Reverse Bucket List

Happy Tuesday Y'all!

When I saw Andrea's Show and Tell Tuesday prompt for today, I thought it looked fun.

It's a Reverse Bucket List. Things on your bucket list you've already crossed off...

Here are mine (in no particular order)...

Getting my Master's Degree was not something originally on my bucket list. But eventually it became a goal of mine and made its way onto my list. Why? I realized that I LOVE learning and education. More specifically, I love furthering my education. So when I found out I could get my Master's almost entirely online, while living in Senegal, I jumped at the chance. And I assure you... If I could afford it, I would TOTALLY be pursuing my education further. But alas, that costs a lot of money I simply do not have. Anyone reading this know of scholarship or grant options for a teacher wanting to further her education? :)

I moved to Senegal. At 23 years old, I packed 4 suitcases, a carry-on, and a backpack, and left my family, my home, and everything familiar. Why? I followed the call God had placed on my life as a teenager. I knew God had called me into ministry and as time progressed, God furthered that calling by calling me to this continent I've grown to love. Senegal is now home. I love my life here. I love doing what God has called me to do.

I became a missionary. I am so grateful for this career God has called me to be a part of. I love this part of life. Sure it requires sacrifices, but y'all... I seriously cannot imagine doing anything else with my life.

I became a teacher. Y'all, some of my earliest memories are of me "teaching" my dolls and stuffed animals. I have ALWAYS wanted to become a teacher. So when that diploma finally hit my hand, I couldn't help but cry at this dream come true. I've now in my 9th year of teaching. I've taught students in Grades 1 - 12. I've taught General Ed., ESL, and Special Ed. I've taught over 100+ students in 3 different schools in my home state of Alabama, and also here at Dakar Academy in Senegal. I absolutely positively LOVE what I do. Teaching is my passion and my heart. And now that I'm teaching Special Education again... Ah, seriously y'all... I'm livin' the dream. I love it!

I went to London. Y'all... London is my "happy place." It's my dream vacation spot. And thanks to the generosity of a few amazingly generous people, I got to experience London a few years back. And trust me... If I could afford it, I'd most definitely go back again one day. I keep asking God to call me there. But He hasn't...yet :)

And last, but certainly not least... I became an aunt to these two beautiful little ladies. They are two of the biggest blessings God has ever given me. They have totally enriched my life in ways I can't even explain. I never knew my heart could feel such incredible love. And while I never actually put "Become an aunt." on my bucket list, I'm totally including it here because y'all... I can't imagine my life without having the title of aunt attached to my name.

Those are the things I've crossed off my bucket list already. 

Want to know what else is on my bucket list?

In no particular order...

1. Be Ordained with the Assemblies of God
2. Get married.
3. Have children (either biologically or through adoption).
4. Work in an orphanage/children's home.
5. Pay off my student loans.
6. Travel more.
7. Be truly content with my life if God chooses not to give me the last 6 items I listed. 

What about you? 

What's on your bucket list? What have you already crossed off your list?

What's In My Bag

Happy Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Happy Saturday Y'all!

I'm taking a break from some of the seriousness I have been posting here lately and instead, choosing to join Andrea and a few other bloggers in participating in her Show and Tell Tuesday link-up. 

I hadn't originally planned on posting because I totally forgot to plan for it to be ready on Tuesday. But then Andrea shifted it to Wednesday. And then I forgot again on Thursday. And yesterday, I woke up with a migraine and had no desire to do the post.

So here I am on Saturday, finally posting in the Show and Tell Tuesday link-up.

Better late than never, huh? :)

I decided to show what was in my work bag for this post.

After all, I know y'all are just dying to know ;)

So what is in my bag?

This is my current favorite tote bag. I bought it HERE on Amazon. I love elephants and bright colors. So that's what drew me to buy this bag. It's big and it has a lot of pockets. So it can hold a lot. Those points all combined make the bag a win in my book!

