I'm THANKFUL

I am thankful.

I have a Savior who loves me, guides me, and gives me grace.

I have a job I love and am passionate about. 

I'm living in Africa, doing what God's called me to do.

I have students who are incredibly smart and fun and bring true joy to my life.

I have so many churches, men, women, and children who sacrificially give of their finances and prayer, partnering with me to do the ministry God has called me to do.

I have a family who is encouraging, supportive, and is quite simply the best there is.

I have a nice home, a bed to sleep in, and plenty of food to eat.

I have friends. 

I have an education.

I have so much more than I could ever need.

I am truly blessed.

And for that, I am thankful.

Coffee Date

Happy Wednesday Y'all!

Today I'm joining Erin for her monthly Coffee Date link-up, where we pretend we're in a fake coffee date with a friend, chatting about who knows what...

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that it's been a while since I last posted anything on my blog. I've had ideas. But nothing stuck. But don't worry... I'll be making up for it next week. As of now, I've got a post planned for every single day next week. I know, I know. I'm shocked too ;)

If we were on a coffee date, I'd ask if you've read any good books lately. I'm planning to start reading, Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder next. The description makes it sound like it's a good book. We'll see...

If we were on a coffee date, I'd probably ask what your plans are for Thanksgiving. I'm eating with my fellow AG-ers here in Senegal. And I'm sure we'd talk a bit about our favorite dishes. Ah, turkey... :)

If we were on a coffee date, I'd probably show you this cuteness... We made Thankful Turkeys in Kids Club this past week. I was quite impressed by our kids' creativity :)

If we were on a coffee date, I'd show you how long my hair's gotten. Can you believe it? Me, the person who loves having her hair super short... I've realized just how much I really do like it long. :)

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that I love my class. I love teaching. But oh my word, I am so very ready for Thanksgiving Break. 5 1/2 days with no school and no alarm clock? Yes, please.

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that my left wrist still isn't 100% and I'm honestly not sure it ever will be (barring a miracle from God). I still can't lift or even hold anything heavy with that hand. When I try, it's painful and I quickly realize I have hardly any strength left in it. And that stinks... But at the same time, I can write, type, get dressed, etc. just fine. So I'm not too upset... :)

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that I led our Staff Devotions this morning. I spoke about running on empty - something God's been working on with me lately. And after hearing from a few of my co-workers, I realized I wasn't alone in that. Thankfully, my Teacher is the Master Teacher and is extremely patient with my occasionally hardheaded self :))

If we were on a coffee date, I'd ask you what you're most thankful for. I'd tell you I've been making a point of looking "outside the box," so to speak and thinking of what I'm thankful for in that sense. I'd tell you that I'm going to share them all on the blog soon. It's been a fun "project" of sorts. I've really been enjoying it.

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that I'm still fundraising, trying to build up my missions account. I have quite a ways to go. But I fully believe God will help me. And I'd probably ask if you know of any churches or individuals who'd want to partner with me financially. If so, I'd give you my email address (enichols85@gmail.com) and ask you to connect us.

And lastly, if we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you about my evening last night. Teaching foreign ambassadors' children sometimes has its perks. Last night some of my co-workers and I were invited to a fancy-schmancy party for the home country of one of my students. And as I stood there talking with a dignitary from a certain middle Eastern country, and looked over at my student standing there in his traditional clothing, I couldn't help but smile at the opportunities God's given me in this life of mine :)

Currently

It's the 2nd day of November. 

How is that possible?

Wasn't it just New Year's Day?

Anywho, I digress...

Today I'm joining Anne and Julie for their November Currently link-up.

I'm currently REALIZING that I need to change up my daily schedules again. I think this might be the zillionth or so time since school started that I've done this. It's amazing how many millions of little details need to fall into place just so in order for our daily schedule(s) to work. So that's the #1 thing on my to do list for this coming weekend.

