What’s Up July

        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?

A bit more of all the things I can’t get in Dakar, since I won’t have any of it for 6 months to a year (depending on whether or not I make it back for Christmas)… 

What am I reminiscing about?

My nieces wanted to remake a few old pictures and see how much they’ve changed. It’s been fun seeing that change too. It’s hard to believe how “grown” they are now. Seems like they should still be babies… :)

 What am I loving?

Having had so much time with my mom… Y’all, I love my students and I love that God has blessed me with the opportunity to teach and to work with them. But being away from family isn’t always easy. And I used to not feel I could say that aloud. I felt it made me a “bad missionary.” But I don’t think this way anymore. It’s okay to feel that tug in both directions. As long as you 100% know that you are doing what God has called you to do… Well, that is what matters most. 

What have I been up to?

I had my annual Zizzie days with my nieces last week. My oldest niece was the one that dubbed me Zizzie. And every year since she was maybe 2, I’ve taken her (and her sister) out, each for their own special day. On their Zizzie Day, each girl gets to choose the restaurant we eat at and then we go shopping for a new book and a new toy and a new outfit or two. It’s such a fun day (now, 2 days) and I absolutely love this time with them :)

 

What am I dreading?

Saying goodbye (or rather, See ya later) to my people this coming weekend…

What am I working on?

On the teaching side of work… I brought home a bit of paperwork to do over the summer. So I’ve been doing a bit of it a little here and there this summer. On the missions side of work, I’ve spoken at 3 services and met with quite a few supporters over coffee or dinner, sharing my heart for Senegal and the kids at Dakar Academy.

 What am I excited about?

Last week, I drove about an hour away to pick up a box containing a surprise gift that will be heading back to Dakar with me. I wish I could show what I got, but on the off chance the recipient(s) of this gift is (are) reading this, I better keep it hush hush a bit longer :)

What am I watching?

Nothing really… Any new shows out that I should check out?

What am I reading?

I picked up a few new books off the clearance shelf the other day when my niece and I went to the bookstore. Also, can I say how much it warms my heart to see my nieces loving books and reading :)

What am I listening to?

The giggling from these two goofballs has been music to my ears. I have so loved having so much time to spend with them this summer. Such a blessing!

 What am I doing this weekend?

I'll be spending a bit more time with my mom. Then, I'll be leaving for the airport on Sunday. It’s hard to believe my time in the US is almost up.

What am I looking forward to next month?

I can’t say I’m thrilled about Summer Break being over. But I am looking forward to getting back into a routine, seeing my students again, and celebrating my birthday too, of course, since it’ll be on the 6th :)

Favorite recent Amazon find?

I was so blessed to have people generously buy items off of my Amazon Wishlist, to bring back to Dakar with me for my classroom and my home. Things like classroom decor, fun school supplies, cooking utensils, tasty treats, toiletries, and more. 

What's new this month?

Trying to believe the truth of the words below… 

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

What about you?

What are YOU up to this month?

What’s Up June

         Happy Sunday, Y'all

Today, I'm joining Shay and Sheaffer for their What's Up Wednesday link-up. Somehow I missed posting last month. But I suppose that makes sense. After all, life has been a bit crazy for the past month or so. Between the "normal end of the school year, exams, helping to plan a big banquet for our juniors and seniors, getting my classroom and apartment ready to be closed up for the summer, and worrying about the political state of the country... 

Well, it's been a bit crazy, indeed.

Anywho... On with the post. Each 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 back in the US for a few weeks, enjoying all the typical "tastes of home." Things like this delicious bowl of tomato gravy...

What are you reminiscing about?

It's been 20 years since I graduated high school. I've been doing quite a bit of reminiscing since our 20 year reunion was last week. Some days it feels like it was just yesterday that we were putting on those green caps and gowns. Then other days, especially when working with students the age I was then, I realize... Boy, am I old! ;)

 What am I loving?

All the time I’ve had with my nieces. Between pancake making and dropping them off at church camp to lunch dates and playing games… I love spending all this time with them!

What have I been up to?

I’ve been speaking at churches, visiting friends and family, and resting/recovering after a not so good school year… It’s been a great summer so far! That’s for sure!

What am I dreading?

Nothing at the moment… Except for maybe going outside in the record breaking heat most of Alabama is currently experiencing.

What am I working on?

I’m doing very little work-related things at the moment. I’ll deal with those later.

 What am I excited about?

Family time, of course :)

What am I reading?

Nothing at the moment… However, I did buy a couple new books at Target the other day, since they were on sale. Yay for cheap books!

What am I watching?

I love watching my brother with his girls. It’s so sweet! 

What am I listening to?

Nothing new…

What am I wearing?

I got this teacher shirt in the mail the other day. It’s super soft and comfy and it’s cute too.

 What am I doing this weekend?

I’m hanging out with my favorites. We’ve been having all sorts of memory making fun together. Then we’ll be going to church today and going out to lunch together after that.

What am I looking forward to next month?

It’ll still be Summer Vacation for most of the month, so more days of not setting an alarm clock, of course :)

Favorite recent Amazon find?

Nothing terribly exciting… I did order a big pack of shelf stable bacon and some fun post-it notes since they were on sale for cheaper than Walmart, though.

What's new this month?

I saw this quote on Facebook the other day. I’m trying to do better at this… Saying no and setting boundaries when you’re a people pleaser and take on too much is sometimes hard. But this upcoming school year, I’m planning to do/be better.

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

What about you?

What are YOU up to this month?