Giving Thanks in Abu Dhabi

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good...Psalm 107:1
I recently read a quote that says, "There is always, always something to be thankful for." And although I already knew this, I am learning more and more how to be thankful for EVERYTHING!

This is not the first Thanksgiving I've spent away from my family in Louisiana, but it is the first Thanksgiving I've spent in Abu Dhabi! Since it's not a holiday over here, this is the first time since I became a teacher that I had to work on Thanksgiving Day! Although I missed spending the day with family and friends, my day wasn't completely spent without my family! At around 2:30 a.m. Friday morning my time (which was about 4:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving in Louisiana), my sister Skyped me from my aunt's house and I was able to speak to and see my family!!! It was so good seeing their faces all at once! I held back the tears as each one of their faces came across the screen and I shouted hello to them. That really made my day and night! I THANK GOD for my family and for the love and support I have from them! I even got in on the annual family photo!

My family and me! That's me on the phone (on Skype)! Cheezzzzz!!!

My family also sent me a care package a couple weeks ago with some of my favorite things to eat, along with some things to help me celebrate Thanksgiving here in Abu Dhabi. I appreciate their Love from Louisiana! I THANK GOD for them! I LOVE MY FAMILY!

Love from Louisiana!

Since we had to work on Thursday, Shina and I decided to celebrate Thanksgiving on Friday. We invited some other ladies we met when we first came to the western region to come spend "Thanksgiving on the Island with Shina and Shirrelle". All of the ladies, except one, are from the U.S. too, so they were also away from family and friends for this holiday. This was also their first trip over to Delma Island, so they were excited to come see what life was like on the island for Shina and I. Our weekend included giving thanks, Thanksgiving dinner, Karaoke/dancing, a trip to the beach, roasting marshmallows, a sleepover and movie night! Of course my responsibilities mostly included the planning of activities, and not cooking! LOL! However, I did "make" a few things to help out. Most of you who know me probably already know what that consisted of. The usual!

I made a cake (with Betty Crocker's help), my famous pasta salad, and a fruit tray! 

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Not pictured is my cornbread and greenbean casserole. As you see, my items required very little cooking! Ain't nothing changed when it comes to me cooking! I still prefer not to. LOL! Shina cooked the turkey, and most of the side dishes. Some of the ladies also contributed some dishes. We had plenty of food and fun! I must say, Shina and I gave them an enjoyable weekend. As you know from my previous blogs, there is not a lot going on here on Delma Island. But from the feedback we received from these ladies, they really had a great time and are looking forward to coming back to visit us again! I guess you can say we were the "hostess with the mostess"!!! (as one of them stated on their facebook post). I didn't take many pictures. I guess I was too busy hosting that I forgot about taking all my pics as usual. But I did take a few and I got some from some of the ladies. I THANK GOD for giving me these ladies (especially my sister/friend, Shina) to be family away from family!

Shina and I, the twinning hostesses!

At the Beach

Me, kicking off the Karoake singing my favorite childhood song, 
Tonight is the Night by Betty Wright! LOL!
Don't judge me! LOL! My momma used to let me sing my heart out 
(along with that big pink 8 track tape she had) when I was young.
I guess she knew I didn't know what the words meant at the age of 7 or 8. 
Actually, I used to sing the wrong words anyway! Ha! 
Oh...and in the red cup is my favorite drink....Sprite!!! LOL

Getting our Cha-Cha on!

Having fun getting low! And yes, I'm still SAVED! LOL!

Elevator selfie before hitting the town! Or should I say hitting the island!

Marshmallows roasting on an open fire!

Grown folks sleepover! 
Girls just want to have fun!

Gifts from the hostesses! A little USA in the UAE!

Saying goodbye to our sisters before they board the ferry (in the background) going
back to the other side!

