On any given day, there are usually two or three different men sitting outside of the school campus, with their little carts full of assortments of fruits and vegetables. They're always polite. Each one will greet you, compliment you, and ask if you want to buy fruit from him.
Today I went to the school to check out a big multi-family yard sale going on. I chatted with some friends and some of my students, bought some books, got a few papers that needed to be graded from my classroom, and left.
When I walked out the gate, I smiled at and greeted the one fruit guy sitting outside and turned to walk home. He had asked me if I wanted anything today and I apologized and said that I didn't want any today. I got a few steps away and felt this really strong urge to go back. And it was almost as if I was arguing with myself (and no, I'm not crazy...). I didn't really need fruit. I had some at home. But I couldn't shake the feeling that I just had to go back. So I did.
When I got to him he showed me all the fruits he had today and I asked for 1 kilo of apples and 1 canteloupe. We talked for a few minutes about all the different fruits he had in his cart and about how I don't like bananas or mangos. I paid for my fruit and before he handed me my bag, we had the following conversation...
Him: Do you work at the school?
Me: Yes. I am a teacher.
Him: Why do you teach in Dakar and not in the United States?
Me: God said for me to teach in Dakar.
Him: You are a Christian, yes?
Me: Yes, I am a Christian.
Him: Why are you a Christian?
Me: I love God and He loves me. He gave me and everyone the gift of his son. I asked his son into my heart.
Him: I think your God was kind to give people a gift that kind.
Me: Yes, he is very kind.
Then he thanks me, hands me my bag of fruit, and walks off to catch another customer. I walked off feeling so many emotions. I was sad. I wish I could've said more, but I could only handle the most basic of French words. I was happy. What if this guy ends up getting saved? How awesome would that be?! And I must admit, I was a little happy for myself too...I had a conversation with someone totally in French. And I actually understood everything he said! But more than those two feelings, I was feeling worried. How many opportunities has God given me like this one that I have passed up? How many times has God put someone in my path that I could've witnessed to, but chose not to because I was afraid of using my severely limited French?
My Prayer for today...As the song says, God give me your eyes. Let me see the people as you see them. Help me to leave myself behind and focus on you and the job you've called me to do. Help me to lose the shyness and to be bolder in my faith at all times. Help me to say what you want me to say, go where you want me to go, and do what you want me to do.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
April 2010
Welcome to the April 2010 Installment of the Elisabeth Chronicles. I have been in Dakar 9 months already. Where does the time go? It seems like only yesterday that I arrived. As the school year ends, I thought I’d do quick recap of my time here so far.
July 2009 I arrived in Dakar very early in the morning of July 30. It was dark and dusty and all new to me. But at the same time, it was home.
August 2009 I started teaching 3rd grade at Dakar Academy and met the most amazing group of kids ever!
September 2009 I went on the DA Staff Retreat to the nearby town of Saly. I got to spend the weekend relaxing in the sun and getting to know my fellow teachers.
October 2009 I had the privilege of working one day a week at Teen Bi, a community center in the area. I got to help teach English, crafts, and games to the local village children. Language was an issue, but as I quickly learned…love is the universal communicator.
November 2009 I experienced my first American holiday in Senegal. I had the pleasure of staying with A/G missionaries in Saint Louis, a beautiful city south of Dakar. I missed being with my family, and having our usual Thanksgiving meal, but I enjoyed spending the time with different missionaries, enjoying good food, fun, and fellowship.
December 2009 “I’m dreaming of tan Christmas...just like the ones in Africa. Where the sand is so deep and the mosquitos seem to not sleep, but the love…it stretches so wide. Oh, I’m dreaming of a tan Christmas…” I started my December support letter with this song. I was blessed to be able to fly back to Alabama and spend Christmas with my family.
January 2010 I began taking online classes with the University of South Alabama, working towards my Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language. I also started taking classes through Berean School of the Bible/Global University towards getting my credentials with the Assemblies of God.
