Is it True?

The last few weeks have been very full. With the end of the semester rapidly approaching and two major holidays, I feel like I've been going non-stop. However, in the midst of all the craziness, there is some fun.

First thing, the day before Thanksgiving, I looked out my classroom window and saw this:

Mowing may not seem like an odd thing to you, but if you take a close look, you may notice that the area he is mowing is lacking something, like green grass. While there was still a little bit of grass there, it was mainly sand. Talk about an unpleasant job. I am so thankful for our maintenance men!

Second thing, Thanksgiving, while cooking dinner with some friends, I go into another room to check on something. When I come back, I see a little child reaching for something on the stove. Not wanting the child to be injured, I ran to stop him from pulling the pot of boiling water on his head. In the process, though, some of the water splashed on my foot, and I had a pretty bad burn. But, it's all worth it because the child was okay. (I totally made this story up.)

The truth is....in draining some potatoes to make mashed potatoes, one of the potatoes missed the strainer and fell on my toe, causing a pretty bad burn. Burning your toe saving a child or burning your toe by dropping a hot potato on it? Now I ask you, which story would you tell?

My Apartment

Well, this has been a long time in coming, but I know that many people are curious about where I live. I do not live out in the bush. I live in the city. I don't live in a hut. I live in a nice apartment building. So, here are some photos of the apartment I share with another teacher.

Enjoy your tour!

This is the entry hallway of our apartment. To the left is the kitchen. Straight ahead is the dining/living room.

We take our shoes off as we enter and leave them by the door. This keeps from tracking in lots of sand. Honestly though, it gets in anyway.

This is one side of the kitchen. Sorry the dishwasher isn't in the picture, but I was taking the picture. Also, the 2 buckets you see at the end of the cabinets are the water filter.

The stove, refrigerator, and microwave. I'm very thankful for all three. We cook on a gas stove, which was a little scary at first to light. Thankfully, we now have lighter. I am also thankful for a refrigerator to keep food cold and a microwave (unless the power is off) to warm it up again.

This is our dining table and chairs. Not the most comfortable or sturdy chairs, but they work for us.



And when dinner is finished, we can turn around, and we are in the living room. We hang out here a lot and do some work, too. There is a ceiling fan right above the coffee table so it's a comfortable place to be, especially on the cool tile floor.

This hallway comes off of the entry hallway and leads to our 2 bedrooms and the bathroom. The bedroom straight ahead belongs to my roommate. The door on the right is my bedroom and the door on the left is the bathroom.

This is what you see when you enter my bedroom (when it's clean). I have a bedspread but haven't put it on my bed, yet. It's still a little warm for that.

This is a different view of my room. I am very thankful for my own space. Last year, I was so blown away by all that the school provides for their staff's housing. They do an excellent job.


And last, but certainly not least, the bathroom. I am so thankful for a toilet and a shower.

The people in charge of housing at the school do an excellent job. They really try to make the apartments feel like home for us. It was such a huge blessing to get here last year and see all that God provided.

Carpentry 101

Our school went on a staff retreat several weeks ago to a nice hotel and just hung out for the weekend. It was great to get to spend some time with people away from school. You can learn so many things about other people and yourself.

Before I explain my discoveries, let me set up the situation. I was working calmly on a puzzle with other people in the lobby area of the hotel. We were using two small tables because one table wasn't big enough. There also weren't enough seats, so I used another table to sit on. This table just had a post in the middle (not 4 legs) so it was a little wobbly. I have pretty good balance, though.

Situation set up, let's move along to the story. As I was doing my part in fitting pieces together, I began to fall backwards. There wasn't much I could do to catch myself, so I just went with it (something I learned from my granddad). My fellow puzzle workers thought it was extremely funny because I remained so calm.

This is not, however, the end of the story. After I got up, I realized that the table top had come off of its stand. Well, what do you do about that? There were two nails sticking out of the post, which should have held the table together (but didn't). So I got the bright idea to fix it. After all, how hard could that be?

Uh-oh, I broke the table. What do I do? I believe this photo accurately captures the moment of panic before the brainstorm.

So, I line up the nails with the holes in the top of the table and begin pounding on the top with my hands.

Let me pause for a second to say that none of my friends moved to help me with this task. They merely sat back, watched, and laughed. Some encouragement!

