Changes, Part 3

I've already talked about some superficial things that have become my "new normal." I want to tell you about two other ways my life has changed that are a little more personal.

A section of "the fence"

1. Security - Here we take security very seriously and with good reason - break-ins are all too common. There is a fence all the way around Ukarumpa and we have a security company who patrols day and night. My thinking on security has changed, because it had to change for me to be safe.

I'm more aware of my surroundings and take precautions to make me less likely as a victim. Every night before I go to bed, I turn on my outside lights, lock and deadbolt the front door, use a piece of wood to brace it shut, and lock my bedroom door and brace that with wood. (The wood braces against the bottom of the doors are to make it harder for someone to use a pry bar to open them.)

I keep pepper spray, a screwdriver, a long, sharp piece of wood (all for self defense) and a phone within arm's reach of my bed. I've gotten used to hiding my computer when I'm not home and it not being a good idea for me to be outside at night.

Designed to keep some people out, it keeps others in

2. Freedom - Freedom is tied closely to security. It's for security's sake that I can't go outside the Ukarumpa fence by myself, and it's for safety's sake that I can't be outside by myself at night. While I understand why these limitation exist, they can still be hard to deal with and make me feel a bit trapped.

Looking out

When I vacationed in Australia last year, it was like a breath of fresh air to feel safe and be free to go places, even at night. I adjusted to having more freedom pretty quickly, but it took me a few days to feel safe at night behind a door that wasn't dead bolted or braced and with windows that didn't have bars or security mesh over them.

I know my transition home will be hard because of all the transitions and adjustments I will have to make. Pray for me as I deal with many changes - both superficial and emotional. Thanks.