The Countdown

We are entering the final month of freedom, by all human estimation.  We are clicking off the things on the legal to-do list.   Plea hearing...check.   Financial disclosure....check.   Presentence Investigation meeting....check.  

The next phase is that many of you will be contacted by our lawyer, Bruce Rosen, to see if you would be interested in providing a reference letter regarding Bryan's character and nature.  These will be used by the judge to influence him in the sentencing.  They won't make it "go away", but could influence the judge to be merciful in terms of length of sentence.  Please do not feel any sense of obligation to respond.  Many of you have already expressed a desire to write a letter for us and this is your official "invitation" to do so.  Sentencing will be in Madison, WI on October 30th at 1:00 p.m. in the Federal Courthouse.  We have been told to expect that Bryan will not be released that day.  While we grieve the thought of that parting, we are so thankful for this extra time we've been given.

Bryan and I have been appreciating the time together this past month.  It was an unexpected joy to hear that we were able to be together, even if that meant moving to someone else's home, in the country, and imposing ourselves into their lives in a BIG way.  It has been amazing how wonderful this has worked out.  We have all made some adjustments and have learned to share the bathroom pretty comfortably (uh, not at the same time, of course!!!).

It is humbling to get to this place of "dependence".  Not just dependence on my sister and brother-in-law to take us in and put up with our quirkiness, but dependence TOTALLY on God to provide every ounce of strength and patience.  We were bought with a price and we come totally emptied of ourselves to be used in whatever way God desires.  We relate to the apostle Paul, though through different circumstances, we count it a joy to be used of God, whether in chains or free.

It has been a while since we have posted because internet is not allowed in the house.  I have to find time to write a little when Bryan is not here.  Tonight he is attending the first night of PURE in Eau Claire.  Graciously, the Probation Officer told him yesterday that he could attend as long as he was not "facilitating" the group.  This blessed his soul...and mine, too.   While I wait for him to get home tonight I wanted to just catch up a little so you know we are well and thinking of our friends often.

God bless you all
Jeannie (for Bryan McFreedom)