Questions and Answers

What is the first word that comes to mind when you think about God?

Grace

When did God become real to you?

I remember being saved at either 4 or 5. But it was at 10 years old, that I remember my feeling that my relationship with my Savior was "real." Does that make sense? Over the years, I feel I've continued to draw closer and closer to Him and deeper and deeper in His Word. Now, I can't imagine my life without Him as my personal Lord and Savior. It truly is an amazing adventure. And I'm so grateful for God being my guide every single step of the way.

What is your favorite worship song/hymn?

Worship Song - No Longer Slaves by Newsboys

Hymn - In the Garden or Lily of the Valley

Tell us about your siblings.

I have one brother who's 18 months younger than me. Growing up, we were really close. Moving around all the time does that to you. Anywho - He's an exceptionally hard worker. He is generous and encouraging. He has a huge heart and loves doing good for others. He's an amazing husband and father. If I'm able to find a man one day who is even half as great as he is, I'll be a lucky girl.

Does your name have a special meaning or were you named after someone special?

My first name (Mary) was my mom's mom's name. She died before I was born. Then Elisabeth (with an S, not a Z) is from the Bible. 

If money were no object, and you didn't have to work, what would you do?

I'd still be teaching in some way, I'm sure. I really do love it that much. But I'd probably be finally doing my dream job. I'd be working in an orphanage or children's home somewhere. 

What's in the works, creatively speaking?

I'm working on my next newsletter.

As a child, what did you wish to become when you grew up?

I have always wanted to become a teacher.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you want to have with you?

1) Bible 
2) a Knife (great for gathering/preparing food found on the island
3) Somebody fun & smart (a relative, a friend, somebody...)

What book have you read recently that you would recommend?

I actually wrote about this on here the other day. Did you miss it? If so, you can read my answers here.

What's your most embarrassing moment?

Oh my word... I was sitting on the plane one day, waiting for it to take off. I'd eaten something bad a few hours earlier. The plane was delayed, so we were just sitting there. I was hot. I felt horrible. And right when I opened my mouth to ask the guy next to me if I could get out to go to the bathroom, I threw up ALL OVER him, the seat in front of me, my tray, everywhere... It was awful!

Tell about your last dream.

Short answer... A turtle was teaching me Sign Language. 

What is something you love doing?

Teaching

What is something you hate doing?

I hate packing/unpacking.

Which movie do you quote the most?

I have a few I quote often. I'm not sure which I quote hte most, though. There's Sweet Home Alabama, Forrest Gump, and almost all Disney movies.

Any hidden talents?

very little - I'm an open book.

Are you a morning person or a night person?

morning

Coffee or tea?

tea - I hate coffee.

Which 3 countries would you like to visit?

1) Australia
2) Korea
3) either Ireland or Scotland

What is a favorite line from a movie?

"The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all." - from Mulan

Thoughts on tattoos? Have any? Want any?

I don't have any. Not sure if I want one or not.
As for my thoughts... I have no problem with someone else getting one. I just don't know if it's for me. I typically try to stay as far away from needles as possible.

What is your biggest pet peeve(s)?

Hearing people chewing their food. Ugh! Close your mouth when you eat, people!

If you had one day to live over again, which day would you pick?

I don't know that I have an actual specific day. But it'd be a day when we were younger and my dad was obviously still around. ...a day when we did something fun together as a family. And I had no cares in the world. Life was fun. Life was easy. And we were all together. I love my life. I do. But sometimes I miss simpler times. You know.

What would you like to be known for?

Teaching those who the world pushes aside. 

I love teaching kids who present a "challenge," so to speak. 

Give me the kids who struggle a little. Give me the kids who need a little extra help to master education. Give me the kids who need an advocate to "fight" on their behalf, so they can have access to the education they deserve. Give me the kids who have trouble seeing or hearing or learning the same as their typical peers. Give me the kids who aren't as proficient in the English language. Give me the kids who have issues you and I could never fathom, the kids who are starving for love and attention and are acting out, exhibiting "strange" or very poor behavior. Honestly, that's when I'm the happiest.