Anyway, the pounding with my hand wasn't working, so I had my next brilliant idea: sit on it. So, I sat on top of the table and tried to hammer the top back into the base. Idea #2 may have looked silly, but it worked. Finally, after all of this hard work, one of my friends decided to give me a hand (or a foot, rather), and used her shoe to give a few final whacks to make sure it was secure.

The human hammer puts the table back together.

So, I may have a future in table repairs, especially if the world runs out of hammers. I think I'll keep carpentry on the back burner just in case this teaching thing doesn't work out.

The table back in one piece. Triumph! This could be the front of my future business brochure. What do you think?

Spreading the Good News

Today I went to visit my Senegalese family, and I took some candy to share. I actually brought some Dum-Dums back from the states to give them right after I got back but decided to wait until after Ramadan to bring out the goodies.

So, after lunch, I started handing them out. There was one little boy in the room, so I gave him one first. Then I gave one to each of the adults in the room. I made sure that I saved some for the kids in the other room and thought I'd give them some later when they came out after napping.

Well, the little boy I gave the first sucker to went and grabbed one of the kids out of the other room and brought him to me so that he could get one, too. He went back again and grabbed another boy and brought him in. Then he went and got the little girl and brought her to me.

After all of the kids in the family had one, all of the kids left and went outside. I was beginning to see a pattern. That first little boy I gave a sucker to was going to bring every one of his friends to me to make sure they got a sucker, too. I could also see a problem in that I didn't have enough suckers for the whole neighborhood. Sure enough, he brought several of his friends back to the house. Now, none of them was brave enough to come all the way in to ask for a sucker, and I didn't extend the invitation because I knew I didn't have enough.

Here's what I saw. That first little boy received something that was really good, a sucker. He wasn't just happy to have his own sucker, though. He wanted all of his friends to have a sucker, too. So, he went out and brought them one at a time to me so that they could enjoy it with him.

I think this is how the spreading of the gospel takes place. And, I pray that it begins to happen here in Senegal. It just takes one person receiving the good news, seeing the gift they've been given, and going and sharing it with someone else. Fortunately, we can bring all of our friends to God and never have to worry about Him running out.
As followers of Jesus, we've been given such a great gift. I pray that I don't just sit and enjoy it by myself. The joy of salvation can be multiplied by sharing it with those around me.

This is a great life lesson from a little boy. No wonder Jesus said, "The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Lord, make me like this child, running to bring my friends to You.

This is the boy who wanted to share with all of his friends. May he one day bring them to Jesus for something even better than a sucker.

Shaping Lives, Shining Lights

This year Dakar Academy is celebrating their 50th Anniversary. The theme for the year is "Shaping Lives, Shining Lights." It's an exciting theme when you think about what it really means.

The school's director has encouraged us with Acts 13:47, "For this is what the Lord has commanded us, 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.' " That is an awesome task, and I'm glad to be a part of it. But really, the call is for all believers everywhere.

I really think the theme is cyclical. Jesus comes in and shapes us. In the process, we begin to shine His light around us. That, in turn, enables us, by the grace of God, to help shape the lives of those around us. Keep the cycle going!

Because I'm a teacher, my year really seems to begin with the start of school. So, with the start of the new year, determine to shine for Jesus wherever you are at and see what God will do through you.

God has been teaching me to pray with expectancy. As I ask Him to shine in and through me, I expect things to happen. I know that He has big plans in store, and I just keep asking to be a part of it. The beauty is that I already know it's what I've been called to. Check out Acts 13:47 again. It's your calling, too! Join me in proclaiming the Good News wherever God has placed you!

Just Hanging Out

Pop has grown so much since I first came in August. It's been fun to watch him grow and change. He'll be walking in no time.

The past couple of weeks I've gotten to visit my Senegalese family with friends. It's been great to introduce some of my friends from school to my family and to Senegalese culture. I love watching people enjoy being here. Even with the language barrier, we can all laugh and have a good time.

Sharing a bowl of rice and fish, my favorite Senegalese meal. It is so good even though it looks really messy. Just looking at the picture I can almost taste those spices. I was so happy I got to share this with my friends.

Khadi, this is for you. Papa is so much bigger but not too big for "sac of ceeb." Wish you could see them.

Last week, one of my teammates from two summers ago was in Dakar. She and her husband were flying through on their way to their mission field in another part of West Africa. It was great to catch up with her and hear about what God has done in her life since that summer.

