The 98th Dear _____ Post

Dear 6:45, You're what time I woke up this morning. Really?! Why? It's Saturday...my day off. That means I could've slept late. Seriously 6:45...I think you and I shouldn't see each other on Saturday mornings from now on, ok? :)

Dear Winter Olympics, You're almost over. And I've only gotten to watch one event online. Major sadness going on over here about that... BUT thanks to online news and students and co-workers, I've been able to stay up-to-date on what's going on.

Dear DA Olympics, You were this week. I love watching our kids during these events. We have such talented students.

Dear Baby Kylie, You've got people all around the world praying for you, especially after the latest updates posted by your Mommy and Daddy. I'm praying that God supplies your every need and that He continues wrapping His loving arms around you and your sweet family. P.S. To blog readers...If you want to keep updated on Kylie's situation, and know how to more specifically pray, you can read about it on her Caring Bridge site. They need all the prayers they can get. At this moment, they're praying for a neonatologist to accompany them on their flight to the States. Anyone know one?

Dear Fresh Corn on the Cob, You've been back in season for a little while now, but I hadn't been able to find you. Well, that changed on Thursday. The grocery store just down the road finally had you at a decent price so I got enough to load up my freezer. Yay!

Dear Frozen Bissap, I have one word for you... Yum! :)

Dear Romans 5:1-5, I love you. Thanks for providing just the encouragement I needed the other day.

Dear Verona, You're the city in Italy where Romeo & Juliet's tragic tale was set. You're also the latest city I've added to my Bucket List, thinking it'd be pretty awesome to visit. Pictures of the city are beautiful. Ah... Let the daydreaming commence :)

Dear Photo a Day Project, You're what I'm doing this year. I'm so enjoying it. It's been fun looking back over the pictures I've taken so far. I can't wait to see what I end up with at the end of the year with my 365 Days Photo book.

Dear Writing a Paper, You're what I plan on spending the majority of my day doing. I realize it may not sound like the most exciting thing ever, but it's on a topic I enjoy learning about, so I'm happy :)

Dear Taking Some Time Off Work, You're what my dad's going to have to do. He really needs a touch from the Master Healer. This weakness, tiredness, and overall sickliness needs to leave his body. I'm praying for a touch from God. And I'm praying that this time off from work will be just the thing to help him gain back his strength. To him, as long as he's able to work, he wants to. He doesn't like the idea of "sponging off the government," as he puts it. What an inspiration he is! He's such a fighter and hard worker, not wanting to depend on others to survive. I pray I have his strength, determination, and strong will some day. It'd be an honor to be like him!

Dear God, Thanks for being in control of everything in the lives of my family, friends, and myself. ...even when I feel overwhelmed by circumstances around me, I can know that YOU are in control! Thank you for that!

My One Thousands Gifts 's 90 - 96

One Thousand Gifts

Each week, I'm highlighting new items I've added to my list of one thousand gifts. These aren't always big things. In fact, sometimes it's the littlest things that stick out the most. 

This week, I've added 7 new things...

#90 - a camping chair

This chair offers a comfy seat when sitting for many hours watching softball, soccer, basketball, etc. It's much nicer than sitting on hard bleacher seats or the ground. That's for sure! 

#91 - a baseball hat, scarf, and hoodie

I spent the majority of my time this past weekend at the ball field and it was soooo cold! So I was very thankful to have these three things to block some of the wind and cold. 

#92 - a weekend full of softball

It may have been cold, but I enjoyed it. I love watching baseball/softball, so it was fun!

#93 - some Hershey's kisses

I totally heart these candies, so I was very thankful for their appearance in my life this past Friday :)

#94 - journal articles online

These make educational research and paper writing for someone like me, living overseas, so much easier. I'm so thankful that I can still have access to this in my current quest for information. If I had to wait until I could be at a library in the States OR if I had to pay for subscriptions to all of these journals, I'd never get all the information I needed. So I'm definitely thankful for these!

#95 - a pack of Spinach dip mix

I love spinach dip. ...which is a little weird, since I don't like cooked spinach, but anywho. Well, I was looking for another type of seasoning packet the other day and found this pack of goodness. Yum! Yay for little surprises!

#96 - this list

I love reading back over the items included in this list of one thousand gifts. I'm thankful for this reminder of how God looks out for me and provides so many big (and little) gifts in my life. It's especially significant when I have a bad day or when it feels like nothing seems to be going right. I can pull up my 1000 gifts list and quickly be reminded that He's still in control and He's still supplying my every need!