If your house was burning, which three objects would you try and save?

Ok, so I'm assuming all people and pets have been rescued from the house already. And I'm assuming I'd already have a change of clothes with me. Right? :)

 So then, I'd go get...

1) my Bible
2) my most special photos
3) my computer or maybe my phone - Let's just pretend my phone is charging and is plugged into my computer. That way I could get both of them at once. That sounds fair. Doesn't it? :)

What do you have planned for tomorrow?

I'm going to be scoring ESL tests and writing reports on those students I'm testing today. Then I'll FINALLY start working in my classroom. I have to completely unpack my classroom, arrange the furniture, and make it presentable. And if I have time, I'll start prepping for my 5th graders' classwork. Then I'm having 3 of the new teachers over for dinner. We're having lasagna. Yum!

Where do you normally buy groceries?

There are a few small stores in my neighborhood. Casino, Mary Market, City Dia - Then I get my fruits and veggies from one of the vendors set up outside these stores. Sometimes I'll go to one of the bigger stores if I need something more specific. And if I need American food, I'll go to the American Food Store (yes, that's its actual name) and will get it there. It's expensive, though. So that one's rare.

If you were a superhero, what would your superhero name be?

Super Teacher :)

What's the secret to a good life?

a real, genuine relationship with Jesus Christ

What are you passionate about?

teaching - missions - God - family

July 2016 Reading

I've always loved to read. I remember as clear as day, as a little girl, sitting there holding a book and pretending to read. I hadn't even started school yet. But even at such a young age, I truly loved books. 

I've read a few books this month. 

So, in order to keep track of what I read, and to maybe offer suggestions to others, I thought I'd recap what I've read this month here on the blog...

*one*

Dirty God by Johnnie Moore

 

I'm not quite finished with this book, but I still chose to include it. The author uses Scripture and his own experiences with other cultures/religions, to show the uniqueness of the God of the Bible - the one true God, in that He is willing to be near us even when we're in the middle of our messes. He shows how Jesus didn't only associate with the rich and wealthy and "clean." He also hung out with the poor and the ones with "dirty" feet. Jesus went down to the trenches, so to speak, to offer hope and grace to those who needed it most. And He still does that today. 

I have to admit. It was the cover/title that piqued my interest. And I am so glad it did. This isn't a quick read. At least, it's not for me. This is a book full of information to study and think on, highlight, make notes, etc. It's changed the way I look at my own life and ministry. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.

*two*

My Sister's Voice by Mary Carter

 

The main character in this book is living the life of ease and enjoyment, as she calls it, with a great job as an artist, a great boyfriend. And she just happens to be Deaf. Her world is shattered when she finds out that she has an identical twin sister, who didn't grow up in an orphanage like her and who went through life hearing everything around her. She's not bitter. She is incredibly happy with her life now (every aspect of it). ...just confused at what led their parents to make the decision to split the girls up all those years ago.

This was an enjoyable book to read. I think the author did a great job of describing aspects of the cultural differences of both the Deaf and the Hearing. And the storyline had so many twists and turns throughout.

*three*

Hello, It's Me by Wendy Markum

 

I picked up this book at a thrift store back home because it was cheap and looked kind of interesting. 

The main character is heartbroken when her husband dies unexpectedly one summer day. To somehow ease her broken heart, she starts calling his voicemail, just so she can hear his voice say "Hello, it's me." 

What gets weird in the book is that, at some point, she starts receiving calls from "him," giving her advice on different areas of life. Take this job. Do this activity with the kids. Date again. 

It's clearly a little out there. Honestly, it's the perfect "escape" type of book. It's  good for when you just want a mindless book to read - something that won't make you think too hard. It's interesting, but would I ever read it again or would I recommend it to others? Doubtful.

*four*

The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida

 

This book was a spur of the moment find in the school library the other day. It's written by a (then) 13 year old Japanese boy and answers all sorts of questions about what it's like for someone with severe Autism. What I like is tha Higashida is an expert on this. Why? It's his life. He has Autism.

