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...

6 Days - That's how long it is, from today, until I leave Senegal...

Ignore the fact this says 10 days. I posted it to Facebook at that point. 
The sentiment is still the same...

Empty - That's how my classroom feels. Oh my heart, did it hurt to pack everything away in bins/cabinets and shut that door yesterday. I'll still be in my classroom today, tomorrow, and a 1/2 day Wednesday, giving exams for all of my people and also being the room for seniors to pick up their caps & gowns tomorrow. But still... Packing it all away made it final. Last week, a friend said it's like the end of an era. And it kind of feels that way. It's definitely time to go. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't call my mom in pretty intense tears yesterday because of how much it hurt my heart to have it all packed up.

The cart is my teacher supply cart. I'll wrap it up for the next teacher.
The red bag is a surprise gift in the works.
The water is left out because it's Senegal and a bazillion degrees outside :)

Packing - I finally packed up my classroom this weekend and tonight, I will finish packing up at home (minus the clothes I'll be wearing this week). I'm pretty sure this is the earliest I have ever (will have ever?) been packed. But I know this week is going to be super busy full of exams for my students, all sorts of graduation/senior related events each day, all the normal end of a school year checklists, and last bits of time spent with friends. So I wanted to be able to be fully present and not stressed about packing. And while it is sad to see the empty walls, shelves, etc., I know I will be so glad it's done.

One Last Senegal AGWM Dinner - We had that the other day. It was nice to have the time to get together, eat good food, and reminisce about life and ministry in Senegal. 

Saying Goodbye to My Students - I did that with my middle schoolers this past Friday. Then, after exams this upcoming week with my 9th-11th graders... And then at graduation on Thursday with my seniors. Have I mentioned lately how much I hate goodbyes? Boo.

Senior Reception and Senior Worship Service - This was yesterday. I may have teared up at multiple points during each of these events. But it was definitely happy/proud tears. Y'all, this class has held a special place in my heart for so many years. And I will always be so grateful that I was able to stay and finish out my time at DA with this crew.

Embracing All the Emotions/Feelings - That's my current thing. I'm recognizing that it's okay to be both sad and also ready about leaving. And you know... It really is okay to be both nervous and excited about what's coming next. It's okay to feel happy and proud of the incredible students I've worked with - whether that's been just year or for many years. It's okay to be happy and sad and scared and excited all at the same time. Humans are not meant to be emotionless robots. Ok, off my soapbox now ;)

Looking Ahead - A week from today, I'll land in Mobile, AL where I'll spend a few days getting all the necessary background checks/screenings, etc. done, get paperwork signed, hopefully meeting with my principal and seeing my classroom too, and visiting with a few people too. Then, once all that's done, I'll drive up to be with my family, ready to spend the summer with them before heading back down to Mobile at the end of the summer, ready to start my new job. I can't lie. I'll probably still shed a few tears when the time comes to leave this place. But y'all, I'm ready. Let's do this!

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?

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...

People - Spring Break was so quiet. I love having a couple days of down time, but I can't seem to enjoy going too long without seeing people. I guess that comes with being surrounded by people/noise all the time. You get used to it... Not to mention the fact that with me leaving, I'm feeling the desire even more to spend time with friends. I didn't get to do so as much over Spring Break as I would've liked. But I definitely enjoyed the couple of times I did.

My Mom - She's been my "secretary" the past few weeks, as places have called wanting to set up an interview with me. She takes their name and number and then I call them back. 'tis the best solution for me since I'm overseas, in a different time zone, and don't have a US number. Anywho - I told her I should be paying her for working so hard. 

My Dad - This Friday will make 9 years since my dad passed away. It's hard to believe that it's been that long. Boy, do I miss him!

My Apartment - It looks like a tornado hit. I've got piles everywhere, as I've started sorting through every drawer, cabinet, shelf, etc. There is a method to the madness. But I will be so very glad when this part of the big move is done. That is for sure!

Job Search - It's still going on. I've applied at a lot of places, interviewed at many of those, and even had to unfortunately turn down a couple jobs that just weren't the right fit for me at this point in life. I'm still praying that the right one will come along. And while I'd like to say I'm being patient in that waiting, I must admit, I'm not feeling as patient as I probably should. Ah, the unknowns in life...

Peanut Butter Cookies - I found THIS recipe for peanut butter cookies online the other day and I think I'm going to try it tonight. The best part of it is that it only uses 3 ingredients: peanut butter, sugar, and eggs. I'm a little skeptical, if I'm being honest. But we'll see.

Brooklyn 99 - I watched a lot of this show over Spring Break, in between sorting and packing. And sometimes, I just had it playing in the background to make a little noise. It's such a funny one. I'm not sure why I didn't get into it when it first came out.

My Students - School starts back today. And we only have 7 1/2 weeks left before this school year is done. I've always said that time seems to fly by after Spring Break. And I imagine it will even more so this year. This time is so bittersweet. I'm, by no means, ready to say goodbye to these kids who have stolen my heart (whether I teach them or are their class sponsor). But I'm so excited to see what God has in store for all of these kids - whether they're graduating this year or not. I've been so blessed to have had the opportunity to teach and/or work with such incredible kids. I really have been!

And I guess that's about it for today.

What's on your mind today?