In March 2014 I took a happiness self-assessment. After answering each question as honestly as I could my score was a big fat 'F'! I wore a pretty happy mask at work and amongst my church family; but honestly the monotony of my DC suburban life was weighing on my heart. Newly earned Master's degree, debt surrounding me, and a cost of living too high for my seemingly nice salary, I was drowning in a whirlpool of "what do I do next" and "how does this life become more meaningful."
The article that followed the happiness self-assessment equated our happiness as women with our goals and dreams where the author posed a question, "what dreams have you abandoned?" I immediately thought of the endless internet searches and material gathering during senior year with Justin (my male bff). I wanted to travel the world! I wanted to teach in different countries and gain once in a lifetime experiences abroad! So...what happened?? I recalled when J asked me that exact question 2 years prior in NYC as we waited for friends to join us. My answer...I wanted to get married. Yep, I had abandoned one dream for another. So I sat to ponder...two eventful yet failed relationships later, although both taught me about me myself as well as the opposite sex...what was my excuse? At this junction was there anyone or anything standing between me and a dream deferred?
So, the journey began with applications, interviews, and masses of paperwork. Then on August 19, I received a long awaited email that would change my life forever! An email with my one-way ticket to Abu Dhabi.
The experiences here are still new and unfolding. I've ridden a camel! I've held a falcon on my shoulder then on my head! I've taken a few dips in the Persian Gulf, had conversations with people from places I've never heard of, and tried a variety delicious foods for the first time! And its only just begun! Now I won't make it sound like its been all good. This transition has been rough on me because I'm a creature of habit and consistency. Between the dysfunctions of work and adjusting to so much newness; I've seriously considered up and moving back home on more than one occasion! Often times I still stand in awe at the fact that I sold most of my possessions and packed the rest into 4 suitcases to move halfway around the world. On a daily basis I miss home, my family, my friends, my church, hearing English that I understand lol!
I do not know what awaits as this journey progresses. All I am sure of is that God opened a door at just the right time...and I walked through.
Thank you for partaking in this dose of 'A Journey Along the Journey'! I hope that you continue along the ride, until we meet again...be blessed!
Dubai mall with Shelley.
The craziest ride ever, flying and bouncing over sand dunes.
At the desert safari...
...and the falcon man insisted the falcon stand on my head.
Camel ride!
Up he goes! He was a stubborn camel!
On the water taxi in Dubai.
Beach mornings at the Fairmont on the Palm.
Not the best view, but its white sand and clear water so I won't complain :)
Poolside!
At the Gold Souk in Dubai.
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