Our apartment complex has had 5 burglaries since January. Unfortunately, one of the church's apartments on our 2nd floor was robbed in April or May. It was vacant waiting for a senior couple to arrive. They robbed the whole solar inverter and battery system, the drapes, the refrigerator compressor, the crockpot, pots and pans, and even the cleaning supplies. We felt bad because we hadn't noticed anything amiss, but we weren't told to go over and check the vacant apartment. We noticed the break in just a week before the Lewis's, our new missionary leadership couple, arrived. Last week, a burglar broke into another apartment in our complex while the couple was sleeping and stole their T.V. All the apartment tenants called a meeting in the parking lot to discuss the security issues and our safety. Most of the tenants feel it's an "inside" job; meaning someone is letting the robbers in and making a deal. We are suspicious of the guards or the ground's keeper. Home Lux is the majority owner of the complex. They are only paying for one security guard at the remote-controlled entrance. They had been advised to have four guards at night so they could walk the perimeter of the complex. They also promised to install security cameras, which haven't happened yet. Pres. Judd approved for both of our missionary apartments to have steel bars installed on all the windows and doors; so we do feel safe. We also added 4 more solar panels and doubled the battery storage so we can have constant electricity or power. When there is no "zesa" or electricity our solar wasn't able to recharge and work as a primary source. It's reassuring the church wants the missionaries safe and in comfortable settings; especially the seniors.
Our neighbor in apartment 20, Tatenda, invited us over on Friday night for a prayer vigil. We thought, "Why not?" There is definitely strength in numbers and prayer; we knew it would be a great missionary and befriending opportunity. We went over with Sister Megan Lewis, from apartment 12, not knowing what to expect. There were 8 neighbors in attendance along with our friend in apartment 17, Leo. Tatenda took the lead and we complimented her on being courageous enough to invite her neighbors of "Christian" like minds to participate. They talked about how we are all one body in Christ and quoted some scriptures from Matthew and Proverbs. We went around the room suggesting what each person wanted to pray for. One person prayed for our complex's safety, and one for a peaceful outcome of the presidential elections (voting was on Wednesday). We prayed for the safety of our families, workers, and territorial property, and to have decreased anxiety and worries. Three of the ladies and the pastor, Isaac, prayed first. They gave beautiful poetic prayers, quoting scripture verses, and saying "Oh Lord, Oh God" in every sentence. Tatenda gave such a beautiful long prayer throwing in some inflection and Shona in every now and then. I thought, OK we could just end here now. I gave a simple prayer asking for protection for our families, but not nearly as eloquent. We also sang a hymn, "How great thou art" with Megan, a gorgeous talented soprano's, lead. We felt the spirit and unity of neighborly love that night. We will probably hold the next one at our apartment, kind of like our own Family Home Evening.
Saturday, we had another fun golf lesson and celebrated two senior sisters' birthdays, Megan Lewis and Lori Salizar. We took Lewis's to the Stable Market for the first time. We had a brie at 34 North along with a pickleball game or two. 
Fun morning at the Stable's Market with the Lewis's. We always find fun things to eat and buy! I introduced Megan to our friend, Gemma Gibson.
Be careful with the break-ins. It is something that mom and dad had to continually deal with. I can't find you on FB. Maybe the service is down. Keep up the good work and educating us with a different land, people, and experiences. You both are awesome and I know people are enjoying your optimistic outlook!
ReplyDelete