Life Lately

Life lately has included...

...a really long day of flying, which included two layovers and a whole row of seats to myself on the last flight (hello sleeping on the plane).

...more walking and more sand.

...meeting the 10 main reasons I came back to Senegal early.

...and getting used to a new classroom.

Life lately has involved finding ways to stay cool, like having a ton of ice and buying little bags of ice cold filtered water on the street.

It's also included buying fruit from a vendor, set up outside in the heat and sand and so on...

...and drinking from my absolute most favorite mug :)

...and celebrating Valentine's Day with my class, complete with a mail box that "magically" produced fun prizes, cute little Valentines cards, and homemade pita pizza and trail mix.

 

...watching softball games with a great view and enjoying my feet touching cool grass again.

...eating yummy food, like tasty salads, Brazilian awesomeness, N'ice Cream (hello obama - the ice cream), frozen yogurt, a friend's homemade lasagna, and homemade donuts given to the staff one morning.

...dusty days with high temps and water cuts.

...random sights from trips down the highway, like goats for sale, horse carts included in a traffic jam, brightly colored buses (car rapides), and Nescafe carts selling coffee and phone cards.

And last, but certainly not least, life lately has included all sorts of little "God things" that have made me smile, like getting one corner of my apartment set up with some of my favorite treasures, a beautiful bouquet that included some of my most favorite flowers, and a beautiful sunset.

10 Months

It's been a while since I wrote a Letters post. And while I'd rather be writing a happy, full of smile inducing words, post, this topic is what's on my mind...


Dear 10 months,

On Friday, you'll be how long it's been since my dad passed away. They say time heals all wounds. Well, some days, I think it has gotten somewhat easier. But others... Other days it just hits me like a ton of bricks. It's the little things that trigger the biggest emotions, like...

...leaving the U.S. to go back to Senegal and wishing so very much that I could hear him say "I love you and I'm proud ot you" once more, but knowing I can't. 

...watching a tv show showing a wedding and being reminded, yet again, that he'll never be able to walk me down the aisle one day. 

...seeing a friend's pregnancy announcement on Facebook and being reminded, yet again, that my kids will never know their Pawpaw like my nieces did.

...needing the answer to a question that only he could answer.

...pulling out my Go Navy t-shirt and not being able to wear it because it makes me cry.

...being so excited to be back in Senegal and at DA and wanting to tell him all about it, yet not having that option.

I really try hard to put on this super strong, brave front and 9 times out of 10, I do that. But y'all, it's hit me hard lately. And it all started because of an episode of Bringing up Bates, I've been so excited to see, because one of the kids got married. Well, I watch it and all I can do is cry - like ugly cry - through the whole thing, because all I can think is of what I'll be missing at my own wedding. 

So then every little thing reminds me of him. ...a ball game, a book, a t-shirt, a story told by a friend. So there is more crying. 

Now here I sit, writing this post, with a few tears slowly falling down my cheeks...

But you know...

I'm ok. It's hard. 

But sometimes life is hard.

And as crazy as it sounds, I'm glad. I'm glad for the hard times because they make me appreciate the easy times. The bad in life has made me open my eyes to the good in life. I appreciate the family I do have still with on me on this earth so much more. I appreciate the  friends who have stuck with me during the most difficult part of this journey I call life. 

I truly appreciate so much.

But most of all...

I am eternally grateful to my heavenly Father, who in His infinite grace, mercy, and love, has chosen to put up with an occasional emotional mess like me. I so appreciate the little reminders He places in my path - reminders of happier times, of good times. I appreciate His comfort and peace and strength that only He can give.

And I appreciate that He doesn't chastise me for having my moments of crying and weakness. I'm thankful that He allows me to cry it out and be sad and even ask Why. I'm thankful that He stands by me and loves me and cares for me, in the midst of my tearful moments. And I'm thankful that He wipes away my every tear and replaces them with a smile.

So 10 months of grief, while I do wish you weren't a part of my life, I'll embrace you. And I'll try my hardest to remember the good and not just the bad...

Sincerely, 
Me

Missions Q & A, Round 3

About 5 months ago I wrote my first Q & A post about missions (which you can read here). And then about a week and a half ago, I wrote my second Q & A post on the topic (which you can read here). I still had a few questions on the back burner, so to speak, so I knew I'd be writing this post soon. But I just didn't realize how soon :)

I've received at least one email a day since arriving last week about my life and ministry here in Senegal. So I thought I'd answer some of them today...