It held a lot of stuff. And this isn't even the usual amount it contains :)

1. Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type - a book I'll be using in my Grammar lessons this week
2. Consent form sent back by a student's parents that I grabbed out of my school mailbox, on my way home Friday
3. A notepad with a To Do List written on it (written messily since I still can't write with my left hand)
4. Task Cards for our Reading Lesson I brought home to cut out over the weekend

1. I bring my personal laptop to work on while kids are using my school laptop for online Speech Therapy. Look at that black case. It's a Vera Bradley, bought at a pharmacy back home. It originally costs $90, but I only paid $10!
2. Computer charging cord with 220v adapter attached
3. I always keep a spare 220v adapter with me.

1. Bible and Bible Study booklet
2. You Are What You Love by James K.A. Smith (our required read for work)
3. While the World Watched by Carolyn Maull McKinstry (for when I take a break every day after dismissal)

1. Lesson Plan Book
2. Planner/Calendar

1. Umbrella - Y'all, I typically hate using an umbrella. But while I had the splint on, I couldn't get it wet, and since it's currently Rainy Season here in Dakar, I had no choice. I am sooooo glad not to have to use this thing anymore :)
2. and 3. Markers and Stickers for Grading Papers (which I, ironically, forgot at school yesterday)
4. Dutch Blitz - I love this game. I can't remember why it's in my work bag, though...

1. Empty/Clean container from breakfast the day before, which I'd forgotten at school
2. M&Ms (useful for teacher's sanity saver & bribery for students) - Ha! :)
3. and 4. Random Snacks (cookies and Pringles)
5. Two packs of gum - Why 2? I have no idea... :)
6. Mints

1. Ziploc full of bandaging materials leftover from when I wore the splint - I probably should take it all back. But I've held on to it just in case... Although, I'm praying I won't need it anymore.
2. Random assortment of toiletries/meds
3. A few gallon size ziploc bags, leftover from an experiment we did in class a week or so ago

1. Wallet (which is more like a small purse)
2. Receipts from x-rays - I finally filed them on my insurance and brought them home to put away for safekeeping.
3. Leftover coin that didn't make it into my wallet 

Want to join the fun? Click HERE for more info.

September's Coffee Date

Today, I'm joining Erin for her monthly Coffee Date link-up, where bloggers come together, pretend they're on a "coffee date" with a friend and share a bit about life at the moment.

So pull up a fake chair and let's chat.

Let's be honest. Coffee's gross. Give me a cup of Dr. Pepper instead :)

If we were on a coffee date, I'd likely be drinking a Dr. Pepper. Why? Two reasons... 1) Coffee is gross. And 2) I mean, really... Is there anything better? :)

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that this chat blog post is going to start off negative. But I'd tell you not to worry, because it does get better. I promise.

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you about the blog post I wrote 8 days ago, in which I discussed a shift in perspective I'd recently experienced. If you missed that post, you can read it by clicking HERE. In that post, I talked about how, since I'd injured my wrist, God had been dealing with my heart, helping me to see the positives that had come out of a frustrating and painful situation.

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that on Monday night, I considered deleting that same blog post. You see, I sat through my Bible Study holding my arm, feeling intense pain and frustration, over "this stupid injury," as I liked to call it.

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that fear gripped my heart. I was so scared that I would end up having to have surgery on my wrist. I was scared that I would have permanent damage to my wrist. I was scared of all the "what ifs" and worst case scenarios.

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that the frustration over not being able to do my job the way I want to do it was taking it's toll on me, adding to the stress I was (am) feeling already from other various situations at work.

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that on Friday morning, during our staff prayer time, I asked for prayer for healing. You see, Friday morning, my wrist was still hurting. I was still in the splint. I was still unable to give 100% at work due to having my dominant wrist/hand/arm immobilized. I was totally, 100% overwhelmed. And I knew that the only remedy was prayer.

