Traveling Alone - Yet, I Am Not

March 04, my first trip to a far away land - Amsterdam in Holland. All Alone, by myself, for a week training course in this new employment.

Never ever have I thought of traveling alone to a place that I knew no one. All these years, I just want to be the only woman to kiss my husband every morning before he leaves for work. I just want to be a delegated housewife to take care the household. My income is just an add on for the family. But it did not turn out to be this way.

With much courage, I was on the 14 hours flight to Amsterdam. In the Raffles class, the seat was indeed very comfortable and I was pampered by these beautiful stewardesses.

In the air, while I was sipping my orange juice away, the plane started to shake terribly. I was quick to finish the drink and put on the seat belt. All alone. No hands to hold. I was frigthened. I prayed and prayed. I talked to God about my children. I asked God for protection. I told God that if this is Your Will, in Thy Hands I come. This turbulence was really bad. It lasted for a minute or so.

Subsequently, there were turbulences but all short ones. Each time, I prayed when the plane started to shake and gave thanks when it stopped. I prayed throughout the journey. I have never prayed so much before, if not on the plane!

Finally, it landed at the world-famous Schipol Airport. All the announcments were made in Dutch except Belt 17 I could understand. Without much delay, I collected my baggage and hopped into a taxi. The taxi driver was friendly, but I was nervous. My heart was pounding hard. I prayed for God's protection again - all the way to this luxurious Pulitzer Hotel.

In the room, all was sound. I quickly gave a call home to tell them I have reached Amsterdam. All quiet, all alone, I prayed and gave thanks again to God for this merciful journey.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for this merciful journey. Thank you for these turbulences to make me pray more. For all alone I was there, but You were with me. For no one hold my hands, but You have held me close to Your bosom.
Thank you for this time I have spent on the plane, I experienced You. Help me not to take You for granted, but pray often these days. Help me not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanks giving and present all my requests to You. Amen.