10 Months

It's been a while since I wrote a Letters post. And while I'd rather be writing a happy, full of smile inducing words, post, this topic is what's on my mind...


Dear 10 months,

On Friday, you'll be how long it's been since my dad passed away. They say time heals all wounds. Well, some days, I think it has gotten somewhat easier. But others... Other days it just hits me like a ton of bricks. It's the little things that trigger the biggest emotions, like...

...leaving the U.S. to go back to Senegal and wishing so very much that I could hear him say "I love you and I'm proud ot you" once more, but knowing I can't. 

...watching a tv show showing a wedding and being reminded, yet again, that he'll never be able to walk me down the aisle one day. 

...seeing a friend's pregnancy announcement on Facebook and being reminded, yet again, that my kids will never know their Pawpaw like my nieces did.

...needing the answer to a question that only he could answer.

...pulling out my Go Navy t-shirt and not being able to wear it because it makes me cry.

...being so excited to be back in Senegal and at DA and wanting to tell him all about it, yet not having that option.

I really try hard to put on this super strong, brave front and 9 times out of 10, I do that. But y'all, it's hit me hard lately. And it all started because of an episode of Bringing up Bates, I've been so excited to see, because one of the kids got married. Well, I watch it and all I can do is cry - like ugly cry - through the whole thing, because all I can think is of what I'll be missing at my own wedding. 

So then every little thing reminds me of him. ...a ball game, a book, a t-shirt, a story told by a friend. So there is more crying. 

Now here I sit, writing this post, with a few tears slowly falling down my cheeks...

But you know...

I'm ok. It's hard. 

But sometimes life is hard.

And as crazy as it sounds, I'm glad. I'm glad for the hard times because they make me appreciate the easy times. The bad in life has made me open my eyes to the good in life. I appreciate the family I do have still with on me on this earth so much more. I appreciate the  friends who have stuck with me during the most difficult part of this journey I call life. 

I truly appreciate so much.

But most of all...

I am eternally grateful to my heavenly Father, who in His infinite grace, mercy, and love, has chosen to put up with an occasional emotional mess like me. I so appreciate the little reminders He places in my path - reminders of happier times, of good times. I appreciate His comfort and peace and strength that only He can give.

And I appreciate that He doesn't chastise me for having my moments of crying and weakness. I'm thankful that He allows me to cry it out and be sad and even ask Why. I'm thankful that He stands by me and loves me and cares for me, in the midst of my tearful moments. And I'm thankful that He wipes away my every tear and replaces them with a smile.

So 10 months of grief, while I do wish you weren't a part of my life, I'll embrace you. And I'll try my hardest to remember the good and not just the bad...

Sincerely, 
Me

Missions Q & A, Round 3

About 5 months ago I wrote my first Q & A post about missions (which you can read here). And then about a week and a half ago, I wrote my second Q & A post on the topic (which you can read here). I still had a few questions on the back burner, so to speak, so I knew I'd be writing this post soon. But I just didn't realize how soon :)

I've received at least one email a day since arriving last week about my life and ministry here in Senegal. So I thought I'd answer some of them today...

The most commonly asked question lately is...

How does it feel to be back?

Honestly, it feels normal. It feels like I'm home again. It really does.

What's been the best part?

I love being back at DA. I love being with old friends again. I love this place, the culture, the people... There's too much to list here :)

I know every day isn't a bed of roses. What's the worst part?

Hmm... It's supposed to be "Cool Season" right now, but it's so not. It's been in the high 80s or low 90s almost every day since I got back. And it's so ridiculously dusty. Ugh! Sand and dust EVERYWHERE! Say hello to dust and coughing lungs...

How many students do you have?

I have 10 students - 9 boys and 1 girl. I wrote a post about them yesterday. If you missed it, you should check it out here. 

Did you know any of your kids already?

Yes. I'd taught 2 of them before. And then I knew a few from Kids Club over the years.

What has surprised you the most?

There have been a few things. #1's answer has surprised me a little... Past that, I'm surprised at how exhausted I am after teaching all day. Teaching Special Ed in the States was super hard and FAR more work, but teaching the same group of kids ALL day is tiring (albeit, fun). Also, I'm surprised at all the new places (businesses/restaurants) that have popped up since I left. I'm surprised at all the American products you can get here now, too.

