Yesterday Missy and I got to take one of the prisoners HOME!!! It was very exciting. Murna is a deaf woman who was in jail for 5 months...most likely for something she didn't do. Anyhow, she served the time gracefully and yesterday walked out a free woman!
Around 9:30 I got a call from the prison confirming that we were going to pick her up (we had been told she would be ready a 10:00). I told them that yes, we would be there shortly.
So, a little after 10 we showed up to find Murna waiting for us. After waiting a few minutes for papers to be completed, Murna walked out of prison!
We had forgotten a camera so we went by our house first to pick one up. Murna really enjoyed meeting Toby and especially Caden. She almost cried seeing him. Then we headed to her house...she signed and I interpretted the directions for Missy.
Murna lives on the opposite side of town from us in a neighboorhood with dirt roads (like most neighborhoods in our city). Missy was a little nervous to drive our car on these roads but we made it just fine.
When we got to her house, Murna went in to see if anyone was home...sadly, no one was. She asked a neighbor to call her mom only to find out that she was in the market. Murna went to intersection to see if she could see anyone. While we were waiting we gave Murna some gifts we had bought for her.
On Thursday Missy, Karis, and I went shopping to get a gift basket for Murna to welcome her home. We filled 2 baskets with food, toiletries, cloth and books. She was so excited! She almost cried and she said that her mother would definately cry!
Finally, her brother showed up and was pleasantly surprised to see her...they were not expecting her until Monday! He unlocked the door to the living room (a typical Nigerian house has many rooms surrounding a court yard...known as a compound), the living room is where they greet gusets.
After taking her things in we chatted for a few moments then left her to enjoy being free. Fortunately, Murna was already a believer before entering the prison and her time there only strengthened her faith. She plans to return to school to complete a degree in Christian Education. Please pray for Murna, as she adjusts back to life. We plan to visit her at her church in a week or so.
There is another prisoner, Patience, who is almost ready to leave the prison. Murna was fortunate as she had a place to go home to, Patience does not have any where to go, no family to help. Please pray that we can find a place for her and help her to get back on her feet. Missy has looked at a few options and is now praying for wisdom.
Thanks!
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