What's Up September

Happy Wednesday Thursday Y'all!

Today, I'm joining Shay, and Sheaffer for their What's Up Wednesday link-up. Only yesterday was a long, full day with work followed by an MRI appointment that took a few hours, followed by dinner with a friend, and then sitting in traffic for a while before finally making it home :)

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

The questions are...

 

What am I eating?

I’ve gotten back into the habit of meal prepping on the weekend. I make enough food to last me for lunches and dinners during the week. Because let’s face it... 9 times out of 10, I have zero desire to cook by the time I get home from work. Plus I’m saving money by not ordering lunch every day. So it’s a win win.

   

What am I reminiscing about?

All sorts of fun memories in our classroom over the years... I love that our kids know that while they're definitely going to be learning in our room, they're also going to be able to be silly and laugh. I love that we have fun in here. I love that we encourage our people to be themselves and to make school a fun place.

 What am I loving?

I'm loving that, even in the midst of the seemingly never-ending COVID pandemic, we are able to have in-person learning happening at our school. I'm loving that I'm not having to teach virtually. I'm loving that I'm not having to deal with Zoom calls and a zillion Google Hangouts video chats every day. I'm loving that I'm not having to video myself teaching my lessons. I'm loving that I'm not having to print ridiculously lengthy take-home packets for my students. I'm loving that, even though it might happen one day (although, let's all hope/pray it doesn't)... I'm loving that for the time being, we are 100% in-person at school. And that is a wonderful feeling!

What have I been up to?

I've been spending more time in the evenings, reading "for fun." It's a great way to relax my brain. My goal has been to ignore screens/internet as much as possible in the evenings (other than required for grad school work, of course. And while I am reading off of my iPad, it doesn't feel like it... It's nice to just unwind a bit while relaxing on the couch. 

What am I dreading? 

The knowledge that we have now entered the hottest and most humid time of the year in Senegal. So while all of you in the US are enjoying the coolness of Fall, I'll be over here sweating and trying not to die from a heat stroke. Ha! ;)

What am I working on?

Grad school is kicking my tail... This class is no joke. I'm spending most evenings working on it a bit. That way I don't fall behind. I love what I'm learning from the class. It's all definitely beneficial (and interesting too). But, the assignments are hard. So very hard!

 What am I excited about?

I'm planning a little "staycation" for myself during a long weekend from school that's coming up. I'm looking forward to "unplugging," and spending my weekend catching up on sleep and reading "for fun." I'm also planning to take that time to spend a little extra time in prayer and studying God's Word. It'll be like my own little personal "retreat" of sorts. So, yes, I'm definitely excited about it :)

What am I watching?

I haven't watched anything new lately. I'll play random TV shows, just for background noise, while I'm cooking or washing dishes or something. But that's about it. Is there anything new out that I should check out? Give me some ideas...

What am I reading?

Yesterday, I started my 32nd book of the year. I'm also reading through the book of Isaiah during my personal devotions/Bible Studying time. 

What am I listening to?

I've been on an instrumental hymns kick lately. I've started playing them for background noise, so to speak, while doing lesson planning/prep after school and on the weekends. And I've also started playing them when I'm doing my own personal devotions too. 

What am I wearing?

I wore my Montevallo cap one day this past weekend, when I came over to do some lesson planning. Then I noticed on my Facebook memory feed, that it was around this time 15 years ago, while a student at Montevallo, that I decided to change my major so I could also be certified to teach Special Education. It was interesting, to me, how those memories flooded my mind/heart. I remember knowing it was something I've always wanted to do anyway... I love that God called me to do something that was already something I was so passionate about. And when I wear my Montevallo hat, I can't help but smile and be thankful for my time there, knowing what a huge impact it has had on my life as a teacher.

 What am I doing this weekend?

Nothing terribly exciting... I had an MRI done on my ankle yesterday. And I’ll be able to pick up the results from that on Friday. Then if the doctor is available, maybe I’ll see him this weekend. Otherwise, I have nothing planned. So we’ll see what fun I get into :)

What am I looking forward to next month?

We have a day off school at the end of next week, which is in October. And I must say, my tired brain is pretty stoked about that. Past that, I'm looking forward to some fun lessons and activities I have planned with my various classes. And I'm looking forward to us finally having a normal week (the week after next). Between multiple students arriving late, multiple changes in schedules, various events at school, testing, IEP meetings, and all sorts of other randomness, we haven't had a truly "normal" 5-day week. So I really am most looking forward to that. :)

What else is new?

I'm still loving my shorter hair. It's so much lighter and cooler, which has been absolutely wonderful in the ridiculously hot/humid Hot Season we're in the midst of here in Senegal. 

