An introduction to violence


Life is full of ironies if you're stupid enough to go looking for them. Take last night for example. I leave for Sudan in three days. It isn't understatement to say that Sudan is awash in guns. And yet last night, after having lived (on and off) rather peaceably in Washington, DC for the past eight years, some friends and I got held up at gunpoint.

The first thing that came to mind when the guy pulled out the gun and demanded money was how terribly inconvenient the timing was. I mean, c'mon, I don't have time to cancel and get new credit cards! My first thought was, "are you kidding me? I'm going to a place with 'real' guns and 'real' violence and here I am getting mugged on a quiet DC street? I have to get back to Baltimore to pack! I don't have time for this!"

The next thing that sprung to mind was, "gosh, that's a really cool gun!" A glock, silver, the kind with the sliding top to load it. I know because while my friends and I are doing all this thinking, he's cocking it to motivate us.

Luckily, at that point sheer rationality kicks in and you remember all the things that you're supposed to remember...be calm and compliant, but not too compliant, give the guy what he's asking for, try not to get shot, etc. My very level-headed friends handled it beautifully and we ended up only parting with $6. A small price to pay when you think about it.

Which you do, later. The thoughts creep in and replay about how it all could have ended quite differently. How lucky we were to only be missing $6, and not a car, or a kneecap, or a friend.

Comments

Anonymous said…
DUDE! Something sweet to remember DC by, I guess. You lucky duck. I can't believe he was happy to depart with only six dollars, when he had a big ol gun on his side.
kate said…
You have absolutely GOT to be kidding me.
Which quiet little street did this happen on? Not that it matters. But I'm still curious.
Thank the Lord you weren't hurt. Thank God.
Kelsey said…
Hi Kate, 'S' Street, of course!
Anonymous said…
news...they cought the six dollar bandit!

hope all is well

dawn
T said…
sigh . . . only in dc eh? i do remember my lovely run in with a youngin and a gun in dc. i pray you are well. xoxo
kob said…
I just found this post. Terrible experience, but well told. Best to you.
Anonymous said…
They caught the guy, Anon?

Can we get a follow-up post?
Kelsey said…
If this were your blog or a democracy you could...but, alas, this is the vast borderless, nationless, medium of the internet...and I just don't care that much to find out the details. However, if someone else knows them they're welcome to post
Anonymous said…
Kelsey..Kelsey...Kelsey...
This stuff only happens to people like you! Your life is such a soap opera! I always feel entertained after reading some of life stories:)

Like Abbot and Costello, Paul and Silas....Till I remember what Susan said...How love is found in the things you've given up, more than in the things you have kept. Kelsey...you have given your life for Jesus!
I sure love and miss you.
Anonymous said…
Bless.... well perhaps I can one up you. My cruise ship caught on fire. :-)Glad you are safe!

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