November 2nd was our one year anniversary in South Africa. We've been greatly blessed in the people we've got to know and the things we've experienced. We've seen God's hands clearly in so many things that have happened and grown so much.
November 3rd was the day our house was broken into for the second time in six months. We'd joked about how the robbers would wait a while after the first theft until we'd replaced everything and then would return. So they did, getting in by completely removing a window, checking out the fridge and freezer this time but not finding as much of value - not possessing designer clothes/shoes can be an advantage. They did take the ring that my aunt, who died of cancer a few months ago, had left me and a non-smart phone with my UK sim (so don't use that number, or if you do, let me know if anyone answers it) but we've come to expect that this is what happens in modern South Africa.
Ever since leaving to follow God's call to Nigeria I've had to learn to hold earthly possessions lightly. Yes I've got some boxes stored at my parents but so much has had to be given away. When we arrived in South Africa we had two large suitcases each and hand luggage. God provided everything we needed and still does. When irreplaceable memories are stolen it hurts; when IT equipment goes the hassle of changing passwords is extremely annoying but it all helps to concentrate the mind on what is lasting and important.
It's tempting to walk around town casting suspicious eyes on everyone who passes, especially the street-sleepers, but love and forgiveness are choices; waiting until you feel like loving or forgiving doesn't really work. Not easy but necessary: why should I allow the actions of someone else dictate how I react? (This doesn't mean I believe that wrong choices/actions shouldn't have consequences, that's how we learn after all, only that an unforgiving and unloving attitude can cause more harm to yourself than the person unforgiven.)
At least it gave me good material for the Bible studies I led in a local prison this week and reinforced Fraser's belief that it's never wise to save a bar of chocolate for later - if you put it in the fridge someone could well break in and steal it before you get a chance to eat it.
"Store up for yourselves treasure in heaven where moths and vermin do not destroy and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there your heart will be also." (Matt 6:20-21)
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