Anna: Gracious; the one who gives.

In the unfamiliar sandpit I found my soul mate.

I've met her during the first days of my life in Dubai. In just a 5 minute meet up with a book to hand her over as a gift from our mutual friend. A quick hi and hello that I never thought will be a highlight of my overseas life.

Her name is Anna. A common name everywhere. But my Anna is one and only. She's rare. Considered myself so blessed to encounter someone like her that I could bring with me to the end of my lifetime.

We've met again over a Japanese bakery to have a decent new friendship date. We're both free spirited, wild and real. Never doubt a second with this kind of friendship.

Anna is indeed a sister from another mother. She's the best friend I could ever have in the desert. She knows me from head to toe. I could not keep any secret from her. A barenaked connection.

Anna gives me her time - all the time.

She's with me during heartaches, moving on, falling in love, failures and celebrating small success.

Anna gives me her ears without judgment.

She listened to understand. I can rant with her when life is messing me a lot 24/7. She never judged me not even once but never tolerate as well. We can talk all night until sunrise in a little cafe in Al rigga about life and a cup of chai.

Anna gives me her bedspace.

Before I finally found my home (love), Anna first fostered me when I have nowhere to go. I am in a long journey of being too lost and won't survive it without Anna with me. She gave me wide open arms to hug when I needed it the most. Her place gave me comfort but her presence gave me rest when I'm not with myself anymore.

Anna gave me her hundo p support.

She knew how much I love clothes that she always bought me clothes that reminds her of me. She knew what suited me well. She believes in my dreams that one day I can open a clothing shop of my own. She supports my small preloved business and always proud of it.

Anna always gave me food.

We both love eating! We love to explore cafes and new food to try that matches our budget. She bought me a jar of jellyace when I'm sad. She prepares good home food meals whenever she knew I'm coming to their crib. She allows me to get anything I want from chocolates to chips on their snack bar. I will never go home empty bag without food from her.