In the meantime...

Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart. 

(Psalm 37:4)

My wall calendar's encouraging message for the month of December!

August 14, 1997 is a date that changed my life forever. It was on that date that I made a very conscious decision that has led me on a  journey to many places physically, mentally, emotionally, and most importantly-Spiritually! After attending a bible study class for singles for several weeks (at a church in Dallas, Texas where I was a member) and reading a book (Knight in Shining Armour), I was led to take a six month "reconstruction period" (as the book calls it) to pursue an intimate relationship with Christ; Something I desperately needed and wanted! So, with the support of some of my wonderful sisters in Christ, I began my pursuit.

While the book (Knight in Shining Armour) was about being prepared for the relationship with the man God has for you, it led you to focus more on your relationship with God. It led me to see how much God loved me and  to more desperately desire Him! At the end of my six month "reconstruction period", I had fallen in love for the first time (with God) and knew that I ONLY wanted God's will for my life! It was then that I surrendered to living the rest of my life in Christ! A journey that I never could have imagined. A journey filled with both highs and lows. A journey that has led me to this day and this time. My "in the meantime".

Recently, God revealed to me how my "in the meantime" or "in between time" has been preparing me for the things my heart desires. He has shifted my focus to appreciating and valuing this "in the meantime" more than my desires or the plans He has ahead for me. God has revealed to me that it has been during my "in the meantime" when I have had my greatest experiences of Him and His love! It has been during my "in the meantime" that He has revealed Himself to me in new and awesome ways! It has been during my "in the meantime" that my faith in God has increased and I have fallen in love with Him over and over again!

At age 27 (in 1997), I was a young woman with hopes and dreams of what I wanted for my life.  I had began to know how much God loved me and that He wanted only the best for me. I vowed to giving God my best and waiting for His best. These became my greatest desires and I began my pursuit of trying to live my life accordingly; not knowing the paths this pursuit would take me.

"In the meantime", my journey has been filled with many life experiences that have brought me love and joy, as well as despair and pain. Each life event leading me to see God's hand orchestrating every turn and directing my path.

In the past 20 years, I've had many "in the meantime" experiences that have encouraged my walk by faith, as well as those that have challenged it. I've had experiences I never imagined I would have;  doing things I never thought I would do (both good and bad).  But, now I know, it was all necessary. It was all a part of my journey to getting me to my destiny!

At age 47, I am now an "older" woman  with more hopes and dreams, still in pursuit of God and the will He has for my life. I have grown to know even more how much He loves me and how much He desires to give me His best!  In the meantime,  I am still  commited to giving Him my best and waiting for His best. I haven't always got it right, but God has never led me wrong. He just keeps lovingly drawing me closer and closer to Him.

Currently, my "in the meantime" has me in a "place", both physically and spiritually, that I once again could have never imagined. But God knew, when He formed me in my mother's womb, that I would be "here". During this season of my "in the meantime", I have learned to really be content and fallen in love with my meantime. I am "delighted" to be here, and just as God promised, He is here! He has never forsaken me and I am never leaving Him! I know "His" best is yet to come! 

So, in the meantime....I am and will be still pursuing God, still seeking His promises, and still walking by faith!

I am His,
Faith Walker

My Big Three!

Recently, God reminded me that my "contentment comes from valuing what you've been given, not venting over what's been withheld." Learning to be content seems to be the theme of my life these days. While there may seem to be many things that God is withholding or has withheld from me, I am truly thankful for the many blessings He has given me! Three of the things that I am most thankful for and value the most are my faith, my family, and my friends!

My faith is the foundation of my contentment. The life I have in Christ is a life that I would not trade for anything. While some may find contentment in having lots of money and things, I am content with knowing how much God loves me! It still amazes me that He has chosen me to live this life. My  desire is and will always be to please Him!

My family (biological and spiritual) is my number one support system. No matter what, I know that they are there for me and they support me; even when I might sound crazy to the world! LOL! My mom was always my biggest cheerleader! I used to be embarrassed by her bragging on things I was doing. Now I miss hearing her voice. I miss not being able to come home and surprise her. But I know she is with me! My sisters are living proof! They may not know it (well...they will now), but they have her spirit in them. I am so thankful God gave me those two! He knew exactly what I needed in sisters! As well as the rest of my family! I won't start naming names, but you know who you are. Your love and support mean more to me than you know! Thanks for just "being there"! I love each of you!!

My friends are like family too. Throughout each season of my life, God has given me sister-friends for life! From Franklinton, to Dallas, to Slidell, to Phoenix, and everywhere in between. Sometimes I forget I'm not actually related to some of you! I love how no matter how long we go without talking, it's like we haven't skipped a beat! Your friendship is the realest! I thank God for each of you and the special connection He has given us! When I say I love you, I mean it!

Just wanted to share my big three greatest gifts from God! No pics, just LOVE and THANKFULNESS!


I am His,
Faith Walker

Cheers to one year!!

"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14)

Arriving at the Delma Island port for the first time!