This book is, in my opinion, a must read for anyone related to or working with a person with Autism. It answers so many questions that typically developing people have for people with Autism. 

I loved this book and will definitely be purchasing it for my own personal collection soon. 

The books I'm planning to read in August are...

Carly's Voice

The Rocket Boys

Tuesdays with Morrie

...along with a few other random titles I've seen in the school library I think I'll check out. We're blessed to have such an extensive library here. There are books for the youngest of readers all the way up to the oldest adults. I love it!

So what are you reading this month?

Hello August

July was such a busy, whirlwind month that it made the time just fly by. I started July off in a few days of training in Missouri. I spent the 4th on the road with my mom - not your most traditional holiday plans, but fun and memorable, nonetheless. I, then, spent a couple more days hanging out with my two favorite girls (my nieces). I shopped for my return to Senegal. Oh, and I did most of my packing before heading out of town again.

My mom and I then went to Mobile, Alabama for a week, where I spoke at a supporting church. We visited a couple different sets of good family friends and some of my missions supporters too. Then I spent a few days at the annual MEGA Conference put on by the State Dept. of Ed., where I learned a lot of truly valuable tips/strategies to better help me teach my kiddos this school year.

So what am I saying Hello to this month?

*one* 

While I have definitely, thoroughly, enjoyed myself, I've just been so busy with the AG kids program and ESL testing that I haven't really had a whole lot of time to spend in prep for my 5th graders. So, starting next week, my ESL testing load should hopefully lighten a bit and I can start on that. I have so many ideas for teaching my crew. I can't wait to implement them all :)

*two*

My birthday is this coming up Saturday (the 6th). 

Yes, I accept presents. 
No, I'm not kidding.

Ok, so actually, I am kidding. I love my birthday. I always have. It's not a conceited thing. 

It's just a "I'm grateful to be alive and celebrating another birthday" thing. 

I'm sad I can't be with my own family, but I am looking forward to spending the day with friends and surrogate "family". It's going to be a fun day! I can't wait :)

*three*

School starts in a few weeks. I'm so ready. Ok, well, let me rephrase. I'm so ready to see my kids again. But I'm not ready for school to start back, per se. I still have far too much to do at this point. But come August 17th... I'll be ready :)

*four*

Prepping for Kids Club... I bought an awesome curriculum to use in Kids Club this year (and maybe next year too, if I plan it right). I have been using one of the books with my AG kids the past 2 weeks and it's going great. I am so impressed with this series. I look forward to seeing our kids grow more and more as we learn about our Heavenly Father and all He has for us to learn. 

*five*

\
I love learning. I really do. I would totally be a professional student if I could. But alas, that costs far more money than I make :) At any rate, I plan to be doing quite a bit of studying/learning in my "free" time. I'm still working on my last 6 Berean/Global University classes for my Ordination with the Assemblies of God. I'm doing a bit of studying/reading on certain disabilities and unique qualities I'll be presented with this school year. I'm going to be working through an ASL book/dvd, learning more of that beautiful language. And of course, as always, I'll be studying the Word and making growing more and more in my Savior a high priority. 

Learning/Studying is fun for me. I'm a rare breed in that sense, I suppose :)

7 Years

Dear 7 Years,

I just can't believe you're how long it's been since I landed in Senegal for the first time. If I close my eyes, I can picture myself, standing there in the customs line at the Dakar airport for the first time. My beginner level, truly basic French was so rusty, that I barely made it through, but I did. And then I headed outside, where I was greeted by my then roommate and our then school director. It was so encouraging to be welcomed by such kind smiles and waves.

I remember my first trip to the local grocery store and then the fruit/veggie vendor located outside. I remember trips to the fabric market and the tailor, trips to the souvenir market. I remember trips to Ebbets Field for days full of softball and the occasional purchase of American candy/soft drinks. I remember those first trips to the beach or to a hotel who'd let us pay for lunch and time by the pool. I remember first trips to restaurants that quickly became favorites - Le Recif for lotte brochettes avec frites or N'ice Cream for 2 scoops of obama. 