So you can get lots of American stuff now?

Yes. There are so many more things now. And even more stores carrying those products have opened up. I can't afford a lot of it because it's just so terribly expensive. BUT it is nice to know those things are there in case I need them.

Are many of your old friends there?

My "Best Bud" is back in the States. That's a bit of a bummer :( But, yes, there are a lot of my close friends still here. And the AG has boomed big time here in Senegal. We have a lot of AG missionaries here now. So that's nice!

How is fundraising going?

It's going okay. My cash money is almost completely raised. Once all promised donations hit my account, I'll only need a little over $1000. So that part is awesome! The monthly commitments are a slightly different story, though... I've had a lot promised, but unfortunately, many of those promises haven't been sent in yet. So until they reach my missions account in Springfield, MO, they don't count. So I still need a LOT for that. 

What is the best way to send you financial support?

The quickest way is by doing so online. Just click the link here and follow the prompts to give. You'll be able to choose if you want it to be a cash (one-time) donation or a recurring (monthly) commitment. By doing it this way, it'll reach my account in just a day or two.

If you'd prefer to do it, using pen and paper, go to the link here, print off the form, fill it out, adding in my name Elisabeth Nichols, my account number 2947943, and my region Senegal and mail it in to the address in the upper right corner of the form, along with your donation. By doing it this way, it'll reach my account in 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the speed of the mail.

Can you receive mail?

YES! Packages are appreciated, but they are very expensive. But a simple card or letter would cost only a little over $1.00. So mail away :) My address is:

Dakar Academy
Elisabeth Nichols
B.P. 3189
10200 Dakar, Senegal, West Africa

How can we be specifically praying for you?

Help me pray that my financial support gets raised. Help me pray against sickness and danger. Help me pray for patience and strength in working with my students (quite the hyperactive, squirrely bunch). And help me pray that I am a LIGHT in this DARK land I live in. 

Meet My Class

Exactly 1 week ago today I landed in Dakar and almost immediately went to the school to meet my class. I've dubbed the squirrel our class mascot, as my friends are quite squirrely (i.e. extremely hyperactive). But the Lord knows... They are super smart and they sure are fun :)

So without further ado, here are the 10 main reasons I came to Senegal...

Ladies first...

This is my lone lady, Miss H. Yep, that's right. 9 boys and 1 girl. She's a tough cookie, though, and doesn't seem to let that bother her. She's super smart, is eager to learn new things, and loves anything to do with art. Her family is American and she loves that they get to live in Senegal and tell people about Jesus.

Next is Z. He's quite the character. He's smart and funny and has the best facial expressions! He loves to read, but is very particular about which books he chooses. He LOVES LOVES LOVES the Bible and I think he would read it all day if I let him. His family is also American and he says it's cool that they're missionaries.

This is J. He's almost as tall as me, smart, and makes me laugh. He is very inquisitive and eager to learn new things. His favorite subject is Math, but he loves to read. He's got a super kind heart, which is nice because he doesn't get annoyed with me asking him how to sign various words. His family is also American and he says its nice that they can work with the Deaf community here. 

Next is I. He is very smart and considers math his favorite subject. He's quite the artist and loves drawing and coloring. His family is American and are missionaries. He said it's cool that his parents can teach the Africans and help them learn both English and about Jesus too. 

Now, there's A. He is a bit shy, but has the biggest sympathetic heart. He wants everyone to get along and can often be seen as the peacemaker. He's a smart student who says his favorite subject is math - of which algebra is the best! His family is from Sierra Leone and he said he loves living in Senegal because it's a new place. 

The next is Y. He is smart and gives his all on every assignment. His favorite subjects are Science and Reading and loves learning new things. He is a talented young artist, who loves to draw and color and create all sorts of things. His family is from Rwanda, but has lived in many other African countries because of his father's job. 

And C. Oh C... He is my most squirrely friend. He's super smart and loves questioning the "why" and "how" of things and not accepting anything at "face value." He says his favorite part of school is seeing his friends, but he also LOVES science - especially doing experiments. And he says he wants to be a marine biologist when he grows up because he wants to conquer his fear of water. C's family is Brazilian and are missionaries who teach people and help them do better in life. He loves that his family lets him come to DA.