The most commonly asked question lately is...

How does it feel to be back?

Honestly, it feels normal. It feels like I'm home again. It really does.

What's been the best part?

I love being back at DA. I love being with old friends again. I love this place, the culture, the people... There's too much to list here :)

I know every day isn't a bed of roses. What's the worst part?

Hmm... It's supposed to be "Cool Season" right now, but it's so not. It's been in the high 80s or low 90s almost every day since I got back. And it's so ridiculously dusty. Ugh! Sand and dust EVERYWHERE! Say hello to dust and coughing lungs...

How many students do you have?

I have 10 students - 9 boys and 1 girl. I wrote a post about them yesterday. If you missed it, you should check it out here. 

Did you know any of your kids already?

Yes. I'd taught 2 of them before. And then I knew a few from Kids Club over the years.

What has surprised you the most?

There have been a few things. #1's answer has surprised me a little... Past that, I'm surprised at how exhausted I am after teaching all day. Teaching Special Ed in the States was super hard and FAR more work, but teaching the same group of kids ALL day is tiring (albeit, fun). Also, I'm surprised at all the new places (businesses/restaurants) that have popped up since I left. I'm surprised at all the American products you can get here now, too.

So you can get lots of American stuff now?

Yes. There are so many more things now. And even more stores carrying those products have opened up. I can't afford a lot of it because it's just so terribly expensive. BUT it is nice to know those things are there in case I need them.

Are many of your old friends there?

My "Best Bud" is back in the States. That's a bit of a bummer :( But, yes, there are a lot of my close friends still here. And the AG has boomed big time here in Senegal. We have a lot of AG missionaries here now. So that's nice!

How is fundraising going?

It's going okay. My cash money is almost completely raised. Once all promised donations hit my account, I'll only need a little over $1000. So that part is awesome! The monthly commitments are a slightly different story, though... I've had a lot promised, but unfortunately, many of those promises haven't been sent in yet. So until they reach my missions account in Springfield, MO, they don't count. So I still need a LOT for that. 

What is the best way to send you financial support?

The quickest way is by doing so online. Just click the link here and follow the prompts to give. You'll be able to choose if you want it to be a cash (one-time) donation or a recurring (monthly) commitment. By doing it this way, it'll reach my account in just a day or two.

If you'd prefer to do it, using pen and paper, go to the link here, print off the form, fill it out, adding in my name Elisabeth Nichols, my account number 2947943, and my region Senegal and mail it in to the address in the upper right corner of the form, along with your donation. By doing it this way, it'll reach my account in 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the speed of the mail.

Can you receive mail?

YES! Packages are appreciated, but they are very expensive. But a simple card or letter would cost only a little over $1.00. So mail away :) My address is:

Dakar Academy
Elisabeth Nichols
B.P. 3189
10200 Dakar, Senegal, West Africa

How can we be specifically praying for you?

Help me pray that my financial support gets raised. Help me pray against sickness and danger. Help me pray for patience and strength in working with my students (quite the hyperactive, squirrely bunch). And help me pray that I am a LIGHT in this DARK land I live in. 

Meet My Class

Exactly 1 week ago today I landed in Dakar and almost immediately went to the school to meet my class. I've dubbed the squirrel our class mascot, as my friends are quite squirrely (i.e. extremely hyperactive). But the Lord knows... They are super smart and they sure are fun :)

So without further ado, here are the 10 main reasons I came to Senegal...

Ladies first...

This is my lone lady, Miss H. Yep, that's right. 9 boys and 1 girl. She's a tough cookie, though, and doesn't seem to let that bother her. She's super smart, is eager to learn new things, and loves anything to do with art. Her family is American and she loves that they get to live in Senegal and tell people about Jesus.

Next is Z. He's quite the character. He's smart and funny and has the best facial expressions! He loves to read, but is very particular about which books he chooses. He LOVES LOVES LOVES the Bible and I think he would read it all day if I let him. His family is also American and he says it's cool that they're missionaries.

