The 111th Dear Post

Dear Leaving Dakar, I knew you'd be hard. I just didn't realize how hard exactly you'd be. Saying goodbye to friends that have become like family...not knowing when (or if) I'd see them again...was so difficult. I'm sure the people traveling with me saw my red, puffy, sad eyes, mind thought something was wrong with me. 

Dear New Adventure, You're what God's called me on. While it was hard to leave Dakar, I know it's for the best. Why? ...because God's called me on a new adventure. I'm looking forward to see what all He has planned for my life in the coming time in the States and new term back in Dakar.

Dear Job Interviews, I only thought you were difficult via Skype while I was in Dakar. Ha!! Sitting in an interview watching these people write note after note, while I answer typical "textbook" style questions, is so incredibly nerve-racking! And the wait... I hate the wait! I just wish they'd let me know something one way or the other...

Dear Willow, You are one month old today! I was so happy to meet you the day I landed! You are absolutely beautiful and perfect and I'm so blessed to be your aunt :)

Dear Family, It's so nice being back with you all. I love visiting my brother, sister-in-law, and nieces. I love eating meals, running errands, and spending time with my parents. I love just being here.

Dear Jet Lag, For the first time ever I think, you have not affected me. And that's good, since I had to be up early the next morning for church and I had three job interviews this week. ...not to mention all the errands I've had to run this week, involving more driving than I ever dreamed of doing on my first week back :)

Dear Home Cooked Meals, I'm definitely enjoying you! My mom is such an awesome cook y'all!

Dear Scheduling Services, I'm so ready to get you started. Once I have this meeting that's scheduled later this coming week, I can get you underway. Let's get this budget raised!

Dear Ladies Brunch at Church, You're where I'm headed this morning. And I get to bring my aunt with me. So double bonus on that! 

Dear Cheb, You're what I'm craving. I wonder where the closest Senegalese restaurant is...  :)

Dear Texas, Thanks to some airline miles I have, I'm taking a "free" trip next month to visit my good friend that lives in your state. I'm looking forward to seeing her, and maybe another friend too. And I'm looking forward to visiting a new part of my own country I've never visited before.

Saying Goodbye - The Good and the Bad

In this path of life that God's called me on, traveling is a constant. I counted up the number of round-trip flights I've made between Senegal and the U.S. over the course of the past 5 years, and realized that by the time I finish the one I'm about to make this weekend, that will be 11.

You know what else is a constant? Goodbyes. And do you know what I think of goodbyes?

Yes. Yes they do.

I so hate goodbyes. They really do stink. But since they are a constant part of my life now, I've learned to accept them. And if I'm that sad over saying goodbye, there's a reason. It's like the quote below says...

I'm thankful for all of the amazing memories I have from my time at DA and my first term in Dakar. I'm thankful for memories of friends, of special events, of fun times, of conversations, of students and co-workers, of gifts to last me a lifetime. These memories will last forever. And for that, I'm thankful - oh so thankful...

And I think Winnie the Pooh said it best of all when he said the following...

What a wise bear he was...

BUT you know - Even though goodbyes stink - and boy do they... There can be good in goodbyes. 

By saying goodbye to this chapter in my life, I am able to say hello to starting the new adventure God's called me on. I am able to live in my home country for the first time in 5 years. I am able to reconnect with family, friends, churches, supporters, and others. 

And the BEST "good" in this goodbye...

I get to see these cuties (and their Mama, Daddy, Granny, and Pawpaw) tomorrow! And honestly, that is the biggest thing that has got me through all the sad goodbyes I've had to say this week! :)

My One Thousand Gifts #'s 203 - 209

One Thousand Gifts

Each week, I'm highlighting new items I've added to my list of one thousand gifts. These aren't always big things. In fact, sometimes it's the littlest things that stick out the most. 

This week, I've added 7 new things...

#203 - a fun JSB

This past Saturday was DA's Junior Senior Banquet (think prom, but without the dancing). And it was fabulous! The juniors did an awesome job at decorating and at making the night incredibly special for the seniors. The location was georgeous. The food was delicious. And I got to sit with some of my most favorite people, making the company nice too! 

204 - a new pair of brown shoes

I needed a new pair of brown flip flops, since my only pair sadly "died" not long ago. And thankfully, I found a pair at an artisan sale this past weekend AND the guy was selling them for a great price! So yay!

#204 - an awesome travel agent

I'm thankful for a travel agent that replies quickly, even on the weekends. She totally rocked at making the necessary changes to my ticket for this weekend and made it an incredibly easy process.

#205 - my brother's excitement at picking me up

It made me so happy to hear him sounding happy/excited to pick me up. I'm a lucky blessed girl to have such an awesome brother! :)

#206 - not having to give exams

I am so thankful I didn't have to give final exams. Why? ...because I was basically finished with all of my work on Monday. I only had some really little things to do the other days, so I have been able to help my friend pack up her classroom, and help another friend with some office work the rest of the time.

#207 - one last N'ice Cream/obama run

This is my "I'm sad because I won't be able to have obama ice cream for at least a year" face :)

#208 - compliments after posting a picture on Facebook

Talk about making a girl feel good about herself! :) And here's the photo...