L is smart and is very thorough and hardworking. He's meticulous in his work, making sure every little detail falls into place just so. He likes Math and Science the best, but also likes to read and do Art. His family is American. And he says that he likes that they are missionaries because it helps him travel and meet new people and help them to learn about Jesus.

M is a sweet-hearted guy, who wants to be everyone's friend. He loves to talk and often tells me that socialization is good for children, so I should let them talk more. He loves when we work on the computer and helps me when I have tech-related issues in class. He's super smart and can solve a multiplication Fact sheet in no time. His dad is Senegalese and his mom is South African. M said he loves his family and thinks they're the best ever! Senegal is his home and he says it's the best place ever!

W is a sweet and smart guy, who loves to read and write. He tells elaborately detailed stories and thrives on praise. He says Spelling and Reading are his favorite subjects. He says he doesn't know why they're his favorite, but I think it's because of his thirst for learning as much as possible. He loves "public speaking," so oral assignments are right up his alley. His family is Canadian and Lebanese. He loves living in Senegal because there's lots to do outside since it's always warm outside.

I'm Back!!!

Oh Duck Dynasty... 

Thanks Si for the fun meme to start this post :)

That's right y'all. I'm back. I'm back in Dakar. I landed 5 days ago and hit the ground "running" almost as soon as my feet hit the sand. 

People keep asking me how it feels to be back. And I can honestly say the same thing each time...

It feels normal. I feel like I'm home again.

I've been gone for a year and 8 months. And y'all... I wouldn't trade that time for anything in this world. I am so eternally grateful for the time I had with my dad (and the rest of my family and friends too).

But I am so glad to be back!

Two close friends picked me up from the airport and took me to my apartment, so I could drop off my things and freshen up a bit before heading to Dakar Academy (DA) to meet the 10 reasons I came back to Senegal early...

Their substitute teacher had taught them 2 songs in Wolof and a poem, which they sang/recited to me at their Welcome Back Ms. Nichols party.  If I can figure out how to download a video from Facebook, I'll add it here. Seriously...the best thing I've ever heard!

I started teaching the following day and have been on the go ever since. I'm so thankful for sweet friends and co-workers helping me out along the way, though. I've been treated to a Welcome Back Party with my fellow AG peeps, dinners and lunches and snacks, and even a beautiful bouquet of flowers. ...and not just any flowers. These included my two favorite flowers! 

I've received hugs and well wishes and cards and so much love...

And now the real work begins... I can't wait :)

And since people have been asking... 

I am super close to being fully funded with the Assemblies of God. Once all promised donations get in, I'll only need $361 more in monthly support and $1638 in cash (one-time) donations. Would you prayerfully consider partnering with me to raise this remaining amount? Every little (and big) bit helps! Just click HERE and follow the prompts to donate and/or set up a recurring (monthly) commitment. It's super quick, easy, and the money will hit my missions account in just a day or two!

Missions Q & A - Round 2

When do you leave and much more support do you need?

I leave in just 3 days, heading back to Dakar, Senegal. I am so close to having my full budget raised. Once all promised pledge forms and donations hit my missions account in Springfield, I'll only need to raise $421 in monthly commitments and $3263 in cash (one-time) donations. I can't get paid by AGWM until this money is raised. Will you prayerfully consider partnering with me and financially supporting my ministry in Senegal? No amount is too small!

The quickest and easiest way to donate is by going online at the link below and following the prompts to do so.

https://giving.ag.org/Give/Details/aec97232-a98e-467c-a25b-5a48f73940f3

What is Senegalese food like?

Most Senegalese dishes consist of either rice or couscous topped with veggies and sauce and either fish or beef. Chicken is typically more expensive, so not as common.

Aren't you worried about Ebola?

There were less cases of Ebola in Senegal than there were in the United States. Just sayin'...

What about war?

While there is always the chance for that, at the moment Senegal is safe.

Can you buy school supplies there?

You can buy some. However, the selection isn't that big and the quality is often lacking. That's why I usually take a bit with me.

Will you have access to the internet?

