What's Up May

      Happy Wednesday, Y'all

Today, I'm joining Shay and Sheaffer for May's 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?

On Tuesdays, a friend has a random group of people over for Taco Tuesday. It was fun to join in a few times this school year. I couldn't do it as often as I would've liked. But the times I did get to go were great! Between the company, the food, and just time with people, it really was nice :)

And let’s face it. Anytime you can eat tacos, it’s a good thing. Right? :)

What am I reminiscing about?

My time in Senegal - It's hard to believe that such a long chapter of my life is finally coming to a close. I have a little over a week left until I board that plane to leave this place. I first arrived here in 2009, somewhat fresh out of college. That means that I've spent the majority of my adult life here. And while Alabama is (and always will be) home and while I'm so excited to live near family again, it's still hard to leave this place. A place that holds so many memories. This past week, my closest friend in Dakar (and fellow senior class sponsor) threw me a going away party. In attendance were some of my friends and co-workers, almost all of our seniors, along with some of my students and their parents too. It was such a special time and getting to reminisce with so many of them either through stories told or kind words shared or just me thinking back to fun memories from over the years.

 What am I loving?

Time with my students... I only have a few more days left with them. So I'm soaking it all in - exam prep, study hall help, daily chats about classes and life, game time when their brains feel like they're going to explode from studying so much... 

What have I been up to?

We recently had Senior Sneak, the annual Senior Trip at my school. It was so fun to get out of the city for a few days and spend time with these incredible humans we call our senior class. We went on a safari drive and then hung out at a nice hotel for a few days. And it was such a great time. I loved seeing the kids all happily spending time together, just relaxing and enjoying life and not stressing about schoolwork or exams or the future for a change

What am I dreading?

The goodbyes that are coming... While I made the choice to leave and while I 100% know I'm following the call of God on my life to leave, it still is hard to leave. I've lived here the majority of my adult life, since college. I had only been out of college for one semester when I moved to Senegal. So I've been here from July 2009 'til now (minus the 1.5 years I was back in the US mid-way through). Leaving this school, this country, these people... Leaving the class I started and program I fought so hard to develop... Well, it's difficult and emotional. It's hard. And I do want to say, that I'm excited about what's coming. I truly am. But that's what makes it bittersweet. And I think it's okay to recognize the sadness/grief associated with leaving a place (and people) that are so important to you. You can be excited and positive thinking about what's to come while still being sad about what you're leaving behind.

What am I working on?

We're in the midst of exam prep with all of my high schoolers. Exams start tomorrow and will go through next week. And while I only have to give one exam of my own, I'm proctoring (so to speak) a zillion others, since many of my students will need to take their exams with me to receive various accommodations. So we're studying all the subjects lately :)

 What am I excited about?

I have a job lined up for the Fall. I'll be teaching Elementary Special Education at a school in south Alabama. The way God worked this all out was (is) nothing short of a blessing. One day, I'll have to share the full story. But seriously... It was a total God thing for sure :)

What am I watching?

I just watched the last two episodes of Young Sheldon. Oh my word y'all. So sad! I need a new show to watch. Anyone have a suggestion? I'm not super picky. Just no cop shows and nothing scary.

What am I reading?

I recently read THIS article about leaving well. It's a good article. I'd recommend it to any missionaries (or really anyone) leaving/moving from a place.

What am I listening to?

At this moment, it's the end of my planning time, so my room is quiet. But I'm enjoying listening to our elementary kids outside at recess just outside the walls of my classroom. I love hearing their sweet, happy little voices talking, playing, laughing, and just having the times of their lives. It's sweet :)

What am I wearing?

Our principal let us dress casually all week. So I'm basically just living in jeans :)

Is this true? I don't know. But sounds good to me. Ha! :)

 What am I doing this weekend?

I'm going to dinner with my fellow AG people on Friday, as a sort of goodbye dinner with them. On Saturday, I'm planning to finish packing up my classroom. Then all I'll have left to do next week will be to supervise my people taking their exams in my room and then move all the furniture to the middle of the room once the last exam is over on Wednesday. It's an end of an era, y'all And I'd be lying if I said I don't cry periodically because of that. But it's time. 

What am I looking forward to next month?