I'm currently STIRRING some ideas around in my mind for some fun activities for my crew to do in the coming weeks. Can you believe we only have 6 weeks of school left 'til Christmas Break? And this is my most favorite time of the year. Especially since I'm working with kids... Kids who love all sorts of fun holiday-themed activities. Thanksgiving? Christmas? Bring it all on! :)

I'm currently APPRECIATING my class' Bible Memory for this week. I picked this verse back in September, while planning my Bible units for the month ahead. But ironically enough, it was last week and this week, when I most needed to be reminded of this verse. I'm so thankful for God's perfect timing in re-placing this verse in my life at just the right time.

I (and others at my school) are currently WEARING all sorts of silliness this week, as part of School Spirit Week. So far, we've been Mystery Characters. We've worn our best Tropical duds. We've dressed all Wacky. Today we're wearing our best Throwback outfits. And tomorrow we'll wear our best Fedoras (or other hats). 

I'm currently FOLLOWING some advice a friend gave the other day. She wasn't even talking to me, but rather another co-worker who was in the teacher's lounge with me at the time. But she said something to the effect of the quote below... Think back to when you were a little girl. What type of woman did you want to become? Who did you want to grow up to be? What good qualities did that ideal woman possess? Be her.

I'm currently RAISING funds to continue the work God's called me to do here in Senegal and I still have a few thousand dollars left to raise. Would you prayerfully consider partnering with me to raise this much needed financial support? If so, you may either click HERE to donate online or you may e-mail me at enichols85@gmail.com and I'll send you a form to enable you to mail in a check, if you'd prefer to donate in a non-electronic way. Oh and P.S. ... The first 5 people to donate will get a small gift from Senegal :)

And now, since this is my blog and I can do what I want... :)

Here a few of the reasons I'm CURRENTLY in a happy mood.

I get to hang out with some of the coolest kids around. 

 

 

What's Up October

Happy last Wednesday of October Y'all!  

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

 

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

The questions are...

 

What am I eating this week?

We have a local place who does lunch deliveries at school 3 days a week. I can't afford to get lunches this way all the time. But sometimes it is such a nice treat. Case in point... Check out my lunch from this past Friday. This salad was delicious!

What am I reminiscing about? 

Trips to Gulf Shores. James Spann, one of our local AL weather guys posted these pictures on Facebook the other day and it made me miss the Gulf so much. I have so many happy memories from trips to the beach, to visits with friends who live not terribly far from there, to doing my Grad School internship down that way, to church. So many fun memories. Ah, what I'd give to be able to visit down that way...

What am I loving?

Yogurt - It's cheap. It's tasty. It's perfect for a quick breakfast, an addition to a smoothie, an afternoon snack, a midnight snack, or even to satisfy a sweet tooth.

What have I been up to?

Hanging out with some cool kids

  

What am I dreading? 

Honestly, there's nothing that I'm dreading at the moment.

What am I working on?

I must do some major fundraising. I'm still waiting to hear the exact amount. But let's just say I need quite a lot raised by June in order to stay on the field. People so generously gave to help me furnish this class. And oh my, did it help. But it took far more than people gave. So now that I've furnished the class, I've basically depleted my funds. And since a typical year long itineration (fundraising) time would not work in my situation, I need to do things a bit differently. I need to start raising funds now, while overseas. There's 7 months 'til I leave for the Summer. So I need to do a lot of leg work ahead of time. Then, I'll have approx. 7 weeks in the States this summer and will be traveling around speaking at churches then as well, working to finish raising funds.

And here's the thing... I know that I am exactly where God wants me to be, doing exactly what God wants me to do. And I absolutely positively have to raise these funds. So, what am I working on at the moment? Fundraising...Major fundraising.

And if you feel led to help with this, send me an email at enichols85@gmail.com and I'll tell you how you can be a part of what God's doing at my school, in this country I so dearly love, and beyond.

What am I excited about?

I'm excited about Kids Club each week. It makes for a super long and exhausting day. But it's such a fun time with our elementary kiddos. I love getting to hang out with them, teach them, learn from them, and share the love of Jesus with them. It's great! And we had a new adult start helping us this week which was a huge blessing! 