February 2010 I got to travel with 3 other missionary ladies to the town of Tambacounda, where we led a Children’s and Women’s Service at the oldest A/G church in Senegal.
March 2010 I was blessed to be able to go with a group of my fellow teachers to the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Conference in Kandern, Germany. It was so great to meet and get to know teachers from all over Europe, Africa, and Asia and see how God’s working in education around the world.
April 2010 I finished one of my grad school classes last week, with a 12 page paper and a 3 1/2 hour long final exam. Next week, I’ll do the same for another class. Then the week after that, I’ll start back “hot and heavy” studying for my Global University/Berean classes. It’s been hard work and a bit stressful at times taking all these classes, but God has definitely helped me through it. I feel so blessed to have been able to do these classes, while teaching and ministering here.
I will be in the States this summer, visiting family and friends, attending the A/G’s Pre-Field Orientation, speaking at churches, raising the rest of my budget, and of course, enjoying American food again. If I’m in your area and you’d like to get together for lunch, dinner, or just a chat, please email or call and let me know.
I still need to raise the rest of my AGWM budget. As of today, April 30th, I need to raise $282 more in monthly pledges and approximately $5800 in cash donations to meet my budget requirements. I am not allowed to come back on the field as a Missionary Associate (MA) until my budget is completely raised, so please pray that this happens soon.
For those of you that already support me each month financially, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you received a pledge form in last month’s letter from me, please fill that out and send it in to the Assemblies of God World Missions Office as soon as possible. Also, you may start sending in your monthly support to them as well, as they will apply that money to my AGWM account.
If you do not support me financially, and would like to do so, please contact me at enichols85@gmail.com or call my parents at 620-886-3586 and we can tell you how to do so. Any donations you make would be tax-deductible.
Have a blessed week,
Elisabeth Nichols
enichols85@gmail.com
July 2009 I arrived in Dakar very early in the morning of July 30. It was dark and dusty and all new to me. But at the same time, it was home.
August 2009 I started teaching 3rd grade at Dakar Academy and met the most amazing group of kids ever!
September 2009 I went on the DA Staff Retreat to the nearby town of Saly. I got to spend the weekend relaxing in the sun and getting to know my fellow teachers.
October 2009 I had the privilege of working one day a week at Teen Bi, a community center in the area. I got to help teach English, crafts, and games to the local village children. Language was an issue, but as I quickly learned…love is the universal communicator.
November 2009 I experienced my first American holiday in Senegal. I had the pleasure of staying with A/G missionaries in Saint Louis, a beautiful city south of Dakar. I missed being with my family, and having our usual Thanksgiving meal, but I enjoyed spending the time with different missionaries, enjoying good food, fun, and fellowship.
December 2009 “I’m dreaming of tan Christmas...just like the ones in Africa. Where the sand is so deep and the mosquitos seem to not sleep, but the love…it stretches so wide. Oh, I’m dreaming of a tan Christmas…” I started my December support letter with this song. I was blessed to be able to fly back to Alabama and spend Christmas with my family.
January 2010 I began taking online classes with the University of South Alabama, working towards my Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language. I also started taking classes through Berean School of the Bible/Global University towards getting my credentials with the Assemblies of God.
February 2010 I got to travel with 3 other missionary ladies to the town of Tambacounda, where we led a Children’s and Women’s Service at the oldest A/G church in Senegal.
March 2010 I was blessed to be able to go with a group of my fellow teachers to the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Conference in Kandern, Germany. It was so great to meet and get to know teachers from all over Europe, Africa, and Asia and see how God’s working in education around the world.
April 2010 I finished one of my grad school classes last week, with a 12 page paper and a 3 1/2 hour long final exam. Next week, I’ll do the same for another class. Then the week after that, I’ll start back “hot and heavy” studying for my Global University/Berean classes. It’s been hard work and a bit stressful at times taking all these classes, but God has definitely helped me through it. I feel so blessed to have been able to do these classes, while teaching and ministering here.
