What’s a quote that perfectly describes your outlook on life?
Quote: “Sometimes when you’re in a dark place, you think you’ve been buried, but you’ve actually been planted.”– Christine Caine
Who’s been here?
You feel as if dirt is being thrown on you. And you feel the weight of it continuing to increase.
It’s dark, smelly, and lonely.
It does not look like much is happening.
It does not feel promising.
We’ve all been there. And it probably is not a popular place for most.
But what some don’t realize is, in the dark, your ROOTS are developing.
How can you GROW into the beautiful flower you’re meant to be, if you don’t have a strong foundation?
So while the heavy rain hurts and you feel isolated. More is happening in you that what you can physically see.
You’re becoming stronger. Your capacity is increasing. Your character is developing. You’re getting ready to BLOOM.
I always remember this quote during dark seasons. It’s easy to feel defeated during these times. You feel like the dirt underground. You do not feel like your presence matters.
But that is the furthest from the truth. This is where God is REALLY working. And it means there is greater to come. He is preparing you and developing your character for what He has planned for you.
Every one of my dark seasons has led to elevation, bigger blessings, and greater influence.
And I never come out of it the same way I entered.
I went to Istanbul Turkiye for about a week for sumer vacation!
Few words to describe Turkiye: vibrant, colorful, historic, relaxed, memorable. Turkiye really gave me Aladdin vibes and I’ll tell you why. There are a multitude of shops with TEA-SETS, the most beautiful I’d ever seen. And tea is a big deal over there! There are intricately designed CARPETS, pottery, and paintings. There are also NUMEROUS shops/markets selling different fruits, teas, coffees, spices, nuts, and Turkish delights/delicacies. I mean, cue Aladdin’s AWhole New World, because that is how I was feeling.
Painted plates, vases and potteryTea-setsTea sets Me sitting in a shop with my pomegranate teame and my brother in a carpet shopStore selling spices, teas, coffee, dried fruit, nuts, and much more
My family and I stayed in an airbnb near Taksim Square, a major city area, so we were surrounded by many restaurants, boutique shops, grocery shops, hotels, businesses and much more. Our Airbnb was also about a 5 minute walk from Istiklal Street: a major shopping area where there were MORE restaurants, shops, clubs, street food, historic buildings, and you name it. There were many cute side streets with hidden gems. It was so easy to get lost in all of the shops, as there were so many options. So you can definitely say, money was spent, and we got our steps in.
Side street İstiklal Street
Me walking on Istiklal Street in the evening (you could also hear the call to prayer in the background)
The city definitely comes alive at night/ early morning. Yes, even on week days. Istiklal street is usually flooded with people. I remember looking out the window around 3 a.m. and there were people casually strolling the streets, people sitting at restaurants enjoying hookah, and people riding their mopeds. You would think it was 3 p.m. the way everyone was so relaxed and not in a hurry to go home.
Of course, when walking by the many restaurants, there are hosts waiting outside, trying to convince you to eat at their spot. I found them to be very funny, and they WILL remember you, especially if you are walking around a lot. So don’t make any false promises (HAHA), but they’re a good time. If you get the chance to support, please do, as this is how a lot of people there make their money.
Turkish people are very friendly and hospitable. We were treated very nicely EVERYWHERE we ate and shopped. The people were my favorite part of the trip. If they could speak English (which most of them did), they would make conversation with us, help us, and had this sense of humor. I just recall feeling very comfortable and welcome, while there, and that is one thing I get anxious about when going to different countries. So it was quite pleasurable to have had that experience.
What I love about eating at the restaurants is they do not rush you. They want you to relax, eat, and enjoy your time. After eating a meal, you will be offered tea and baklava: it’s customary/ how they show hospitality. I mean it doesn’t get better than that.
NOW, let’s keep it real. The people are also very clever. They want to sell in order to make their money. So if they know you’re a tourist ( I mean we were obviously tourists), they will help you with your needs, but don’t be surprised if they walk you to their shop afterwards, LOL. Because of how hilarious/welcoming the people were, we didn’t mind buying from some of their shops, but do not feel pressured to do so. As always, be mindful of people’s motives.
