Thursday, December 4, 2008

ask and you shall receive

Since the robbery that occurred less than two weeks ago people have been praying for me in lots of different ways . . . that I would be able to sleep, that I wouldn't be overwhelmed with feelings of fear, that my stolen items would somehow be restored to me . . . Those first two things have definitely been answered in a very real way. I have still managed to get 7-8 hours of good sleep each night without interruptions of nightmares or flashbacks. I have also felt any feelings of fear subside each day to the point that I really don't feel them at all anymore (although I am still more jumpy than normal, so don't sneak up behind me as a joke and expect to get a laugh out of me). And now even that third thing people have been praying for has been answered as well!

A few days ago I received an email that gave me a bit of a shock, it was from the person who was at that time in possession of my computer. I had to read it several times and have other people read it as well before I could actually comprehend what it was saying. It was from a man who wondered if the used mac he recently bought had been stolen. When he started to use it he discovered all of my personal documents and photographs. He realized that someone who intended to sell a computer would not have left these things on the hard drive. He searched for an email address and contacted me. I don't know how many hands it passed through before this man bought it but I know that God put it in the hands of this honest man.

After emailing back a forth a few times with this man and getting lots of advice from people I trusted, I felt that he was trustworthy and arranged a meeting. It was strange to have the computer in my hands again. I looked quickly over the files and it looks like nothing has been deleted or lost! What an answer to prayer! The things that were irreplaceable (most importantly, the thousands of photos that I have taken of this past year) have now been restored to me. Its still hard for me to comprehend at times, I have to pinch myself and remind myself that it really is true!

We still have not come to a final arrangement of how I can compensate him for his kind and courageous act, but the important thing is that I have my files, photos, music (everything!) back in my possession and already backed up on an external hard drive. The rest will fall into place.

13 comments:

David Wilhite said...

Julia
That's really awesome! Thanks for sharing.

Historian said...

That is amazing! Praise God for answered prayers and honest men. I second your first commenter - thank you so much for sharing God's grace with us! ~Rachel Ayers

Richard said...

we love you and are counting the days!

The Wyatts said...

That is so amazing! It's just a reminder that God is in control of everything. Thank you for sharing. We are giving God glory with you for His awesome work!

Kelley said...

AMAZING!!!

Cameron said...

Julia, the folks who wrote before me used words like "awesome" "amazing" and alluded to God's sovereign rule and compassion . . . I whole heartedly agree! I had all my things stolen in Siberia years ago, and before leaving Russia I had everything restored to me, too. I know how it feels, and understand your amazed curiosity and thanksgiving. Love you, and see you soon!!

Janna said...

Wow!! Praise-alluia!! I'm so thankful that you're okay and that you're still able to return to the States for Christmas. I'm sure your family will be reassured to see you face to face. :)

Andrés Arráez said...

Go God!!!
This is awesome! Glad to hear you are doing well. Blessings and have a safe trip back home.

Anonymous said...

wurd.....glad that worked out. need to get you a WD backup drive for christmas!

Glenda said...

Dearest Julia,

My heart is rejoicing that the Lord has been so gracious in caring for you so completely. I remember longing for your computer to be returned to you so you would have your photos that were so dear to you. God doing this for you is such a tender way He has shown you His love...and through that, He has reminded me of His care for my life as well. You are a testimony of His grace and faithfulness. I love you Julia! Hugs,Glenda

Lisa Leeper said...

WHat an amazing -- and loving -- Father we have. How tenderly he loves you to restore to you what had been lost, seemingly forever. Of course he'd have been just as good had your computer never been returned to you. But what a sweet thing for Abba to do for you!

Hope you are enjoying home and resting well.

Love you much,

Lisa

alida said...

wow, that is pretty cool. especially in light of how it was stolen, and even more so in respect to our usual mistaken attitudes about africa and africans with all its high level corruption. it is reassuring that there are those "normal" people in africa, canada and the us who know to do the right thing.

Cheryl Nichols said...

Julia, I am so grateful to our God for protecting you. I hope your time home with family and friends will be blessed. Much Love and prayers for you as you heal from this experience. Cheryl