I will be in the States this summer, visiting family and friends, attending the A/G’s Pre-Field Orientation, speaking at churches, raising the rest of my budget, and of course, enjoying American food again. If I’m in your area and you’d like to get together for lunch, dinner, or just a chat, please email or call and let me know.
I still need to raise the rest of my AGWM budget. As of today, April 30th, I need to raise $282 more in monthly pledges and approximately $5800 in cash donations to meet my budget requirements. I am not allowed to come back on the field as a Missionary Associate (MA) until my budget is completely raised, so please pray that this happens soon.
For those of you that already support me each month financially, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you received a pledge form in last month’s letter from me, please fill that out and send it in to the Assemblies of God World Missions Office as soon as possible. Also, you may start sending in your monthly support to them as well, as they will apply that money to my AGWM account.
If you do not support me financially, and would like to do so, please contact me at enichols85@gmail.com or call my parents at 620-886-3586 and we can tell you how to do so. Any donations you make would be tax-deductible.
Have a blessed week,
Elisabeth Nichols
enichols85@gmail.com
Saturday, April 24, 2010
The Big 2-5
1. I was born in Greensboro, Alabama...the same place as the character Forrest Gump. :)
2. I played one year of t-ball and was a peewee cheerleader for one year. I hated both.
3. I worked at a vet's office for almost 5 years and I loved it!
4. I watch the movie, Sweet Home Alabama, about once a week. I can quote it now.
5. I have a hard time memorizing things. ...scripture verses, test information, etc.
6. ...but I can always remember birthdays and phone numbers. In fact, I remember my phone number from when I was in Kindergarten.
7. I've flown lots of times, but I get really nervous checking in at the airport. I can't calm down until I get to my gate. I'm just so afraid something will happen...they'll lose my reservation, they'll change my gate at the last minute, something...
8. I really want to go skydiving.
9. I really want to ride a bull. Why? I guess it's an adrenaline thing. ...although I think I should probably start with a mechanical one.
10. My biggest fear in the world is that I'll never get married. ...what's funny, is I know that God specifically said that I'd work with my husband on the mission field...to me and someone else. But still...
11. I like regular coke and diet pepsi. I do not like regular pepsi or diet coke.
12. I am absolutely terrifed of going to the dentist. I dread the time leading up to going. I dread being at the office. But once he's done cleaning my teeth, I love it and always wonder why I dreaded it.
13. I'm almost 25 years old and I've only dated one guy.
14. When I was little, I dreamed of becoming Miss America. I'd watch any pageant that came on tv. Then I grew up and realized why that'd never be a reality. :)
15. I love lively debates/conversations. ...but I refuse to get involved in one myself unless it's something that I 1)feel strongly for and 2) can actually have enough facts to back myself up with.
16. I write/type a To Do List every night and email it to myself to check at work the next morning.
17. I hate touching raw meat, eggs, and anything slimy like those things... I love eating them cooked though. :)
18. I've lost 30 lbs since coming to Dakar. Yay! ...I'm a little worried about the temptation of fast food and mountain dews and all kinds of other yummy American foods I'll be presented with this summer when I'm in the States.
19. I hate talking on the phone!
20. I love being from Alabama. I absolutely love it! And I really hate it when people criticize my state.
21. I've dislocated my knee twice. ...same knee...both times in July...exactly 5 years apart. Hopefully, that won't be a trend starting.
22. I spent my 18th birthday in the orthopedic surgeon's office...who was absolutely HORRIBLE. If you want to know why, just ask and I'll tell you.
23. I failed my driver's test twice. I guess the saying, Third time's a charm, rang true for me.
24. When my brother got married and moved out, I cried myself to sleep the first few nights because I missed him so much.
25. There's this one dream that I keep having over and over again. ...5 times to be exact. And I really hope it comes true!