Another sad reality: a lot of people there are struggling. We were approached by many women, some with children, asking for money on the street. We’ve seen very little children selling water or roses just to make a couple of dollars, CHILDREN! $1 US Dollar is currently worth 47.51 Turkish Lira, so whatever they’re making, wouldn’t even be much. So we did not mind, helping some of these people out.
Turkiye is a predominantly Muslim country, so there are many mosques. The Taksim Mosque was nearest to our air bnb, so we could hear their calls to prayer on a speaker several times throughout the day, which was so cool. When traveling around Istanbul, you will see many more mosques and hear calls of prayer anywhere you go.
Taksim Mosque
There are cats EVERYWHERE. I’ve never seen so many stray cats in my life. One jumped on my mom’s chair while eating at a restaurant(haha). There was one on a seat in the tram. They’re in front of stores, just chilling. You may even see them sitting at seats in restaurants (big LOL) But the people take care of them, which is really neat.
In a mosque Cat on the tram Well this cat had their own designated seat 😌Store front
Cat on the restaurant chair
Overall, Turkiye was a vibe and I already know I want to go back again in the future. I felt very sad leaving and could have stayed a little longer.
My next post will talk about the food, sites we visited, and travel tips.
By far, one of the hardest years of my life. I remember having such high hopes and anticipation of what I thought it would be, and my plans were absolutely crushed. I dealt with the heartbreak of not getting what I thought I wanted.
Looking back, I could see that I was in a hidden season.
Working hard toward my goals, pushing through disappointment after disappointment, not giving up in the midst of difficulties, and still giving grace though I felt as though I was not getting any.
What happens when you are putting in the work? You give your time and resources. There’s many late nights. You push through the tears and pain. You are fighting to finish. And you still don’t see any results or feel seen?
I remember crying out to God in a moment of frustration and hopelessness. I told Him: “I put so much time and care into this and I feel like no matter how hard I try, there is nothing to show for. I go two steps forward only to go back five.” (But based on who’s standard?- I ask myself now)
In a nut shell. I felt like that for most of 2025, specifically the first half of it.
Going back to when I said I realized I was in a hidden season. Well what does that mean?
Being hidden can be defined as feeling unseen, overlooked, or undervalued: all of which I felt deeply.
You could feel hidden in your career, in your relationships, or in any aspect of your life.
You are not getting the recognition or value that you feel you deserve or very strongly desire- and it’s usually from PEOPLE.
It might even feel like your mistakes/wrongs are amplified in the form of constant criticism and pressure. And yet your contributions/wins are ignored or not acknowledged.
The biggest voice you hear is “ I AM NOT ENOUGH.” (But again, based on who’s standard?)
One day in my kitchen, a message was playing from a pastor that I watch regularly, and he spoke the exact message I needed to hear, and I believed it was God speaking to me.
His sermon was based on the topic of identity.
Sometimes we equate significance/value to people’s approval. Approval comes in different forms: verbal praise, applause, shout-outs, promotions, or just merely getting attention, to name a few.
This is a very dangerous place to be, because as human beings, we will fail, and will not always, “be on top.” Also, we will not always get the acknowledgement we sometimes so desperately crave.
This is what the pastor said:
“True identity is working onto the Lord.”
Whatsoever you do, do it heartily as unto the Lord and not unto men: Colossians 3:23-34
Living life from my true identity- in Christ, is not motivated in gaining approval from people.
When you live from your true identity in Christ you will bring peace, wisdom, and creativity to others. You also will not be stressed or striving.
Striving = relentless, anxious pursuit of goals, perfection, or external validation
You are complete in Christ, lacking nothing.
On Earth, we do work under people, as we have bosses, however, we are not working FOR them. That is NOT why we are on this Earth. We are doing God’s work for His kingdom and purpose. We are working unto Him. Whenever it is for any other reason, we need to evaluate our motives.
Our measure of success is not the same as God’s. While we may not feel like we are progressing, in God’s eyes, He sees the work being done inside of us, for His purpose, and our overall success. He sees the bigger picture, and no season is EVER wasted. Even the ones that felt like a waste. You are progressing more than you think.
And it would only be a matter of time, until you see it yourself, and end up thanking God for that season that made no sense.
