My 2014 Christmas gift from Sar was a trip to Abu Dhabi and Dubai in The United Arab Emirates, planned for April, 2015. Whoa! My first International trip! What a gift! I was so excited! 

We left the US on the 16th of April and arrived in the UAE on the 17th without me knowing the ultimate reason for the visit. The night before our departure, Sar had said to me that he would prove how well he knows me. I did not know how to take that statement, but I rolled with the punches.

Sar informed me the night we arrived in Dubai that another couple had also traveled from the US, but he did not revealed the name. The next morning, instead of going to the beach as we had planned, we visited another hotel. To my surprise, Jamiel and Michelle Dawson (our friends) who also live in the US were in Dubai! What a coincidence! I thought it was weird, as they had never mentioned plans to visit Dubai even though I had mentioned our trip to them. The Dawsons told me, they were visiting their friend, Letty Maxwell, who lives in Dubai. While in the Dawson's hotel room, Sar, Jamiel, and Letty disappeared for almost an hour. I wondered why, but did not think much of it at the time. Upon their return, we all went to the Dubai Mall. Again, Sar, Jamiel, and Letty drifted away, leaving Michelle and me behind. We both wondered why but Michelle repeatedly said, "Girl, they are probably planning something nice for us tonight!" After we all were exhausted, we returned to the Dawson's hotel and rested.

We returned to the Dubai Mall later that evening and ended at the Dubai Fountain in front of the Burj Khalifa. We saw the magnificent spectacular water show at the Fountain. Thereafter, we took a private boat ride through the Fountain. Sar told me to sit in a specific seat in the boat, and I sat, thinking that it was a perfect seat for a photo with the Burj Khalifa in the background.  To my surprise, Sar expressed his love for me in front of Jamiel and Michelle. He then popped the big question "Will you marry me?" He opened a little red box with the most beautiful ring in the world in it! Tears filled my eyes and I burst into tears with "Yes!"

The boat stopped and right in front of us the water show ensued! It was so beautiful! Sar handed me more gifts which included a 24k gold ball of chocolate and tickets to the Burj Khalifa.

I was given THE proposal that most girls can only dream of!!!! 

When Jessica and I first started dating, she informed me that she had never left the US. I made a promise to her; we will leave the States at least once a year. 

The proposal story started on a random September day in 2014. I was leaving an outlet mall and decided to inquire about the cost of engagement rings. The thought brought a tear gently down my face. I knew this was the beginning of something as I walked into the Jared Jewelry Store. Unfortunately, I did not like their rings. After several months of market research, I narrowed down my jeweler to three vendors and continued with my search.   

My 2014 Christmas gift to Jessica was a trip to The United Arab Emirates - Abu Dhabi and Dubai. I had the location set, but not THE ring as I have been researching. January came and I narrowed it to two vendors. The first vendor designed a ring which was a total disappointment to me. I knew then, the other vendor would carve THE ring.

From January to March, the vendor and I steadily worked on my versions of THE ring for Jessica. It wasn’t until the day we left for Dubai, that the vendor hand delivered THE ring to me. As I opened the beloved treasure, I paused and stared at THE beautiful gem we had created. I was pleased! I thanked him and proceeded home.

On the drive home, I thought about how I would secure the box during the trip. Upon my arrival, I snuck THE ring box in my carry-on, afraid to place the beautiful gem anywhere else. I did not want Jessica to see it and ruin my plan. She was so excited! She kept asking me the weirdest questions that I could not respond to.  

When we arrived in Dubai, I arranged with the host of our hotel to set up the room according to my specification. I was also in constant communication with Jamiel (one of my groomsmen), about the detail of the proposal which I had scheduled for the next day.

On the morning of the 18^th, I purposely told Jessica that we were going to the beach; knowing that, we would be meeting Jamiel and Michelle Dawson, our friends. To Jessica’s surprise, Jamiel and Michelle met us in their hotel lobby for breakfast along with Michelle’s longtime friend, Letty Maxwell, who lives in Dubai.

Jamiel, Letty and I left Michelle with Jessica to go over the plans for the day. When the plans were set, we gathered our things and headed for the Dubai Mall. While at the mall, I purchased a few things at certain shops (unknowingly to Jessica) to present to her after I had made THE proposal. At 6:45 PM, we all went to the Dubai Fountain in front of the Burj Khalifa to see their magnificent water show. I rented a private boat for the five of us to circle around the Dubai Fountain. I then placed Jessica in a particular seat, got on my knees and poured out my heart to her.

She was totally surprised. I concluded my love speech with the question, “Jessica, will you marry me?” As she said YES! I placed THE ring slowly on her finger looking directly in her eyes. She was elated! I can never forget her facial expression. I had an epiphany at that moment; God confirmed that I had designed the perfect ring with the matching bands to Jessica’s likeness. I said to her, “Jessica, I will prove to you that I know you!”  

The moment she said yes, the water show ensued. I handed her the gift bag with a 24k gold ball of chocolate, tickets to the Burj Khalifa, and some small random items she had liked while walking through the Mall.

Jessica Elizabeth, I love you!