exciting or blog worthy...

 What am I doing this weekend?

There's an Elementary Christmas concert on Friday, our staff Christmas party on Saturday, and then, church and another staff dinner for our visiting accreditation team on Sunday. So I'll be at all of those. And at some point, I'll probably need to do a bit of prep / copies / etc. for the upcoming week...

What am I looking forward to next month?

1) Christmas events with my students - I love being a teacher at Christmas time. Sure, I have to give exams. Sure, I have to teach important content-rich lessons. But thankfully, I can also weave in some fun AND weave in lessons on the true meaning of Christmas. Not to mention, having a Christmas party with my people too. I love it all!

2) Christmas Break - Can I just say a big ol' amen for the fact that I'll get to have multiple days in a row when I do NOT have to set an alarm clock! Y'all have no idea just how excited I am about this fact!

3) Video Chats with my nieces at normal times of day and not super late at night like we normally have to do thanks to us all being in school AND being 6 hours apart thanks to the current time difference between us.

4) Oh, and also, the AGWM Africa Conference that's happening in South Africa after Christmas! Yay for travel (that's not an out of pocket expense)!

Favorite Recent Amazon Find?

I've been "window shopping" for gifts for my family. I'll be buying those next week and having them sent to them. I'm so thankful for Amazon's Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales and how they gave me the ability to still participate in family Christmas even if I'm not there in person :)

And that's what I'm up to this month.

What about you?

What are YOU up to this month?

What's Up September

   Happy Wednesday, Y'all

Today, I'm joining Shay and Sheaffer for their What's Up Wednesday link-up. 

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

So let's get started...

What am I eating?

Y'all, these macarons are so, so good. They're a bit pricey, so they're not something I allow myself to have often. But every once in a while, I'll grab a box when I'm at the store that sells them. Yum!

What am I reminiscing about?

I've been thinking a lot about my time at my school... I remember hearing about the job opening at Dakar Academy and nervously filling out the application. I remember that early morning phone interview with the, then, director. I remember that first plane ride and arrival in Senegal. I remember walking in my first classroom and meeting my first group of students (some who are already out of college and even married now!!). I remember so many memories of teaching all of the students I have taught during the many, many years that I've been at DA. I remember the stress and tears and meetings that accompanied me trying to start my class. I remember our first day and the realization that the dream God had placed on my heart had finally come true. I remember mentoring students and leading clubs over the years. I remember times spent working with the class I've co-sponsored the past 2 years and of the early days of us planning for this year, which we knew would be super busy, but fun (and boy, were we right!). I remember friends and co-workers who have come and gone (and some who have stayed). I remember so much that has changed over the years (and at the same time, so many things, too, that are still the same ol', same ol'). I told someone the other day that, some days, it boggles my mind that I started working at DA in 2009. Some days it feels like just yesterday... But it's been such a substantial part of my adult life. It's crazy how time flies.

I came to DA in 2009. Yet, sometimes, it seems like just yesterday...

 What am I loving?

I know it's probably weird to say... But I love seeing these snails. Yes, I know they can be gross. And yes, it's true that I thoroughly dislike the rain that brings these snails out of hiding. However, I really do like seeing them. ...because for whatever reason, they make me smile. And yes, I know I'm weird. Ha :)

What have I been up to?

Working with our junior class, selling all sorts of yummy snacks (and the occasional meal)... Well, I've been mostly just supervising. They've been the ones working. As I told them the other day, my co-sponsor and I are blessed to be able to work with such a great group of kids :)

What am I dreading? 

Going outside - Hot Season in Dakar is no joke.

What am I working on?

Trusting God at all times

 What am I excited about?

I'm excited when my people are doing well and learning (and actually enjoying what they're learning, on top of that). My job isn't always easy. It requires a lot of work. But I love what I do. I love working with these incredible kids that God has placed in my classroom. And I get excited when I see them learning and happy and growing/thriving. What a gift these kids are!

What am I watching?

Very little

What am I reading?

I'm reading/studying my way through the book of Psalms. 

What am I listening to?

I have such an eclectic taste when it comes to music. As long as the person singing isn't screaming at me or cursing or singing about total filth, I'll probably listen to it :)

What am I wearing?

I've been wearing my tennis shoes more and more. Most definitely not for looks. It's all for comfort/stability. Getting old is fun, y'all ;)

 What am I doing this weekend?

It's Fall Break at school. So I'm planning to enjoy a 4-day weekend. I made plans to go get a pedicure with a friend on the last day of the long weekend. But past that, I haven't made any other plans. I am actually, just really looking forward to having some down time - time to catch up on sleep for sure. But also, to rest (physical rest, mental rest, spiritual rest, etc.). I may end up venturing out at some point, but I'm just not planning anything yet...

Yay for long weekends!

What am I looking forward to next month?