On Monday, August 14, I celebrated one year of being in Abu Dhabi! To celebrate, I went to the city (meaning, I left the island taking the two hour ferry ride to the mainland, then taking the 4 hour bus ride into the city), to have dinner at my favorite restaurant, Chili's, and I also caught a movie. This may not sound like much of a celebration, but for me it was just the idea of enjoying something I love. I love to eat, and I love to eat at Chili's.  Because I wouldn't make it back in time to catch the last ferry of the day back to the island, I stayed over night. Sometimes, it's just the simple things that bring you the most contentment. I was content just getting off the island and doing these simple things.

Contentment!

Enjoyed having my favorite drink (Sprite)
and dessert (Chocolate Molten Cake)
at one of my favorite restaurants (Chili's)!

On today, August 20, I celebrate one year of being on Delma Island! To celebrate today, I went to get take-out from one of the only two places on the island where I can go get a cooked meal.. the Delma hospital. That's right! The hospital! I know what you're thinking...The hospital? Yep, that's the same thing I thought when someone first told me about it. I was thinking, who wants to eat food from the hospital. Well, guess what? I quickly changed my thinking after my first trip there to get a dinner. The name of the cafeteria is the "Olive Diner". Not Olive Garden, and no, they do not serve Italian food. They usually serve local type foods including chicken, beef, fish, soups, salad, rice, and various sides. Being that I "prefer" not to cook very often, this place is a nice option for carry out. Well, it's only one of the two options I have now. The Crispy Bites that I used to go to (the knock off KFC that was at the only gas station on the island) is no longer in business. So my only two choices for getting carry out is either the hospital cafeteria or the Lebanese restaurant. Needless to say, I've cooked more monthly this past year, than I ever have before! The struggle is real! But, I've learned to be content! (Philippians 4:11)

The Olive Diner!

Learning to be content!

My dessert with my dinner from the Olive! 

 I remember last year on this day, how excited I was that morning to finally get to see my new home away from home! After getting my teaching assignment, I had not done any research for any information about Delma Island (God didn't allow me to). All I knew was that it was a real island, it was considered to be the "remote-remote" part of the western region of Abu Dhabi, and that I had to travel by a ferry to get here. So on this day, one year ago, I was up early that morning anticipating what it would be like. And one year later (today), I can truly say that only God could have prepared me for this place. There is no youtube video or website, or "word of mouth", that could do it. Being on this island has helped me to learn to be content with many things. I know without a doubt, that this is where I'm supposed to be during this season. As God continues to prepare me for the promises and things He has planned for me, He needed me to learn to be more content with my journey. I've said many times before that teaching is the reason God sent me here, but it is not His purpose. His purpose is far greater! So as I begin my second year here, I'm excited about all that God has in store!

As some of you know, I started my journey on Delma Island with my friend, Shina. She and I met just a couple of days before we came over to the island. We were the only 2 in our group that were assigned to the island. Although Shina is no longer here with me, I am so thankful that God allowed us to be together for the beginning of my journey here. He knew we would need each other!

Shina and I on our first trip on the ferry to Delma Island!

Our first day on the island was quite interesting. We were housed at the one and only motel on the island, the Delma Motel. That's right, only one motel, no hotel. As I said, Shina and I had only met a couple of days before, but on this day a year ago is where our bond began!

Where my journey on Delma Island began! 

After checking into the motel, and being given our keys to our room, we marched up the stairs (no elevator) with our luggage to check out our rooms. Shina opened her door first. As she began to open the door, she noticed a pair of "used" plastic beach shoes by the bathroom door. Thinking someone was inside, she and I jumped back in surprise and closed the door. My room was next door, so I opened my door to check inside, and we found the same thing (a pair of "used" plastic beach shoes by the bathroom door). After calling out and finding that no one was inside, we went in and quickly realized those slippers were for us to use when taking our shower! We both looked at each other like "What in the world!" and "Where in the world are we!"  We were in shock....I guess you can say this was one of our first culture shocks. At that moment, we decided we would both be staying in the same room for the duration of our stay. That was the beginning of our bonding and experience of Delma Island! At the time, we were in disbelief. Who did they think was going to wear those  used beach slippers to take a shower???  There were several other "surprises" on that first day and week at the motel. We jokingly began calling it the "Bates" motel. Although it was a bit shocking at the time, today I can look back at it all and laugh. I know it was all a part of God's plan to help me learn to be more content!

As I reflect over the past year, I think of the many different experiences I've had since that first day I arrived on Delma Island. Some I have shared on my blog, and some I have not. I think of the people I have met. I think of the places I have traveled to. I think of my own personal struggles. I think of my own spiritual growth. I think of how the hand of God continues to orchestrate every step of my journey. I know my promise is attached to my assignment here on Delma, and I must "continue to walk" (the encouraging words of a friend)!

Throughout the year, God has allowed me to have many other experiences while living here  that have been a part of this plan. And while there are some areas that I have totally learned to be content, I must admit, there are others that I am still learning to be content. I share many things on my blog, but I don't share everything. While I have many positive experiences, I've also had some challenges. At times, I even struggle with being content with my own personal circumstances. However, God is still working on me, and I'm still pressing toward the mark! (Philippians 3:14) I know "that" contentment will come as I continue this journey!

