All my bags were packed, I was ready to go. I was standing outside our door looking at all sides of my house with sadness. I looked at the people around me and hugged them one by one with a smile in my face. Unknown to them, behind that smile in my face was a deep sadness inside of me. I went back to our room to bid goodbye to my children. I kissed and hugged my 4-year old youngest son, Daniel, and prayed for him. Then I sincerely talked to my 6-year old eldest son, Paolo, and told him to take charge of his younger brother Daniel and his mommy. I kissed him goodbye. I turned to my wife, gave her a tight hug and kissed her with teary eyes. At that moment we prayed together. As we ended our prayer, my wife bravely told me that we could conquer the life ahead of us.
On the way to the airport, we talked about other things because I didn’t want to talk about my leaving. My wife didn’t stop reminding me of many things. I could clearly hear every word she said and I always thank God for her. I proudly say that she is the best gift from God for without her I would not be a better man. She organized all the stuff I would be bringing, and she patiently coordinated with some friends and relatives on what to do during flights and stop-over thing. I really felt the affection of a loving wife, though sometimes she does not totally agree with my decision. Yet she is always there to fully support me.
Upon arriving at the airport I immediately submitted all of my necessary documents and proceeded to the boarding area. My wife and I never stopped talking through my phone while waiting to be boarded. For some reasons I had wished that the flight would be delayed to have more time talking with her. Finally, the attendant called everyone to board the plane. It was time for me to go. It was 12:30 in the morning. I felt scared but I knew I have to control my emotions to conquer my fears. The flight took 8 hours and made a stop in Dubai airport. It was immense and stunning. It was my first time to see an airport like that. As I was waiting to be boarded, I took a picture of me standing on one area in the airport as a souvenir. I boarded the Emirates plane again for Tripoli. While on the plane, I looked down and saw a vast part of the sandy region. It comprises the different Arabian countries including the famous Sahara desert. It is awesome! I praise God for what I saw and thanked him for His wondrous creation; this scenery takes me back to the time of Moses when they fled from Egypt to the Promised Land. I had waited for 5 hours to get there. It was the longest flight in my life. At last, I safely arrived in Tripoli. I felt tired and exhausted because of lack of sleep. Without much waiting, someone picked me up at the airport and brought me to my company’s main office.