#209 - a super sweet note from a student

I was eating lunch yesterday when our office manager came in and said I had a student waiting to see me. When I went to see what she needed, she handed me the most beautifully written note, thanking me for all the ways I've helped her this year, and telling me how she feels she's improved this year. It definitely made me cry. This girl is definitely one of my favorites... She's the one that made me like teaching high schoolers. I'm so grateful for the opportunity - the privilege - to have taught her this year! What a gift she was in my life this year!

And in case you want a recap of the other things on my list, you can find them below...

1-3

4-16

17-24

25-28

29-34

35-40

41-43

44-48

49-55

56-59

60-64

65-69

70-74

75-84

85-89

90-96

97-105

106-110

111-123

124-129

130-142

143-149

150-156

157-164

165-169

170-174

175-182

183-187

188-195

196-202

Things I Never Thought I'd Say

After living in Dakar for 5 years, I've come to realize that certain things said would only make sense here in Dakar.

The ones that are the most common are ones that involve obama (a flavor of ice cream, found here in Dakar), like the one below.

My friend thought it'd be a nice idea for she and I to share obama last week :)

Or how about the time at Thanksgiving, when we were asked for one "silly" type item we were thankful for. My response... "I love obama so much! That's what I'm thankful for." And then one time, I posted the following excitement on Facebook...

Why yes... Yes, I did get excited about an obama t-shirt :)

The silliness continues when giving directions in Dakar...

A fellow Dakar expat wrote this one on Facebook the other day. ...so true!

I think about when I direct a taxi driver on how to get to my apartment building... Go to Hann Maristes. Go near the Catholic school, but turn left a little before the school. See that blue boutique (little shop) there? You go straight by it and then stop at the multi-colored building that's not finished yet.

Or how about this next one...

I love this restaurant for 2 reasons (besides being delicious)... 1) Its name is Yum Yum. 2) It serves pizza AND donuts. What a combo, huh? :)

Or this one...

What?! You don't read a blog, called The Gazelle Skirt?! Well you should. Go there now and check it out. ...if you're into fashion and stuff like that and if you're a girl. ...otherwise, you might not like it as much :)

Special Edition - Dear DA Post

Dear Dakar Academy, For the past 5 years you've been my place of employment. You've brought co-workers into my life, who've become friends. You've brought an amazing variety of students into my life. You've helped me become a better teacher. You've given me the chance to spread my wings and live outside of America. And somewhere along the way, you became home to me. Thanks for being such a great place to work at. I'm going to miss having you in my life.

Dear Students I've Taught at DA, Thank you for being your unique, amazing selves. Thank you for teaching me possibly as much as I taught you. Thank you for challenging me to improve as a teacher. Thank you for the pictures, the letters, the hugs, and the smiles. Thank you for being such truly amazing kids. I'm so proud of each and every one of you.

Dear Kids Club, You were such a fun after-school activity to sponsor. I'm so thankful for the 2 years I had to work with you. I'm thankful for each and every child that came, prayed prayers, heard the Word, sang songs, played games, ate snacks, made crafts, and had fun. I'm thankful for the seeds that were planted, watered, and will continue to grow. I'm thankful in advance for how those seeds will be sewn in Dakar and in each "home" country represented by these kids. What a sweet and precious gift these kids have been!

Dear Goodbyes Over The Years, I won't lie. You've been hard. But I'm so thankful for all of the memories you've given me over the past 5 years. 

Dear Being a Teacher at DA, You've been such a rewarding part of my life for the past 5 years! I'm thankful for the students that have walked through my classroom doors, and have challenged me to be the best teacher I can be!

Dear My 1st Class at DA, When I met you, you were cute little 3rd graders. You were sweet and fun and eager to learn. It's been so much fun to watch you all grow over the years and to see you all ending your 7th grade year this year, getting ready to start 8th grade. Thank you for being such agreat welcome to DA. 

Dear The Love of Jesus, It's been so awesome to see you being taught and displayed in all that's done at school! What a blessing it's been to work in a loving, Christian environment for the past 5 years!

Dear Friendship, These kids know how it's done. I love it!

Dear My Classes, You've each been absolutely amazing. You've each been unique in your own way, full of fun, exciting, challenging, awesomeness. Thanks for giving me the chance to be your teacher!

And last, but certainly not least...

Dear Friends I've Made, I didn't put a picture up for this one because I'm missing photos with so many of you. Thank you for the gift of sharing your friendship. Thanks for all of the memories made over the past 5 years, like nem runs, sharing Obama, Psych marathons, Bollywood movies, long chats, game nights and movie nights, dinners, meals on the roof, trips to the market, Brazilian food followed by N'ice Cream, advice sessions, pastries from Mary Market, trips to Ngaparou, Tapha runs, Best Bud days, times of prayer, and so much more.

Oops. One last one...

Dear 5 years, How did you go by so fast? I have so many memories tied into this place, so it's hard to say goodbye. But the time has almost come to do so. And I know it'll be sad, but I'm looking forward to the next adventure in my life. I'm thankful that God called me to be a missionary. I'm thankful that He loves me and has a purpose for my life. I'm thankful that He gave me the gift of Dakar Academy. And I'm thankful to have all the memories.

See you later DA. Well, actually I'll still see you next week all week, but you get the idea :)