God sees the late nights, the sacrifices, the tears, the time, and resources, and He will honor you in due season. None of it was in vain.
Based on a post I read by @benjaminlundquist on Instagram: The quiet is where He builds you. The waiting is where He strengthens you. The hidden place is where He develops the foundation for the influence you’ll carry in the light.
Lesson : God’s approval is all you need to do what He has called you to do. Period.
Some messages I would see on Instagram that resonated with my situation, and brought peace and healing. Please Enjoy.
October-December is literally my favorite time of year. It’s harvest/ holiday season and a time to be grateful for all that I have. I also enjoy family time- I have the best family ever!
This year, it felt so warm, and almost like an escape from all the darkness in the world. Laughter, delicious food, competitive games, fellowship, and great conversation. Absolutely nothing beats that.
Thanksgiving was so precious, as always.
Thanksgiving Fit
This is what my family eats for Thanksgiving as a Trini family:
My mom always makes her sponge cake, sweet bread, black cake, and pone for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I requested that my sister get us a cheesecake from Juniors in which she got an apple crumble cheesecake, twas heavenly.
We played fun games and enjoyed each other’s company.
I have to be a little honest. During these settings, my introverted side be coming out, because at some points, I found myself feeling OVERSTIMULATED and needing a pause in between games, and all of the energy. My family is super full of energy which I love, and I mean, I laugh the hardest with them. Because of how competitive we are, there is yelling, screaming, and you could imagine. HAHA.
I needed to take a little break LOL, but I love it.
Christmas
I love watching Christmas movies, wrapping presents, listening to Christmas jams and being festive. I made sure to partake in those activities this season.
For the first time I saw The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. A dream! I remember seeing commercials as a young girl and always wanting to go. It was spectacular- the dancers are so skilled with their tap shoes- the music from the orchestra was so beautiful, and I love that they included the nativity scene of Jesus.
Of course, we had to stop by the infamous Rockefeller Center tree.
Christmas in NYC is top tier. There were santas ridings on bikes playing Feliz Navidad. Random light shows while walking the streets. Beautiful Christmas decor on store front windows, decorated and lighted up christmas trees everywhere, and cheerful people. LOVE IT.
Traditionally my family opens presents on Christmas morning. No matter how old I get, I still get excited on Christmas morning, and there is this joy and magic that I always feel.
Christmas is the same as Thanksgiving, but the only difference is we give each other gifts, and added some roti and curry to the menu. And of course, PARANG music playing in the background.
We also for the first time had a ginger bread house making contest. We were in pairs, and the best house won a money prize.
I found it to be very soothing, and also challenging. We had 45 minutes and only used what was in the box(at least most of us did). There was not much to work with so it forced some creativity. I was paired with my mom and we started off on the same page, but then all of a sudden,she started changing the designs, and, yeah from there, it was over for us. LOL, it requires strategy and team work for sure.
This was the winning house. They used other candies around the house (since there was no rule that they couldn’t) and won. I can’t lie they did a fire job, but the rest of us felt a little cheated as we stuck to what was inside the box, HAHA. So now we know next time.
Overall, my heart was full by the end of the night. I love this season. Till next year.
Drinking fresh coconut water, eating tropical fruits in season, enjoying cool breezes and views of swaying coconut tree leaves. The many treasures of spending time on an island. Here is me drinking fresh coconut water and enjoying the pure country life.
Some Trinidad highlights!
Lady Chancellor Hill. The is a hike with views of Port-of-Spain which is the capital of Trinidad. It is not far from Queen’s Park Savannah: a carnival hotspot. I would not say that it is a super difficult hike. It is about two miles. The views are breath-taking and that is my favorite part about it.
Views
Bamboo Cathedral. It is located in Chagaraumas, Trinidad not far from Macqueripe Beach. Hardest hike of my life. It is literally an upward hill that does not end or at least it felt that way. There were 27 markers with 27 being the last marker.
There were some very encouraging messages on the way to the top (being sarcastic)
Whoever did this should be in jail haha
Absolute mockery lol
While me and my mother were scoffing for air and had to pause, we saw an older man coming down and we asked, “how much longer,” in which he replied 27, while I believe we were at marker 15 or 16. He definitely made us look out of shape as he chuckled but stated that we made it past the hardest part. I do not know if I fully believe that to be a true statement.
