On the plane thinking about the "safe trip" wishes...

I forgot how nice it is to travel internationally. Emirates provided me a pillow, blanket, headphones, eye mask, toothbrush, toothpaste, and socks. Plus I have my own TV, game controller, USB port and regular plug. There are over 100 movies, at least 10 of which I would watch and 5 that I want to watch. We get dinner, breakfast, snacks, and complimentary beverages, including wine. There is plenty of room in the seat, even in Economy!

Almost everyone I have talked to has wished me a safe trip. Some have even added, "don't die." First of all, I really appreciate the well wishes and prayers. I am 99.9% sure that nothing bad is going to happen. But with that 0.1% chance, I want to make sure you all know something:

I would rather die obeying God's will than live in disobedience and fear.

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith."
Philippians 1:20-25