Prayers for safety

[Atria35]

Well, this has been weighing on my mind for the last week. A week ago, a student from my university went missing. No one has any idea about what happened, and today, rumors went around that a body was found in the woods where she disappeared (they weren't true, but...).

I've been really stressed because I live next to the woods where she went missing. I've been taking the precautions that I can take, but even so, I don't feel comfortable being out after dark, which I often am due to classes and my internship. Please pray for my safety in this, and that the case is resoved quickly.

[Lynna]

Scary. I'll definitely be praying!

[Kunoichi]

EEEK. Very unnerving! I am praying for your continued safety and strength in this. Fear can really take control and no wonder. *hugs* to you

[ABlipinTime]

Your life is in hands of the biggest being to ever exist: God. Just look to Him and everything will turn out alright.
I'm praying for ya!

[Atria35]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate it!

Your life is in hands of the biggest being to ever exist: God. Just look to Him and everything will turn out alright.

That's.... I appreciate the sentiment, but that's not as comforting as you think. I would be lying to myself if I said that I didn't know that strong, believing Christians were killed in horrible circumstances every day. If I died, I'd be okay, but I would regret that I wasn't able to do all the things I want to/would like to do in this life (graduate college, marry, have kids, etc).

But I know that you really are hoping that things turn out alright for me. So thank you.

[Kunoichi]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate it!

That's.... I appreciate the sentiment, but that's not as comforting as you think. I would be lying to myself if I said that I didn't know that strong, believing Christians were killed in horrible circumstances every day. If I died, I'd be okay, but I would regret that I wasn't able to do all the things I want to/would like to do in this life (graduate college, marry, have kids, etc).

But I know that you really are hoping that things turn out alright for me. So thank you.

I can relate to the fear. I've been in life and death situations and you never get used to it. It is human nature. I can offer you this comfort that you are stronger than you think. I will keep praying and I know its scary. Please please keep us posted!

On a side note, I know you are taking all the precautions you can. I don't know if police will do this, but you can ask for them to patrol your neighborhood a bit more than usual. I was lucky that I took martial arts, which saved me more than once. I don't know if that's an option for you, but it may help with feeling a bit more like you can protect yourself.

If this isn't helpful, I apologize. Just some thoughts on my part

[Atria35]

Thanks, Kunoichi. I already called into the police- the ones around here aren't that concerned with the safety of the citizens, apparently >.>" They aren't into patrolling more often. But I can't really say I'm surprised about that- there was another incident where it took them almost an hour to respond to the teachers at the local elementary school calling about teens physically harassing the kids there. Of course, by the time they got to the school, the teens were gone.

I've also been lucky enough to take a few self-defense courses, but now that you've mentioned it, I definitely think that I will look into seeing whether any are offered here- I could use a refresher! Thank you for that idea.

[Atria35]

Update- they found her body on Friday, in the forest preserve behind my apartments. No idea what exactly happened, but I'm happy that her family will have closure now.

[Atria35]

Update: About two days ago, they arrested the man they believe assaulted and killed the student at my university. They confirmed the remains they found were hers. With any luck it's the end to a lot of the fear the students had.

It still creeps me out because he lived right down the street. However, if he's the guy who did it, and he's put in jail, I know I'm going to feel a lot safer.

[Kunoichi]

EEEK. Thanks for keeping us posted

I'm sorry to hear about the woman..I am glad that the family will have some closure. Doubly glad that the killer is in jail.

It can be scary that a "innocent" looking person can have some ruthlessness about them. Praying that safety can be restored

[Tsukuyomi]

*Hugs* I'll be praying as well

Are you usually alone when out? Having at least one other with you may help bring peace of mind ^^

[Atria35]

Thanks guys!

@ Tsuki- I try to go to classes when others are out- we all catch the bus together ^.^ But coming back in the evenings.... I'm back so late that I call my neighbor across the hall, and either he or his gf walks me back to my apartment. They're great!

I'm more worried about my friend. Even though she lives far away from me and the forest preserve and with roommates (unlike me), she's just so very afraid- it's nearly aparlyzed her, that she can't even go grocery shopping in the middle of the day.

[musicaloddball]

Ouch. That's pretty scary. I will pray for you and the student who has passed on. Have you ever considered pepper spray? I carry pepper spray in my backpack when I go college. It doesn't sound like much, but hey, it's what police use sometimes. It's not very expensive either. Some women even carry handguns in their purses. (I don't. Just a suggestion.)