 

 

What am I watching?

The only show I watch on a consistent basis is the Big Bang Theory. 

  

What am I reading?

Since my last What's Up Wednesday post, I finally finished The Orphan's Tale by Pam Jenoff. Plus, I also read Look Again by Lisa Scottoline. And then the other day, I started reading Wedded to War by Joceyln Green. 

What am I listening to?

Here lately, when I'm working around the house, or in my classroom during prep time before/after school and on the weekends, I have been listening to various Anthem Lights songs on Youtube. My favorite so far is this cover of The Doxology.

And have you heard the song, "I Will" by Citizen Way? One of my co-workers shared it with us in staff devotions the other morning and Wow! It's amazing how the lyrics of a song you've never heard before seem to be speaking directly to you! Total God thing on the perfect timing of this song.

What am I wearing?

A friend sent me this necklace this past summer, knowing I was planning a puzzle themed decor and also the significance of the puzzle piece in terms of my job as a Special Education teacher. Isn't it cute? Even if it turned my neck green... :)

What am I doing this weekend?

Friday is a half day of classes, followed by Parent Teacher Conferences, followed by our school's Harvest Fest. Once my conferences are over, I'll work in my classroom a bit and then I'll probably head out to make an appearance at my school's Harvest Fest and grab some dinner there. I'll then come back and work in my classroom a while. My goal is to finish everything up on Friday, so I can enjoy a school work-free weekend since I have a lot to do at home on Saturday.

Then, on Saturday, a friend is coming over for breakfast and we're going through Christmas decorations I've stored for her to separate out what's hers and what's mine. Then I'll go out and watch our elementary kids play basketball. And after that, I'll go back home and start working on support raising preparations...

On Sunday, I'll go to church. Then I'll head home and make lunch, catch up on reading and maybe even get in a nap. Then I'll do some meal prep for the week ahead.

What am I looking forward to next month?

Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving meal with my fellow AG-ers!
Turkey Bowl (American football) at my school
3 1/2 days off from school!
Catching up on sleep on those 3 1/2 days :)

What else is new?

In our staff devotions one day last week, a co-worker spoke about hanging our burdens, worries, etc. to the cross. It may have taken me almost 24 hours to get to the point of it, but God totally helped me with this. Y'all, peace is a beautiful, beautiful thing.

And then, each month there is a special question. 

This month's question is...

What's your favorite Thanksgiving side dish?

I'd have to say that it is a tie between Potato Salad and Green Bean casserole. Both are equally YUM! :)

So what are YOU up to this month?

Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites

Today I'm joining Erika, Andrea, and Narci and for their weekly Friday Favorites fun.

Want to know what made my list of favorites this week?

A lot of things.

But one sticks out in particular.

The only favorite I'm sharing today is a dream I had 2 nights ago. 

I dreamed my parents, brother, and I were all sitting around talking. We were talking about my upcoming wedding. We were all so happy together. It was like old times...

 Pretty soon it was time to go. My brother went to go get ready with all the other groomsmen. And my mom came with me to help me with my wedding dress. 

The whole time I kept wondering why my dad just disappeared. So I finally asked my mom where my dad went. And she answered, saying He's always in our hearts.

And I smiled, knowing how true that is.

I know that it's true that I will never get to experience the joy of having my dad walk me down the aisle. I'll never get to experience the joy and pride of having my dad be the preacher at my wedding. These are what I always planned/dreamed as a little girl.

I'll never get to have those things.

And yes, when I attend a wedding and see the bride's father walking her down that aisle, it does make me a little bit sad, missing my dad.

But, you know...

I woke up the morning after this dream with a smile on my face and with the most amazing sense of peace in my heart. It was almost a sense of feeling refreshed. 

Losing my dad was, by far, the most difficult/painful thing I've ever experienced.

And missing him being there for important events in the future has always been something that weighed heavily on my heart. Whether it be me getting married or having children, or even just living life... It was hard knowing my dad wouldn't be around for those important milestones in my future. So very painfully hard...

