Pickpockets

Lessons in Surrender..

Especially since last summer, I've been increasingly cautious and almost paranoid of pickpockets in UB. I've tried to think of various inventive ways to get them off my back, literally. When I walk through the streets of UB, I check over my shoulder almost every 5 minutes and I look at every window I pass to catch a reflective glance of what's going on behind me. I've learned the beauty of a inner pocket where I can pretty safely listen to my mp3 player and hold any above-norm amts of cash. I even got a backpack by pacsafe that has various "anti-theft techonolgy" components like special slash-resistant material (not as common in UB for theives to use knives but still happens once in a while) and zipper clips to prevent the all-too-common zipper pull and swipe.

In one moment of stupidity I fell victim to a pickpocketer in the summer, but since then by God's grace, there have only been attempts. It's annoying though-just this morning on the way to school, someone tried to pickpocket me, and then less than 5 minutes later, another pair tried. I wonder if the extra security on my backpack makes them feel even more inclined/challenged to try to open my bag. Each time the tug of their attempt to unclip the zipper was very noticable. As I whirl around to confront them, they always whirl equally quickly away as if nothing happened. I must admit, each time I have to remember to forgive them and pray for them. Otherwise it's easy for me to get angry and be unloving.

Usually pickpockets are harmless in UB. They're not looking for any trouble and they don't want to get violent. However, every so often I hear of cases where people get mugged; some big guys walk up and forcibly take someone's phone or money. (I guess this is better than just being jumped by several guys, which has happened to my students before :-/) Hopefully that will never happen but if the time comes, I hope I won't be surprised and I can freely surrender my stuff. After all, "those who buy something [should live] as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away" (2 Corinthians 7:30b-31)and "life does no consist in an abundance of possessions" (Luke 12:15). I'm still in the process of learning this though. I'm in a great place to learn! :D