Singapore arrival

W grins from ear to ear. "They bumped us up."

They are Delta and their rep at the gate takes a liking to W. Though there's a long line for upgrades, she seats W and me side by side in Business Elite. We have fully reclining seats with down-like pillows and comforters. We sip refreshing orange juice as we wait for others to board. The menu choices are for a three-course dinner: soup and salad, [halibut], and a choice of desserts. W has the tenderloin. I try a bit of everything on my plate, but it's like they're feeding us everything the other passengers are not getting. Too much!

I tuck myself in after dinner and a movie and sleep for nearly 6 hours. I'm awake in time to ask for a late breakfast. The tray comes laden with fresh fruit, a quiche and sausages, and two croissants with a pot of preserves. I'd need these wide seats if I'd attempt to eat it all. Tea, fruit, and a few bites of quiche does it for me.

Our trip through security at Tokyo Narita goes smoothly, especially after we are pointed to a short line in another section of the airport. We eat a bit of congee in the Delta Club. It settles W's stomach. We both skip the beautiful sushi with regret: I'm still full from breakfast.

We're rested and wide awake, flying almost 7 hours to Singapore. Some people at Changi International Airport have dust masks on. The fires from Indonesia produce a grey haze that lies over the island as our taxi driver swirls through the streets. These guys are amazing: we tell them our address and they rush off. There's seldom a wrong turn, just a rush to drop us off and catch the next fare.

Singapore haze

It's 2am by the time we find the elevator for our block and haul our stuff into the flat. Our friends, the Taylors, have gotten in just before us and are asleep. We sleep soundly until 7am. Taylors have head out for a breakfast meeting so we catch up on emails and have a piece of toast. The smell of smoke permeates the flat.

At 9:30am, the clock back home says 6:30pm. We normally have a minimal adjustment upon arrival in a new time zone. (We feel jet-lagged for days when we return to Seattle's dark climate.) Our bodies feel like its morning, but we'll see how the evening goes. We're glad to be here!

Read more:

*Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you don't know if profit will come from one activity or another—or maybe both. Ecclesiastes 11:6 NLT

*His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away. Daniel 7:14 NIV

*But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.

He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,  so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:4-7 NIV

*Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 NLT

Moravian Prayer: God, our lives become unmanageable and we grow weary. Knowing you are the same yesterday, today, and forever provides unimaginable comfort and joy. Amen.