But I'm telling you...

When I woke up after this dream, it was honestly the first time since he died (exactly 2 1/2 years ago yesterday), that I had truly incredible peace about what, or rather who, is missing from my future. I felt such an amazing sense of peace over my dad being in my heart, even if he wouldn't be by my side in all the minor and the major milestones in life.

It's peace in the midst of pain.

Peace. 

Peace is a beautiful thing.

Wednesday's Letters

Happy Wednesday Y'all! 

Today I'm writing a few "letters" to some of the stuff in my life at the moment.

Dear Adorable, You're how I'd describe these memory producing pictures that popped up through "On this Day" on Facebook earlier this week. Simply, adorable... 

Dear Broccoli Cheese Soup, I made you last week and was very happy with how you turned out. I used THIS recipe, but tweaked it a bit based on ingredients I had here. I used skim milk instead of whole milk. I didn't use carrots because that seemed weird. And I added garlic powder and a splash or two of worcestershire, which wasn't in the original recipe. I think both of those added to the flavor. And even after serving it to my 3 guests, I still had leftovers, so into the freezer it went for another dinner for me later on. 

Dear Senegalese Appreciation Week, You're what my school celebrated last week. It was week full of tasty food, friends, dressing up, fun events, and lots of red yellow and green. My crew loved it!

Dear Working a Lot, You're what I'm doing these days. I usually leave my house around 6:30 am. And I rarely leave work before 5:30 at night. Last night, I helped with an after school club 'til 4:30. Then I did work in between that and a meeting I had in the evening. So I didn't leave 'til a little after 7. I don't have a free period during the day. So I have to do all of my prep work either before or after school. Plus, I'm always working ahead, creating curriculum/materials from scratch, always planning for the future of this class, whether it be this school year or in the years to come. 

Dear Fun Painting Activity, You're what my crew did as part of our Science project last week.  I loved it because 1) it wasn't messy like paint usually is and 2) my kids loved it so much. A former co-worker shared this activity on Facebook a while back, since she'd done it with her students and I thought it'd be fun for my crew. 

Dear Hot and Humid, You seem to be a common description of how it feels right now in Dakar. Some people jokingly call October   Hot-tober. And it's such a fitting name. October is the hottest month in Dakar, and sometimes feels almost unbearable. It's so hot!

Dear Laugh, You're what I did after seeing the meme below shared on Facebook the other day. 

Dear Smoothies, You're my favorite on-the-go breakfast. Thanks for being quick and easy to make, and for being fairly inexpensive too. It's easy to be creative when making you too. There are so many options!

Dear Teranga, You were the theme word for a blog post I wrote the other day. If anyone missed it and would like to read it, click HERE.

Dear This Crew, Who are the main ones who make my life so very enjoyable? Who makes me thank the Lord daily for the privilege and honor of working with them? Who are smart and funny and an incredible group of students? Yep, that's right. It's this crew pictured below.

Dear University Who Shall Remain Nameless, While I do read your multiple emails each week telling me all your school hast to offer me in potentially furthering my education, until you 1) give me a scholarship or 2) find a way to make your tuition MUCH MUCH cheaper, I just cannot do it. I would love to. I really, honestly would. But, you are much to expensive for me. So, I kind of wish you wouldn't email me 2 or 3 times every single week. Just saying...

And lastly...

Dear God, Thanks for having someone share exactly what I need to hear exactly when I need to hear it. Now, please help my stubborn heart and mind actually do what I know I need to do. There are some major things that have been playing with my heart and mind, especially at night when I need to be sleeping. And I'll pray about them. I'll say I'm turning them over to you. But it's hard. So hard... At any rate, ironically, I woke up at 3 a.m. today with this very topic on my mind. Then one of my co-workers led our staff devotions on it this morning before school. Wow, talk about God's timing! :)

Today I'm joining Kristin over at Taz and Belly for her monthly Little Letter link-up.