I know my hobbies. Travelling is NOT one of them. We have a complicated relationship. I travel, not because I want to, but because I have to. Almost everything related to travelling is nerve-racking for me, especially when I have to get on a plane! 

Last year, I had to travel. 

Five times! 

If you know me well, you’ll agree that was A LOT in one year! Laugh if you want. Like we say in Nigeria, “monkey no fine but im mama like am”. I still have my people who are familiar with my travel jitters, and they still love me all the same!

Anyway, I went on five trips last year. Two of those trips were to Nigeria. I was in Nigeria twice this year, after almost thirteen years of being away! Don’t judge me. Again, like we say in my country, “who no come no go know”! 

The last trip in December was for an emotional event. My parents’ inlaw’s funeral. Mma went to be with the Lord in February, and three months later, Papa decided he couldn’t live without his dear wife, so he joined her. The love between them was divine.

So I had to travel back home to celebrate their well-lived lives and bid them farewell. 

Honestly, I had mixed emotions. I was nervous. There were nights when I woke up with my heart racing, like I was having panic attacks, my pajamas and pillow soaked with sweat.  I just kept fighting these horrible feelings. Prayers. Confessions. Worship. There were moments when I would think about the trip and tears would fill my eyes. I couldn’t explain what was happening to me, but I kept on going about my normal life. No one knew. It was just between my God and I.

As the days drew closer, the nervous feelings increased. I completed my last-minute errands, afraid. On my last day at work before the trip, I didn’t hug anyone. I casually walked out like I would after a regular work day, because somewhere in my heart, fear hovered. 

The next morning during my devotion, I heard two simple words:

Peace. Safety.

In that moment and all throughout the day, I felt calm. 

And then, it was time to leave for the airport and the uneasiness crawled in again.  I prayed with my kids but didn’t hug them, because, again I felt it. Silent panic. Discomfort. Fear. 

But as I boarded my flight, I prayed from my heart –

“Lord, You own my life. You know my fears. You know my future. Please make this trip and my time in Nigeria a safe and peaceful one. I just want to come home to my children. That’s all I ask.”

As the plane took off, I found a comfortable position on my seat, closed my eyes, and slept. Deeply. My body needed it. The week had been a hectic one for me.

God heard my prayer, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Why am I sharing this? 

In 2026, there will be things you HAVE to do. Places you HAVE to go to. Responsibilities you HAVE to take on.  Thinking about them will scare you. You will panic, break out in sweat, even cry like I did. Whatever happens, bring God in. Let Him know your worries, your fears, and your honest desires. Then do what I did on that plane: 

Find a comfortable position. 

Close your eyes.

 Rest. 

Sleep. 

Because He who watches over Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps.

And this same God will watch over you in 2026.

Have a fruitful year!