Today, Nov 7, 2016 is my schedule for a Fire Safety Training in Al Warsan (The route going to Hatta Oman, around 26km from my location). So I prepared my snack and ate my full meal before heading to a bus stop (I researched the route beforehand so I will be sure of my ETA) This will be my first time to travel to that area so I am a bit scared. Hearing also that the area is lone and deserted (eventho this is already a desert) area. No buildings, big land areas, less trees. (Imagine a route going to mountains but sands around instead of grass and plants) So... around 11:45 am, I started my journey. When I get to the bus stop, I checked the bus timings, bus will come after 40 minutes. I can't take it because I will be late already so I need to take the taxi. But unfortunately, I don't have mobile data (I am relying on free Wifi on Metro stations, ๏ฟฝ๏ธ) I tried to ask one of my friends if she knew about how to transfer load (I can register for promo for 40 AED but my load is not enough) But she took time to research on it so I tried to remember the code for network promos and I end up with unlimited data for a day just for 2 AED. Yehey! So I registered and avail the service immediately. [My friend was able to give me the details, but I am just in a hurry and already got the best promo for the day, anyhow, thank youuuuu! ๏ฟฝ] One taxi stopped in front, opened the door and asked... Me: My Friend, you know Civil Defense Training Center in Al Aweer? Taxi Driver: No. I don't know that. Me: Okay. *Then I close the door* I tried to check the RTA app on my phone to check the bus timing and still the same. I checked the google map and it shows (approx 24 km). Good thing, the taxi is still there. So I checked again... Me: My friend, if we use google map, can we go? TD: Okay. Come. So we headed and tried to follow the instructions. On the middle of the road, the voice mentioned to exit at the right, East 44, but unfortunately the driver missed the lane towards the direction mentioned. We are on a hi way so it is impossible to take a U Turn and get back to the designated lane. So he went on and on trying to remember his previous routes on how to get back. I let him take charge of the driving. While I am busy refreshing the map for reroute directions. I noticed the taxi meter is already on 50 AED plus and we got into Business Bay, Dubai Mall... waaah! I am already in panic because of the meter charge and the time as well. I will be late. I will be charged too much. So I am whispering repeatedly, "Be my guide Oh Lord." I tried to refresh the google map but the signal is too bad on that area. I am apologizing to the driver but he just said, "it's okay. Not your fault." We kept silent and then he stopped and tried to check if we are on the right route after series of reroutes. Yes! We were able to get back. Thank you, Lord! In the middle of our lost-in-lane moment, I messaged my boss that we got lost. So when we got back on the right track, she called to give some landmarks. Moreover, she reminded me not to report to the office anymore after the training. Woooh! Thank you, again! We arrived in the training center 10 minutes before 1pm. And the training will start by 1:30. Another Thank youuuu! When I was paying the bill, the driver said he will just charged me for 80 AED. He already stopped the meter and closed it to 80 because if he didn't I will be paying more than 100 for it. I was surprised. I can't imagine how much will I be paying if he didnt stopped the meter after so many reroutes. I am pretty sure that he is telling the truth. ๐ During the training, I was the only female in the English group, so I was privileged to be the first to finish the practicals then left the center. Yey! 3:55 pm. I am already excited to go home early, as I thought it would be. So I grabbed my bag and checked on the bus timings. But again, bad news, the bus will be coming by 5:18pm. The bus only comes every 2 hrs. ๏ฟฝ While I was standing there, I tried to capture some pictures. I kept on saying Thank you Lord. Thank you. (Applying THE MAGIC of gratitude) So I stayed there for almost 30 minutes, no signs of taxis. No bus coming. I messaged my boss. Tried to call her but she's not picking up. I worried. But I tried to calm myself. Don't worry. Relax. Noting to myself. One man came across the street and asked me, "Waiting for the bus? Long time noh? Come?" I ignored him. That man is *sigh* And stayed for a more minutes. But nothing happened. So I decided to walk back towards the training center to ask if there is any alternative way to get out of that area. While walking, "God, I cannot trust anybody here, except you. Please help me get out of this place." I am worried because I don't know how others think so I should be careful and not to trust anyone. Upon reaching the gate, I saw a man and a Muslim lady (she's wearing her abaya). I was hesitant to approach her because I met some, who are a bit snob. But I saw a light, a different light as I approached her direction. (I am not sure if that is the sunlight of the setting sun, but it was so bright) The lady's face is full of curiosity. *Non-Verbatim* Me: Hi Mam. Do you know any way on how to get out of here? I mean the bus is not coming. Lady: Oh where are you going? Me: I just need to get to the metro and I am fine. Lady: Oh sorry. But I won't be taking Sheikh Zayed Road. No metro. I will be taking Sharjah road. Me: Oh that's fine. I can take that. I am working in Nahda. So I am familiar with the place. Lady: Nahda Dubai? Me: Yes. Lady: I can dropped you in Sahara Center then. Come. Me: Thank you thank you thank you. I was so happy and I cannot stopped myself on whispering "Thank you Lord, Thank you Thank you" I sat infront. Lady: You know what, you are so lucky. I should have left the office 10 minutes earlier but my manager and I had to talk a bit more. So I had to stay there. And when you came in, I was already about to ask if you will be attending the training because the training is over. God really loves you. You are very lucky. Me: Thank you so much for this mam. I really appreciate this. Lady: Your parents must blessed and prayed for you that much. God loves you. You are so blessed. Not all are blessed like this. Me: Yes yes, I am. We talked about my journey with the taxi driver and she said again and again I was blessed and today is my lucky day. From the taxi driver who stopped the meter, she mentioned that not all cab drivers are honest like that because if that will be others, they will let you more than 100 AED for the whole trip. And the time that we met outside, I was indeed blessed. Right timing. Right area of destination. Right person to approach. I can't contain the happiness and the overflowing of gratitude when I reached the Sahara center. I dialled my mama's number and shared the whole experience. Mama said, my guardian angel is with me. Papa God loves me. ๏ฟฝ She was right. I am in doubt this past few days, but today was a testimony of His love for me. As I reached home, I started typing this whole story. I am crying. I am crying because of happiness. I want to take this chance to share God's work for me. I am admitting that my faith is shaken. I am not attending regular mass, but I still kept on praying and communicating with Him with all my angst and rants of unanswered prayers. These past few days, I am facing difficulties, but today, He reminded me of HIS LOVE for me. He is listening. He provides ways to those who ask Him for help. He is guiding me. ALWAYS. ๏ฟฝ Indeed. I am not just lucky, but I am blessed. Thank you My Friend (Taxi Driver), thank you Shobe and Chie for the info, thank you Ms Fatma, Thank you Mama and Papa. And lastly... I want to end this with a THANK YOU Papa God. Thank you Universe, too. 11.07.2016
jbbartram-illu
dailybridgerton
vaporwave
janainaart
jacobvanloon
germansingergirl