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

What about you?

What are YOU up to this month?

Storms

Want to know what's on my mind today?

Storms

I can handle rain. In fact, I, ironically, like a little rain from time to time. But once the thunder and lightning comes, I feel my heart starting to race and I can tell fear is settling in. And it doesn’t leave until the storm is over. 

I’ve lived through many hurricanes and tornadoes. Growing up in Alabama (and a few years in Louisiana), we were almost always right in the path of the majority of hurricanes that hit the US. So whether it was just the thunderstorms or heavy rain from the outer edges of the storms... Or if it was way worse, hiding in a hallway, praying we didn't get blown away as a result... Or wondering how we'd get out of our house as the waters rose....

I’ve seen the destruction these storms can bring. I’ve seen houses and schools and businesses destroyed. I’ve seen vehicles smashed to smithereens. I know people who have been badly hurt and people who have lost loved ones in these storms. I’ve seen major flooding. And I’ve even seen the aftermath of a parts of an entire city which was destroyed by tornadoes.

It was (is) just so scary for me.

So what's the point of me sharing this?

The point is that any time I've ever been in the middle of one of those super scary storms, all I could feel was the fear. I let the fear grip my heart. Sure, I'd pray that God would keep us safe. But it was more of a begging sort of prayer... 

But, each time, once the storm was actually over, and my heart had stopped racing long enough to allow me to finally breathe again, I would fully recognize that God had helped us through it. I knew He'd done it. 

So then why did I still fear it?

Why didn't I just fully trust in God, the One who could wipe away my fear?

Good question.

We face all sorts of storms in life. Sickness, death of loved ones, financial loss, relationship struggles, job troubles, etc., etc., etc. And in the midst of those "storms" in life, how do we respond? Do we respond by cowering in the corner, hearts gripped with fear, covering our head, waiting for the storm to pass? Or do we loosen the grip just a little and hand over the fear and that "storm" to God?

Storms are inevitable.

They will come.

But it's how we respond to them that matters.

God never promised us a problem-free life. He did, however, promise us the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will strengthen us and help us through the problem-filled / storms of life. The Holy Spirit can fill our hearts with a precious peace that can only come from above - even in the midst of the storms of life.

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Happy Tuesday, Y'all

Today, I'm joining Ashley and Erika for their monthly Tuesday Talk link-up, where bloggers come together and talk about whatever is on our mind at the moment. 

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 In case you missed the past few months' of Tuesday Talk posts, and you're curious, you can click on the link below to check it out.

January - Confidence

February - When God Gives A Girl A Brother

March - I Spy

April - Technology and Gratitude

 May - The 2019-2020 School Year

June - Forced Rest is Still Rest

July - * no post * 

August - Talking about Teaching

Happy Friday

 Happy Friday, Y'all

Want to know what topped my lists of favorites this week?

This smiley faced picture...

My schedule was changed twice this week.

And it will most likely get changed again (possibly more than once) next week.

I jokingly said to a friend that it's good I like puzzles because oh my word, Y'all... There's just so many different moving parts to coordinate. And you know what? We're doing it. As a matter of fact, we're doing it very well. And we're loving it.

And when I go home completely exhausted, ready to prop my feet up, and nap the afternoon away, I can honestly say... I am so very thankful for this incredible group of humans I get to work with. What joy they bring to my life!

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Today, I'm joining Erika and Andrea, for their weekly Friday Favorites linkup and sharing my favorites from this past week.

Currently

Happy Sunday, Y'all

Today I'm joining Anne from In Residence for her monthly link-up, where we share what's currently going on in our lives. And each month, Anne gives us a list of prompts to use to guide our posts. 

September's prompts are...

  * appreciating *  anticipating * collecting * starting * finishing *

I'm currently choosing to not focus on the scariness of the unknowns. Instead, I'm focusing on what I can/do have control over - myself. In fact, I wrote about this a couple weeks ago. If you missed that post, you can read it HERE.

I'm currently anticipating a full week with my normal teaching schedule, 3 IEP meetings, a couple other teacher meetings, and whatever else pops up during the week.

I'm currently collecting random COVID-related memes. After all... Why not laugh through the craziness? :)

 

I'm currently starting my newest class. Or rather, I started it a couple weeks ago. It’s on Transition (helping students with special needs with plans for life after high school). This age has always intrigued me. We rarely hear about young adults with special needs and all that goes into life for them once school is no longer an option...

I'm currently finishing up my 28th book of the year. I’ve read more this year than ever before. I love it!

 And since it's my blog and I can, I thought I'd share a couple more :)

I'm currently enjoying making a few decor upgrades in my apartment. I bought a new shower curtain and bath mat last week. I replaced a few things in my kitchen, as well. And I'm thinking I'll do a little bit at a time each month when I get paid.