Yep :)

Where will you go to church?

I will alternate between the English speaking church held at Dakar Academy and the Senegalese churches in the area.

When will you be back in the States? 

I have to be in Missouri for a training in June, so I'll come back for that and stay a little after (in Alabama) to spend time with family. Then after that I'll come home probably once a year, in the summer, if I can afford it.

Do you have access to good medical care?

Yes, for most things. And here's hoping that nothing major ever happens :)

Can you get mail?

I can! Want to send me some? Shoot me an email at enichols85@gmail.com and I'll give you my address.

Oh Selma - I'll miss you.

When I first came back to the States, I prayed for the perfect teaching job to open up. 

I prayed for a school with good admin, good co-workers, and good kids.

And y'all...

God came through!

I have been so blessed by my time in Selma. I am so eternally grateful for this past year and a half. I will cherish the memories made while working here.

I'm going to miss this place. I'm going to miss...

...the loud "Hey Miss Nichols" from clear across Walmart.

...the sweet hugs and "Good Morning Miss Nichols" every morning.

...early morning meet-ups at Sonic.

...chatting with kids during breakfast duty.

...hearing "That white lady? Oh that's Ms. Nichols. She's my teacher. She's nice." **Seriously, this one never gets old :)

...celebrating on the little things, like a 5th grader making his first ever A on a reading test, a 3rd grader finally learning how to write her name, or a nonverbal child saying her first word.

...the laughter and joy during the staff Christmas party.

...meeting with supportive parents and fellow staff, all working together for the good of the child.

And I think what I'll miss the most are the chats with the 3 ladies on my team at work. I'll miss eating breakfast and lunch with them. I'll miss putting our heads together, working to find just the right assignment, commiserating on the annoying-ness of SPED paperwork, Sonic slushie runs before work, ridiculously long meetings made better by having a partner in crime there with me, field trips, laughing until we're crying, and most of all - the encouragement and support.

What's up January

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

Every month, we answer the same questions...

What am I eating this week?

I've been savoring all my favorite home cooked meals (and salad I didn't have to bleach) that I won't be able to get starting next week...

What am I reminiscing about?

...time with my dad. As I was writing out my notes for this past Sunday's service, I saw this picture, which I'd printed and stuck in my Bible and it really made me miss him :(

What am I loving?

I am loving having people coming up to me and telling me they are praying for me and for my ministry in Senegal. 

What have I been up to?

Packing! Oh and FYI... I so despise packing. Unpacking? I'm fine with that. I'd even say I love it. But packing? Ugh!

What am I dreading?

...saying goodbye to these faces this weekend :(

What am I working on?

I've been tackling my ridiculously long To Do List of things at work I must get done before my last day (Friday). Eek! 

What am I excited about? 

Where do I begin? Instead of making a really long list, I'll just say one word...

Senegal :)

What am I watching?

Has anyone else watched the new show, Superstore? It is hilarious!

What am I reading?

I have a stack of books to read in the airport and on the plane(s) on Monday and Tuesday. There's no better time to read than then :)

What am I listening to?

In preparation for leaving to go overseas, I've put all the CDs I've bought, since being back in the States, on my computer. And now, more than ever, I realize what a truly eclectic taste in music I have.

What am I wearing?

Right now I'm wearing all sorts of cold weather clothes and scarves and gloves in the mornings because it's been FREEZING here. I know I'll be missing these temps once I get to Dakar next week. But for now... Brr!!!

What am I doing this weekend?

On Saturday, I'm taking my nieces to Build a Bear for a "Zizzie loves you and is going to miss you so very much" present. Then my mom, brother and sis-in-law, and nieces are going on one last big family dinner. 

Then on Sunday, there's church, lunch with friends, visiting my aunt, a trip to the cemetary, and then savoring those last few hours with my Mama before leaving for Senegal the next day.

What am I looking forward to next month?

Oh my... I'm looking forward to teaching at DA again, meeting (or reuniting with) my students, helping out with Kids Club again, seeing co-workers and friends in Dakar, eating Senegalese food again, visiting Senegalese churches, and so much more.

And the special question for this month is...

I love me some Conversation Hearts. And yes, I did buy a big bag to take back to Dakar with me :)