October will be a busy month for our junior class, since we'll have our biggest fundraiser of the school at the end of the month - along with all the other normal weekly times of selling things. And even though it'll be busy, I'm looking forward to it. I love working with these kids, getting to know them more, hearing about their days and their lives, and seeing what incredible humans they are. 

Favorite Recent Amazon Find?

The zipper on my backpack broke and proved to be too broke to be fixed, without being totally replaced (and the replacement zipper wasn't the best looking, to be honest). So, thankfully, a friend who made a trip to the States graciously offered to bring a replacement back for me when she returns. So I ordered one from Amazon. Yay for an affordable (and cute) option that will be able to hold my computer/books/stuff for work (and will double as a big purse for me too)!

What else is new?

I had to visit our neighborhood police station yesterday, to get my replacement residency card, which allows me to continue, legally, living here. As I said earlier in this post, it's hard to believe that I've been here so long. Some days, it really feels like yesterday that I landed in this country. And here I am, having been here over a decade. Where does the time go?

And that's what I'm up to this month.

What about you?

What are YOU up to this month?

What’s Up August

    Happy Thursday, Y'all

Today, I'm joining Shay and Sheaffer for their What's Up Wednesday link-up. 

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

So let's get started...

What am I eating?

I've been working through lunch since school started back. So I've been trying to plan breakfasts that are filling enough to keep me full all day, with just a quick snack added in at some point during the day. So far, so good 😊 

What am I reminiscing about?

This month, I started my 14th year of teaching and my 12th year at Dakar Academy. The start of a new school year always makes me think back about years past. It’s always a good way to think about the ways God has blessed me in this ministry He has called me to do…

 What am I loving?

I'm loving being back with my students. My job is, by no means, easy, and that’s especially true this year... But I love working with my people. So I’m happy :)

What have I been up to?

Lesson Planning - all the lesson planning :)

What am I dreading? 

Going outside. Y'all, we're in the middle of Hot Season here in Dakar. And we haven't even gotten to the worst of  it yet. I feel like I walk outside and am instantly pouring sweat. Yuck!

What am I working on?

Class (co-) Sponsoring - This year it involves leading the kids as they run the school Cantina (snack shop) and helping them to prepare for a couple big events happening this year too. It's a big responsibility and I'm super grateful to have another lady working on this with me. That's for sure :)

 What am I excited about?

This place just re-opened down the road from us. I went this past weekend with a student and I’m heading back tonight with a friend. It’s such a nice place to “escape” for a bit, to enjoy a tasty treat, to work on the computer, or to just hang out. I’m so glad it’s so close!

What am I watching?

I'm re-watching The Office again. ...just an episode here or there 'til I finish going through it all over again. It's such a funny show!

What am I reading?

I just started reading my 19th book of the year. I've slowed down a lot on my reading. I think my brain is just so tired by the time I get home from work each day. So I'd rather do something that uses far less brainpower than reading. ha! :)

What am I listening to?

Nothing new/exciting 

What am I wearing?

Ponytails...Messy Buns...Anything that keeps my hair off the back of my neck. It's just too hot for anything else, at this point. That's for sure.

 What am I doing this weekend?

We have soccer games on campus on Saturday, and our juniors will be selling breakfast and snacks. So I'll be helping with that. Past that, I'll be lesson planning, going to church, and that's about it. Hopefully, I'll be able to even squeeze in a nap. Exciting plans, I know. ;)

What am I looking forward to in September?

We have a 4-day weekend (Fall Break) the last weekend of September. And I'm definitely looking forward to that. Past that, I have some fun stuff planned for my students in the various classes I teach, that I’m looking forward to.

What else is new?

The rain in Dakar has been rather intense this year. And since most roads don’t have the best drainage, it often floods many place. I’ve never seen it as bad as it’s been this Rainy Season.

And that's what I'm up to this month.

What about you?

What are YOU up to this month?

What’s Up July

   Happy Wednesday, Y'all

Just kidding…

You see, I had big plans to post this on Wednesday. However, I was in the middle of my 63.5 hour trip back to Senegal, all thanks to flight delays, cancellations, rerouting, etc. It was crazy! Therefore, uploading this post definitely didn’t happen on the day I'd originally planned. And then I've been in a mixture of a brain fog and stress induced computer work finishing ever since I arrived. So today's the first day I've had to work on it. So let’s try it again...

Happy Monday, Y’all :)

Today, I'm joining Shay and Sheaffer for their What's Up Wednesday link-up. 

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

So let's get started...

What am I eating?

I'm back in Senegal and missing Chick-fil-A and my mom's home cooking. But since school starts back this week for teachers, I’m back in Weekend Meal Prep Mode. So yesterday, I whipped up a big batch of Broccoli Chicken Alfredo to have this week.

What am I reminiscing about?

