Organized Crime...

So my sister Cheryl recently purchased the complete series of Alias, and we've both been devouring the episodes rapidly. There's something exhilarating about the mixture of action/adventure as well as travel. When I first watched the series, I don't think I paid enough attention to the places they spent often ended up in when dealing with organized crime and weapons deals. This time through I've noted that, over and over again, they end up hunting down bad guys in both Hong Kong and Prague...interesting.
I just read a report in my lovely packet of info commenting on the high rate of organized crime in the Czech Republic. It seems it is a hot bed of smuggling and mob activities. They actually called it "a sanctuary for gangsters," who enjoy coming to relax and conduct their business in relative safety. It appears I've moved from the land of the triads to the spa retreat of the Russian Mafia. Interesting...
I have to say, however, that in some ways Triad activity made me feel safer in Hong Kong than I have ever felt in American cities. Most crime there was very localized. It was illegal to own fire arms, and most violent acts took place within the Triad groups. I certainly wouldn't want to get mixed up in any of the gang politics, but since I was very removed from such things I felt perfectly confident walking home alone at 3AM through the city. I can't say for certain that it will be the same in the Czech Republic, but I'm more intrigued by what I have read than fearful over the prospect.
The article I read had a lot to say about how generally corrupt the morality of the Czech people has become. After years of oppressive authoritarian governments it seems the people have little esteem for laws. This reveals a lot about their need for understanding of the word of God, and His views on issues of morality. I confess I feel rather ill equipped to deal with such issues, having had little direct experience with corruption myself. I remain curious to see just exactly what God is planning for me in the midst of all of this.