Personal reflections

What I'm learning
I've been praying a lot about this. Expecting things to happen. I get disappointed when things don't happen when and how I am expecting.
For instance I'd been expecting this hearing a week ago, took a day off work, and set aside time to pray - then it happens his week at almost zero notice, but I'm able to be there because I'm staying only 4km away from the courts.
I meet the consul to plan how to get steven a new lawyer. Then the next day, his hearing actually happens and his current lawyer, with whom I'd been pretty unimpressed, seems to do a good job. (in that it is his job o get the hearing).
However the consul sends one of his team to the hearing to translate for steven, and to make notes and a report. All seems to work out well
Also I've been reading systematically through a few books of the bible. This landed me this morning on two stories. firstly that of boaz and ruth, and how he is a kinsman redeemer. An ancient jewish custom whereby family members would take care of relatives who are met with hard times, in that case widows. It reminded me strongly of the "coincidence" of finding steven here, a man from my own community, and the bond I feel for him because of that fact. The second was of peter being led out of jail by and angel in acts chapter 12, really reminding me how powerful God can be when it comes to prison related issues. These seemed very apt to be reading as I sat outside the court, eating a breakfast of southern fried chicken and plantain, waiting for the hearing to begin. I spent the hearing praying for the three of them, and for the judge, that she would show mercy, and feeling very confident that God was certainly the most influential person present.
Late in the afternoon, I was granted a "special visit" with steven. We had an hour to sit and chat and discuss things as the sun was setting. It felt very normal, and not like a prison at all.
We talked of the hearing but also of family, friends and of birmingham. We talked about steven's growing fanclub of people in his local church who,though having not met him, still care for him. We talked about the bible and we thanked God for the hearing and prayed for the judge.
and i brought him his weekly groceries.
We had had a really good day together
And he needs dental treatment and he is devouring books (not related).