My time in Alabama with my family. Over the years, people have occasionally questioned why I have gone back to the US each summer.  Multiple reasons… 1) Support Raising 2) My primary ministry - what I was hired by AGWM to do - is to teach at my school and in the summers, that ministry is not happening. 3) Even if I’m support raising, it’s still a personal expense so it’d be like anyone else saving for an annual summer vacation. So I’m not using mission funds to pay for it. Anywho, I digressed a bit there… Back to the reminiscing ;)

 What am I loving?

I'm loving having a slow start to the school year. We have a super long time of Professional Development at the beginning of each school year (which starts tomorrow). ...longer than most schools I know of. But it's not all bad. We’re learning good stuff. Plus, as a result of this time, I can put in a little bit of classroom work time each day either before or after PD sessions, and not have too much to do all at once, or to be scrambling in the last day or so before students return. So that's nice. And let's face it... I love working on lesson plans and preparations for a new school year. I really really do. And as a teacher who does not have a planning/prep period like others do, having this extra time before school begins is something I love too.

What have I been up to?

Saturday was the 13th anniversary of the day I first arrived in Senegal. It's hard to believe it's been that long. I'm so grateful for this work God's called me to do. I love teaching. I always have. And I've loved getting to work with such incredible students at Dakar Academy over the past 13 years.  Being able to have teaching be my primary ministry (missions) assignment has been such a gift! 

What am I dreading? 

It’s Rainy Season in Dakar. And while it does cool things off, my “old lady ankles” do not like the pain brought on by the rain. We haven't had any rain since I got back. But I know it's coming. So yeah… I'm kind of dreading that.

What am I working on?

Getting my lost/missing suitcase found, which is proving to be quite challenging :(

 What am I excited about?

My birthday is on Saturday. So there’s that :)

What am I watching?

Nothing... I really do think I could live my life without TV.

What am I reading?

I’m rereading Emotionally Healthy Spirituality with my school co-workers for our required summer PD reading. This makes the 2nd time we’ve read it together, and my 3rd time reading it. I purposefully saved it til the end of my time in the US, knowing I wanted it to be fresh on my mind. It’s a good book. I feel like I learn so much each time I read it. So anywho, I started it during my ridiculously long travel time this past week and I’m almost finished with it. My plan is to finish tonight.

What am I listening to?

Nothing new - Anyone have a recommendation for me? 

What am I wearing?

I’ve been “reunited” with my denim jacket and I’m happy. I had left it at my mom’s house a couple years ago. But I was happy to be able to bring it back with me this time. It’s surprisingly lightweight so I won’t have a heatstroke wearing it in Dakar. …which is good since it’s, seriously, one of my most favorite pieces of clothing :)

However, when I wrote this post in draft mode, I fully expected to say the above. But alas, my denim jacket is in my missing suitcase. So, I’m not actually wearing it just yet… 

 What was I doing this past weekend?

I worked in my classroom a bit and then went out for dinner with some friends on Saturday. Then last night, we had a mini staff get-together. And while I'd planned on working in my room yesterday, I, instead, decided to take the day off and slept almost all day. Y’all, I was exhausted. I’m telling you… Traveling, in itself, can be tiring. But the flight back to Senegal about did me in.

What am I looking forward to next month?

My birthday, of course :)

Past that, I'm looking forward to seeing my returning students again, and getting to know my new students. I’m also looking forward to finally having another Special Ed Teacher at my campus, to share the load. And even though I won’t actually have any less students this year, since we had so many new kids apply, at least I know it’s not still me doing it all by myself. And I’m happy about that :)

Favorite Recent Amazon Find?

I ordered all sorts of fun things off of Amazon and brought them back to Senegal with me for my classroom and my apartment. And if my missing suitcase ever shows up, I’ll probably show off a few fun things then :)

What else is new?

A friend graciously gave me her treadmill when she left at the end of this past school year. I’m looking forward to using it this year. 

And that's what I'm up to this month.

What about you?

What are YOU up to this month?

Currently

Happy Wednesday, Y'all

Today, I'm joining Anne from In Residence for her monthly link-up, where we share what's currently going on in our lives. And each month, Anne gives us a list of prompts to use to guide our posts.

July's prompts are...

  * enjoying * having * hoping * picking * using *

I'm currently enjoying all of the family time I’m getting while in the States this summer.

I'm currently having a nice time visiting churches, and sharing my heart about the ministry God has called me to.

I'm currently hoping for a good week next week, at the annual MEGA Conference, put on by the AL State Dept. I’m a nerd and love learning all the things :)

I'm currently picking out this Bible for myself (or, at least, I did pick it out already). I have been saving for a year and finally had enough to purchase it. So excited for start using it to read/study/journal through.

I'm currently using the lack of cell service and Wi-Fi at my mom’s house to my advantage this summer. …which means, I’m catching up on my reading this summer :)

And that's about it for me at the moment.

So what about you?

What are you currently up to?