I'm looking forward to our graduation reception and service this weekend and the actual graduation for my seniors next week (which will all be in the next month as well). It's been such an incredible joy to work with these kids. I've taught many of them - some in elementary and some since taking on my current role when they were in middle school. So I've taught many of them for a long time. I've mentored some. I've co-lead the girls' small group this year. I've co-sponsored their class all 4 years, so I've spent time at fundraisers and parties, and most recently, their senior trip. This class is a big reason why I've stayed here so long. And I'm so incredibly proud of each and every one of them and can't wait to see them walk across that stage next week at graduation.

And yes, I'm also looking forward to seeing my family again too :)

And lastly, I'm looking forward to being back in the US, seeing friends and extended family, enjoying fountain drink diet dr peppers with lots of ice, enjoying trips to Chick-fil-A and the local Mexican restaurant, oh and eating and all the salads and fresh veggies I can get too :)

Favorite recent Amazon find?

I ordered THIS bag on Amazon and a friend brought it out a few weeks ago. I didn't really see the appeal when these became popular again. But I figured it'd be great for travel. Plus, while I love bags and all, I really do hate carrying a big one in a store. So having a small one like this, that can be close to me (i.e. safe and secure) at times like that, or for travel, is perfect. And now, I'm glad I have it :)

What's new this month?

I created a Back in America Wishlist on Amazon, full of some things I'm hoping to purchase for my new classroom and some things for me too. If you want to check it out, you  can click HERE to see it. Stuff like this would be a huge help since I won't be paid for a few months this summer and since I need to be continuing to save up for a place to live and a car. And yes, someone has graciously/generously offered me each of these to start my time in the US. But I'll need my own soon...

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

What about you?

What are YOU up to this month? 

Hello Monday

     Happy Monday, Y'all

Today I'm joining Holly and Sarah, and a few other bloggers, for today's Hello Monday link-up, where we say Hello to Monday with a look at what's going on in our lives at the moment.

 So what's on my mind?

A lot. But 'tis the norm with me, I suppose.

Things like...

Grateful - Y'all. Thursday, this sweet friend threw a going away party for me, attended by so many of my students and their families, most our seniors, and so many Dakar Academy friends too. My heart was full. What a blessing that was!

Last Small Group - We had that right after my party. We ordered yummy food for dinner and sat around, chatting, laughing, and having the best time. It has been such a gift to be a co-lead for our senior girls small group this year. Being able to be with them every other week, sharing our hearts and more importantly, God's Word with them, getting to know them a little better, praying with them, rejoicing with them over the good moments and grieving with them over the sad moments, hearing their hearts and their laughter, seeing them grow closer and closer this year... It's been such a great year with these incredible ladies!

Last End of Year Staff Dinner - That happened last night. Still hard to believe that it's (almost) time to go...

Packing Up My Classroom - I spent a little time this weekend working on that. And I'll be spending time each afternoon/evening this week (along with some during my morning planning times) doing it to. Every single year, I hate packing up my classroom. In fact, I've always saved posters until the very end just because it's so sad to see those blank walls. But I know I won't have the normal time to work in my room next week (our last week of school) that I usually have because it'll be filled with all things graduation related. And I obviously want to be fully present in that. So I wanted to go ahead and get it all done early. So, even though the bare walls are sad, it's necessary.

Animal Puppets - I bought these (with my own money) from a bookstore back home. I remember thinking they'd be fun to have when working with elementary kids in my new Special Ed classroom. And they were. I would add to my collection over the years and ended up with quite the assortment. And as I packed them in my suitcase the other day, knowing I could also use them in my new classroom in the Fall, I couldn't help but smile and think back to the sweet kiddos who had so much fun with these over the years.

Brownies - I baked those this morning before school. I can't say brownies are my most favorite dessert, but oh my word do they smell good while baking!

Baptism Service - We had that at church yesterday. So many kids chose to be baptized. And hearing their words of how God has worked in their lives and how they want to live for Him... It was such a beautiful thing. 

Video Chat - I had this with my nieces the other night. The first time in a month or two. It was so sweet to "see" their faces, to hear their happy voices, and to talk about all their plans for when I get to Alabama this summer :)

Two - That's how many weeks are left (from yesterday) 'til I fly out of here. My does time fly...

And I guess that's about it for today.

What's on your mind today? 

