Stolen Suitcases

My sister-in-law Shawna headed up to BYU Idaho early Wednesday morning. My mother-in -law has been helping her for the past few weeks shop for winter clothing. They did not have luck here in Texas finding warm coats or warm shoes. Might be because it does not snow anywhere close by.

My good friend Kristi who just moved up to Salt Lake offered to pick up Shawna from the airport and take her shopping for winter clothes. They decided to stop by a TJ Maxx in Murray UT to see what bargains they could find. Kristi decided to pull up the 4 runner to the front of the store while Shawna was checking out. As Kristi started to drive she noticed that it was noisy and that it sounded like one of her windows was down. She looked in her back seat and saw the back passenger window punched through and both of Shawna's suitcases gone. Shawna came outside and Kristi showed her the window and the empty back seat. (So sorry Kristi about your window.)

They called the police department which could be seen down the street from the TJ Maxx. They had the security guards check the surveillance cameras but to their disappointment the parking lot they parked in was the only place the cameras did not videotape. Kristi filed a police report and Shawna started to realize all her shoes, clothing, contacts, retainers, glasses, teeth whitening trays, and school supplies were gone. (Also the red dress she is wearing in the picture was stolen.) Luckily her carry on bag and bag pack were not stolen (they were in the back of the 4 runner) so she still had her make up, jewelry, hair dryer, rollers, and curling iron. Before the police showed up a women pulled up to Kristi and asked if her car had been broken into. Kristi said yes and she told them her car had been broken in the day before in the same parking lot. This thief must have known where there were no cameras. The police officer was really nice and could not believe this happened in this nice area of town in broad daylight at 3:00 p.m.

Kristi had help getting her back window duct taped and then they immediately continued shopping for essentials. Shawna found some great deals and was able get a couple pair of shoes, shirts, and a pair of jeans. It was a stressful night that Shawna will never want to relive but maybe one day will be able to laugh about. How many 18 year olds can say that their first day away from home they have everything they own stolen. We are praying that maybe the suitcase will be ditched (realizing there were no electronics in it) and someone will call telling us they found her suitcase.

Many people have been generous in helping Shawna out during this chaotic time. Kristi has donated clothing to her and one of Shawna's good friends from Texas who is also at school at BYU Idaho is letting her borrow her clothes. Mark has taken her shopping the past few days, and Jill and I have been shopping the past few days for clothes to send up to her. Shawna does not have a car so this makes it a little more difficult for her to shop for a whole new wardrobe.

The lesson I have learned from this incident is you never know what trials will be thrown at you but as long as you put your faith in the Lord he will help you through it. I also have learned to never leave anything valuable in your car that can be visibly be seen through the windows. I guess that's why we need trunks. Please keep Shawna and her missing suitcases in your prayers.