We're half way there...

Hello everyone!
Well, we've reached the half way mark! Half of this horrible time is behind us... pretty soon we'll be able to start counting down...

I wanted to say a quick thank you to everyone who has been so faithful to us... those who've driven all the hard miles to see dad, those who've written him, those who've stayed updated through the blog, and those who've been praying for him and our family. I cannot express how much it means to all of us and dad. You guys have been so great. Thank you.

Romans 8:38---------------->


So, not really a whole lot to update on... things have been a little crazier at visits lately. The guards are doing everything they can to make visits as short and cheerless as they can. They've changed how we wait in line (which may not seem like much, but trust me, it's a disaster). Some of the guards are nice and understand what we all go through and they are a blessing to us, but so many of them try to do anything and everything they can to make visiting time as miserable as possible... we're working on getting things done but all we can really do is write letters and that doesn't seem to be getting us too far.
What people don't realize in situations like these, is how the family suffers... but then again, most people don't care either. And I don't blame them. I'm sure if I hadn't grown up in this crazy life, I'd probably be the same as the rest of the world. Maybe I'd even be like the guards... I'm struggling with not holding a grudge... God has forgiven me for so many wrongs I've done, I know I have to find it in my heart to forgive those who wrong me...
<--------------Matthew 6:12 , 14


 But other than that, dad is doing okay. Again, time is passing, and that is a blessing indeed. He's been spending a lot of time in the leather shop and he's made some really beautiful things! I've attached a couple of pictures of purses and key rings he's made me.


<--------------One is called a patch purse (used from patches of scrap leather)





The other is an Alabama football purse he made me for my birthday.

--------------->
It's helping him pass time... it's just very expensive and since mom and dad can't afford it, Brit and I are paying for the leather. It makes him happy to have something to do he enjoys and he makes things to give us which makes him feel better too because he feels like it's something he can give back to us.




Me, mom, Grandad, and Brit are going to see him this weekend. Please say a quick prayer that the visit goes better this time than the last one... Again thank you for all you do...

 Keep Jeff Pierson in your prayers!

Love,
Shekinah

Here's a few more things he's made:

 

Hebrews 11:1

Hello everyone

I know it has been a while since my last post and I am sorry for that. I have been so busy with work lately it's taking up most of my free time. I also just wasn't very sure how much traffic my blog was receiving and became slightly discouraged. However, I have recently found out how helpful this blog has seemed to be for some and I will be sure to make time to update more frequently.

So, for those of you who don't know, March 9th marked 2 years since dad has been gone. Gosh, it feels like it has been so much longer. Yes, it has gotten easier but in the same light its gotten more difficult realizing that for now, this is our life. Over the past few months I have had some very difficult struggles... mainly with my faith. At one point, I thought I'd all but lost my faith altogether. But I found it was difficult to remain in my struggles when I had dad constantly remind me God has not forrgotten or forsaken us. Sometimes I tend to forget that I am not alone in this. None of us are, even when it feels that way sometimes.

Dad is doing really well (outside of the obvious). Throughout the first year of him being gone, it seemed all we talked about was trying to get him home... with each failed attempt, dad grew more and more weary. We all did really. And now I often find dad talking about the day he comes home (3 more years) and all the things our family will do again one day. We laugh very much during visits. Leaving on Sundays is always hard, but it too in its own way has become eaiser. We've all accepted this life for now. Monday dad started leather classes. He will learn to make and engrave all kinds of things out of leather (belts, shoes, purses, etc.). We've seen some of the things others had made and they are absoulutly beautiful! I know he will enjoy it and it's something he can use when he gets home. All things considered, we are all doing alright. Mom is good. Now that I have graduated college, received my degree, and am working full time, I've been able to help out with cost of trips to go see dad. Me, mom, Brit, Curtis (my husband) and Grandad are going to see dad next weekend for my monthly visit. (mom goes at least 2 times a month). I am very excited to see him.. as always.

Dad has recently been able to email!! We get to talk everyday now! It has made everything a lot easier. I get to tell him little things about my day and how I'm doing... it is truly a blessing! If anyone is interested in emailing with him please let me know. It is very simple and free of charge.

Times are hard, but we serve a God of greatness. Our God is great! We can never doubt. We can never be fearful. We can never do anything but be thankful because God is love. And He loves us all more than we can even begin to understand. We are never alone. We are never unheard. And we are never unloved. We live in a evil word with trials that seem alomost unbearable, but we are all truly blessed. Most people can not understand our life. They can't imagine the things we've seen and they may judge us, but God does not judge. He forgives and loves. And though no of us deserve His love, He continues to give it to us freely. Yes, we are blessed.

If anyone is in need of prayer, please let me know. There is power in prayer. Thank you all so very much for the prayers you have given.

Keep Jeff Pierson in your prayers!!

Love,
Your sister in Christ
Shekinah