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that on Saturday evening, I took the splint off and noticed my arm was broken out. FYI - The ridiculous heat/humidity here in Dakar plus a wrap/splint that doesn't allow air flow is a bad combination. Anywho - I cleaned up my arm and realized there was no way I could put that splint back on. But I noticed something... My wrist could rotate right and left and not hurt. So I wrapped my wrist so it couldn't move, but left the splint off. Then I wore the sling, so there was no chance of my wrist moving more than it should.

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that a doctor examined it yesterday morning, and we realized that I could still rotate it side to side and it only hurt a tiny bit. Flexing it up and down hurt more. But even that wasn't unbearable like it was earlier this week. So we formed a new plan, of which I shared on Facebook yesterday.

 

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that I know God has started the healing process of my wrist. And just as I said in the Facebook post I shared above, I can live with a little pain. A little pain is nothing. But I'm just so over the moon excited that it appears that God is honoring the time I'd hoped I'd be healed by. How's that for coolness?! :)

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that things may not be perfect in my life. I may have a lot on my plate right now, playing catch up at work, due to working one-handed (with my non-dominant hand) causing everything to take way longer than normal. I may be feeling stress from time to time.

But if we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that taking that splint off and feeling such little pain was such a HUGE spirit lifter for me. So even if that dull pain were to stay forever, at this point, I'd say I'm fine. :)

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that I know this recover process isn't over. I know my left wrist/hand/arm is immobilized, meaning I'll still have a bit more time of working with my one (non-dominant) hand. I know there are things I'll still have to get help with. I know there'll still be pain. 

But if we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that I can so very clearly see God's hand at work in this. And that is such an incredibly amazing feeling.

The Little Things

I've always liked this quote. 

It's so true.

I haven't done a post like this in a while, but thought now would be an excellent time.

Sometimes it's the little things that mean the most. 

It's a set of binders, labeled, and ready for the papers they'll be organizing. 

It's a bottle of peanuts, providing an after school snack for me, and all the random kids who stop by to say hello :)

It's the gift of Dr. Pepper.

It's a room with a view. 

It's time spent with a friend, chatting 'til late in the night.

It's a delicious burger. Oh, and it's also the friend who cut it in half for you since it was too difficult to eat it one-handed :)

It's ABC magnets, providing a fun way to practice creating sentences.

It's a failed experiment that still was lots of fun.

It's a dragon made out of pipe cleaners.

It's a cup full of ice water.

It's a bumper sticker that speaks the truth.

It's a picture of one's family.

It's class held outside.

It's so many things.

What are the little things taking up the most room in YOUR heart?

Teacher Tuesday - Classroom Tour

Today I'm joining Andrea and sharing a tour of my classroom.

Now, if you're a regular reader of this space of mine, you know I posted a tour of my classroom about a month ago. Did you miss that post? You can check it out HERE. 

So why a new post?

It only took a week and a half of school for me to realize that the layout of my classroom was just not working. My students' work spaces were too crowded. There wasn't much room for a comfy sitting area for their "free" reading/independent work time. I don't use my desk during the school day, so it was just in the way. Plus, I'd rather my file cabinet and shelves for my own books/paperwork be closer to my desk. And I'd rather my kids' books be on the shelves with the rest of their games, supplies, and manipulatives. Also we're about to start having speech services provided via "tel-therapy" (online) and they'll be happening in my classroom, while I'm teaching other kids. So they needed a semi-private place. All that combined made it clear my desk needed to move. 

So, I decided to rearrange.

*Side note - This is the point where I need to mention that due to my wrist injury leaving me working with only one hand/arm (and NOT my dominant one at that), I never could have gotten my room to this point. So I owe a huge thank you to the people who have helped me move furniture, cut apart/hang calendar pieces, posters, etc. Y'all seriously have no idea how much of a blessing you have been to me (and my class). Thank you!!!



And now on with the tour.

Welcome to my room.

As I said earlier, I've made a few changes since school began 3 weeks ago,

The first change I made was to move my kids' Reading area over to where my desk originally was. This gives my kiddos more space for "comfy sitting" while reading and while  doing independent work during the day. The first thing one of my kids said, upon seeing this area was, "Wow - Ms. Nichols! It's like a new room!" It's amazing how such a seemingly small change can make such a big difference.