Hello Monday... On a Tuesday

     Happy Monday, Y'all

Make that... 

Happy Tuesday, Y'all

Today I'm joining Holly and Sarah, and a few other bloggers, for today's Hello Monday link-up, where we say Hello to Monday with a look at what's going on in our lives at the moment. However, I kind of forgot to post this yesterday. So just use your imagination :)

 So what's on my mind?

A lot. But 'tis the norm with me, I suppose.

Things like...

This Past Weekend - I went as one of the chaperones of our senior class for their senior trip. We went on a safari and stayed at a beautiful hotel/resort for the weekend. And my fellow class co-sponsor and I commented at multiple times over the weekend, just how lucky (blessed) we are to have such a good class. It was such an incredibly nice weekend with our seniors :)

Sunset - Seeing this over the ocean each evening was such a fun perk of the weekend!

Safari - Did I mention we went on a safari? ;)

Sunburn - Oh yeah. That happened too. ;)

Job Search - I finally have some news on that front. Once I get my background check/screening done in June and sign on the dotted line then too, the job is mine. I don't want to share the name of the school publicly yet. But I can say that it's in Alabama. If you want more info, shoot me an email (HERE) and I'll fill you in on the details :)

Car Search - I'm looking for a vehicle. I'm not picky on make/model or anything like that. I just need something inexpensive that will get me from point A to point B. And since my last paycheck on the field is in June and my first pay back in AL won't arrive until a few months later, I need to stretch my savings (on top of paying for food, gas, and all the random tests/screenings associated with getting this job, setting up a new classroom, etc.). So yeah... If you or someone you know of has something like this for sale, could you send me an email and let me know?

Housing - I'm also looking for an inexpensive place to stay in the Mobile, AL area for 2-3 months, starting in August - just until I can get my own place. Anyone have a spare room or a spare apartment over their garage or something like that, that they're willing to rent me for cheap? :) Same as the last 3... If you do, could you send me an email and let me know?

Packing - I hate it. Just so everyone's aware. And this year, I have to pack up my life into just 3 suitcases, since I'm too cheap to pay for any more than that. Plus, I have to basically pack up my classroom too. ...the thought of which breaks my heart, so I've been putting it off until this week. Big sigh.

19 - That's how many days are left 'til I leave Senegal... So many emotions are packed into that one seemingly simple statement. I'm excited to live near family again. I'm also excitedly looking forward to my new job. But it's still sad to say goodbye to this place, to close friends, to my students, to the place where I've lived the majority of my adult life... See? So many emotions :)

Reminders - Sometimes we need reminders of why we're doing what we're doing. I know the phrase, Remember your why, sometimes gets a bad rep in teaching circles today. Unfortunately, some schools use it to gaslight teachers into dealing with bad working conditions and make them feel guilty for fighting for change. But for me... I love this phrase. Teaching isn't always easy, y'all. Teaching Special Education isn't always easy. Teaching overseas isn't always easy. But I kept doing it. Why? God called me to work with incredible kids. I first came to my school in 2009. And minus 1.5 years mid-way through, I've been there this whole time. I've taught elementary, middle, and high schoolers. I've taught Gen. Ed. I've taught ELL. And I've taught Special Ed. I've led clubs. I've mentored. I've co-sponsored a class and a small group. I can honestly say that the best part of my job, hands down, has been my students. It wasn't always easy. But it was always worth it. They were (are) my why. And sometimes... Sometimes, God sends me a little reminder of that why and what a gift it's been to do what I've done all these years. And for me, that reminder came in the form of a message and cap & gown photos from a former student's parent last night. What a gift this life of mine has been. And what a gift that reminder from God was for me last night :)

What's on your mind today? 

Hello Monday

    Happy Monday, Y'all

Today I'm joining Holly and Sarah, and a few other bloggers, for today's Hello Monday link-up, where we say Hello to Monday with a look at what's going on in our lives at the moment.

 So what's on my mind?

A lot. But 'tis the norm with me, I suppose.

Things like...