This is J. He's almost as tall as me, smart, and makes me laugh. He is very inquisitive and eager to learn new things. His favorite subject is Math, but he loves to read. He's got a super kind heart, which is nice because he doesn't get annoyed with me asking him how to sign various words. His family is also American and he says its nice that they can work with the Deaf community here. 

Next is I. He is very smart and considers math his favorite subject. He's quite the artist and loves drawing and coloring. His family is American and are missionaries. He said it's cool that his parents can teach the Africans and help them learn both English and about Jesus too. 

Now, there's A. He is a bit shy, but has the biggest sympathetic heart. He wants everyone to get along and can often be seen as the peacemaker. He's a smart student who says his favorite subject is math - of which algebra is the best! His family is from Sierra Leone and he said he loves living in Senegal because it's a new place. 

The next is Y. He is smart and gives his all on every assignment. His favorite subjects are Science and Reading and loves learning new things. He is a talented young artist, who loves to draw and color and create all sorts of things. His family is from Rwanda, but has lived in many other African countries because of his father's job. 

And C. Oh C... He is my most squirrely friend. He's super smart and loves questioning the "why" and "how" of things and not accepting anything at "face value." He says his favorite part of school is seeing his friends, but he also LOVES science - especially doing experiments. And he says he wants to be a marine biologist when he grows up because he wants to conquer his fear of water. C's family is Brazilian and are missionaries who teach people and help them do better in life. He loves that his family lets him come to DA.

L is smart and is very thorough and hardworking. He's meticulous in his work, making sure every little detail falls into place just so. He likes Math and Science the best, but also likes to read and do Art. His family is American. And he says that he likes that they are missionaries because it helps him travel and meet new people and help them to learn about Jesus.

M is a sweet-hearted guy, who wants to be everyone's friend. He loves to talk and often tells me that socialization is good for children, so I should let them talk more. He loves when we work on the computer and helps me when I have tech-related issues in class. He's super smart and can solve a multiplication Fact sheet in no time. His dad is Senegalese and his mom is South African. M said he loves his family and thinks they're the best ever! Senegal is his home and he says it's the best place ever!

W is a sweet and smart guy, who loves to read and write. He tells elaborately detailed stories and thrives on praise. He says Spelling and Reading are his favorite subjects. He says he doesn't know why they're his favorite, but I think it's because of his thirst for learning as much as possible. He loves "public speaking," so oral assignments are right up his alley. His family is Canadian and Lebanese. He loves living in Senegal because there's lots to do outside since it's always warm outside.

I'm Back!!!

Oh Duck Dynasty... 

Thanks Si for the fun meme to start this post :)

That's right y'all. I'm back. I'm back in Dakar. I landed 5 days ago and hit the ground "running" almost as soon as my feet hit the sand. 

People keep asking me how it feels to be back. And I can honestly say the same thing each time...

It feels normal. I feel like I'm home again.

I've been gone for a year and 8 months. And y'all... I wouldn't trade that time for anything in this world. I am so eternally grateful for the time I had with my dad (and the rest of my family and friends too).

But I am so glad to be back!

Two close friends picked me up from the airport and took me to my apartment, so I could drop off my things and freshen up a bit before heading to Dakar Academy (DA) to meet the 10 reasons I came back to Senegal early...

Their substitute teacher had taught them 2 songs in Wolof and a poem, which they sang/recited to me at their Welcome Back Ms. Nichols party.  If I can figure out how to download a video from Facebook, I'll add it here. Seriously...the best thing I've ever heard!

I started teaching the following day and have been on the go ever since. I'm so thankful for sweet friends and co-workers helping me out along the way, though. I've been treated to a Welcome Back Party with my fellow AG peeps, dinners and lunches and snacks, and even a beautiful bouquet of flowers. ...and not just any flowers. These included my two favorite flowers! 

I've received hugs and well wishes and cards and so much love...

And now the real work begins... I can't wait :)

And since people have been asking... 

I am super close to being fully funded with the Assemblies of God. Once all promised donations get in, I'll only need $361 more in monthly support and $1638 in cash (one-time) donations. Would you prayerfully consider partnering with me to raise this remaining amount? Every little (and big) bit helps! Just click HERE and follow the prompts to donate and/or set up a recurring (monthly) commitment. It's super quick, easy, and the money will hit my missions account in just a day or two!