October 2009

Welcome to the October Installment of The Elisabeth Chronicles.

~*~ Tales of My Third Graders ~*~

Student: Miss Nichols, I can't go to PE today.
Me: Why not?
Student: It's like 200 degrees out here and my brain's fried like french fries.
Me: Well, I think you'll be ok.
Student: Ok, but if my brain turns to mashed potatoes, it's not my fault.

Student: Miss Nichols, how old are you?
Me: I'm 24. Why?
Student: Wow! You're almost as old as Methuselah!

Student: Why did Bible men have two wives?
Me: Umm...Well...
Student: Well, I think it's crazy. I have two girlfriends and they drive me crazier than a cookie with no chocolate in it.

Me: Why aren't you swinging with the other kids?
Student: Back in my childhood, I liked to swing. But now that I'm old I don't like to anymore.
Me: *Thinking...He's 8 years old. When was his childhood?

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I have had the privilege of teaching my class for almost 3 months now. I am finally beginning to see their individual personalities and I am enjoying getting to know each of them. I love being able to share the word of God with these kids…some of which do not hear anything about God at home. It is truly a blessing to spend time with these 11 kids.

For the past month, I have been working one afternoon a week at Teen Bi (*bee*), a community center which teaches children English, art, music, etc., and also provides them with basic first aid and gives them time to play and have fun. I have mainly been assisting in the older girls’ class, teaching them English and crafts. These girls are so eager to learn. Even though my language skills are poor in French and non-existent in Wolof, I can still communicate the language of love. And that’s what makes a difference.

Some people have asked for a list of items that I need and want. So in this letter, I’ve included a wish list and an address for where cards and letters or packages can be sent to me. Please know I’m not sending this asking for these items. I’m just responding to what people have asked of me. Also, if you send a package, know that it’s typically cheaper to send one in a flat-rate U.S. postal box. If you have any questions about what can or cannot be sent or anything else, please let me know.

Thank you all for your prayers and support. This means so much to me. It’s so great to know that I have so many people “back home” and also abroad supporting me while I’m fulfilling the call God has placed on my life. When you pray, I ask that you specifically remember these things: 1) Pray for Senegal. This is a nation that is in desperate need of God. 2) Pray for all the missionaries in Senegal, working to further the kingdom of God. 3) Pray for Dakar Academy and its teachers and students. 4) Pray for me that I’ll continue to do and say all God wants me to. Also, pray that my French will improve.

If you already support me each month financially, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you do not, and would like to, please contact me at enichols85@gmail.com and I can tell you how to do so. Any donations you make would be tax-deductible.

May God Bless,
Elisabeth Nichols
enichols85@gmail.com

Elisabeth’s Wish List
You may send letters, cards, and packages to:
Elisabeth Nichols
Dakar Academy
B.P. 3189
Dakar, Senegal West Africa

Ziploc-type bags (all sizes – freezer and regular) – doesn’t have to be Ziploc bag (Dollar Tree brand is what I boughtJ)
Nuts – you can take them out of the can (if they’re canned) and put in Ziplocs to save weight/$$
Pepperoni
Yellow Mustard
Dried fruit
Candy (nothing that would melt too bad preferably)
Ranch dressing mix
Italian dressing mix
Seasoning packets (any kind)
Cocoa
Brownie/Cookie/Muffin mixes (usually smaller/weigh less)
Cornbread mixes
Packaged, microwaveable meals (those quick ones – nothing expensive)
Snack foods (nothing that would melt too bad preferably)
Individual packets of grits (I’m from the south and I love them…what else can I say?) JPop-Tarts (doesn’t have to be name brand – my favorite kind is the strawberry ones)
Stickers, pencils, or other small (cheap) toys to give as prizes to my students
Sticky notes (doesn’t have to be post-it brand – any brand is fine)
Lined, looseleaf paper
Cinnamon flavored gum
Note cards or stationery/envelopes (really any kind of paper/cards and/or envelopes)
Lead pencils (any size) and lead
Ink pens (I really like the SHARPIE brand ink pens and flair brand colored pens, but I would honestly be happy with any kind.)
Christmas time – candy canes
Chocolate chips
Peanut butter (I prefer crunchy, but either is fine.)
Kool-aid (any flavor) or flavored water packets
Jello and Instant pudding mixes
Clear Tape (any brand – doesn’t have to be scotch brand)
Books (no big preferences – except that they be clean and nothing sci-fi/mystery preferably)
Magazines (no big preferences)
Puzzle books
Holiday Decorations (inexpensive ones – wall decorations, plates/napkins, stickers, etc.)
Games (board games or card games – nothing expensive…just small to save on packing/$$)
T-shirts (adult XL) – clothes take a real beating here between the sun fading the fabric, and the harsh sand and water too
American stamps (There are always people going back to the US that can mail letters for us.)
Dvd’s or TV shows on dvd’s (I’m not hard to please… J If you’d like to see what I already have first, just ask…)
Cd’s (same as dvd’s/tv shows)
Itunes gift cards
Online Gift Certificates (I know Amazon.com ships overseas and many others do too…)

My Life in Shuffle Mode

1)Put your iPod on shuffle.
2)Write the first lines to each of the first 30 songs that play.
3)Post them here.
4)Make your friends guess the songs and artists.

