Wallets and Watches

Year 2, Day 11

Our house was broken into last night.

While we slept, someone jimmied the back door deadbolt open and unwelcomingly entered our home. Quiet as a mouse, he made his way through the downstairs level. He searched purses, wallets, and desk drawers. All as we lay obliviously dreaming upstairs in our beds. When all was said and done, he took all the cash and watches he could find, but left the electronics. Then he slipped out like a snake. Out into the dark and onto his next conquest. Four houses on our street were hit, all by the same method. However, the last house he hit he became more confident, making his way upstairs into a bedroom. The woman in the room awoke, scared him away and called the police.

When I awoke this morning, I had a sense of slight heaviness (perhaps a sign of things to come?). I couldn’t explain why besides the fact I had trouble falling asleep. Tossing and turning for two hours, I finally drifted off into a deep sleep. Of course, as I dreamed, I had no idea someone was violating our peaceful night. So again, not sure why I was feeling the way I was, I ventured downstairs. I made breakfast and one by one everyone came down to enjoy a family meal. As we were sitting there eating, I looked at the back door and noticed it was just slightly ajar. We all got up and pondered how this could have happened. Our first line of questioning was the boys. Could they have thought they closed it the night before but didn’t? Did someone open it in the morning? Brett was convinced he had locked it the night before. Still, we didn’t think anything too serious had happened. After all, we live on a safe compound with security 24/7. However, we decided to walk around the house to make sure everything was in order. Just as we did this, messages began coming through on my phone of people on the street missing money. “Check your wallets”, they urged. Sure enough, all of our wallets were empty. The thief had gone through things quickly, searching for anything he could take easily and get rid of without hassle. In the end, we figure he took over $1,000 worth of money and property.

So, I will admit I freaked out. The thought of someone being in our house while we slept unknowingly upstairs is very unsettling. We all feel violated. Our peaceful home not so peaceful now. The day has been one of chaos. Searching the house, hearing from neighbors, waiting to find out what steps will be taken to investigate. Being in a foreign country, we have no clue what to expect. Security guards have been coming by outside in huddled groups discussing who knows what. All we can do is sit and wait. It is a powerless feeling.

But truly in the end, what are we going to do? We can allow this event shake our faith, or we can turn to God for comfort. Of course, the thought of someone invading your privacy is enough to send you off your rails, as it did me. I continue to be on the edge of a breakdown. BUT, I am also grateful. It could have been so much worse. The perpetrator stayed downstairs. He did not come with the intention to do harm. He did not have a gun. Who knows what his life situation is? One thing is, he must be desperate to commit this act. I know evil exists in this world. While I am in no way justifying what he has done, I do not dispute the fact that desperate people take desperate measures. It is just sad that innocent people have to be hurt in the process.

I am also grateful for this community who have come together all day offering help in any way possible. I have had prayer warriors, people offering to come be with me, and even friends who brought much-appreciated cookies, and chocolates (it really is called chocolate therapy for a reason). It reminds me how blessed we are to live in such a place. I am truly humbled by the support. It is like none I have ever known before.

Yes, bad things happen. They can happen anywhere. God is good He protected our family and once again showed me that He is in control of all. He protects us at all times. I surprise myself that my heart is leading me to pray for the person or people who broke into our home. They need it badly. Although our privacy has been invaded, our faith has not been shaken. I will stand on the rock of Him who protects all. He brings me peace through this difficult time. Now I just pray we will all be able to sleep tonight.

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Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21