So cheers to one year of being in Abu Dhabi, to one year of being on Delma Island, to still learning to be content, to still pressing toward the mark, and to being one year closer to my promises and destiny!!

I am His,
Faith Walker

Adventures in Paris...Oui! Oui!

 "Time is free, but it is priceless!"

Bonjour from Paris!

I recently read the quote above in one of my devotional readings. It really captured my thoughts and stuck with me throughout my time of vacationing in Paris. This was a first time trip for me, and "priceless" is definitely a good word to describe my time there. My visit was only for a few days, but I enjoyed every minute of it! Mostly, I was grateful for the opportunity God has given me to travel to places I never really thought about traveling to!

So this post is not only to share with you the adventures of my travel, but to share the gratitude I have for God allowing me to travel. My smile on each picture comes from the joy I have for the love  that God has for me! Paris is known as being a "city of lights" and a "city of love". I really enjoyed the lights of the city! As for love, the only love I experienced while there was the love of God! He is truly the love of my life! Maybe one day in the future, I will return with the "earthly" love of my life and get to experience some eros love in the city of Paris!

Here's some pics of my adventures...

Day 1-I landed in Paris around noon, checked into my hotel, showered, and hit the Parisian streets (wearing my Bon'jour shirt)! I hopped on the top of one of the local sightseeing tour buses to get my first glimpse of the city and some of it's famous sites!

Hop-On Hop-off Tour Bus!
Great introduction to the city and way of travel and 
see the city throughout my stay!

About to hop-on the tour bus!

Arc de Triomphe

Notre Dame Cathedral

My first  live view of the Eiffel Tower!

View of the pyramid inside Royal Palace

Moulin Rouge

Day 2-I had a guided tour including the Louvre Museum, cruising along the Seine River, and lunch in the Eiffel Tower restaurant, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. During the tour, I connected with two sisters who were visiting from the U.S.

The tour guide and I.

Outside the Notre Dame Cathedral

Inside the Notre Dame Cathedral

Cruising on the Seine River

Eiffel Tower tour

View from second floor of Eiffel Tower

Lunch at the Eiffel Tower restaurant with my new friends,
Sonja and Sherrilyn!

Outside the Louvre Museum (World's largest museum)

Mona Lisa painting inside the Louvre

Painting of Jesus at the wedding at Cana. One of the two largest paintings in the Louvre.

Nike "Victory" statue in the Louvre museum! 

Outside the museum

Just me wondering through the streets after the tour.

Day 3-Inspired by my love of chocolate, I did a guided walking tour to taste some of Paris' favorite chocolates! I enjoyed the things I learned on my tour, but more importantly, I enjoyed eating the chocolate along the way!

The tour guide of the day and I.

La Maison du Chocolate

Pierre Herme chocolates

Chapon chocolates

Pierre Marcolini chocolates

Lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe of Paris!

More tour bus top cruising and sightseeing!

Day 4-Today was Sunday, so I attended a morning church service at a small chapel I found in the neighborhood of the hotel where I stayed. The service was in French and I didn't understand what they were saying...except a few words like Jesus, hallelujah, and amen. But worship is universal, so I worshipped in my own language! 😉 Later in the evening I took a tour including a dinner cruise on the Seine River, another visit to the Eiffel tower (this time to see the night lights), and a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge!

Sunday Church day on vacay!

Stopped by Paul's for a little after church snack! I highly recommend the chocolate eclaires!! Delicious!!!

Paris Orleans Station

Dinner cruise ready! 

My new friends, Chris and Craig, I met on the cruise!

One of my favorite pics! France's Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower captured in one pic while cruising the Seine River.

Watching the sunset over the city from the Eiffel Tower!

The night lights show at the Eiffel Tower!

At the Moulin Rouge for the famous cabaret show.

Last chance to take pics for the night!
No pictures allowed of the show!

Day 5-My last day in Paris! No time for tours, or sightseeing. Just breakfast at the hotel and a taxi ride to the airport. But of course, I took a few pictures!

Au Revoir, Paris! 

In conclusion...
As I stated earlier, I enjoyed every minute of my time in Paris! It was definitely "priceless"! But the highlight of my trip could not really be captured in any of my pics. I love the opportunity God allows me to make connections and I did take a couple of pics with some of the people I connected with along the way.  I do not take any connections God allows me to make for granted. On each tour, I had the opportunity to not only meet people, but to share a little of my journey with them. It usually began with them asking me where I live, followed by what I did here. So in answering their question, I had to share some of my journey with them. Each time I shared, they all thought it was such a "great thing" I was doing teaching here in the UAE. My motive for sharing my journey is never to brag or boast or for someone to think I'm doing a "great thing". I only want to glorify God in what I do and to the "right thing" according to His will for my life. So it always amazes me how excited people get about me obeying God! I just want to please Him! Paris was great and God is awesome!!!

I am His,
Faith Walker