She was also a huge encouragement to me while she was here. It was good to reminisce about things that happened during the summer. Sometimes being here is hard, and I forget that there are other people praying for me and my Senegalese family. The going is slow in sharing with them, but she reminded me that we have hope in Someone greater and that the story I have to share is worth the time and effort. She got me excited again. It was great to have her here even though it was only for a few days.

Spring Break Surprises

In many ways I still feel like a college student. And, I really didn't know what to do with myself over Spring Break. I felt like I should be going to visit my parents, but I knew that wasn't going to happen. What do you do with two weeks? Fortunately, I did find a few things to do, and I got a few surprises along the way.

I got my biggest surprise my first weekend of Spring Break. When I showed up at my Senegalese family's house on Saturday, there were tons of ladies sitting around and cooking. I knew I had walked into some type of celebration or mourning. Everyone looked happy, so I assumed the first. When I finally asked, I found out that one of my friends was getting married that day. Surprise!

They just kept saying, "No one called you?" After I knew what was going on, I left. I was not dressed for a wedding and felt very out of place. Before you think me rude and culturally insensitive, let me say that I did return. I told them I was going to change into my Senegalese clothes and that I would be back in time for lunch.

When I got back, I sat around with a group of women and listened to them talk and make comments about the "toubab" (that would be me) who had just shown up. I stayed until early evening but left before the bride returned from the salon. They know how to do some serious celebrating here.

The first part of my Spring Break I spent a lot of time with a family here in Dakar who have kind of taken me in, which I am very thankful for. They were getting ready to move across town, and I wanted to help in some way, though I didn't really do very much. I enjoyed having a place to go. It made it a little bit easier when I really just wanted a quick visit with my mom and dad.

During the middle of the two weeks, I got to go to a teaching conference in Germany. I enjoyed the conference and really appreciated the scenery. Senegal this time of year (and most other times of the year) is not very green. There is just not a lot growing here. Anyway, Germany was very green and rainy, two things that I haven't seen in awhile.

Look at that green grass, that beautiful yellow flower, and that heavy coat. Oh the differences between Europe and Africa!

On the way back to Senegal, we had a layover in Portugal. We went out exploring for a few hours and found a castle. The only problem was that it was on the top of a really tall hill. We had to climb up these stairs and then some.

I made it to the top (barely). Must have air. Are there really more stairs up ahead? Oh well, I didn't have to exercise later. This was definitely a good workout for the day. And thankfully, going down was easier than going up.

I just wanted to show what a good friend I was. While in the airport, my friend ordered some hot chocolate from Starbucks. It came with lots of whipped cream on top, which she doesn't like. I decided to make the sacrifice for her and eat the whipped cream. Life can really be a challenge at times.

All in all, it was a good break from school, and I enjoyed my time. I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't had some place to go. I am also very thankful for friends who made the time go more quickly. Maybe someday I'll feel like a "grown-up." Then again, I enjoy being a "kid." Feeling like a kid keeps me dependent on God. I know I can't handle things on my own. May I never forget that I am His child in this journey into adulthood.

Jesus Loves the Little Children

Well, my Senegalese family now has two babies. Pop is no longer the little one. In fact, he is getting to be quite a big boy. This last weekend when I was there, he started crawling. At first I didn't realize that this was his first time because I haven't seen him in awhile. But, the family was so excited and kept tossing keys in front of him to chase. I was glad I got to be a part of one of his firsts.


Here's Pop in the propper pre-crawl stance. What kind of safety devices do the Senegalese use to keep their children out of things when they get to this stage? Lots of aunts and uncles!

Here's the little man revving up his engine. Look out everyone, baby on the move!

Now, the new baby. One of the women in my family had a little girl a few weeks ago. It was so much fun to see the newborn. She is so light compared to Pop. Babies are so much fun!


Now for the close-up of the baby. Hopefully, I'll get this little one's name soon. I asked but couldn't really understand the answer. Maybe next week I'll get it.


Here is the mom with all of her younger children. Can you say, "One tired mama!"

What a WAIST!!

A week ago, I had the opportunity to play some softball with a group of missionaries in the area. Most of them had some connection to Dakar Academy, the school I teach at. It was a lot of fun, and I got to meet several people that I didn't really know before.

The name of the tournament we played in was WAIST (West African Invitational Softball Tournament). There were teams from all over West Africa. We were a last minute team named "The Leftovers." Even though we were just thrown together at the last minute, we did pretty well, winning second place in our league.

