What's Up August

         Happy Wednesday, Y'all!

Can you believe it's already the end of August? That means this year is half over! I feel like time is just flying by this year. Does anyone else feel that way?

Anywho - On with today's post...

Today, I'm joining Shay and Sheaffer for their What's Up Wednesday link-up. 

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

So let's get started...

What am I eating?

I ignored the leftovers in my fridge last night and in search of a comfort food type of meal, decided to, instead, make some tomato gravy to go with the last few biscuits I had from this weekend. And it definitely hit the spot. Yum!

What am I reminiscing about?

I've been doing a lot of thinking, lately, on what brought me to Senegal back in 2009. I mean, obviously, God called me here. Obviously I signed on with the Assemblies of God World Missions Department to be a Missionary Associate. Obviously, I'm doing this because I love Jesus and I want to honor Him. But what I mean... I've been doing a lot of thinking/reminiscing about the kids I've worked with over the years. The memories this work has produced are big and I'm so incredibly grateful to have been able to work with such incredible kids over the years. 

 What am I loving?

I'm loving being back at school, in my classroom, with my people. I'm loving planning lessons for the classes I'm teaching. I'm loving prepping activities and helping with homework and tutoring certain ones in all the random subjects they need help in. I'm loving chatting with them during their small bits of down time in their study halls with me, and hearing about their lives. I'm loving being back in the role of Class (co-) Sponsor, sitting in meetings and hearing them give speeches on how they'll lead their class, having seniors stop by my room to ask a question about an upcoming event, and seeing them wearing their Class of '24 t-shirt every now and then. The kids are the best part of the job, after all. And I love being able to work with them.

What have I been up to?

Well, the thing that has taken up the majority of my time the last few weeks (outside of teaching, of course), has been trips to the dentist. And after 3 visits, I finally was finished, thanks to a fabulous dentist (who spoke English! yay!) here in Senegal, doing a root canal and helping me get rid of some pretty nasty pain in my mouth. And now here's hoping I don't have to see him for quite a while :)

What am I dreading?

Y'all... The heat (and more than that, the humidity) here in Senegal during Rainy Season/Hot Season is no joke. I try really hard to wear my hair down. But thanks to the humidity, it ends up looking like a lion's mane most days. So up into a high bun it goes. 

What am I working on?

One of the classes I'm teaching this year is a section of English. One of our first projects is working on properly analyzing literature. And what better way to start by introducing literature analysis with fun children's books. 

 What am I excited about?

I must say ... My teaching schedule this year is pretty excitement-worthy. I love that I actually have a planning period for the first time since 2017. And not just one... I have 2! It's been pretty nice to leave at 4ish almost every day, and I don't have to work on lesson planning/prep every evening after school and every weekend too. I think I could get used to this, y'all!

What am I watching?

Nothing lately... I need to find a new show to watch. Anyone have a suggestion for me? I'm not a fan of cop/law shows. But past that, I'm pretty flexible in my tastes.

What am I reading?

A friend and I are both reading The Power of One and planning to get together and chat about it each week. I've only read a little of it so far, but so far so good.

What am I listening to?

I've been on a hymns kick lately. Ironically, I think it started with going to the dentist. I couldn't put my earbuds in to listen to music (and drown out the drilling noise). So I found myself singing (in my head, of course). And what was I singing? "When peace like a river attendeth my way..." I really do love hymns. And I must admit... As I get older, I find myself gravitating more and more back to them. 

 What am I doing this weekend?

On Saturday, I'll be getting with a friend to discuss the book we're reading. And then on Sunday, I'll be going to church and meal prepping for the week. But that's all I have planned. We'll see if I get into anything else or not :)

What am I looking forward to next month?

Nothing out of the norm

Favorite recent Amazon find?

I haven't bought anything on Amazon since leaving the US last month. But a missionary friend recently published a devotional, based on Psalm 27. So I have it currently sitting in my Amazon "saved" cart, waiting for payday to hit so I can buy it. I'm going to have my mom stick it in a box I fixed up to mail to myself after payday. But then 3 dentist visits happened, so I decided to wait until a second payday to send that box of stuff to myself. Anywho - I digress. The point is, I'm excited to both buy this devotional and to read it, too!

What's new this month?

The other day, I posted the picture of children's books on my social media, talking about the fun reads I have for one of my classes. Then yesterday, at lunchtime, a friend asked if I was taking classes again (as a student). I assured her I definitely wasn't. I'm not sure my brain could handle a 4th degree (especially another one online) at this point. Now, if I ever go back to the States, and can take classes in person again, I do see a doctorate as being a possibility. But anywho, I digress. Back to that conversation with my friend... Later last evening, I texted her, saying that my Instagram feed was full of ads about going back to school/getting a degree from various universities. Y'all, it is crazy how much our phones are "listening" to us. Crazy, for sure! :)

And that's what I'm up to this month.