I remember visits to Senegalese church services that'd last for hours and hours in a language I didn't understand, yet all the while I'd feel the Spirit moving stronger than ever before, so I kept wanting to go back. I remember being invited to the pastor's home for a delicious local lunch made by his wife, and shared by everyone around a common bowl, sometimes eaten with a spoon and sometimes with our hands. I remember being given my Senegalese name and the pride the pastor felt in me now sharing their last name. 

I remember the school guards teaching me greetings in Wolof and being so patient with me as I failed miserably. I remember cups of hot and sugary attaya. I remember greeting the guards of the houses on my street, the lady who sold vegetables down from the school, and the local butik owner. I remember the guy who knocked on my door, wanting to sell me fish and the guy who pushed his fruit cart a little faster when he saw me coming, knowing I'd want some fresh fruit.

I remember walking into my classroom for the first time. I remember seeing those desks piled in the middle of the room, covered to protect them from the dust, and ready for me to arrange for the school year. I remember meeting co-workers who became more like friends or family than just random people I worked with. I remember that first group of students who quickly stole a piece of my heart - which ironically (or maybe not so much) happened a little more year after year with face after face that walked through my classroom doors.

I remember teaching 3rd grade, then 1st grade, then ESL, then 4th grade. I remember helping in the library and computer lab after school. I remember heading up Kids Club and hanging out with 60 to 70 kids each week, teaching them more about the Bible and the one true God. I remember tutoring and mentoring and encouraging students. I remember receiving hand-drawn pictures, coloring sheets, and thank you notes over the years. I remember meetings with parents and co-workers and anyone else necessary to best meet the needs of the students placed in my care.

I remember people back home in the States who wrote and encouraged me, who sent cards and packages and emails and I'm thinking about you's. I remember those who gave supplies and goodies and even whole suitcases. I remember those who supported me through prayers and finances. I remember sharing my heart for Dakar Academy and Senegal, in general, with churches and small groups and families and friends.

Has it all been easy? No, of course not. Do I remember some bad stuff...some sad stuff...some painful stuff? I do.

Do you know what I remember most?

Most of all, I remember how God has consistently shown Himself to me. I remember how God has consistently made His presence known in my life. He has loved me and guided me, taught me and nurtured me, encouraged me and molded me, protected me and calmed me. God has proved Himself over and over to me.

Will I be here forever? I honestly can't answer that. Only God can. But one thing I know for sure is that I've enjoyed the past 7 years (both here in Senegal and in the U.S.). And I can't wait to see what the next 7 years hold for me.

-Elisabeth

Random Q & A

A friend did one of these Q & A things the other day. So I thought I'd follow suit.

What are you most excited about these days?

I'm not wishing my summer away by any means. But I have so many fun ideas floating around in my mind, ready to implement with my 5th graders. I've been doing a little prep each night at home. But I can't wait to get in my classroom, get things set up, and get started. I'm so excited about this school year! It's going to be great!

 

Favorite holiday? 

Christmas

Favorite season? 

Fall...in Alabama ;) The temp. has dropped. The leaves have changed colors. Football season has started. I love it!

Cold weather or hot weather?

Cold

Earliest memory?

I was maybe 3 or 4 and I was on the stage at church beside my grandpa. He was playing his guitar and I was standing next to him playing my toy guitar. I remember clearly standing there, strumming my little guitar, and smiling from ear to ear. 

Recent hobby? 

Ok, so this isn't necessarily a new hobby. Rather it's one I've recently spent more time enjoying... Since I don't have internet at home yet, I've spent far more time than typical reading each night before bed. I love it!

What have you learned lately?

I finally started working through my ASL book/dvd. I think it'd be awesome if I could just lay the book under my pillow and my brain would just suck in the information. I think I'd learn so much better that way. Just sayin'... 

Seriously, though, I'm learning a few more basic words and phrases each time I open the book. So hey... Who knows? ;)

If you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would it be? 

Hmm... Honestly, I'm happy with my life at the moment. But if I absolutely had to pick, I'd probably pick Princess Kate ;)

If you could have coffee with someone from the past, who would it be? 