2. I played one year of t-ball and was a peewee cheerleader for one year. I hated both.
3. I worked at a vet's office for almost 5 years and I loved it!
4. I watch the movie, Sweet Home Alabama, about once a week. I can quote it now.
5. I have a hard time memorizing things. ...scripture verses, test information, etc.
6. ...but I can always remember birthdays and phone numbers. In fact, I remember my phone number from when I was in Kindergarten.
7. I've flown lots of times, but I get really nervous checking in at the airport. I can't calm down until I get to my gate. I'm just so afraid something will happen...they'll lose my reservation, they'll change my gate at the last minute, something...
8. I really want to go skydiving.
9. I really want to ride a bull. Why? I guess it's an adrenaline thing. ...although I think I should probably start with a mechanical one.
10. My biggest fear in the world is that I'll never get married. ...what's funny, is I know that God specifically said that I'd work with my husband on the mission field...to me and someone else. But still...
11. I like regular coke and diet pepsi. I do not like regular pepsi or diet coke.
12. I am absolutely terrifed of going to the dentist. I dread the time leading up to going. I dread being at the office. But once he's done cleaning my teeth, I love it and always wonder why I dreaded it.
13. I'm almost 25 years old and I've only dated one guy.
14. When I was little, I dreamed of becoming Miss America. I'd watch any pageant that came on tv. Then I grew up and realized why that'd never be a reality. :)
15. I love lively debates/conversations. ...but I refuse to get involved in one myself unless it's something that I 1)feel strongly for and 2) can actually have enough facts to back myself up with.
16. I write/type a To Do List every night and email it to myself to check at work the next morning.
17. I hate touching raw meat, eggs, and anything slimy like those things... I love eating them cooked though. :)
18. I've lost 30 lbs since coming to Dakar. Yay! ...I'm a little worried about the temptation of fast food and mountain dews and all kinds of other yummy American foods I'll be presented with this summer when I'm in the States.
19. I hate talking on the phone!
20. I love being from Alabama. I absolutely love it! And I really hate it when people criticize my state.
21. I've dislocated my knee twice. ...same knee...both times in July...exactly 5 years apart. Hopefully, that won't be a trend starting.
22. I spent my 18th birthday in the orthopedic surgeon's office...who was absolutely HORRIBLE. If you want to know why, just ask and I'll tell you.
23. I failed my driver's test twice. I guess the saying, Third time's a charm, rang true for me.
24. When my brother got married and moved out, I cried myself to sleep the first few nights because I missed him so much.
25. There's this one dream that I keep having over and over again. ...5 times to be exact. And I really hope it comes true!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Keep the Candle Burning
I've had a great day. I woke up to the AMAZING smell of roast, carrots, and potatoes cooking in the crock pot. I went to church where I felt God ministering to me from the beginning of worship to the end of the sermon. I came home and had 3 friends over for dinner and received compliments on my food. I went driving on the highway for the first time (in a standard) and did pretty well (except for that darn 3rd gear...). :) And then I started working on some grad school work...which was actually interesting and not boring for a change. I felt great. I felt like this was a great day.
Then... I tried Skyping my parents, but they weren't home. I made a few calls about setting up services for this summer and came up with a bunch of answering machines or no answers at all. I hit the cut on my finger, causing it to break open, and then I got vinegar in it. OUCH! I could go on and on, but there's no point...
The reason I'm writing this is to say that I was having a great day and then a few little things got me discouraged. That's how the devil works. The devil is not happy when Christians are happy. Therefore, he'll use any means necessary to erase that happines...hence, my discouragement.
But Praise the Lord, He's still in control of my life and the minute those thoughts of discouragement set in, God reminded me of an older song by Point of Grace...Keep the Candle Burning. One of the verses says...
When you're down and you're discouraged...When the darkness clouds your view...You've got to gather up your courage...You know the Lord is gonna see you through.