What about you?

What are YOU up to this month?

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday, Y'all

 In an effort to be more intentionally grateful, I'm going to start rejoining Erika and Andrea for their weekly Friday Favorites linkup and sharing a few of my favorites (and maybe some of my not so favorites too) from the week.

First up, are these shirts and water bottle stickers which my fellow co-Senior Class Sponsor and I got as a back to school gift for our crew...

 

It was so fun passing these out, and making the kids pose for a commemorative first day of school photo which we sent to their parents, telling them moms and dads always appreciate pictures of their babies, no matter how old they are ;)

And of course, we wore our shirts too :)

And speaking of the first day of school, I was pleased to be back in my save, favorite classroom, ready to see all my favorite people back again for the new school year.

I added this little quote, of sorts, to my computer as a daily reminder of my reason for being here... I love my students and the fact that I get the opportunity to work with them each day. They're such an incredible blessing!

Another favorite of the week was walking home to the smell of freshly cut grass on our soccer field, which is on my walk home. I love that smell! I also love seeing grass on our field. For so many years, it was a dusty field, with no grass whatsoever. Just brown dirt/sand as far as the eye could see. So it's fun to see it so beautifully green now :)

I wish I could show you pictures of my students back at school, working on the latest literature analysis or discussing theology or me helping with various homework assignments or upcoming projects. But since I can't, I'll say that while my job might be tiring at times, I do love what I do. I love working with these incredible individuals that God has called me to work with. That's a definite favorite of mine - this week and every week.

And since it's my blog, and I can, I'll share one last item. Only this one is not a favorite and is, instead, a not so favorite item...

I posted the picture above on Facebook earlier in the week, saying, Chubby chipmunk cheeks are cute 'til they're on you. On Sunday morning, I woke up to intense pain most of the day on the right side of my mouth. I knew what it was. I had a tooth that had broken this summer and a filling came out. By that evening, my cheek started swelling a bit. I barely slept that night. The Aleve I took barely touched the pain. Then, Monday morning, I woke up and my entire right side of my face was swollen - even my upper lip was swelling. So thankfully, my principal is great and told me I could skip the morning meeting. I ran to the pharmacy to pick up antibiotics. And then a friend went with me to the dentist to have it checked out. He confirmed what I was expecting... I needed to have a root canal. So I'll be going this Saturday (tomorrow) to have that done. The thought of having that done and the thought of going by myself is definitely not so favorite one too. But I'm going to be a grown up about it and go, get it done, and then afterwards, go by ice cream to treat myself to later that evening when I'm up to eating again ;)

And that's about it for me this week.

What about you?

What's been your favorite part of your week?

What’s Up July

        Happy Wednesday, Y'all

Today, I'm joining Shay and Sheaffer for their What's Up Wednesday link-up. 

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

So let's get started...

What am I eating?

A bit more of all the things I can’t get in Dakar, since I won’t have any of it for 6 months to a year (depending on whether or not I make it back for Christmas)… 

What am I reminiscing about?

My nieces wanted to remake a few old pictures and see how much they’ve changed. It’s been fun seeing that change too. It’s hard to believe how “grown” they are now. Seems like they should still be babies… :)

 What am I loving?

Having had so much time with my mom… Y’all, I love my students and I love that God has blessed me with the opportunity to teach and to work with them. But being away from family isn’t always easy. And I used to not feel I could say that aloud. I felt it made me a “bad missionary.” But I don’t think this way anymore. It’s okay to feel that tug in both directions. As long as you 100% know that you are doing what God has called you to do… Well, that is what matters most. 

What have I been up to?

I had my annual Zizzie days with my nieces last week. My oldest niece was the one that dubbed me Zizzie. And every year since she was maybe 2, I’ve taken her (and her sister) out, each for their own special day. On their Zizzie Day, each girl gets to choose the restaurant we eat at and then we go shopping for a new book and a new toy and a new outfit or two. It’s such a fun day (now, 2 days) and I absolutely love this time with them :)

 

What am I dreading?

Saying goodbye (or rather, See ya later) to my people this coming weekend…

What am I working on?

On the teaching side of work… I brought home a bit of paperwork to do over the summer. So I’ve been doing a bit of it a little here and there this summer. On the missions side of work, I’ve spoken at 3 services and met with quite a few supporters over coffee or dinner, sharing my heart for Senegal and the kids at Dakar Academy.

 What am I excited about?

Last week, I drove about an hour away to pick up a box containing a surprise gift that will be heading back to Dakar with me. I wish I could show what I got, but on the off chance the recipient(s) of this gift is (are) reading this, I better keep it hush hush a bit longer :)

What am I watching?

Nothing really… Any new shows out that I should check out?

What am I reading?

I picked up a few new books off the clearance shelf the other day when my niece and I went to the bookstore. Also, can I say how much it warms my heart to see my nieces loving books and reading :)

What am I listening to?