I'd love to have met Anne Sullivan, the teacher who worked with Helen Keller. Of course, for that matter, I would love to have met Helen Keller too. 

What’s the best thing that's happened so far this year? 

Working at Dakar Academy again.

 

What’s your best way to decompress? 

Peace & quiet...reading a book, playing a game on my iPad, watching some mindless tv show or movie, cooking.

Current stress level? 

If you'd asked me this a few days ago, I would have said "through the roof." However, God has so graciously intervened in a few situations, reducing that level to the point where now... I'd say that stress is basically non-existent for me at the moment :)

Last piece of advice you gave?

Don't worry about the future. Live in the moment.

 

Last piece of advice you received?

It's okay to say "no" sometimes :)

This is something I really struggle with. I want to be helpful. I want to do as much as possible to help everyone. I do. But sometimes, it's not healthy/beneficial to do so. So I'm trying. I really am.

If you had one superpower, what would it be? 

I'd like to be as fast as the Flash. Ooh...or maybe to be invisible. That could be fun ;)

Who do you miss most? 

My dad

 

Who was the last person to text you? 

My brother texted me a video of my nieces.

Last book you read? 

My Sister's Voice

Book you're currently reading?

Dirty God by Johnnie Moore 

 

Next book you plan on reading? 

Carly's Voice

Book you read because everyone else in the world was reading it? 

I read the Twilight series. Sure they were entertaining. Well, parts were. But honestly, I think my life would've been just find had I never had read them.

A book from your childhood that positively shaped you?

The Rainbow Fish

Favorite television show that’s currently on tv? 

I rarely watch tv anymore. The Food Network shows are about it for me. TV just isn't my thing anymore.

Favorite ice cream?

In the US...Mint Chocolate Chip.

In Senegal...Obama.

What makes you smile the most?

When God surprises me in the coolest ways with some of the seemingly smallest things.

Worst subject in school? 

I hated (with a passion) Math!

Best subject in school?

English and History - Let me write a paper any day. I loved (and still love) research and reading and writing!

Favorite game? 

I'm not the great at it, but I love Dutch Blitz.

Favorite sport?

I don't play at all. I am most definitely athletically challenged. But I love watching baseball and (American) football!

Coolest invention in the world?  

Technology

Cutest thing in the world? 

The video my brother texted me of my nieces is pretty cute. They're telling me "hey" and "love you" and all the while, my heart is totally melting :)

Best feeling in the world? 

Feeling loved

One talent you wish you had? 

To be instantly fluent in any language

One thing you still have from your childhood? 

Uh, a lot. I like to keep things ;)

Last song you listened to? 

That'd be The Fruit of the Spirit song. It's cute and catchy and may or may not get stuck in your head after listening to it a time or two.

Admit it. You totally sing/dance when you're alone. Don't you?

Sing? Yes. Dance? No. This girl has no rhythm whatsoever.

Best gift you’ve received? 

A group of people pooled their money together to buy me a flight home for Christmas one year.

Senior prom memories?

Ugh. My friends were great. I had fun with them. My date? Not so much.

First date memories?

We went to a Chinese buffet restaurant. We each paid our own way. He talked about himself the ENTIRE time. Fun times.

Last item you bought?

Groceries

Call or Text? Which do you prefer?

It depends. If there's a lot to discuss, I'd rather call. But usually, I just text. Honestly, though, I'd prefer a face-to-face conversation over the phone any day,

Favorite movie of all time? 

I love love love The Notebook! 

Favorite animated movie?

Mulan

Favorite Christmas movie?

Elf

Movie that makes you cry?

The Notebook gets me Every. Single. Time.

Last movie you watched?

I honestly don't remember the last movie I watched in the theater. The last I watched at home, though, was Kung Fu Panda.

Last TV show you watched?

Beverly Hillbillies (via a DVD) 

Last injury?

Does a paper cut count? ;) 

Favorite type of food?

Mexican

Last food you cooked?