Anyways, after some more trekking, we finally made it to the end. You will see an older abandoned building from when this location was a U.S. base. Going up those steps was scarier than it looked. Inside was just broken glass and junk.
Though this hike was difficult, I felt so good at the end of it. Relating this back to life, the harder your path is, the more fulfilling and rewarding the fruit will be.
After this hike, we cooled off at Macqueripe Beach.
I know this may not seem like the typical island highlight, but I will say the movies. In Trinidad, the most popular place to catch a movie is called Movie Towne, but it literally looks like a movie town. It is clean and the food is great. Me, my brother, and uncle went to see Superman, and before the movie began, we were already chowing down.
Wings and Fries
Lastly, Las Cuevas Beach. This is a beach in North Trinidad so it is a good drive from the South. It is in the hills so the views are spectacular. There is the Maracas Lookout on the way to the beach that we always stop at to get goodies and stretch our legs.
Las Cuevas Beach
And when we come to Las Cuevas, we can’t NOT get bake and shake. We went by Uncle Sam’s Bake and Shark and it did not disappoint.
Overall a refreshing time. Looking forward to next time.
There have times in my life where I thought I was going to lose my mind, and then an overwhelming peace/assurance that everything would be alright overtook me. When I should have been going crazy, there was stillness inside of me. Nothing on Earth could give that type of peace and nothing I tried to do on my own could compare.
Without God’s peace, I do not know what/where I would be. I would be trying to find it in the wrong places which would lead to destruction. Thank God for his peace ❤
It is a little taste of Heaven on Earth.
Some verses:
John 14:27:“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Philippians 4:7:“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
I would have to say pilots! First of all, flying in the air is terrifying for many, so I have to believe that pilots are risk-takers, brave, and passionate to even want to fly for a living. Many would not even entertain the thought. In fact, I know people who never want to ride on an airplane because of their fear of heights.
Pilots have to be prepared for the unexpected, and sometimes have to make quick decisions, for the safety of themselves and passengers. I commend that kind of bravery, to know that risks are involved, but they still are committed to their jobs.
I was also thinking that airplanes are the only mode of transportation to get to certain places quickly and conveniently(as ships take much longer), and it allows us to be able to travel around the world. Imagine, without airplanes, and pilots to maneuver them, we would never get to see many wonders of the world. If we did not have pilots, who would take us?
Not to mention, some of these flights are super long, totaling up to 20 hours or more: I mean that requires a great deal of patience and passion.
I know we are in scary times and there have been some unfortunate incidents with airplanes, but that makes my appreciation grow even stronger for pilots.
I am always forever grateful for pilots and best believe whenever they land, I will be clapping and praising, to show my appreciation. Thank you, pilots ❤
I’ve spoken a lot about Trinidad but never talked about Tobago! For those who do not know, Tobago is Trinidad’s sister island and that is why the country is called Trinidad and Tobago. I’ve been quite a few times and just went recently this summer for four days. You can get there by either airplane or boat: a boat is 3 hours and an airplane is about 20 minutes from Trinidad.
This summer we took the boat to Tobago. The benefit of taking the boat is you can bring your car to drive around with and can carry more luggage, but you just have to be patient with the process of boarding. The benefit of the airplane is it is a quicker trip, but you just may not be able to bring as many items.
Tobago definitely has the more breath-taking, clear water, white sand beaches compared to Trinidad. You can also say it is a bit more touristy.
This is the villa we stayed at located in Crown Point, Tobago.
Popular beaches in Crown Point include Pigeon Point Beach, Store Bay, and Swallow’s Beach. Clear blue waters, water activities waiting for you including snorkeling, jet skis, going on a glass button boat with views of the coral reef to the nylon pool(pool in the middle of the ocean) and more! There are many restaurants and food places on the strip.
Swallow’s BeachStore Bay
Store Bay at sunset
Swallow’s Beach
Also, on the streets there are many vendors selling fruits, baked goods( fudge, kurma, sugar cake, red mango, to name a few), snow cones, along with jewelry and keepsakes. I’m always tempted haha.
