So, I finally made up my mind. The temptation to stay in Dubai is stronger than the lure of starting life anew in Netherlands. At first, I thought I wouldn't mind. 30% pay cut, increased workload, I wanted and needed it desperately. But, oh! As the day approached and loomed like a dark cloud over my head, reality sets in, my knee jerks. My heart skips a beat. My eyes pop out and pop back in.
"Do you really want to do this, Jean?"
"Are you sure? Are you really, really sure?"
"Are you ready to give up this nice, comfortable life you have in Dubai and trade it for a work-encompassed life in Holland?"
On second thought, maybe not.
Life's just nice here. Come to work at 8am, leave at 5pm. It's a stress-free life. What more can I ask for? No where else in the world, will I be able to find such a job. I may have lamented about it in the beginning. But now, I have grown to like it! It's unbelievable, but it's true!
I'm not prepared to leave it just yet. I have friends who love me for who I am; friends who encourage me, friends who hang out with me, friends who guide me, friends who protect me... friends who lift my spirits up and pray for me. I am surrounded by people who love life and love God so, so much!
Will I find a similar community out of Dubai, who resembles the group of friends I have grown so close to, whom I've come to regard as my family?
Somehow, I doubt it. Relationships like these take time to form. I don't want to bid adieu to them yet. It's too early! Life has just started to take shape. I have just learnt how to smell spring in the air, but I haven't seen the flowers blossoming yet!
I've spotted birds in the sky, but I haven't seen them on the trees or green grass. I want to see another sand storm, go through 2 more summers and 2 more winters. I want to take another dip into the ocean at the peak of summer and dive into the heated pool in winter. It's too early!
Life here is too good to be true and I don't want it to come to an end.
Somebody once asked me, "If you love Dubai so much, how long do you intend to stay here?"
My answer?
"As long as possible. I'll do whatever it takes to stay out here."
I keep reminding myself that in Dubai, everybody is just transiting. Nobody stays here forever. No matter where we come from, all of us have to return to our homes eventually. I know, I know. But I am not ready to leave yet. Not now.
So, Jean, stay put. Stop wandering. Stop seeking. Start giving your best, go all out in your job to work wonders and contribute as much as you can. The sky is the limit. Go for it. Once you put your will to work, the strength, energy, inspiration and zest will naturally flow through, like meandering rivers coming together at full force to cut through solid rock, uproot trees and and leave a lasting impression on those it encounters.
Hang on in there! Don't give up just yet. You're a suvivor. You can do it! You're doing great. There are some chances which you only get once in life. This experience, is one of it. It's a once in a lifetime chance for me. Living in one of the most expensive cities in the world and yet establishing genuine relationships with those who live in it.
Ain't I privileged indeed?
Oh God... Thank you so much for showering me abundantly with your blessings. I will remain in your love and ensure everything I do is synchronized with your will for me.
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