I’m currently wondering how long COVID-19 and masks and all of that will be around...

I’m currently studying the book of Job. I’ve always been so inspired by Job. He had everything possible happen to him. He lost so very much and suffered so much. Yet, he still put his trust and faith in God. We can learn so much from Job.

  So what about you?

What are your currently up to?

What’s Up August

Happy Saturday Y'all!

Today, I'm joining Shay, and Sheaffer for their What's Up Wednesday link-up. Only this week has been a bit crazy with work. So I’m finally getting around to posting today...

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

The questions are...

 

What am I eating?

I went out with a couple friends to a Thai restaurant a few nights ago. I hadn’t been in a while. But it was just as delicious as I remember. I love that we have so many tasty, inexpensive options for restaurants in Dakar! 

   

What am I reminiscing about?

This summer... It started off with me feeling utterly frustrated, due to a weird/freak injury on my last work day before Break - which also left me confined to my apartment for an entire month. That was most definitely NOT the way I saw myself spending my summer. And I had to work hard to fight off the pity party that wanted to take up residence in my mind/heart. BUT it worked out, as a blessing in disguise, so to speak. It gave me some "forced rest" time, which I desperately needed after a challenging school year, which included teaching online thanks to COVID restrictions in our country. Then, by July, I became more mobile. And even though I wasn't completely healed, I was able to get out more and have some fun with friends. I took another class, which ended last week. I read more than ever before. And now, here we are at the end of Summer Break. And I can honestly say that it's been a good Break. It truly has.

 What am I loving?

I'm loving the set-up of our classroom this year. It took a lot of time and hard work to get it done. Oh my word, did we have a lot of stuff. We already had a lot of stuff, due to needing it to teach kids from K-12. But then, since I'm the only Special Ed Teacher this year, we had to merge two classroom's worth of materials into one, as well. So yeah... A lot of stuff. But y'all... It looks so great! I'm so happy with my little home away from home.

What have I been up to?

Teachers started back to work this week. So I've been sitting in meetings the last two days, prepping for the new school year. I also had to lead a session on working with students with special needs. Thankfully, we set up our classroom before all these meetings started. So all that was left to do during classroom work time this week and next week will be lesson prep. And that's good, considering just how much lesson prep I'll need to do :)

What am I dreading? 

I‘m still semi-dreading all the unknowns in dealing with COVID-19...

What am I working on?

Planning for the new year, which includes stocking up on hand sanitizer and masks and all sorts of other things I never thought I’d have to buy. Not to mention, planning IEP meetings and planning all the lessons I’ll be teaching the first two days of school...

 What am I excited about?

Seeing my students walk through this door again :)

What am I watching?

Nothing... I need suggestions for something new to watch. Anyone have a recommendation for me?

What am I reading?

At the moment, I’m reading Kristin Harmel’s “The Book of Lost Names.” I’m only a little bit in, but I’m definitely liking it so far.

What am I listening to?

This one has been on repeat lately. Then we sang it in staff devotions the other day today. 

What am I wearing?

I'm still wearing an ankle brace and comfy shoes, as the cute shoes still cause my ankle to hurt too badly. I didn't think I'd miss wearing my dress shoes as much as I do. But alas, I do. Oh and flip flops, too... Major sad face on my inability to wear those :(

 What am I doing this weekend?

Spending time with friends, grad school assignments, IEP preps, and maybe even some relaxation as well :)

What am I looking forward to next month?

Students start back to school!

What else is new?

My latest class started this week. It’s all about Transition and preparing students with special needs for life after school. ...which makes me a bit sad, knowing one of my guys is graduating this year. Boo to kids leaving :(

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

What about you?

What are YOU up to this month?

Tuesday Talk

Happy Tuesday, Y'all

Today, I'm joining Ashley and Erika for their monthly Tuesday Talk link-up, where bloggers come together and talk about whatever is on our mind at the moment. 

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Want to know what's on my mind today?

Teaching

Yep, teaching.

Somehow time has sped by because I am about to start my 12th year of teaching. I love being a teacher. It's my passion. I joke that it's in my blood. But sometimes, I think that might just be true. I absolutely positively love teaching children. It fills my heart with joy. And I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that it is what God has called me to do.

But even with all of that, I need to let you in on a little secret.

Teaching is not easy.

Teaching Special Education is not easy.

Teaching Special Education overseas is not easy.

It's hard, y'all.

And then, throw in a global pandemic and "not easy" becomes quite the understatement. 

Our school will be starting in-person, with certain COVID-precautions in place. 