1- You are the open door to freedom. You are the only hope I have.

2- Someday when my life has passed me by I'll lay around and wonder why...you were always there for me.

3- Tomorrow morning if you wake up and the sun does not appear, I will be here.

4- I see your mama and candles and tears and the roses I see your daddy walk his daughter down the aisle.

5- Where was the moment we needed the most? You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost.

6- Is it true today? That when people pray...cloudy skies will break, kings and queens will shake.

7- Did you forget...that I was even alive? Did you forget...everything we ever had?

8- I keep a close watch on this heart of mine. I keep my eyes wide open all the time..

9- Almighty God...The Great I Am...Immovable Rock...

10- He became sin who knew no sin...that we might become His righteousness...

11- I can almost see it...that dream I'm dreaming, but there's a voice inside my head saying you'll never reach it.

12- I think it'd be much easier if I could see you...If only I had a face to put with the name I love...

13- The sun is shining everyday. Clouds never get in the way...for you and me.

14- Well she got her daddy's car and she cruised through the hamburger stand now...

15- The wind is moving, but I am standing still...a life of pages waiting to be filled.

16- Love is a burning thing...and it makes a fiery ring...

17- Wonderful, so wonderful...is your unfailing love. Your cross has spoken mercy over me.

18- I've been hearing voices telling me that I can never be what I want to be...

19- Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning? And who told the ocean you can only come this far?

20- Head under water...and they tell me to breathe easy for a while...Breathing gets harder. Even I know that.

21- Come fly with me. Let's fly. Let's fly away.

22- I am unwritten...can't read my mind. I'm undefined.

23- He was a boy. She was a girl. Can I make it any more obvious?

24- There are days...when I feel...the best of me is ready to begin...

25- At twenty years of age, I'm still looking for a dream...A war's already waged for my destiny.

26- She spins and she sways to whatever song plays without a care in the world.

28- I probably shouldn't say this, but at times I get so scared...when I think of the previous relationship we shared.

29- I got chills! They're multiplying. And I'm losing control...

30- This is the life I've always wanted...to know the Prince of Peace...and to feel my faith restored...

Mosquitoes

Mosquitos are here to annoy, harrass, and help you finish your lovely day with a swat, a scowl, a scratch--and a "Where IS that blasted bug!" We can smile for we are indoors on our computers, away from the ornery little creatures (unless you have a laptop outside -- or you're in Africa where they follow you inside too!)

But did you know mini, menacing mosquitos--the "spiritual" kind--are all around you though, harrassing, annoying, distracting and diverting you from the work of the Lord in your life and through your life?

Mosquito Number One makes its grand entrance, buzzing around by day, when we're too BUSY to pray, then buzzing around by night, when we're too TIRED to pray. Communication with God gets lost in the craziness of your hecitic, busy days--you can make your own list of what you're doing--and all the while this little mosquito smiles away. He's diverted another Christian from the strength and power needed to fight the enemy....and he's the enemy! The devil would like nothing more than to keep you and me from a quiet time with our Lord. That's where our strength lies and he's won a battle when we're just TOO busy! Well, stop in your tracks--the house and the office work can wait.

Mosquito Numer Two and his cohorts take over! Listen to them confer among themselves: "Let's break down her Internet connection, let's get the kids in a major fight, let's cause criticism and hurts to annoy. She/he/they won't be able to focus on the work the Lord has called them ALL to do! They'll have to just focus on the hurts and the heaviness, the issues and irritations of life, and we'll build up the anxiety level till they're worthless for anything godly. No encouragement to others or service to God today--they're too busy swatting us all day!" Ever been there? I have--sometimes, the mosquitos come alone, sometimes in pairs, sometimes in a swarm--and you're left to swat the empty air in frustration, fear, anxiety, unbelief and despair.

