“Bless the Lord, oh my soul… oh my soul.”
These words from 10,000 Reasons have carried me through quiet mornings and stormy nights. And today, they feel especially fitting—because this is the kind of moment where praise overflows without needing permission.

After nearly three months of silence, I’m finally back. And this time, I return not just as a storyteller, but as someone who’s seen a dream come alive—quietly, painfully, beautifully.

My UK dream has come true. And even now, it still feels surreal.

The Day Everything Changed

October 4, 2019.
Heathrow Airport. A chilly breeze greeted me as I stepped out of the plane, but it was the joy in my chest that took my breath away. “UK at last,” I whispered into the crisp autumn air, not sure whether I wanted to laugh, cry, or simply stay still in that sacred moment. After years of prayers, setbacks, interviews, and waiting—my new chapter had finally begun.

That first week in Wolverhampton felt like walking inside someone else’s life. Everything was unfamiliar—the accents, the roads, the weather, even the way people queued for the bus. And yet, something in my soul whispered, You belong here. You made it.

Becoming a UK Nurse

I was welcomed into the NHS with unexpected warmth. My Trust provided us with a rigorous OSCE Bootcamp, which would become one of the most crucial chapters in my journey. The pressure was real. The expectations were high. The fatigue often wore me down. And yet, even with a toothache on exam day, grace carried me.

November 19, 2019—the date etched in my heart.
I passed.
I became a UK Registered Nurse.

From a faraway dream whispered through sleepless nights to a badge I could now wear with pride—I had crossed an ocean and found the version of myself I always believed was possible.

Exploring Wolverhampton

In between hospital shifts and study sessions, I allowed myself moments of pause—to simply breathe and explore. Wolverhampton, with its blend of old-world charm and modern rhythm, became the backdrop to my unfolding growth. I remember one morning in particular, walking past unfamiliar buildings with familiar feelings—hope, wonder, gratitude. It wasn’t just a new city I was getting to know. It was a new me.

With a Grateful Heart

None of this would have been possible without the people who stood by me.
This is for you.

To God—

Thank You.
For Your mercy, Your timing, and the strength You gave me when I had none.
All glory belongs to You.

To my family—

Mama, Papa, RR, Jaguar, Ma Lucy, Inday, Te Neneng, Tya Cita, Lola Delima, Angelic, and all my relatives:
Thank you for your unwavering support and prayers.
For believing in me when I was barely holding on.
I love you.
Salamat sa walay pagbiya. 💖

To Aunt Lhon, Uncle B, Bea, and Vince—

Thank you for sending me to nursing school.
You made this dream possible.
Miss you all dearly.

To my friends and mentors—

Alex, Ielene, Mam Iyoy, Leanne, Lola, Vicki, Ate Mae, Ate Ends, Kuya Jeco, Te Arlene, Te Camz, and all who guided us:
Thank you for your wisdom, patience, and the quiet belief you placed in us.

To Jan—

Thank you for every warm meal, every word of encouragement, and every moment you stayed when I wanted to give up.
Jeg elsker deg.

To my cohort, colleagues, and my Acute Stroke Unit team—

Thank you for walking this journey with me.
For the laughter, support, and shared struggles.
We made it.

On Failure and Becoming

To my past failures, mistakes, and regrets—
Thank you.

You taught me what resilience looks like.
You made me reflect, stretch, and grow.

I may have felt ashamed or small at times. But those moments gave me deeper understanding—and I am not the same woman I was before.
I am stronger. I am wiser. I am better.

What I’ve Learned

Success isn’t just about hitting the jackpot or standing at the top.
It’s about taking the leap despite the fear.
It’s about showing up when everything feels uncertain.
It’s about trusting that any attempt to be better is already a success.

October 4, 2019 — my new beginning.
November 19, 2019 — my breakthrough.

All glory to God.
I am Maria Angela Gabriel—PH RN. UK RN. Dreamer. Doer. Daughter. Nurse.

Hello, United Kingdom.
I’m finally home. 🇬🇧✨

-Anj ❤