I'm falling in love again! And it feels soooo good!!

But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. Pursue love....
(1 Corinthians 13:13 and 14:1)

The month of February is known mainly for celebrating Valentine's Day. It's a time when everyone has "LOVE" on their mind. The idea of receiving candy, flowers, or jewelry from someone who loves you is usually expected (from women) during this month. For the past 10 years, I've celebrated this day as a single (again) woman. No gift of flowers or jewelry from a "boo", "bae", or "Boaz"! Most of them have been spent taking myself to dinner at my favorite restaurant (Chili's 😍) or spending time alone...with God.

While my life has been pretty quiet and simple the past couple of months, I've been busy falling in love again! I know that some of you have been waiting for me to announce that I'm getting married again, and that day is coming! Now that I've falling in love again, I believe it will be coming real soon!

The picture above is from my Valentine's Day dinner this year. No, it wasn't at my favorite restaurant. And no, I didn't have a "boo" or "bae" sitting across from me.  Instead I was at my flat on Delma Island and once again I was by myself...alone with God...the One that I am falling in love with again! I know some of you may be disappointed, but I'm not! As I reflect on the past couple of months, I know that this was all a part of God's plan with having me here. He wanted to remind me of what it was like when I first REALLY fell in love with Him almost 20 years ago.  It was after I made a six month commitment (in 1997) to become more intimate with Him in pursuit of His love , that I committed to live my life for Him. It was then that He became my true first love! He truly was and is the best thing that ever happened to me! Once again, I am pursuing His love for me and falling in love with Him all over again!

I know this may not be an exciting post, but I'm excited about what is to come as a result of me falling in love with God again! Matthew 6:33 says.."But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." I'm expecting great "things" to be added! 

On another note...
When I look at the picture above, I see a few things. First, there's the food on the plate....cooked by me! Now that Shina is gone, I find myself cooking more. I've been doing a little experimenting. LOL! I must say, I'm doing pretty good. This month I also cooked a beef casserole and my first shepherd's pie. Guess God is trying to prepare me for my husband! 😉

Next, there's the empty chair across from me, but I'm believing by faith I won't be eating by myself for long. 😍

Then there's the decal on my wall in the background with the word that I live by...FAITH...  and one of my favorite verses (2 Corinthians 5:7-For we walk by faith, not by sight) surrounded by plaques with "faith, hope, and love" on them. These three words are my daily reminder of the things God promises that will always remain with me!
 
I am His,
Faith Walker

Home for the holidays...and back again for the New Year!

December 30, 2016
As I sit waiting to depart back to Abu Dhabi, I'm reflecting. On this exact date ( December 30) of last year (2015) I made an entry in my journal about my next season. Here is that entry (with some parts omitted).

12/30/2015

"Only one more day left in 2015. I still believe God is able! If......I will be moving to.....  If not, then I will be moving to Abu Dhabi this summer (2016). Either way, I look forward to all God has in store for me in 2016 and beyond!!! I am His!!"

Yes, on this day last year, God had already shown me Abu Dhabi. However, it wasn't confirmed until later. And He didn't allow me to share with everyone until a month or two before I departed in August. While it was hard leaving my family and friends (again), I knew that this was just another step toward the destiny God has for me.

As I return to Abu Dhabi (after my first trip back home for the holidays), I must admit it's even harder to leave than the first time. (Tears!!!!)  I really enjoyed being home for the holidays! It was so good seeing my family and friends again (even if it was just for a short time). I will cherish every moment! Here are some pics from a few of those moments!

ENJOYED TIME WITH FAMILY...

Enjoyed spending time with my nephew Brycen and niece Starr!



My sisters and I!



My nephew and God-son, Tristan!

My oldest niece, Jahlisa!

My God-daughter, Delaney!

FAMILY!

Cousins, Ryan and RJ!

My Aunt Hattie and Aunt Ollie!

Sister and niece!

Sisters and first cousins!

Aunt Hattie

Aunt Ollie

AND GREAT FRIENDS...AKA MY OTHER SISTERS!!!



Childhood BFFS and sisters, Madonna and Gwen!

Sister-friends, Tanya, Mavis, and Tasha!

My sister and chic, Phyllis

My sister and bestie, Jackie

Ended my time at home with a sleepover with my two favorite little people,
 nephew Brycen and niece Starr!

Before I left in August, I shared that I didn't know how long I would be in Abu Dhabi. And right now I still don't. I do know that I will be there only as long as God needs me to be. Whether that's 7 more months or 2 more years. I just want to be in His will for my life. And even when it's hard for me to understand or to see what He's doing, I know that He has a purpose for it all, and that this is just another part of my journey. So I will keep walking by faith and trusting Him!

Having the love and support of my family and friends definitely gives me strength to continue this journey. I thank God for each of them. There were lots of questions during my visit. I realize that everyone may not understand my journey. Some may think I'm a little crazy!! That's up for debate! Lol! I just want the destiny God has for me. And if that makes me look a little crazy, I'll be crazy for Him! In the meantime, I'll be back on Delma Island doing what He needs me to do there.


January 1, 2017
It is now the first day of January 2017. I'm back in Abu Dhabi away from all my family and friends back home. My friend, Shina, hasn't made it back yet, so I'm literally by myself again here in Abu Dhabi. Guess God needed me to be alone with Him to start the new year!

