388 Burrows

I have become the victim of the most common crime in cities: a break-in. Well, 2 to be exact, and within the span of 2 weeks, and it looks like both were done by the same guy, which is particularly annoying. I received literature in the mail from "victim services" explaining it's normal to feel violated, vulnerable, angry and so on and I can relate. I can't say "poor me" too much since it seems most city dwellers will, at one point or another, themselves be victims of break-ins, and at least this comes during a time in my life when, to be realistic, there really wasn't much to steal. Plus, I have deliberately set myself up in a neighborhood where crime rates soar. I knew the risks before moving in, so I can't pretend to be surprised. I can praise God for a year and a half of protection!

All that said, it still stinks. It's infuriating that these break-ins will cost me ten times what the thief could possibly have made off of the trinkets he took from me. My broken doors are more valuable than microwaves and costume jewellery. Still, it leaves me unsettled: I am currently living alone and have no leads on roommates. Most girls needing a place to live are hesitant to live in the North End. I can no longer reassure them that it's "perfectly safe". I start having to question the wisdom of living alone in such an exposed place myself. These break-ins just serve to add pressure; both financially and in regards to personal safety.

On one hand, I'm dealing with the mostly irritating job of cleaning up the messes, making police reports and insurance claims and spending far too much valuable time taking care of these details. On the other hand, part of me is shouting pretty loudly to find a better solution than just cleaning up, whether by selling my place and rooming with a missionary who lives just down the street from me, to finding an apartment building with good security... One thing I know, I'm not giving up on the North End. I'm just not sure if I'm giving up on 388 Burrows or not.

You can pray for me. Pray for patience with the "details", peace of mind for myself and those who love me and worry about me in light of these break-ins, for finances to take care of the expenses, personal safety (so far there has been no threat to myself, only my belongings!), and wisdom as I make decisions regarding my future. My prayer for the near future is that either God will send some strong gals who have a desire to live in the North End (and be my roommates) or give me an out - the ability to sell at a fair price and a good housing option in the North End.