And in case you want a recap of the other things on my list, you can find them below...

1-3

4-16

17-24

25-28

29-34

35-40

41-43

44-48

49-55

56-59

60-64

65-69

70-74

75-84

85-89

The 97th Dear _____ Post

Dear Kids Club, We had a mini party Wednesday afternoon, complete with a movie teaching us how God made us each special/unique and loves us so very much. Plus we got bubbles and candy. How awesome is that?! And do you want to know what I love the most? I love seeing close to 60 kids having fun learning about Jesus!

Dear Surprise, You're what my friend's husband pulled off last night, by surprising her with a vow renewal ceremony. Can we say romantic (and sweet and beautiful and awwww)?! :)

Dear Fresh Flowers, I so very much love you! You smell beautifully. You look so pretty. And you brighten up a room. Thanks for being a nice treat.

Dear Basketball Games, You're what I'm planning to watch tonight. This is the first year I've really gotten into basketball. I love watching our kids play! I just usually don't get to do so since their games are typically during the time I'm leading Kids Club. That's why it's nice when they have games at other times, like tonight.

Dear Softball Tournament, You start tomorrow and will go through Monday. I love this time of year!

Dear Writing Papers, I thought I was finished with you when I finished my Master's this past May. Ha! I've been asked to collaborate with a former professor to submit an article to an education journal on issues surrounding Non-Native English Speakers with Special Needs. I've been doing a lot of research and have compiled quite the collection of journal articles. And I'm looking forward to tackling them this weekend. My plan is to let that be my "fun" reading in between ball games. Is it sad that I consider this fun? :)

Dear Valentine's Day, You are today. You included quite the array of sweetness. I still wouldn't consider you one of my favorite holidays. I could definitely live without you at this point in my life. But at the same time, you weren't too terribly bad.

Dear 2 Berean Courses (and a test/interview), You're all I have left before receiving my Certified Minister's license with the A/G. I plan on starting those some time in the next couple weeks. That way I can finish up by summer time. And then I'll start on the next round, which I'll be able to work on/finish while I'm in the States raising my new mission's budget.

Dear New Budget, I'm waiting to see what you will be. Due to DA offering its teachers so much, I've been able to keep my budget fairly low these past few years, which means, of course, that once I leave, it'll increase (a lot). So now I wait. ...and pray. ...and thank God in advance for how He's going to work everything out like I know He will!

Dear Write a Book, You're something I've always dreamed of doing. And after talking about it with a former professor the other day, I'm thinking maybe I should stop dreaming and start actually writing. Hmm....

My One Thousand Gifts #'s 85 - 89

One Thousand Gifts

Each week, I'm highlighting new items I've added to my list of one thousand gifts. These aren't always big things. In fact, sometimes it's the littlest things that stick out the most. 

This week, I've added 5 new things...

#85 - 100 heart shaped lollipops

I bought you when I was in the States back in December. I gave the majority of you out at our Kids Club Valentine's Day party yesterday and will be giving the rest out to my students tomorrow. Thanks for being a lightweight and tasty sweet treat!

#86 - someone to listen

I'm such an external processor. I really need to talk things out, process the thoughts in my head. So I'm thankful for a mom and some good friends that will sweetly offer that listening ear - knowing that I'm there to do the exact same for them.

#87 - my Team USA travel mug

I realize this is totally small and trivial, but in honor of the Olympics, I've been using this mug every day. It's practical - It keeps my hot drinks hot and my cold drinks cold. But it's also the perfect accompaniment to my Winter Olympics viewing. Go Team USA! :)

#88 - the instant mood lift caused by dressing up

Does anyone else ever feel this way? You put on a dress, nice shoes, jewelry, whatever... And almost  instantly your mood lifts. Why don't I do this more often?! :)

#89 - the chance to pour into the lives of so many kids

This week I've become even more aware of how much I'm going to miss this aspect of teaching at DA. I love getting to chat with students, to find out about their lives, to offer a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on, and to show the love of Christ to them. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to have my classroom as a mission field for the past 4 1/2 years. 

And in case you want a recap of the other things on my list, you can find them below...

1-3

4-16

17-24

25-28

29-34

35-40

41-43

44-48

49-55

56-59

60-64

65-69

70-74

75-84

The 96th Dear ____ Post

Dear Kids Club, You started back up this week. The kids were so excited, which of course made me excited! I love this time I get with them!

