God's amazing grace

I was invited by a talent scout to meet for lunch. I was excited but a little nervous because she mentioned opportunities abroad. We met and had such a wonderful time chatting about my aspirations, my future and the opportunities she presented. I must have said something wrong because she never contacted me again and trying to get in contact with her proved futile. I will forever be grateful to that recruiter because she planted a seed in me. I had never considered working abroad. My company offered these opportunities but they didn't appeal to me at the time. And when I woke up to an abroad stint the economy collapse and the expats rules changed. So I parked the idea.

I got my first job straight out of University. I had promised myself to stay for a minimum of 5 years because I wanted good grounding. It also helped that my friends who had left the company still spoke of it with fond memories. I saw myself approaching year 7 and I really needed a change.  I sent my CV to all the agencies that had been knocking at my door with a specific requirement - marketing and I don’t mind a lateral move I but it has to be a different industry. All the jobs that came to me were similar to my current job. My job search went on for months. I remember calling my mom discouraged because I was tired. It felt like my prayers were not being answered. I was even considering something similar to my current job which I knew I didn't want. She calmed me down and asked me to pray about it. 

I prayed again. This time for God’s guidance – does he want me to take a similar industry is that why I am only getting those offers?  God answered. I remember that phone call so well because the lady on the other line asked if I wanted to work in Dubai. I said “Okay… tell me more”. She explained how she got my CV online and thought I would be perfect for the role. How does that happen? Getting someone’s CV randomly online and calling them up do an interview? It was God answering my prayers. She said the interview is this afternoon. I panicked. That is not enough time to prep for the job. She told me it’s more of a conversation and sent me their website to look at. She couldn’t fit me into their schedule that day so she moved me to the next morning. 

I got home and told mom (Mama) Nobe about the interview (She didn't give birth to me but married my dad and got me as part of the package). I asked her to keep it a secret. The company representatives were running late and I had another guy ahead of me for the interview. My nerves were getting the best of me. Eventually it was my turn. The interviewers asked me a lot of questions but two stood out for me “What would your current boss say about you?” and “What would your friends say about you”. I don’t remember my responses but thought what a marvellous way to talk about myself without feeling like I was. It was still the same industry but the opportunity abroad was exciting. I was offered the job right there and then! God's grace never ceases to amaze me. I called mama Nobe first, she was ecstatic and we talked about the possibilities a stint abroad presented. I then called my mama Phumla, she gave birth to me and she is my inspiration. She was excited especially since I called her a few weeks earlier discouraged about not finding a job. My dad (Baba) was speechless. UBaba is never speechless. He just said let’s chat later. The most difficult call I made was to Nkulu. My boyfriend was sad. I could hear it in his voice. But he was so supportive.

My friends were great. They were already planning their visits to Dubai! They threw the most beautiful farewell party. I really felt really special. Nkulu and I toured the country in the weeks leading up to my departure. We were on holiday with friends in Hermanus and tasted beautiful wines. We drove to my  mama Phumla in Newcastle to spend some time with her. It was the first time mama spent so much time with my boyfriend - I loved it. We then had a family thanksgiving with uBaba in Durban which included my farewell.  Then we drove to Johannesburg for the final leg of our trip before I packed to go to Dubai.

Surrounded by friends and family at my farewell

Nkulu and I at Domaine Des Dieux in Hermanus, South Africa

My family farewell at Embokodweni

I thank God for bringing me to Dubai. I can see that he continues to show me his favour. I found a spirit-lead church in City lights, I have God’s favour in my work, I am forming long-lasting friendships and my everyday blessings are too many to count. I got baptised on the 14 April 2013, to say I have been a new creature will be an understatement. I have joy in my soul. I know that Jesus loves me and nothing will change that. This is my every day fuel. This love from God has enabled me to eat, drink and ensure that what I do is for the Glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). It’s an amazing journey!