After waking up early and eating breakfast, I decided to go to the pool on the rooftop, of the hotel where I spent last night, to get a glimpse of the sunrise. Here's a couple of pictures of my view!

Due to the heavy fog this morning, the view of the sun was hidden. Although the sun is still there and still shining, I could not see it because of the heavy fog.  Of course, God began to show me something. This is what it's like to walk by faith! Although I may not be able to see the SON or His promises, He is still there and He will still keep His promises to me! He is still shining and working things in my favor! All I have to do is continue to "walk by faith, and not by sight".

So as I enter another new year, that is what I will continue doing! No new year resolutions for me! Just more faith, hope and expectations of what's to come in 2017! Happy New Year!

FINISH STRONG....in Him! How I'm walking by faith in 2017!
All day, every day!

 I am His,

Faith Walker

Still Walking by Faith

Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. (John 13:35)

December 13, 2016
Exactly four months ago today (on August 13), I left (once again) my family, friends, and all that was familiar  to me in my hometown to come to the UAE. Unlike the last time when I moved away (to Phoenix, Arizona), I not only moved to another state, but this time to another country where there are many differences including a different culture of people, a different language, a different faith, and so much more. I really had no expectations because I didn't know what to expect. All I had was my faith in God, and faith that He had a purpose for sending me here.

 When I left the United States, I really did not know much about this place. I knew it was in the Middle East, and I knew it was an Islamic/Muslim country. But I hadn't really done much research or internet browsing to learn much. Mainly because God didn't allow me to. He didn't want me to develop a perception about where I was going based on what others said about it or what others had experienced here. He just wanted me to follow His lead and allow Him to show me His purpose and plans for me here. While I am still seeking God for His purpose as it relates to my destiny, He is revealing things to me more and more each day!

A glimpse...
We had another three day weekend because it was their "Prophet Muhammad's" birthday. For me this just meant an extra day for me to relax. So on Sunday, I decided to go spend some quiet time by the ocean. It was a beautiful and very windy day. Here's a pic I took.

Initially, I thought about the sea being so vast and wide; just like God's love for me! There are no boundaries to His love and nothing can separate me from it! As I sat watching the waves ripple in the sea, I then thought about how although the sea appeared to be endless, that there is something, or someplace, beyond the sea. And although I couldn't see it, it is out there somewhere. It reminded me of my faith journey. Sometimes I feel that this journey God has me on is endless. It seems that I've been on this journey for a very long time, and I have yet to see exactly where God is leading me. He just keeps telling me to trust Him and that He has a greater purpose for it all. However, I must admit, I have my moments when I want my greater NOW! But then God reminds me that all things will happen in His timing. And until then, I have to keep walking by faith, and not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

While I continue this walk, God also continues to give me glimpses of His love for me! It's an awesome feeling each time He shows me!

Meet my Mohamed!

No, he's not a prophet! He's one of my students (one of many Mohamed's in my class and in the whole school). I guess you can say it's one of the popular names here.

This picture was taken today on our way back from our field trip. He asked me to sit with him on the bus. This was a surprise to me because usually the students don't want to sit with the teacher. But it was even a bigger surprise that "he" asked. In an earlier email/post, I mentioned having some challenges with the students. I didn't go into any details, but the students' behaviors were VERY challenging at the beginning of the school year. And Mohamed was one of my BIGGEST challenges. He was very disruptive, disrespectful, and disobedient! He was always fighting with someone and being a distraction in the classroom. It was tiring having to deal with him everyday! That is until I allowed God to show me how to deal with him. And that's when things began to change. My attitude toward him began to change and his attitude toward me began to change. He is not the same disruptive, disrespectful, and disobedient boy he used to be! This picture really is worth more than a thousand words!!!! While we were riding on the bus he looked at me and said, "Me love you like this"...and he made a big circle with his arms to show me how much he loved me! Tearsssss!!!!! I had to hold them back as I grabbed him and gave him a big hug and told him that I loved him too!!! Immediately I felt the love of God flood my heart! I knew He was giving me a glimpse of His love through Mohamed. I know my reason for being here is to teach, but God's purpose is greater than I can even imagine! And while I don't believe my destiny is here, I do believe that my destiny is getting closer!

Another glimpse....
At the end of the school day on today, I was stopped by one of my other student's mom who works in the school's office. She had me follow her to her office because she had something she wanted to give me. She reached under her desk and pulled out the package in the picture below.

Of course there was CHOCOLATE inside! He LOVES me!!!!

She said it was a thank you for teaching her son. He's one of my well behaved and very smart students. Again, my eyes filled with tears feeling overwhelmed by God's love. She asked why I was crying. I told her that she just made my heart happy. She then said, "They love you!" And at that moment, I realize my purpose here is being fulfilled. Sharing the love of Christ is what God requires of me in this place! And even though they don't confess Christ, they will know I am His by my love! (John 13:35)

Previously, I have said there were no churches on the island.... and there is no church buildings. But this week God reminded me that I am the church. So where ever I am, the church is there! To God be the glory!

I am His,
Faith Walker

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! 

.

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!