Mosquitoes are tiny, little things, but let them buzz endlessly for minute after minute, which seems like hours, and they've GOT you! Stress mounts, anger flairs, irritation develops bigtime--and you've lost it, over a silly little mosquito! That's exactly what "he" wants--let the pressure build with the burdens and there goes her peace! There goes her rest in the Lord--out the window where the mosquito should be headed! Burdens are a part of life, but so many times we let them pile upon us without taking them to the Lord. The pressure builds and we've lost our peace. The little mosquito has done its job--he's happy and we're harrassed....but stop! There's hope for us all....read on!

Now here's where the fun begins! You see, you don't need any special equipment, except maybe a really good "swatter" to get the house and yard mosquito! But you are going to need bigtime equipment to get to the mosquitos under control in your spiritual life! You see, a tiny mosquito can become the "stronghold" of the house - unbelievable, but true. This miniature menace diverts, distracts and disturbs the life of the believer with annoyances, harrassments, little digs here and there, and then he smiles, for HE is in control! Now what to do--I mean, what to wear! Here it is--your guaranteed gear to successfully wear when swatting a spiritual mosquito. Ephesians 6:10-17 -- The Armor of the Lord.

So put on that helmet of salvation, wear that breastplate of righteousness, tighten up the tummy with the girdle of truth, get on those gospel-peace shoes, and hold up that shield of faith. Now you are fully dressed, and ready to wield the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God--and that dratty little mosquito who's been bugging you all week has to GO!! Bzzzz away, you mini-menacing critter. You have no place in the life of a child of God and we will NOT be diverted, distracted or disturbed any longer by your clever schemes! GO in the Name of the Lord!

Exercise and God

I found out this morning I've lost 17 pounds since I've been here. I haven't been trying necessarily, but it's just happened.Of course, in the 3 months I've been here, I've started eating healthier (just by necessity and lack of McDonalds too). I walk more too (1/2 mi one way to school -- not to mention walking almost everywhere else). There's nothing like swating for Jesus. That's for sure.

This got me thinking. How is exercising, or working out, like serving God?

1) We have to strengthen our minds and bodies through prayer and devotion.
2) We have to take water breaks every now & then. These little breaks replenish our minds, bodies, and souls.
3) We need "workout buddies" to help encourage us along the way.
4) We have to spend time with our personal trainer (God). He has a plan set for us. He wants to work with us. Yes, He'll push us hard, but that's only because He wants us to succeed.

Too often people treat God like the newest, most trendy diet or exercise plan. It's fun to try for a while. Sure, I'll go to church every Sunday. Sure, I'll give my tithes and a nice offering when the plate comes around.

Then something changes. And that new "fad" of serving God isn't as appealing. Oh I'm sorry. I can't come to church this Sunday. My favorite tv show's on that day. Or oh I'm sorry. I can't pay my tithes this week. I'll just put a little change in and maybe no one will notice.

The excuses pile up and soon (just like with a lot of those new diet/exercise trends) you're not serving God anymore. God becomes a burden to you. You think you don't have time to pray or read your Bible or witness anymore.

But God's not a fad or a trend or the latest cool idea. God is God. God is constant. He never changes. And He never leaves us. Even when we ignore Him and don't treat Him the way we know we should, God still loves us. He still cares for us. He still wants to train us into the best shape (the best Christian person) we can be.

Why I Love Senegal

In my class of 10 students, there are 7 different nationalities. Only 1 of those is Senegalese. 6 are children of missionaries. 2 are children of embassy workers. And 2 are children of area business men. I love my little eclectic group of kids. They bring such diversity (and fun) to my day every day.

This week my school is celebrating Senegalese Awareness Week. These are just some of the reasons my kids said they love Senegal...
1) I can pray to God and go to church here.
2) I can walk to school and don't have to ride a stinky yellow bus. (cute, I know) :)
3) I can go to different villages and speak different languages.
4) I can go to school with people from different countries than me.
5) I can eat yummy food I can't eat in America.
6) I can learn about people different from me.

It got me thinking too. Why do I love Senegal? These are just a few reasons I came up with...
1) God called me here. So I am blessed enough to live, minister, and work in the place He’s called me to.
2) I get to use the French I learned in high school and college (and thought I’d never use).
3) I am able to talk about God and hang scripture verses on the wall in my classroom, without punishment.
4) I get to try new (and often tasty) foods.
5) I’ve learned to cook…and I think I’m actually getting pretty good at it.
6) I get more exercise. I walk ½ mile (one way) to school each day. I also walk to the grocery store and some other places.
7) I get to visit churches where the service is entirely in French or Wolof…which is a good thing, because I’m able to feel the Holy Spirit moving in a place full of people that are totally different. Does that make sense?

You Know You're From Alabama If...