That's a promise we have in the Lord. And I, for one, am so grateful of that promise.
Then... I tried Skyping my parents, but they weren't home. I made a few calls about setting up services for this summer and came up with a bunch of answering machines or no answers at all. I hit the cut on my finger, causing it to break open, and then I got vinegar in it. OUCH! I could go on and on, but there's no point...
The reason I'm writing this is to say that I was having a great day and then a few little things got me discouraged. That's how the devil works. The devil is not happy when Christians are happy. Therefore, he'll use any means necessary to erase that happines...hence, my discouragement.
But Praise the Lord, He's still in control of my life and the minute those thoughts of discouragement set in, God reminded me of an older song by Point of Grace...Keep the Candle Burning. One of the verses says...
When you're down and you're discouraged...When the darkness clouds your view...You've got to gather up your courage...You know the Lord is gonna see you through.
That's a promise we have in the Lord. And I, for one, am so grateful of that promise.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Talibes
http://allafrica.com/stories/201004150114.html
Read this article to find out about the Talibe boys I see everyday begging for money and food. The stories behind these boys just breaks my heart. Why does this go on? Why isn't something done to stop it?
Read this article to find out about the Talibe boys I see everyday begging for money and food. The stories behind these boys just breaks my heart. Why does this go on? Why isn't something done to stop it?
Saturday, April 10, 2010
#44 -- Check
#44 on my 101 in 1001 list was...Make a new Life Goals list.
I made a Life Goals list in Sunday School about 4 or 5 years ago. It was a list of 10things I wanted to accomplish before I died. I thought it'd be a good idea to make a new one, since 1) I lost the first list and 2) I've changed quite a bit in that time, so my goals are different too. So, now for your reading pleasure... Here are my life goals (in no particular order).
1. Visit Europe. (done)
2. Visit Africa. (done)
3. Graduate with my teaching degree. (done)
4. Become a teacher. (done)
5. Fall in love.
6. Get married.
7. Become a mommy.
8. Live in Africa with my husband and family doing what God's called us to do.
9. Work in/run an orphanage somewhere in Africa.
10. Do what God wants me to do with my life.
I made a Life Goals list in Sunday School about 4 or 5 years ago. It was a list of 10things I wanted to accomplish before I died. I thought it'd be a good idea to make a new one, since 1) I lost the first list and 2) I've changed quite a bit in that time, so my goals are different too. So, now for your reading pleasure... Here are my life goals (in no particular order).
1. Visit Europe. (done)
2. Visit Africa. (done)
3. Graduate with my teaching degree. (done)
4. Become a teacher. (done)
5. Fall in love.
6. Get married.
7. Become a mommy.
8. Live in Africa with my husband and family doing what God's called us to do.
9. Work in/run an orphanage somewhere in Africa.
10. Do what God wants me to do with my life.
Driving and God
I learned to drive when I was 15. I remember riding around the parking lot at the church with my mom, learning the basic skills needed to drive an automatic. I loved driving! I was so happy when I got my learner's permit and I would beg my mom to let me drive her to the store, to the school, anywhere just so I could drive. I loved it when I saw my schedule 10th grade year and saw it had Driver's Ed. on it. I thought I was in Heaven. I could go to school and drive there too! It was awesome! When I turned 16, my mom took me to get my driver's license. The third time’s the charm, right? After the third attempt, I finally possessed that wonderful card. After an unsuccessful attempt (due to my inherited strong will and occasional stubbornness) at learning to drive a standard from my dad, I decided I would stay in my comfort zone, and only drive automatics. I knew automatics. I knew they were easy. Life would be simple.