Dear Senior Cafe, You're happening at DA this weekend. Thanks for being such a fun way to start my weekend! 

Dear Broccoli Cheese Soup, I'm making you tomorrow. Yay for frozen broccoli and velveeta cheese :)

Dear Encouragement, You're what I've received this week from a few different people. I'm so thankful for people God's placed in my path to say (and mean) such sweet, encouraging words.

Dear Best Buds, You're a program at my school where each elementary student is paired with a high school student as their "best bud." Once a month we have Best Buds lunch, where the best buds can eat lunch and play together. It was so fun yesterday to see the best buds spending their lunch time together, eating, laughing, and playing together. Plus it gives me the chance to eat with my best bud - my friend who's an elementary teacher :)

Dear Confidence Boost, I saw you displayed in a major way in one of my students this week. It's so great to see a student finally get what you've been telling them all along... "You are smart. You do, indeed, know what you're doing."

Dear Typhoid Vaccine, I got you yesterday since you're due this year. Boo to needles and blood (even just a drop) and a slightly sore arm :(

Dear Nems, A couple friends and I went to get you for supper last night before Senior Cafe. Yum!

Dear Planning Ahead, I like you. I really do. So, I'm having trouble at the moment giving some things up to God, knowing that He really is in control and knows what needs to happen when.

Dear Baby Girl, You're what 2 of my co-workers had yesterday. You should've heard the cheers at school yesterday when the announcement was made and when your picture was showed during Senior Cafe last night too. It was super sweet. And you're so incredibly adorable! Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. E-M and Baby Kylie :)

Dear A Book, You're what I'm having mailed to my niece. Thankfully, there was someone going to the States in a couple days that would take it for me and mail it. So it should get there in time now. Woohoo :)

Dear Valentine's Day, You happen on Friday. I love doing fun crafts regarding you with my students, but honestly... I could personally pass on you. Just sayin'

Dear Reading for Fun, You were on my list of New Year's Resolutions. I thought you'd be an easy fix. Ha! You seem to be the resolution I've had the most trouble with. I've been doing quite a bit of reading for work and for a writing project I'm doing. But to read just for fun... That hasn't really happened much. So I'm planning to change that fact this weekend. We'll see.

Dear Elementary Chapel, I was the speaker for you yesterday. I spoke on how we can celebrate the defeat of the enemy. How often do we (myself included) let the enemy try and defeat us? How often do we just give up and let him win? Why don't we celebrate his defeat? Why don't we remind him that we have the true winner on our side? We have God on our side!

My One Thousand Gifts #'s 75 - 84

One Thousand Gifts

Each week, I'm highlighting new items I've added to my list of one thousand gifts. These aren't always big things. In fact, sometimes it's the littlest things that stick out the most. 

This week, I've added 10 new things...

#75 - a few extra dollars cfa

One of my New Year's Resolutions was to get more organized. So I decided to start with my movies. Since we don't have tv over here, most of my movie/tv watching is done via dvd's, of which I've accumulated quite a bit over the past 4.5 years. And while going through them and organizing them, I realized I had a few that I didn't watch much anymore, so I decided to sell them and it's been nice getting a few extra dollars cfa here and there :)  

#76 - a new restaurant in town

After church last Sunday, I went with some friends to visit a new restaurant in town. It serves the best pizza and donuts in town. Ok, let me rephrase... It serves the only "as close to American as you can get while in Senegal" pizza and donuts. I had the Chicken BBQ pizza for lunch and then took home a half dozen Oreo Donuts to have for snacks for the week. Oh my goodness...so delicious. So this week, one of the "little" things I'm thankful for is the restaurant, Yum Yum. *Yes, that is it's name. And yes, it really is "yummy." :)

#77 - Valentine's Cards

While in the States in December, I'd looked into buying Valentine's cards for all of the elementary kids to give during our Kids Club party, but oh my word, were they expensive. So I decided I'd just make them, which would've taken FOREVER!  A few years ago a sweet lady I'd never met (a friend of a friend) heard about my ministry here in Dakar and sent me 5 (yes, 5!) boxes of school supplies and all sorts of goodies for my classroom. One of the boxes contained a lot of Valentine's cards. I've used some of them each year, but in switching classrooms, and storing a box of things at home, I forgot I had those cards. So imagine my surprise/delight when I opened a box yesterday and found a HUGE stack of Valentine's cards that I forgot I had. And guess what! There are EXACTLY the number of cards I need! Can you believe it?! I'm so thankful for the little things that God sends our way.

