Another visitor

It could have been several, but it is hard to say.

Due to tampering and perhaps some unfortunate luck (they broke the outside door, perhaps the inside metal door was not shut completely?), we had visitors in the mission house this weekend. Sufficit to say, they were not invited in.

What was taken? VCR, DVD, some sheets, all the candy the last group had left, the mission house cell phone and some other small items, but one big thing (well, it was not big in size if not in importance), our safe. It had the proceeds for the month for the eye clinic (thinking being that the mission house was safer, and has been, than the clinic for storage of such). Total loss with everything combined? Oh, figure on $3,500 or so for replacing everything. Since we had been with groups, Oscar had not had time to make a deposit in the bank. Ah, timing.

It could have been worse. We figure it must have been the kids that hang out there (again...different kids though) as nothing big and heavy was removed (not even the suitcase that had the candy in it...go figure on that one). And at least they did no damage or tore anything up. It could have been much worse indeed.

So, pray for safety and for the financial side of things. This would not seem to be of help. Yet I still would remind us all (me now, you as you read this) of James and his words of encouragement:

1:2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything

...I know I am certainly lacking in quite a bit, so unpleasant as it may be, along with that hit to my eye which is healing nicely with the possibility of a scar or two, I do consider it joy.

Pure joy though? Ok, 100% pure might take a little while yet. Remember, I am lacking still!