Making friends

I used to say that "I am too old to be making new friends". This was a way for me to limit my already wide circle of friends. I decided to leave the familiarity of home I moved to Dubai. Being away from the people I love, made me realise that making friends was imperative. I no longer had the luxury of a wide circle of friends back home.

Ruan is a friend I met through work. We were the two people my company had recruited directly from South Africa. They booked us at the same hotel. He heard that I had finally arrived (he had been around for a month already) and invited me to dinner. I thought that was so kind and considerate of him. I was more than happy to accept the invite as I was sitting in my room wondering whether I had made the right decision. And it was great to chat to someone from home! He is genuine, so easy to get along with and I can be myself around him. He has a wealth of information and I am learning so much from him. He is also my handy man! When I need help around my place, especially with building self assemble furniture, I know he is a phone call away.

I met Brett through Nkulu. They are high school friends. He invited me to a restaurant by the Dubai Creek. Such a beautiful place, and the weather complimented the venue. We had such a great lunch and spoke like we were old friends. He told me about life in Dubai and great tips on the dos and don'ts . I could see why my boyfriend had decided to hook us up. I learnt that he is quite sporty - cycling and running. He even runs in the Dubai heat! He told me that the trick is to keep running don't stop otherwise you feel the heat! I told him about my experience at the first church I attended in Dubai and he introduced me to City Lights. I thanked Nkulu for hooking us up and told him that Brett was an "awesome person" and has a "good heart". I have been in Dubai for 5 months now and I can say those words are very true!

Top: Meeting Brett for the first time. Bottom: Ruan joining my friend Kanyisa and I for ice cream.

I met Tryfina at City Lights church. She is God-sent. I will forever be grateful for the kindness she showed me. She welcomed me into her home when I was temporarily homeless.  The flat I had secured had some technical  issues as it was a new building and my move in date was a moving targeting. The 1st month's accommodation was paid for by my company. I then extended the accommodation by 2 weeks hoping my agency could secure another place in the meantime. My 2 weeks were ending and the hotel was costing me a fortune. I also didn't like the hotel itself and felt it I was wasting money on accommodation I didn't like. I knew I had to move out.  I had only been at City Lights for 2 weeks and met Tryfina during that time. 3 weeks into meeting her I asked her whether she could accommodate me whilst I was looking for a flat. To this day I bring glory to God that she said yes. She took a chance on me. She didn't know me and had she not been around, I would have been in a dire situation. What I love about God is that he used this opportunity to give me a social life in Dubai. Tryfina's friends became my friends. We had fun together going to movies, dinners and dancing. She really helped me to ease into Dubai. And she gave me lots of advice since she had been in Dubai for longer. Thank you once again Tryfina. Thank you for accommodating me into your home. My words cannot begin to express how grateful I am. As that guy said - I could have been psycho (lol!). May this spirit of giving and opening your home to others continue in your life. May this wonderful God we serve bless you with all the desires of your heart.

Tryphina and I having fun at various events - concerts, horse racing and ofcourse networking.

My friendship circle has been extended by men and women who love the Lord. I met Dieketseng and I love how she initiated a prayer as we were driving to our holiday destination. I now know someone who likes pictures more that I do (my SA family and friends will get this one!). She has a contagious smile. She is blessed with the most gorgeous voice and I have already asked her to sing at my wedding one day! Winnie, told me her story of how she landed in Dubai and you can see God's grace in it. She is so easy to get along with, kind and considerate. I really enjoy talking to her because I leave the conversation realising how GOOD God is.  Natasha is such an awesome person! I love our chats - they are so real and we had this connection from the moment we met! She has a love for children and you should see all the little kids at church jumping on her! She has the most infectious energy and the warmest "big hear" hugs. When I hug her I feel at home.

Top: Dieketeng; Natasha & Winnie and I. Bottom:  Friends from church