from dubai with love

2006 is a year of surprises for me. of course the biggest suprise is alfred. but just when i thought the year that was had given me enough of a surprise, then came dubai.. i left last dec 28 and yes, i was not able to spend the new year home. instead, i was watching the magnificent dubai fireworks thinking about the lusis i should have lighted if i were home.

today is exactly my 18th day here. but the days seem to be longer than they are suppose to last. a lot of new things, new people, new places..

so far, i could say dubai has been so good to me. my job is ok. i am working for a very beautiful hotel resort where everywhere i look at is amazing. Madinat Jumeirah is fantastic and one of its kind. plus the fact that i work with over 90 nationalities. people im with are also okay. i have a lot of Kabayans around me. i have met my former IHG officemates and had a fine evening with Josh and his friends. my accommodation is great. i am sharing a room with a Filipina as well and i dont think the swimming pool in front of my flat would hurt at all. financially? err.. im working on it. Starting in a new place has always been full of challenges and of course, paychecks here come out monthly. but the Lord has been providing for resources and ways to survive until my most awaited pay day.

the biggest challenges of them all is (surprise! surprise!) .. missing home. it is a weird feeling of longing i do not even want to describe it. the things i saw in movies about the life of OFWs are true. They work hard not just to earn enough money to send home but to make themselves busy. busy enough to feel homesick. now that im one of them, id say OFWs are really worthy to be branded as Bagong Bayani not just because they help the economy a lot but more of the strength, courage and faith they put up everyday.

It is till a long journey ahead of me. but i have always been reminded that this is a blessing I prayed for, my family prayed for, alfred prayed for, my friends prayed for because we know that this is for a better future. im holding on.. taking each day at a time.. the love and support im getting is enough to keep me going each day..