Goodbye Dubai

It was exactly three months ago yesterday that I walked bleary-eyed off the plane into muggy Dubai.  I was met at the airport by a driver sent by my agency, and dropped off, rather unceremoniously, at the apartment that I was to call home.  I was exhausted after an all-night flight from Berlin (via Cairo), but as the sun was rising, I could not resist taking a few pictures of the view from my balcony.  This is what welcomed me to Dubai:

The Burj Dubai

Tonight, in a very fitting way, I've bid adieu to that grand building which has been my constant companion these many months.  My fellowship group from church relocated to my apartment for the evening, and these people who I have considered my family for the past three months joined me to watch the inauguration of what will now be known to the world as the Burj Khalifa.  We watched men parachute over the tower, jets of water spray into the air, laser lights, and most fantastically, fireworks that sprang from the tower itself.  It was a fitting tribute!

The Burj Khalifa

I have to say this has been a wonderful three months.  God has placed amazing friends in my life, and I have simply been showered with love since the moment I arrived.  I've loved every minute and will always treasure the time I spent here.

Tanya bought me a giant chocolate cookie.  So sweet!

You'll always be in my heart, Dubai!

XOXO,