You have a party or a barbeque whenever Alabama plays Auburn in football.
You go to Gulf Shores every summer.
You call the Atlanta Braves baseball team "us" like they're actually from Alabama.
You would much rather visit Florida than California.
You don't "take", you "carry" or "tote"... as in "You want me to carry you down to the store?" or "You want me to tote that box for you?"
A soft drink isn't soda, cola, or pop, it's Coke. "What kind of coke do you want?"
You call it a "buggy" and not a shopping cart.
You've said "fixin' to" at least once during the last week.
Someone you know has used a football schedule to plan their wedding date.
You know the meaning of the phrase "Fobbed again."
You can properly pronounce Arab, Eufaula, Opelika, Loachapoka, Bayou La Batre, and Oneonta. You know exactly what chitlins and mountain oysters are, and you know someone who eats them anyway.
You think that people who complain about the humidity in other states are sissies.
You aren't surprised to find rental movies, groceries, ammunition and bait all in the same store. People actually grow, eat, and like okra.
You measure distance in minutes.
You've ever had to switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day.
You know what "cow tipping" is.
The local papers cover national and international news on one page but require 6 pages for sports.
You think that the first day of deer season is a national holiday.
You know all four seasons: Almost summer, summer, still summer and Christmas (which often feels like summer).
You know whether another Alabamian is from east, west or middle Alabama as soon as they open their mouth.
You visit Wal-Mart at least once every other day.
You can drive without your license because you know if a cop stops you he'll know you and let you go.
You know the difference between redneck, hillbilly, and southerner.
You think everybody from the north has an accent.
Y'all is a word.
There is no such thing as tea.. it's sweet tea.
If a single snowflake falls, the town is paralyzed for three days and it's on all the channels as a news flash every 15 minutes for a week. All grocery stores will be sold out of milk, bread, bottled water, and toilet paper. If there is a remote chance of snow, and if it does snow, people will be on the corner selling "I survived the blizzard" tee-shirts, not to mention the fact that all schools will close at the slightest possible chance of snow.
Your directions include "when you see the Waffle House" or "turn on the dirt road."
You say "sir" and "ma'am" if there's even a chance someone is even thiry seconds older than you.
The falling of one rain drop causes all drivers to immediately forget all traffic rules; so will daylight savings time, a girl applying eye shadow in the next car, or a flat tire three lanes over.There is nothing but country on the radio.
Almost everyone you know is Baptist or Assemblies of God.
A Mercedes Benz isn't a status symbol. A Chevy Silverado Extended Bed Crew Cab is.
You know everything goes better with Ranch dressing.
You learned how to shoot a gun before you learned how to multiply.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts are the only doughnuts that exist.
You know at least one Bubba, and maybe a few guys named Bo.
You don't assume the car with the blinker light on is actually going to turn anytime in the near future.
Your idea of a traffic jam is ten cars waiting to pass a tractor.
You actually get these jokes.

Packing

Packing is something I HATE. I know that's a strong word, but it's true. I get so stressed out about packing for even a short weekend get away. So, you can imagine how I felt packing for Africa.

How do you plan for such a long time? How many outfits should I bring? How many bottles of shampoo should I bring? What food should I bring? What can I buy there? What American items will I miss the most? All of these questions rang through my head.

To me, this is similar to being called to the mission field. We want to hold on to the things of our past. We want to cling to our family and our friends and all the things that are familiar to us. We worry about whether we'll be able to learn the language. We worry about whether we'll adapt to a new culture...a new way of life. We worry about whether we are good teachers, preachers, leaders. Plain and simple...we worry.

But why? When God calls us to walk with Christ and serve him, he gives us exactly what we need to do so. Jesus sent the twelve disciples out on a very difficult mission. They were to spread the message of the kingdom of heaven.

In addition to that, they were not to take money or extra provisions with them. To the natural mind, embarking on such a mission might seem foolhardy. They had nothing for their physical needs except the clothes on their backs. They had no arrangements for where they would stay, and on top of that Jesus told them to expect hostility.

However, the spiritual side to this is quite different. In fact, in this area, they were well-prepared for their mission. Jesus gave them a very powerful tool that they would need to complete their mission: the authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and every sickness. He also gave them the promise of the Holy Spirit, who would give them the words to speak to their persecutors.

Each of us is called to follow Jesus and serve him in some special way. God has gifted all of us with unique combinations of talents and circumstances that can be used to bring him glory. Some of those gifts may be used for current tasks and some for future tasks. When we receive orders for a mission, we need not feel that we have to bring every talent and ability God has given us to bear to complete the mission. Like a hiker with a small backpack for a long journey, we only need to pack the items that God tells us to bring.