The giggling from these two goofballs has been music to my ears. I have so loved having so much time to spend with them this summer. Such a blessing!

 What am I doing this weekend?

I'll be spending a bit more time with my mom. Then, I'll be leaving for the airport on Sunday. It’s hard to believe my time in the US is almost up.

What am I looking forward to next month?

I can’t say I’m thrilled about Summer Break being over. But I am looking forward to getting back into a routine, seeing my students again, and celebrating my birthday too, of course, since it’ll be on the 6th :)

Favorite recent Amazon find?

I was so blessed to have people generously buy items off of my Amazon Wishlist, to bring back to Dakar with me for my classroom and my home. Things like classroom decor, fun school supplies, cooking utensils, tasty treats, toiletries, and more. 

What's new this month?

Trying to believe the truth of the words below… 

And that's what I'm up to this month.

What about you?

What are YOU up to this month?

What’s Up June

         Happy Sunday, Y'all

Today, I'm joining Shay and Sheaffer for their What's Up Wednesday link-up. Somehow I missed posting last month. But I suppose that makes sense. After all, life has been a bit crazy for the past month or so. Between the "normal end of the school year, exams, helping to plan a big banquet for our juniors and seniors, getting my classroom and apartment ready to be closed up for the summer, and worrying about the political state of the country... 

Well, it's been a bit crazy, indeed.

Anywho... On with the post. Each month we answer the same list of questions based on how things are currently going in our lives.

So let's get started...

What am I eating?

I've been back in the US for a few weeks, enjoying all the typical "tastes of home." Things like this delicious bowl of tomato gravy...

What are you reminiscing about?

It's been 20 years since I graduated high school. I've been doing quite a bit of reminiscing since our 20 year reunion was last week. Some days it feels like it was just yesterday that we were putting on those green caps and gowns. Then other days, especially when working with students the age I was then, I realize... Boy, am I old! ;)

 What am I loving?

All the time I’ve had with my nieces. Between pancake making and dropping them off at church camp to lunch dates and playing games… I love spending all this time with them!

What have I been up to?

I’ve been speaking at churches, visiting friends and family, and resting/recovering after a not so good school year… It’s been a great summer so far! That’s for sure!

What am I dreading?

Nothing at the moment… Except for maybe going outside in the record breaking heat most of Alabama is currently experiencing.

What am I working on?

I’m doing very little work-related things at the moment. I’ll deal with those later.

 What am I excited about?

Family time, of course :)

What am I reading?

Nothing at the moment… However, I did buy a couple new books at Target the other day, since they were on sale. Yay for cheap books!

What am I watching?

I love watching my brother with his girls. It’s so sweet! 

What am I listening to?

Nothing new…

What am I wearing?

I got this teacher shirt in the mail the other day. It’s super soft and comfy and it’s cute too.

 What am I doing this weekend?

I’m hanging out with my favorites. We’ve been having all sorts of memory making fun together. Then we’ll be going to church today and going out to lunch together after that.

What am I looking forward to next month?

It’ll still be Summer Vacation for most of the month, so more days of not setting an alarm clock, of course :)

Favorite recent Amazon find?

Nothing terribly exciting… I did order a big pack of shelf stable bacon and some fun post-it notes since they were on sale for cheaper than Walmart, though.

What's new this month?

I saw this quote on Facebook the other day. I’m trying to do better at this… Saying no and setting boundaries when you’re a people pleaser and take on too much is sometimes hard. But this upcoming school year, I’m planning to do/be better.

And that's what I'm up to this month.

What about you?

What are YOU up to this month?

Currently

   Happy Monday, Y'all

I'm joining Jennifer from Overflowing with Thankfulness, along with a few other bloggers, and sharing a look at what's currently going on in my life. 

The prompts for this month's post are:

* loving * doing * trying * seeing * reading *

So what am I currently up to?

I'm currently loving the fact that God has let me work with such incredible kids over the years I’ve spent here in Dakar. Whether it be ones I taught, once I worked with in various clubs, or one who have been part of a class I sponsored… I’ll tell anyone. Why am I here? For the kids. 

I'm currently doing a lot. Well, I was… Thankfully I’m on my Summer Break now, and will be heading back to the States for a few weeks. Y’all my brain is tired and I’m ready for a bit of a break. I’ll still be working. It’s not a complete vacation. But still…

I'm currently trying to not be anxious about the political situation in Senegal. It’s been mostly calm this past week. But knowing that the presidential elections are in February… I’m imagining it’ll ramp back up again in the upcoming year. 

I'm currently seeing my family. Or, rather, I  will be tomorrow. I’m so ready, y’all!

I'm currently reading nothing. But I did order this book on Amazon the other day. I'm planning to read it over the summer. It's hard to believe that I'll be teaching seniors next year. SENIORS! Y'all... That's craziness! :)

 So what about you?

What are you currently up to?