Roast with Carrots & Potatoes

Last food someone cooked you?

Pizza

Least favorite food?

Cottage cheese 

Relationship status?

Single. Know of anyone who loves Jesus? Ideally, he'd love Africa and missions too :)

If you could make a documentary, what would it be about? 

Maybe something about missionaries...

First job?

Besides babysitting... I worked as a cashier at my college for a short time. Then it was on to the vet clinic for almost 5 years. 

Current job?

Missionary/Teacher

Dream job?

I'd love to work in/run an orphanage or children's home. 

What's Up July

Can y'all believe how fast this summer is flying by?

It's already the last Wednesday of July!

Today I'm linking up with  Mel, Shay, and Sheaffer for this month's What's Up Wednesday post.

 

Every month we answer the same few questions based on how things are currently going in our lives. 

The questions are...

 

What am I eating this week?

A friend and I went to the local pizza place the other day for lunch. I brought my leftover pizza home and had it for supper the other night, along with a little salad. I love cold pizza!

 

What am I reminiscing about?

I sure do love being back in Dakar. But that doesn't mean I don't miss my family... I so enjoyed my time with them this summer.

 

What am I loving?

I'm back in Dakar! The first thing I noticed upon arriving back were these trees in full bloom. I love 'em!

 

 

What have I been up to?

I've been working with some pretty awesome kids the past week and a half. I'm having the time of my life! Seriously, I don't think I've ever laughed so hard! 

 

What am I dreading?

Can I be honest for a second? I dread not having a dryer anymore. Ah, the things you miss sometimes... ;)

 

What am I working on?

My "work" plate is quite full at the moment. I'm doing a kids program each weekday morning, grabbing a quick bite for lunch, doing ESL testing (or prep work) almost every afternoon, spending a little time prepping at home for 5th grade usually while eating supper, and then crashing for the night before starting the day whole process over again the next day. I love being busy. I do. But those few  "off" days before school starts will be amazing!

 

What am I excited about?

I am almost completely funded with monthly missions support. It won't be long before I reach that 100% mark. Want to help me reach it faster? Send me an email at enichols85@gmail.com 

and I'll give you more info.

 

What am I watching?

I'm loving watching these kids interacting with each other as we learn all about the Fruit of the Spirit. 

 

 

What am I reading?

Right now I'm reading "Dirty God" by Johnnie Moore, which takes a look at how Jesus didn't just associate with the rich and fancy. He got down in the trenches, so to speak, getting His feet "dirty," ministering to and loving on the poor. So far, it's a really good book. I'm glad I picked it up this summer.

 

What am listening to?

I love this song by Newsboys. God led me to this song at just the right time. I was going through a bit of a rough patch, really struggling bad with fear. My mom and I were going somewhere and when she turned on the radio, "No Longer Slaves" came on. I instantly started writing down the lyrics so I'd remember them later. And now? Now this is like my motto... 

I'm no longer a slave to fear.

I am a child of God.

I'm no longer a slave to fear.

I am a child of God.

I'm no longer a slave to fear.

I am a child of God.

 

What am I wearing?

Thank you Lord for sleeveless shirts! It is so hot/humid right now! Plus, any excuse to wear my "Choose Happiness" shirt is a good one ;)

 

What am I doing this weekend?

A friend is getting married on Saturday, so some of us here in Dakar are having a wedding viewing party since we're too far away to attend the real thing. I'm bringing the pretend wedding cake ;)

 

What am I looking forward to next month?

I'll actually finally get a few (as in like 2 or 3) "off" days.

School starts back. 

But the biggest thing...

August is my birthday month!

And yes, I do accept presents. *Kidding of course... That is, unless you want to give me one. Then, go right ahead. Because, after all, who am I to rob you of a blessing?! ;)

 

What else is new?

It's starting to rain a bit, leaving the flowers around campus popping with color. I love it!

 

 

And each month, there's a special question. This month's question is...

What was the best part of your summer?

Being with family

Being in sweet home Alabama 

A really, really good friend came to visit

Sharing my heart for Dakar academy and for Senegal at churches