Burnt Strudel

So, I've tried to think of some clever way to start this post, but it's just not coming to me. Therefore, I will just come out and say it: yesterday the Strudel was broken into and my laptop, Lori's laptop and purse, and Diana's laptop were stolen. The nice thing is that I had "back up computer" on my to-do list, so that works out well now that it's gone. I mean, now that's one less thing on my do-list. Of course, I have to add "make insurance claim" and "buy new computer" and "track down missing files" and "paint new door-jam" (seeing as the old one was busted), and probably several more things I can't think of right now.

Is is sad that it feels like my whole life is gone, just because one small rectangular silver box was taken from my desk.

And, it's a strange feeling to see police officers walk into your house with their guns drawn.

And, I've never had to work with insurance companies in my whole life as much as I have in the year 2008.

And, I've never been so grateful to have a house full of incredible men just down the street.

Actually, that last comment is worth expounding upon. When Lori and I walked up to the house, and discovered that the door jam was broken, we called the guys and the police. Within around 10 minutes, three of the guys were there. The police got there 30 minutes later. After the police searched the house, they had us come in and look to see what was missing. Once I was done talking to the police officer and realized I had to get the locks changed (since Lori's keys were stolen), I called the lock people, and they referred me to a company who could fix the door. I went out to the living room before I called said company, and there were three of the guys fixing the door. It was incredible. Tim had already been to Home Depot and gotten the wood and tools needed, and they were working on the door before I even thought about how it needed to be fixed. I can't tell you the peace of mind it brought. Steven brought us his computer to use (which I currently am), Dustin, John and Tim did everything needed to fix the door, they all spent the evening with us to lift our spirits, and Dustin and Steven gave us even more peace of mind by sleeping in the living room (with a gigantic golf club within easy reach). I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR THESE MEN!!!

So, we are actually doing pretty well, considering. I have one huge prayer request for now. Tomorrow, all of us staff women are headed to California for a regional women's retreat. Lori's license was in her purse, and so she doesn't have it to get on the plane tomorrow afternoon. Her parents have expressed her passport to us, so our prayer is that it will get here by the time we have to leave. Please pray with us!

At some point, I do plan to update you all on our MLK weekend - very possibly the best one yet. But, that will have to wait for another time (and maybe even another computer). For now, here's a fun picture I found on Steven's computer. Blog posts are so much more fun with pictures, don't you think?