Greetings from Dubai! We made it safe and sound (and groggy after our 17 hour flight) to Dubai last night, and arrived to the most wonderful surprise – the Hantla’s friend Jen (who we were supposed to stay with) rented us our own apartment on the 16th floor of a swanky tower by the beach, with accommodations comparable to any 4 star hotel. So, I got a shower and a wonderful night’s sleep, with amazing views to boot (pics to follow soon!). Today we spent the day wandering from air conditioned hotel to air conditioned mall (it’s currently 100 degrees with 33% humidity), and are now at the airport waiting for our flight to Beirut. This brief stop in Dubai has been such a gift – a needed time of rest and re-grouping from all the finals/graduation/get-out-the-door madness of the last few weeks. It’s a developer’s Disneyland – everything is new or unfinished, mile after mile of construction and towers. It’s quite a sight!
I’ll write more as soon as I can from Beirut. To those who traveled to Pasadena last weekend to celebrate my graduation with me – that you so very much. I’m still processing post-event, since the whole thing was such a whirlwind, but all of the support and love has touched me deeply. I am so grateful for each one of you and wish I could have spent more time with you!
Please pray for me – specifically for my adjustment to this new place and culture and task. As I was lying awake early this morning, I was so grateful that my God is constant, because not much else is right now. I’m longing for a sense of connectedness to my surroundings and even to myself, if that makes sense. Please pray that God would ground me in ways that bring me comfort, confidence and assurance even amidst all this change.
Salaam,
Amanda
wow! i’m so glad you had a fun hotel stay your first day there. that sounds awesome. love you!