The tournament lasted three days, and it's a good thing. I don't think we could have lasted much longer. There was only one person on the team younger than me, and many of them were injured. By the end of the tournament we were putting in slightly injured people in for our more injured people. It's like everyone had to rate their pain. As I told someone, leftovers are only good for so many days before you have to throw them out.

Well, it was fun! (And good exercise.) Maybe we'll get to do it again next year.

This is the team of "leftovers." Second place isn't too shabby for a group last-minute players who haven't played in a few years. (I'm the one in tights.)

In the league we played in, you had to have 3 girls on the field at all times. It worked out well for me. I had fun playing with "the guys" although I must admit I was a little nervous about fielding some of the big boys hard hit grounders. Thankfully, I'm still in one piece.

Thank you Coach Hand for teaching me to bat. I actually got some good hits. (There were some bad ones, too.) Pop-ups right in front of home plate are good for my humility. Thank you God for your grace!

Look at all of that American candy! This was one of the best parts of the weekend. Reeces are my favorite, and they had plenty! It was great!



Girl with a hotdog and Doritos and American candy spending the day playing softball right next to the ocean. Really? What more could you ask for? Great weekend!

Christmas in January

As much as I love Christmas and being with family, that is not what it is all about. I was reminded of this continually during the Christmas season as I wrestled with whether or not I would share the Good News with my Senegalese family.

God gave me the idea through some missionary friends here. They had a Christmas party for their Senegalese friends, gave them presents, and presented the gospel. When my friend was telling me about what this, I really felt like God was saying this was the opportunity I'd been asking for. I could do the same thing with my Senegalese family. I was already planning on giving them gifts. Why not share with them the greatest gift I've been given? The greatest gift they will ever be offered?

I was still nervous about this because my language skills are lacking, especially in religious terminology. After trying to translate what I wanted to say on my own, I asked one of the missionaries here in Senegal to help me. It was a learning experience for me both in language and in asking for help.

As I worked to learn what I would share with my family, I really tried to think about the words. What did they mean? As I shared about God's heart hurting because of our broken relationship with God as a result of sin, my heart hurt. My heart hurts because I know the God who came down and mended that broken relationship, but they don't. What I feel is nothing compared with what God feels, though. He longs for them to come to know Him more than I ever could. It's comforting to know He's in control.

The day I went to share with my family, I was nervous. I knew this is what God wanted me to do, but how would they react? Would they ask questions or interrupt? Memorizing something for a speech is one thing. People don't generally interrupt those. But with this, they could interject at anytime.

Well, worry never pays, so I prayed about it. God is faithful! Normally the tv is going and kids are making all kinds of noise, but it was really a very quiet day. In fact, as I was getting ready to share the tv kept freezing up. It stayed that way the whole time I was talking. The baby didn't make any noise. And, the three women and the teenage girl in the room listened respectfully. Though I don't think they really grasp what I was telling them, they heard the good news. I keep praying that God will bring things back to their minds as they use their Christmas gifts. I believe this has also opened a door for me to share more Bible stories. Pray with me as God works here among my friends.

One of my roommates gave her this nickname. She said that everyone's got a relative who's a little nutty (except for me, of course!).

Pop was excited to get his baby powder and pictures. Okay, so maybe he really didn't care about any of that. He was happy, anyway!

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

Well, I never actually thought I'd see a white Christmas. And really, I still haven't, but a white Christmas Eve is about as close as you can get. I'm so glad we were at my Grandma's house when it snowed. It was great to see my cousins and nephew out there playing with Walmart bags on their hands for gloves. Oh the ingenuity! I'm thinking Mom had something to do with that.

Anyway, I loved getting to see my family over Christmas. We had a good time just hanging out and sharing about our lives. God has been good to provide me with such a loving family. We really do just enjoy being together. Merry Christmas!

Look at that snowman! It's a work of art, if I do say so myself! And, I do! Though it may look small and feeble, it made it an hour and a half car ride home without coming off. And, it was still there the next morning. That's craftsmanship!

This masterpiece is not my own. One of my cousins braved the snow to make this angel. I, on the other hand, was not even thinking about lying down on the cold, wet ground. Look how thick that snow is! In Texas! It was so beautiful!

Well, I haven't been this cold in a long time and probably won't be again for an even longer time. I'm okay with this. I like being warm. It's a very nice feeling. However, the snow falling on the ground outside made the cold weather worth it. This is a great Christmas memory!

Grandad's little helper! My nephew was helping my dad build a fire. He's just about the cutest little guy around. I'm so glad I got to see him even though saying goodbye was tough.