Sugar Cake Fudge, TulumVendor
Snow cone man at Swallow’s Beach
Vendor at Store Bay
My absolute highlight of this trip was going to Shurland’s Nature Park AKA Humming Bird Heaven, owned by Shurland James. It is located in Roxborough, Tobago about an hour drive from Crown Point. For $100 TT, you can feed humming birds. It is a walk-in so you do not need to book in advance.
Entrance Views
You will be given a feeder with sugar water that you are to cup in your hand. Then, you stretch your arm out to wait for the humming birds to come.
Me feeding hummingbirds
Once the bird comes, you need to stay still or they may fly away. I also would recommend not wearing any fragrance as I was being attacked by sugar flies and mosquitoes, and was constantly swapping them away. Once the bird comes, you can literally feel the power of its wings and if you are still enough, the bird may sit on your finger. It is one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve ever had. If you want dinner, you need to book in advance and pay, and I believe it is $200 TT dollars. 1 U.S. dollar = 6 TT dollars
I have been traveling to Trinidad since childhood for summer vacation. I am blessed to have a great amount of family that still lives on the island, though many relatives have moved abroad, mostly to the U.S. With that being said, my stays in Trinidad along with the beach days and tropical adventures, also consist of many many visits to the houses of relatives including aunts, uncles, grandparents, great aunts and uncles etc.
As I have gotten older into adulthood, those visits have become shorter and shorter for various reasons, the biggest reason being death. I remember visiting at least 7-10 homes when I was younger to our various relatives’ homes, and just recently, we only visited one house of our great(older) relatives. And of course there are some relatives that we do not always get to see during every visit, just to clarify.
This causes a feeling of sadness and nostalgia for how life used to be but a level of maturity in accepting the cycle of life.
There was a seat my grandfather used to sit in located in the kitchen of my grandma’s house that is just now an empty space. I remember I used to grab his arm and he would squeeze my hand and I would just mess with him. I have many videos of him dancing and laughing in that space and other spaces around the house, and there is just this emptiness and sadness without him there.
My paternal grandmother’s house still has her presence and legacy, but without her, it is just not the same. I think of all of the memories of visiting her, eating plums from her plum tree, and enjoying a well-prepared meal of rice, stewed chicken, red beans and callaloo. I had an uncle who used to live there who also passed away, and his presence is still felt, though not there, but missed greatly.
Another painful yet necessary part of life is seeing relatives age and having to adjust to a different dynamic. The conversations become shorter and our interactions a little less lively. They can no longer accompany you on some of your adventures as their bodies do not have the strength anymore. They may have to go to bed a little earlier. They may have even forgotten you.
For those who do not know, I am a teacher! I just finished my second year and if I could give you a few words to describe my experience, it would be: a beautiful roller-coaster ride. Mine was a bumpy ride, too but I won’t get into all that right now. What I can confidently say is Teaching is in my blood.
My father’s side of the family is full of educators. My late grandmother(father’s mom) was an educator in Trinidad and retired as a Vice Principal. I have two uncles who were educators: one in Trinidad and one in Brooklyn. I have an aunt who was an educator in Brooklyn. My father was an educator in Trinidad and in Brooklyn.
Want to know what’s crazy?I am the only teacher in my generation. Being a teacher was never on the top of my list but there has always been this desire in me to teach the youth that I was never able to escape.
I joined a program called Springs of Hope, as a part of my alma mater’s teacher induction program. We were asked to pick any ancestor of ours who inspires us to this day. I picked my late grandmother, who happened to be a teacher. I gave a slideshow presentation about her life and I found it very special that we chose the same career.
My first two years were incredibly difficult, enough so, to make one question if this was even the right path. Endless tears, numerous doubts, wanting to quit and give up, and maybe try a different path. However, my desire to teach has grown stronger, even after going through some of the hardest days of my life. It is in my blood, and every-time I want to quit, I think of my family members who also chose this path, did not give up and succeeded. I honestly have a passion for teaching and this is only the beginning for me. I can’t wait to see what my future holds. Teaching is in my blood.
Dominique 