I don't know which part I like most. Comfy seats, cute cushions, pineapple quote :)

I moved the kidney/"U" shaped table up a bit and turned it around, so it'd be closer to the whiteboard. I also split up my students' desks and spread them out a bit. Now they'll be able to choose whether they want to work in partners, groups, or alone. 

I changed up the shelving/storage options for my students. I moved all of the kids' Bibles, our class "novel" sets, dictionaries, etc. to the larger shelves. I also put our puppets, and more of the kid's manipulatives and supplies on these shelves as well. I kept the kids' "fun" books on the smaller shelves. But I did move them over by the Reading corner.

I moved my desk out of the way. By moving it, I gave my students more room to move around (such a huge need of most of my kiddos). Plus, I rarely ever use my desk during the school day, and I really won't starting the last week of the month, since I will no longer have any prep/free period. So, when I am working in my classroom before/after school, I can still have my desk. But now, it won't be in the way the rest of the day.

I also moved one of the smaller shelves over near my desk. And on it, I placed all of my teacher help books, along with a few of my binders and supplies. 

Ignore the papers taped to the front. If they're not where I can clearly see them, I'll forget I need to work on them :)

I labeled my big binders and housed them on top of my storage cabinet. And I also did a bit of clean-up/organization of my desk top/drawers (not that you can really see it, but you can take my word for it). So, my workspace is nice, neat, and organized and my brain is happy :)

Special thanks to my friend who cut these labels and added them to the spines of my binders for me!

Isn't my area so nice now? 



Oh and one more thing... When I mentioned to my principal my concern at how I could make it so our kids in Speech could have some privacy, she reminded me of my neighbor saying she was getting rid of this privacy screen. It will be perfect because it will give the Speech folks a bit more privacy. And since I don't have a bulletin board in my room, it will also give me a bit more space to hang posters and signs and such in my room. I don't have  a picture yet, as we need a non-rainy day to get the privacy screen over :)

Ok, maybe I shouldn't have said "one more thing." 

Here are a few other small touches that make my room so fun :)

A friend bought me this a few years ago. I have it hanging on my door. I want it to be what my kids see while exiting my room. I hope they always, always believe this :)

I bought this "LIVIN' the dream" bumper sticker this summer. It's such a great reminder of why I'm here. I stuck it to my clipboard that I'll use when leaving the room for meetings, etc. So I hooked it on the cabinet, right by the door.

A co-worker was getting rid of this box. So I re-purposed it and it's now our storage for school supplies.

And that is my room. Thanks for stopping by :)

It's so crazy to think that just a few short months ago, my room looked like this...



P.S. For those that don't know, this room is a HUGE blessing, and came about due to a lot of answered prayers, changed hearts, and blood, sweat, and tears (well, maybe not the blood part). So this room is most definitely 100% a dream come true. 

Want to know more about my class and how it all started? Click HERE to read about the dream God placed on my heart way back when :)

*Today I'm joining Andrea for her Teacher Tuesday Classroom Tours link-up.*

That's Me

That's me.

...still rocking a splint that is wrapped from my elbow to my hand.

...still rocking the immobilized arm.

...still feeling the sense of frustration over inability to do certain things.

...still depending on others for sometimes seemingly easy tasks.

...still having the occasional bout of pain.

So yeah... That's me.

But do you want to know something?

That's not all.

That's me.

...receiving the gift of assistance from friends, co-workers, students, and others.

...experiencing so much less pain than before the splint arrived on the scene.

...learning how to adapt and get the job done.

...practicing the art of patience.

...spending more time than usual in prayer and in His Word.

...recognizing the gift of friends and their sacrificial friendship.

...feeling empathy for others in similar (or even more challenging) situations.

...having faith that God knows what's best, even when I don't understand it all.

...trusting in my Creator.

Yep. That's me.

...shifting my perspective.