I have come to cherish my early morning hours since it is the most peaceful and tranquil time of my day, but this morning, the sunrise was particularly reassuring knowing its exposing light diminished the danger of the open wall.
A friend and I memorized Psalm 27 last year; I found it particularly fitting yesterday morning as we praised God for His protection during the night. “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident… For He will hide me in the His shelter in the day of trouble; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will lift me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD… Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!”
The complex workers were able to put up a barbed wire fence yesterday afternoon, which enabled the dogs to roam freely last night. Also, Felipe, a Brazilian living at the dorm, came back early from the retreat he was attending and stood guard.
The situation became rather humorous because we girls on campus felt badly that Felipe had to sit out in the cold, rainy weather (all the way down, so without realizing what the others were doing, we all made him hot drinks and soup. Needless to say, he was well stashed for the evening. Nevertheless, I’m sure it was a long night for him – and the dogs.
I went out to sit with Felipe for a few hours (sympathizing, I suppose) and noticed that Rambo, one of the Doberman’s who is a particularly good watchdog, sat straight up the whole time I was there, intently watching the wall. I think the open wall made him more nervous than me. There were a few occasions when groups of boys passing by lingered longer than necessary, but the dogs’ deep barks obviously made them nervous; all it took then was Felipe flashing his light at them, and they ran off.
There are several people who are returning from retreats today, so we’re hoping to have enough to work on the wall. Until then, Felipe and the dogs will continue to guard the wall at night. Thanks to all for your prayers and support.
One email that was particularly cheering listed several verses that referred walls, etc. “[The holy city Jerusalem] had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels…” (Rev. 21:12) This made me smile because when I was in college, I used to run at night, which made my mother very nervous; but I always reassured her that I had two big guardian angels jogging on either side of me… “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.”
“The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them.
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him have no lack!
The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and His ear toward their cry.
The face of the LORD is against those who do evil
When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears
and delivers them out of all their troubles.”
Psalm 34:7-9, 15, 16a, 17