Christine’s Story
My family and I moved from London to Dubai in October 2024. It was never a move I truly wanted. My husband, Niran, had always dreamed of living abroad, but London was home in every sense. We were both born and raised there, our parents, siblings, relatives, lifelong friends, and the village who helped us raise our two young daughters were all there. The thought of leaving everyone we loved felt overwhelming, and with young children, the guilt of taking them so far away weighed heavily on my heart.
Years earlier, we had explored moving to Singapore, close to both our motherlands (the Philippines and India), but COVID shut that door. I was very resistant back then too. At the start of 2024, Niran asked me, “what about Dubai?” My first response was a big sigh - I thought he had let go of the idea of leaving. We’d visited Dubai once on holiday, and while it was nice, I wasn’t convinced. I told him that if this was serious, he needed to do all the research and come up with a clear plan. Deep down, I really didn’t want to move, but I surrendered it to God anyway. I prayed that if this move was truly His will, He would make it happen.
That same week, Niran was unexpectedly headhunted for a role in Dubai. After multiple interviews, he was offered the job. When he handed in his notice, his company countered with an offer that also supported our move. Everything happened so quickly and smoothly. By early April, the moving process consumed our lives. It was intense and exhausting, but God sustained and carried us through every detail. Testimony after testimony, He gave me peace and reassurance, and I began to see that this was all His plan.
Telling our family and friends was bittersweet, but they were incredibly supportive. I handed in my notice at work and tried to soak up every moment with loved ones. Still, I was in survival mode, pushing down my emotions just to get through the endless to-do lists. It wasn’t until the morning of our flight, waking up in our empty home, surrounded by memories of milestones and celebrations, that everything hit me. I broke down sobbing, grieving not only the people we were sadly leaving but the life I had always known and loved in London.
The first few weeks in Dubai were surreal. Part of me felt excited, while another part kept thinking, “I can’t believe we actually did this.” My biggest prayer was for my children, especially my eldest, who is naturally more timid. Watching her settle quickly into her new school felt like another huge answered prayer. Still, I felt unsure and lonely. I prayed for a community and a church where we could belong. Back in London, church had become sporadic post-COVID, often online, never quite feeling connected. I longed for something different.
About a month after moving, the homesickness hit hard. I spent evenings crying on the sofa, really missing my family and friends. Niran was busy with work and had some mutual friends here, while I was adjusting to staying home with our youngest. I questioned God constantly, asking why He brought us here and what He wanted me to do here. I was close to telling my husband that I wanted to return to London, but the memory of how intense the move had been stopped me. I knew I had to make friends, but my introverted nature left me paralysed, not knowing where to start.
Seeing me struggle, my worried husband randomly searched online for Christian events for women in Dubai and found the Honour Women’s Conference at City Lights, which was coming up. He signed me up without much discussion. That Sunday, before the conference, we visited the church for the first time, and immediately something felt right.
Walking into the conference, I was so nervous and terrified. The foyer was full of women, and I felt completely out of place. Networking-style events and small talk just aren’t for someone like me. I sat right at the back and prayed a simple, desperate prayer: “God, please help me talk to just one person today.” I felt Him calm my overthinking nerves.
During the lunch break, I noticed a woman standing next to me who had a much better looking sandwich than mine. I mustered up the courage to ask about her sandwich before introducing myself. This led to her sharing her beautiful testimony of finding Christ, which moved me to tears. We swapped numbers, hugged, and she invited me along to her Community Group. I had made my first City Lights friend!
A few days later, I rocked up to the Community Group, nervous but hopeful. From the moment I walked in, I felt so welcomed, and talking to everyone felt so easy, not forced or awkward as I expected. I was struck by the diversity of nationalities from around the world, united by faith, and in Dubai of all places! Greeting familiar faces from CG after services made making friends less intimidating. Through one new friend and invitation, I met 20+ more amazing people over the following weeks. Our family also got to know pastors Dan and Starla and their family, who were so intentional and approachable in ways we hadn’t experienced in our previous churches in London.
I was also unexpectedly invited to go on a mission trip to Goa in February 2025—something I never imagined doing, especially so soon after moving and surrounded by people I had only just met. Shortly after saying yes to the trip, Starla asked about my professional background, skillset and whether I had any plans to work here. I had no solid plans, but she mentioned they were looking for maternity cover in the church staff team, and asked if I would consider the role. I was taken aback, because why would she ask me? I couldn’t believe how God was just opening doors through the very community I had prayed for.
That temporary role eventually became permanent as the church has grown and continues to grow. Every week, through our staff meetings, Community Group, and on Sundays, I’m constantly reminded of God’s love and faithfulness through the miraculous stories and testimonies shared within our community.
One year after attending my first Honour Conference, I found myself helping to organise the 2025 conference. I cried in complete awe and gratitude that November. God had answered my prayers in ways far beyond what I’d asked for. God had taken me from heartbreak and extreme homesickness to purpose and belonging. Without the City Lights community, I honestly don’t know how I would have survived my first year in Dubai. I’m still leaning into God, still saying yes, still making new friends, and still amazed by what He continues to do.
