A Christmas Surprise

You'll never guess what happened to me on Friday. But that's not really your fault. It would be impossible to guess because most of you never heard the back story. So I'll back up a few weeks and fill you in, because I think this is worth it.

So about a month ago, someone broke into my room and stole my computer. (I say "broke in" because I didn't invite them. But they didn't actually have to break anything because my door was unlocked. I know--I felt pretty dumb.) I didn't go to the police because I figured it was my fault and there was nothing they could do anyway. I think I was partly embarrassed and partly too drained and exhausted to open a can of worms that involved talking to insurance companies and filing police reports...in German.
As far as I'm concerned, my computer is on its way to Mexico. I don't expect to ever see it again. I was really bummed, of course, and I underwent a long process of remembering what was on my computer and figuring out what I'd have to re-create or re-install...and what passwords I would need to change. But I was glad it was just a computer and none of the girls were hurt. And I was grateful for the Nexus 7 tablet I had purchased this summer. At least I could keep up with email, German practice, and Skype. My parents graciously lent me a laptop for as long as I needed it, and I wrote the situation off as a loss, planning to find a replacement once I had figured out financials and saved up enough money.
Okay, so that's the back story. Fast forwarding to two days ago. I had just put our final batch of peppermint scones into the oven when Katie (my co-RA, if you don't know) asked if I wanted my Christmas surprise. Now she'd been telling me all week that she had a surprise for me, and I figured that she had printed me a life-sized poster of Calvin and Hobbes or something. Or a kitten. Or a functioning light saber. Or a bright pink, inflatable giraffe. With Katie, you never really know. So when she handed me an envelope with a red ribbon around it, I had no idea what to expect. "There are a lot of people around here who love you a lot," she said. "And we were all really sad to hear about your computer." (That might not be an exact quote, because I was so confused at this point. Where was she GOING with this?) She continued: "So I emailed some people and they all wanted to help."
At this point I was pretty sure I knew where I thought she was going with this...but surely not.
"There's about 450 euros in that envelope. To go toward your new computer."
WHAT?
I really don't think I said anything for a minute and a half, and if I did, it was probably something like "I...don't know what to say."
Guys, I've never been so floored. (Okay, maybe one time: When I saw my support level jump from 80%-110% last summer.) I still don't know what to say. Except that I'm so grateful, and I feel like I need to write a hundred thank you notes. But I don't know who to address any of them to!
So to those of you who were involved in giving me this awesome, unexpected, and beautiful gift, thank you!

I share this with you just as an excuse to say that God's love and provision is really, really awesome. Perhaps especially when he shows it through His people reaching out to each other--even in little, seemingly trivial things like my computer.

Merry Christmas!

ajr