#78 - a mission team's Vision and Strategy document

I'm thankful this week for the team God's allowing me to be a part of in this upcoming ministry change. I'm thankful for my teammates, for the people we'll be working with, for the vision for the future. 

#79 - airline miles

I'm thankful for the many, many flights I've made on Delta. I'm thankful that these flights are going to be able to allow me to fly for FREE from Washington DC to Alabama in June and then fly FREE to visit a friend in TX at some point once I'm back home :)

#80 - a thank you & an I love you from a child

As I was walking to give a friend a message, I noticed one of our youngest elementary kids crying. When he came to me, he was sobbing and told me how his friend had accidentally hit him in the eye while playing tag. Why the eye, I don't know... Anyways, after I checked his eye and assured him he was fine, he hugs me and says "Thank you Miss Nichols. I love you." And yes, my heart did melt just a little...

#81 - Vocabulary Bingo

Did you know that learning can be education AND fun at the same time? What?! I know. I'm shocked too. Kidding, of course... :) I have always been a big advocate for learning being FUN, so I incorporate a lot of fun activities and games into my daily lessons. The latest one that has piqued my older elementary students' interests... Vocabulary Bingo. They love it! Every day this week we have played it for the last 3 to 5 minutes of class. Any you know what? They have these vocabulary words down pat! 

#82 - not having to always "reinvent the wheel"

Yes, it's good to push yourself to be creative and think for yourself. But sometimes it's nice to be able to share/use something someone else has made. For example, teachers have a wealth of resources at their fingertips by checking out all sorts of teacher websites. People wanting to cook something different, but not having any ideas, can check out all sorts of recipe books. I'm thankful that we have resources out there (books, internet, people, etc.), that are there to help us when we're not in the creative mood.

#83 - M&M's 

...no explanation needed. Sometimes a girl is just thankful for a pack of good ol' plain M&M's :)

#84 - a Wolof book

I thought if I had something like this, I could give myself a bit of a "head start" on language learning. Since all I know right now are the basic greetings, I think studying this will definitely help me. Now I just have to find some Wolof speakers to chat with back home or maybe Skype with while I'm back home...

And in case you want a recap of the other things on my list, you can find them below...

1-3

4-16

17-24

25-28

29-34

35-40

41-43

44-48

49-55

56-59

60-64

65-69

70-74

The 95th Dear ______ Post

Dear Snow, You hit much of my home state this week. While I think you're pretty to look at and I would like to experience you again before I die, I think too much of you would be a bad thing. You, and your buddy Ice, caused a lot of damage to a lot of people this week.

Dear 2, You're the number of nieces I'll have in a few months. Can we say, excited?! :)

Dear 101, You're how many days of school we've had as of yesterday. Where has the time gone? It seems like it was just yesterday we were starting our year.

Dear Friends from High School, I love that we still stay in touch and that some of us are even planning to get together this summer. I can't wait!

Dear Skype Meeting, You're what I had last night with some of my fellow missions team members. It was nice to "meet" them and be a part of things even though I'm a few thousand miles and an ocean away from them. I'm so thankful for these people, their hearts for mission, and our unified vision of sharing The love of our Maker with those who have never heard.

Dear Changes, You're a comin' :)

Dear Newsletters, I finished you last night. Now I just have to proofread them today, print them, and get them ready to be taken back to the States with someone leaving Dakar later this weekend. 

And speaking of that newsletter...

Dear Once It's Sent, You're when I'll share my news on here. I owe it to the good folks back home to let them read it first :)

Dear To Do List for Today, You're a long one, but here's hoping that today is a productive one. I think I can. I think I can. 

Dear Dinner with Friends, You're where I'll be going tonight. I love these ladies!

Dear Meal Planning for the Week, You're what I just finished. Want to know what I'm having? Of course you do, because it's so exciting! This week, I'm having Thai Coconut Soup, Spring Rolls and Asian Slaw, and Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Roll Ups. I usually only plan 3 meals each week because I always end up with leftovers. Plus this week I have a couple dinner invites and I'm planning to go grab a sandwich Friday when I stay late to work. See, I told you...exciting! :)

And now for one last bit of sweetness...

Dear Yesterday, You're what I heard earlier this week from one of my sweet first graders as we walked to our classroom. She said, "Miss Nichols, I love Jesus. I love Jesus a lot... more than Barbies and princess dresses and candy."