"What are you most thankful for this year?" was the question that was posted at the end of last weekend's church service. What, indeed?
I jumped off a plane, flew over the Palm Jumeirah and landed without injury.
I took a leap of faith into a relationship that taught me a lot about steadfastness and forgiveness. And I learned to let go without regrets or resentment. No matter how it turned out, it was still a blessing.
Jason Mraz finally made it to Dubai, and fangirl that I am, I got front tickets to see his show. Worth every fils. He can sing for me anytime.
I had fewer nosedives while surfing (fewer bruises too!). I got a new board which I love dearly, and everyone else who's tried her loves her too. I always found myself amidst coaches who shout encouragements to paddle, paddle, paddle, and get that wave!
New friendships blossomed in and out of the water. There were lots of bonds formed over food and swimming and more food.
Old friendships were kept strong even with long distances in between. WhatsApp, iMessage, Kakao Talk and Facebook made sure that my best friends were always just a beep away.
I saw my parents grow in their relationship with God. I witnessed my mother's miraculous super speedy recovery from a gallbladder surgery. Tats has had some really good developments in his business, and the causes he fights for.
I finally got my UAE Driving License!
I celebrated my birthday amidst awesome friends and awesome food (made by the awesome friends and my awesome cousins).
I got the opportunity to help in a huge event in church, where hundreds came to worship and celebrate the Lord's glory. It was such a refreshing experience. Anything is indeed possible with God.
I saw Dubai from the Burj Khalifa's observation deck, I visited Muscat's beautiful port (and survived an ordeal that involved a car accident and an impromptu return trip to Muscat), I marvelled at the creatures swimming underneath Musandam's fjords.
I'm blessed with a great boss and great colleagues, and a great company to work for. Working late is even fun sometimes. Plus, I got to have a bit of a White Christmas when I was sent to Denmark for training. Snowball fights, Christmas markets and cozy fireplaces- the works.
This list doesn't really cover everything, and I probably don't say thank you enough. So before the fireworks start, I'm sending a huge shoutout to everyone who's made my 2012 such an amazing year. To my parents, family, friends and colleagues- for all the laughs, the screams, the hugs (virtual and otherwise), the comfort, the friendship, the love. Thank you. Merci beaucoup. Tak. Danke. Shukran. Maraming Salamat.
And to You, Father, for always being there. For the joyous moments and for sharing them with me. For the challenges and for the encouragement and faithfulness. For the forgiveness and grace. For your promises. For your never ending love. There are no words for my gratitude to You.
I jumped off a plane, flew over the Palm Jumeirah and landed without injury.
I took a leap of faith into a relationship that taught me a lot about steadfastness and forgiveness. And I learned to let go without regrets or resentment. No matter how it turned out, it was still a blessing.
Jason Mraz finally made it to Dubai, and fangirl that I am, I got front tickets to see his show. Worth every fils. He can sing for me anytime.
I had fewer nosedives while surfing (fewer bruises too!). I got a new board which I love dearly, and everyone else who's tried her loves her too. I always found myself amidst coaches who shout encouragements to paddle, paddle, paddle, and get that wave!
New friendships blossomed in and out of the water. There were lots of bonds formed over food and swimming and more food.
Old friendships were kept strong even with long distances in between. WhatsApp, iMessage, Kakao Talk and Facebook made sure that my best friends were always just a beep away.
I saw my parents grow in their relationship with God. I witnessed my mother's miraculous super speedy recovery from a gallbladder surgery. Tats has had some really good developments in his business, and the causes he fights for.
I finally got my UAE Driving License!
I celebrated my birthday amidst awesome friends and awesome food (made by the awesome friends and my awesome cousins).
I got the opportunity to help in a huge event in church, where hundreds came to worship and celebrate the Lord's glory. It was such a refreshing experience. Anything is indeed possible with God.
I saw Dubai from the Burj Khalifa's observation deck, I visited Muscat's beautiful port (and survived an ordeal that involved a car accident and an impromptu return trip to Muscat), I marvelled at the creatures swimming underneath Musandam's fjords.
I'm blessed with a great boss and great colleagues, and a great company to work for. Working late is even fun sometimes. Plus, I got to have a bit of a White Christmas when I was sent to Denmark for training. Snowball fights, Christmas markets and cozy fireplaces- the works.
This list doesn't really cover everything, and I probably don't say thank you enough. So before the fireworks start, I'm sending a huge shoutout to everyone who's made my 2012 such an amazing year. To my parents, family, friends and colleagues- for all the laughs, the screams, the hugs (virtual and otherwise), the comfort, the friendship, the love. Thank you. Merci beaucoup. Tak. Danke. Shukran. Maraming Salamat.
And to You, Father, for always being there. For the joyous moments and for sharing them with me. For the challenges and for the encouragement and faithfulness. For the forgiveness and grace. For your promises. For your never ending love. There are no words for my gratitude to You.