I’m looking forward to starting a new year, to seeing my students again, and even to getting back into a routine again. But I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t at least a small bit of nervousness. There are so many unknowns associated with teaching in the midst of a pandemic.

If I let my brain wander too much, I start worrying about the unknowns...

* the health of my students

* the health of my co-workers and myself

* the necessary precautions making teaching a bit tricky

* wearing a mask all day long during the school day

* "policing" students, knowing they'll need to be wearing their masks most of the day

* the number of COVID cases/deaths steadily rising in Senegal

* travel restrictions from the mission

* the possibility (although unlikely) of returning to online learning at some point

* all the unknowns associated with COVID-19

And those are just the COVID-related concerns I deal with as a teacher here. That doesn't count the concerns I have for my family and friends back home. That doesn't count all the normal teaching stressors/worries that I usually have. 

BUT HERE'S THE DEAL...

And yes, imagine I actually did yell that because I'm trying to be emphatic ;)

I cannot let my brain go to those wonderings. 

I simply can't.

So when I find myself veering that way, I stop.

I focus on the good. 

I focus on how I've seen God working in the midst of the insanity lately. 

I focus on God's Word and the promises/Truth inside.

I focus on God, Himself.

I have learned to rely on Him to help me through the times of worry.

I have learned to trust Him in the midst of the unknowns.

And you know... At the end of the day, the unknowns are still going to be there. The scary times are still going to come. Changes to life and ministry and teaching and travel and everything else are still going to happen. And difficult situations will still arise.

And while they may, indeed, be difficult, there's nothing I can do about them.

But what I can do is control myself. 

I can control how I think.

I can control how I act.

I can control how I respond.

And that is actually a powerful thing.

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 In case you missed the past few months' of Tuesday Talk posts, and you're curious, you can click on the link below to check it out.

January - Confidence

February - When God Gives A Girl A Brother

March - I Spy

April - Technology and Gratitude

 May - The 2019-2020 School Year

June - Forced Rest is Still Rest

July - * no post * 

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday, Y'all

It’s been a while since I shared a Friday Favorites post. So I thought I’d do that again.

Also - Can we just note how I’ve blogged very little this summer? However, this is my third post in this week, alone. I guess I’m back.

Anywho, time to get on with the favorites from this week :)

~ one ~

God, speaking to my heart will always be a favorite. I love how He uses His Word, old sermon notes, yearly Bible reading plans, sweet messages from friends, songs, and more, to reach me. I love how He knows exactly what I need to hear exactly when I need to hear it. 

~ two ~ 

Video chats with my nieces are always a favorite. I had a nice long chat with them and my mom yesterday. And that definitely filled my cup :)

~ three ~ 

My birthday has always been a favorite even if turning 35 wasn’t necessarily high on my list of favorites. I had a nice day with friends, m laughing and talking, eating good food, and just having an all around nice time. 

~ four ~

Reading is one of my most favorite past times. And I’ve enjoyed getting my fill of it this summer. I just started Book #25 of the year. I’ve read all sorts of books, mostly serious ones that required a lot of deep thinking. So I decided to give my brain a bit of a break :)

~ five ~

A friend shared this on Facebook this morning and I loved it. This is one of my most favorite aspects of God and of being a believer in Him. I love that I have the hope (confidence) that He will keep His promises to us. 

~ six ~ 

I can’t say I love wearing masks, in general. But these “hospital masks” have quickly become my favorite mask option. They’re more lightweight and I feel like I can breathe a little easier. Plus they don’t muffle voices as badly as the cloth ones. So I think they’ll be easier to deal with in the classroom.

~ seven ~

Sitting around, waiting for meetings is not my most favorite part of my job. But alas, meeting, are indeed a necessity. But meetings planning for the scheduling for my people is a favorite because the planner in me is super excited to finally be able to start prepping for the new year!

~ eight ~

I love that God has gifted me with friendships, over the years, people who take the time to invest in your life, help you celebrate the good times, and people who commiserate with you in the bad times. I’m thankful for people in the same stage of life as me, who understand the feelings I have. I’m thankful for those who speak life into me, who share funny videos, and book recommendations, and journal articles. I’m thankful for friends who have cooked meals and ran errands for me this summer when I was hurt and couldn’t do much for myself. I’m thankful for meals out and random excursions to various parts of Senegal. I’m thankful for those with whom I’ve had long talks about current “hot topics” in our world or theological matters or plans and daydreams about the future and all sorts of topics in between. I’m thankful for all of the people who have made me smile this summer. And while I don’t have a picture with them all, I am thankful for each of them. And yes, they do each make the list of favorites :)

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 Today, I'm joining Erika and Andrea, for their weekly Friday Favorites linkup and sharing about....