 Aside from my thanksgiving festivities, I also THANK GOD for showing me His love! On Wednesday (the day before Thanksgiving) God told me through my morning devotion, "As you go through this day, look for tiny treasures strategically placed along the way. I lovingly go before you and plant little pleasures to brighten your day. Look carefully for them....". As I went through my day, I hadn't almost forgotten about this message I read that morning. Then later that evening, I received a knock on my door. At first, I thought it was Shina. But after looking through my peep hole, I discovered it was one of my students, who live on the same floor. His mother is an Arab teacher at the school, so they live in teacher housing also. This was his first time ever knocking on my door. When I opened it, he handed me a warm plate with pieces of chocolate swirl cake on it that his mother sent to me! At first, I was overwhelmed that it was chocolate cake, my favorite! And later, I remembered the message God had given me in my morning devotion. This was one of the "little pleasures" He sent to brighten my day! WOW!!!!! As I remembered, my eyes filled with tears, and my heart was filled with His love! I'm overwhelmed when I think about how He loves me!!!! Oh, how He loves me! I THANK GOD for His love!!!!!

He sent me chocolate (from a Muslim)! He really loves me!!!!

I am His,

Faith Walker!

Here I Am...Being still....

Be still, and know that I am God... Psalm 46:10

As I continue on my journey in Abu Dhabi, I am once again learning to "be still". Reflecting on the past few months (almost 3 months) that I've been here, I've been busy trying to get adjusted and settled in. While my transition has had some challenges, my faith has been  unwavering; knowing that God is still in control. With each passing day, my eyes and ears are wide open listening and watching for Him to speak and show me His purpose and destiny for me. Recently, during a trip to Abu Dhabi, while listening to a message from a former pastor, I was reminded of the word God gave me before I came here..."Suddenly!" This is my season of suddenly! So although it may not seem like much is happening in my life right now, I just have to be still, trust God, and wait for my suddenly!


While I wait, I will continue to enjoy my journey in Abu Dhabi and on Dalma Island! Each day is a new opportunity for me to experience God and this place in a new way! During my recent visit to the city, I had a few "first" experiences!

I experienced going to the DMV in the UAE (although they call it something else) for the first time. It was a much easier process than I expected it to be. It didn't take long at all. Just an eye exam, a little paper work, a picture, and I was done! In and out in less than one hour.

Now I have a UAE drivers license!

After catching a little "change of weather" cold (The weather went from 104 degrees to 94 degrees. LOL!), I had my first hospital visit here. I didn't get a pic at the hospital, but here'a a pic of me on the way to the hospital.

 I know I don't look sick in the picture, but I was. LOL! I actually had to take off of school that day, so that I could take the 4 hour trip to the city to go to see a doctor. The experience was a good one. I got lots of meds (some I don't think I needed, but oh well) and got to enjoy being in the city for the weekend. I also got to go visit the church that I went to before. It's always good to be in fellowship with other believers. As I said before, they don't have churches on the island where I live, so it's a a rare occasion that I get to go visit a church. There was a visiting pastor there. He's a pastor of Arabs that have converted to Christianity. He shared a great message titled "Here I Am". The message I received from God through his message was... "your witness is a great opportunity for God to change this world." Here I am, Lord! Use me! As I said before, the service was filled with many different cultures! I can only imagine what it will be like when we all get to heaven!

Also, during my visit, I saw Tyler Perry....I meant Madea (LOL)...during my first movie in the UAE! The movie was "okay". We were just excited to see the movie playing over here, so we went to check it out. It was interesting to see how the people here enjoy watching American movies also. The movie was in English, with the words on the screen in Arabic. I guess Madea is popular over here too!

We also went to a grocery store that has a room in the back with this sign above it...

It says...For non-Muslims

 I was too excited to see this! Why? See the picture below....

I bought pork for the first time in the UAE!
PORK! PORK! PORK! 

These are just a few items I picked up! They have lots more pork items as well as other American products that are not very accessible in the UAE. It was nice to see some products that I used back home. I will definitely be visiting this store quite often!


This past Thursday (November 3) was Flag Day here in the UAE! The people here are very proud of their country and love to celebrate! Here on Delma Island, they had a ceremony at the municipality with all the dignitaries and families from the island. All the schools on the island (which includes one kindergarten school, one elementary school (grades 1-5...which is my school) and one high school (grades 6-12). Here's a few pics of me enjoying the day of celebration with my students and colleagues!

My co-teacher and I.
She's a Muslim. I'm a Christian.
We both like taking selfies!

MY BOYS!

As you can see, they like throwing up their deuces/piece sign too! This week one of them was doing the "dab"! They are a little late getting it over here! LOL! Although I still have my challenges, moments like these remind me that I am here on purpose! 

I am His, Faith Walker!