Mothers Day - Mothers Day was yesterday. And y'all, I was (still am) blessed with such an incredibly amazing mom. And I'm happy that I'll be able to celebrate with her in person next year, too :)

Fabric - I finally got some this past Thursday. And I met with a tailor then too. I decided to have a long skirt, a dress, and a nice jacket made. Yay! Stay tuned for a reveal happening in a couple weeks :)

Vendor Sale at DA - This was held a few days ago. I have always loved these twice yearly sales. It's nice checking out all the random items for sale, visiting with the vendors - some I've chatted with and bought from ever since first arriving back in 2009. It's just a nice time. And thankfully, I was able to get almost everything I needed (and got the last 3 things this past weekend at the local artisan market, so now I'm set). I also was able to meet with the guy who will recover my Bible for me too. 

Job Search Update - Still waiting :)

Planning for Graduation - Last week, we had a meeting about the planning for graduation (and all the events that go along with it). It's hard to believe we're now less than a month from graduation. Time's flying for sure. And between a few more weeks of classes, final exams, and their senior trip this upcoming weekend, and all the other randomness along the way, I'm sure time will continue to just fly by.

Speaking of Time Flying - I leave in 4 weeks (from yesterday)...

An Empty Shelf - This caused all sorts of emotions to bubble up early last week. This shelf was the first purchase I made (with my own money) for my newly approved class back in 2017. It was big and had lots of space and I was daydreaming of the various books, teaching materials, games, and school supplies I'd fill it with because the dream God had planted in my heart a few months prior was finally becoming a reality. And when this shelf was picked up by its new owners early last week, I couldn't help but smile (and maybe tear up a tiny bit too) as I thought back on all sorts of memories from the past 7 years in my classroom with the students I've called "mine."

And I guess that's about it for today.

What's on your mind today? 

Hello Monday

    Happy Monday, Y'all

Today I'm joining Holly and Sarah, and a few other bloggers, for today's Hello Monday link-up, where we say Hello to Monday with a look at what's going on in our lives at the moment.

 So what's on my mind?

A lot. But 'tis the norm with me, I suppose.

Things like...

Indoor Yard Sale - I had one this past weekend. While it was incredibly chaotic and overwhelming at times, it was still good. I was able to sell/give away so much stuff. I was able to make money to set aside for all the random things I’ll need to pay for at the end of the school year. And while I do still have some random odds and ends to get rid of, at least the big stuff is all gone now. 

 

The Sight/Sound of Waves - This is something I love. It's so relaxing and peaceful. A friend and I went out to eat yesterday at one of my favorite locations in Dakar. And the reason I like the location so much is because of the view of the water. And since I wasn't sure if I'd have the time to get back out there again before I'd leave, I went yesterday...

Jungle Book - Our school held their annual Spring Play this past weekend. It was so fun to see the talent of our kids (and their teacher/director, who is super talented as well). I loved the show!

Thai food - I went out for it with some friends the other night. I haven't been to this restaurant in a long time, but it was still just as good as I remember. And of course, since thinking of various memories is my new thing now... I thought about us having our elementary teacher dinners there a few years in a row. I thought about dinner with two friends there to celebrate one graduating with her master's degree. I thought about dinner with my former AGWM Area Directors and Supervising Missionaries. I thought about some friends and former DA co-workers who got engaged there, remembering how excited she was when he dropped her off at home that night and they told us the news. I even thought about the time a few friends and I drove all the way over there battling the crazy Dakar traffic at night just to find out they were closed, so we ended up at the restaurant just down from the school, eating ice cream for dinner and we talked and laughed for so long. Ah, memories :)

5 - That's how many weeks (minus a day) are left before I'm scheduled to leave Senegal. That fact is crazy to me.

Romans 12:11-12 - These are the verses God keeps bringing to my mind. Lord, help me not lose sight of them. Help me 

Rest - I've needed it. Boy do I. I didn't realize 'til I finished prepping for the "yard sale" and I had finally sat down. I may not have a ton of it the next few weeks. But I'm hoping to find a way to "get away" for a bit once school's out - to read my Bible and pray and to give my brain/heart a couple days to process the last almost 15 years of my life before shifting to whatever God has in store for me next. I've thought about heading to a hotel here in Senegal - one that's close to the airport, so I can take the few days between the end of school and the day I fly out - and spend a couple nights there and then take the shuttle to the airport. But they're a bit pricey. So I'm back to researching online, to find an option, either here or in the US, that I could actually afford...

And I guess that's about it for today.

What's on your mind today?