Then…
God called me to Africa. …more specifically, to Senegal, the land of non-automatic cars. Upon arrival, I realized that my choosing to not learn how to drive a standard created a problem. I would have to become dependent on others. If I wanted or needed to go anywhere farther than my legs could take me, I’d have to ask someone to take me. And I did that. I would either wait until someone was going that way or if I absolutely had to, I’d ask someone to drive me somewhere. It’s hard asking for help. It’s hard going from being totally independent to being totally dependent. Plus, my biggest stress reliever used to be getting in the car and driving…with no particular destination even in mind. …just get away from it all. And here, I can’t do that. I’m out of my comfort zone. And let me tell you…it’s hard sometimes.
But then…
A friend offered to take me for a driving lesson here. On the one hand, I was excited. I would finally start learning how to drive a stick. But on the other hand, I was nervous. What if I messed up? What if I couldn’t handle using a clutch? What if I stalled out? What if I got nervous while driving? What if I got frustrated? What if…and the list went on. The day (today) came. And you know what… I messed up quite a few times. I kept forgetting to push the clutch all the way in. I stalled out twice. And I did get nervous and frustrated with myself at times. But all in all, I did ok. I wouldn’t say great by any means, but I did ok. And I didn’t totally freak out my “teacher” …probably only just a little. :)
So…
My point is this… Sometimes we get stuck in a rut. We get stuck in our comfort zones, where everything is easy and comfortable. And we just stay where we are. We don’t try new things because *gasp* it might be hard. We only drive automatics because they’re easy. :)
But…
That’s not always what God wants. I truly believe that God wants us to (in the words of some song) step out of our comfort zones into the unknown. We need to learn to rely on God. And sometimes that means doing things that are a little “scary” or “nerve-racking” (like driving a stick). So, my second point is... Don’t get stuck at a point in your life where you feel that life is going to easily and perfectly that you don’t need to rely on God. Always rely on God. Always put your trust in Him. Never become so confident in yourself that you lose confidence in Him.
Then…
God called me to Africa. …more specifically, to Senegal, the land of non-automatic cars. Upon arrival, I realized that my choosing to not learn how to drive a standard created a problem. I would have to become dependent on others. If I wanted or needed to go anywhere farther than my legs could take me, I’d have to ask someone to take me. And I did that. I would either wait until someone was going that way or if I absolutely had to, I’d ask someone to drive me somewhere. It’s hard asking for help. It’s hard going from being totally independent to being totally dependent. Plus, my biggest stress reliever used to be getting in the car and driving…with no particular destination even in mind. …just get away from it all. And here, I can’t do that. I’m out of my comfort zone. And let me tell you…it’s hard sometimes.
But then…
A friend offered to take me for a driving lesson here. On the one hand, I was excited. I would finally start learning how to drive a stick. But on the other hand, I was nervous. What if I messed up? What if I couldn’t handle using a clutch? What if I stalled out? What if I got nervous while driving? What if I got frustrated? What if…and the list went on. The day (today) came. And you know what… I messed up quite a few times. I kept forgetting to push the clutch all the way in. I stalled out twice. And I did get nervous and frustrated with myself at times. But all in all, I did ok. I wouldn’t say great by any means, but I did ok. And I didn’t totally freak out my “teacher” …probably only just a little. :)
So…
My point is this… Sometimes we get stuck in a rut. We get stuck in our comfort zones, where everything is easy and comfortable. And we just stay where we are. We don’t try new things because *gasp* it might be hard. We only drive automatics because they’re easy. :)
But…
That’s not always what God wants. I truly believe that God wants us to (in the words of some song) step out of our comfort zones into the unknown. We need to learn to rely on God. And sometimes that means doing things that are a little “scary” or “nerve-racking” (like driving a stick). So, my second point is... Don’t get stuck at a point in your life where you feel that life is going to easily and perfectly that you don’t need to rely on God. Always rely on God. Always put your trust in Him. Never become so confident in yourself that you lose confidence in Him.
Here I am not long after I got my license, driving my first car (an automatic, of course.)
Here I am learning to drive a stick for the first time -- at the "Cow Crossing." :)
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