Someone Broke Into Our House!

I received a call last night at around 8:30 pm. It was my friend from Manila who was temporarily staying at our apartment in Iloilo. She said someone broke into our house. I thought she was just mistaken. She didn't go inside the rooms yet because she was a bit scared. But, from where she was standing, she said that she could see some of our things already scattered on the floor, and that the window screen from the next room was already open. I tried not to panic but my stomach was already hardening as we spoke.

(Top Row L-R) 1. Small gate leading to the second room window,
2. Damaged window screen
(Bottom Row L-R) 3. Rummaged things from the cabinet,
4. Scattered things on the floor 

What is happening?! Last month, the apartment got infested by termites, and now, this?! Is this what we get for deciding to stay here for our baby and leave the house unoccupied for months? Could this have happened if we never left or just decided to go back as scheduled? Will I still be carrying our baby if we went back last month?

These were just some of the many questions running through my head last night. And, just the thought that someone with a dark motive got inside our house really scared me. What if we were there? What if my friend was there? The guy even went through the window of the room that we were planning to put together for the baby!!! All the while, we thought that that particular apartment is safe and secure. 

Because of the stress and mixed emotions, it was the first time I felt my stomach tighten and it felt a bit painful. I also had a hard time sleeping. Poor baby! :-(

Nevertheless, we are still thankful because nobody got hurt and the burglar didn't really get much from the house. That's because we brought all our valuables (which is not really that much) with us here in Koronadal and we don't have expensive appliances in the apartment yet like DVD player or television. We have a refrigerator, but I guess it was too big for him to carry out of our apartment. Haha! The one staying there also brings her phone, laptop and money everyday to work. In fact, the only stuff the thief got was my external DVD and my friend's perfume. Good thing he didn't decide to burn down the apartment because he wasn't able to get anything more than that despite of his efforts. Haha!

My friend continued to update me later that night such as when she reported the theft and the police arrived to "investigate" the crime scene. As expected, they weren't able to do much even if we have a primary suspect (who is the only garbage guy we allow to enter the apartment compound every morning and knew very well that we've been away for a while). Our neighbors, who happen to be our church pastors and friends also experienced getting their apartment (in a different village) robbed a few years ago. The criminals were never identified and the stolen valuables were never traced or retrieved. Sadly, that's how it is in the Philippines. If this happens to you, don't expect justice to be served. :-(

Anyway, the owner of the apartment building had the broken gate and window screen fixed today. He also put up window grills in the room where the theft got in, as it was the only window in the house that didn't have metal grills on. (Just that guy's luck!)

Last night, before finally going to sleep, my husband and I prayed and cast all our fears to Jesus. We also declared Jesus' peace and protection over our family and the people and possessions we left in Iloilo. We also prayed for the person who got inside the house.

At times like this, the best thing to do is to hold on to God's promises and never stop believing that He makes all things work together for our good. 

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you…" 

- John 14:27

"And because Christ, our mercy seat, covers us with His blood, we are under God’s protection. We are in the secret place of the Most High, abiding under the shadow of the Almighty. Here, no evil will befall us, nor will any plague come near our dwelling. (Psalm 91:9–10) In the secret place of the Most High, we are favored and kept safe from all harm!" 

- Pastor Joseph Prince, Daily Devotional