Peter's out

Some of you have kindly been asking so I just want to update quickly. Peter was released from jail on tuesday afternoon. Avita the local community health partners program that he is part of, took him to their rescue housing. It's an apartment in the complex he lived in last year. It's not as nice as last year's apartment. Peter called it a 2 star and he might be generous. However there is food in the pantry, a bed to sleep on and currently he does not have a roommate. There is supposed to be some oversight but he hasn't seen anyone yet since he got there. 

This is not a Group home. This team will work with him long-term. They can do some things to help him. But my guess is they are overworked and my experience so far is their tends to be gaps. I think how it looks on paper is a little different in reality. Yet I am so grateful for what they hsve done and are doing for him. My struggle is figuring out how to interact so that I can fill in gaps without overstepping and keeping them from doing what they can for him.

I have spent the past two evenings with peter. He is good. His thinking about the future doesn't always seem realistic, however neither is probably mine. We got him set up with a phone last night.And he is so excited to have his music back.

There are so many things I am grateful for. there have been many answered prayers. Peter currently is in a safe place and does have some supervision and help. His mind is in a better space. His doctor with the Avita ACT team called me yesterday and we have an appointment on Monday to discuss meds.

I will try to share a bit more of specific prayer requests later. Thank you thank you thank you for your prayers and your emotional support. I am beyond words grateful.

Tuesday

I received a call yesterday from peter's public defender. He was letting me know that with Avita verifying Peter has temporary housing, Peter Is scheduled to go to court Tuesday and should be getting out of jail the same day. 

This is good. We thank God for the people who have helped him thus far and for a place for him to go upon getting out. My understand is this housing is temporary, One month. So thank you for continuing to pray that God will give him further housing and the people  support he needs. Thank you for praying that I would have wisdom in knowing how and when to help him.

Where things currently stand

I have asked the public defender to not have Peter court-ordered to go to the Georgia Central NAMI group home. It is still an option at a later time if Peter should choose to go there but I don't want it court-mandated for fear it will backfire and cause him to spend more time in jail..  An application has been made for (and I am told approved) for Peter to get emergency housing.  He has an interview tomorrow.  What I think could result is temporary housing for a month.  It happens to be in the apartment complex he lived in last spring about a 15-minute drive from my house.  I am not sure what happens after that although it sounds like there are possible options through the housing authority.  I have not heard from Peter's public defender to know when he is to go to court but my sources say he is trying to get Peter on the court calendar.

Peter calls most nights and talks about food or has me online shop for him.  This is always after he asks me if I have heard from his lawyer. I hope he can get out soon yet know I will need to get involved to make sure balls don't get dropped and the things that need to be done, get done.  Plus I know he will probably be a bit needy.  I am praying for the ability to balance it and the other things in my world.

Last night, I joined an online NAMI support group for families who have or have had loved ones incarcerated in Georgia.  I have to say I felt like "I found my people" when it comes to finding a support group.  There is something about having shared experiences, pain, and worries that can unite people quickly.  I plan to continue meeting with them twice a month via Zoom.

The countdown to my annual beach retreat weekend at Pawley's Island has started. 23 days till I head that way.  I have also just confirmed plans to go to Yakima WA in June to spend some time with "Aunt: Sue.  So I definitely have some "carrots" of fun anticipated events to look forward to.  

I read in my devotional this morning about George Mueller.  The story was about how there was no food for the children in the orphanage.  Yet he had them sit down at the table as if to eat.  Then he led them in thanking God for the food he would provide.  Moments later there was a knock at the door in which someone had brought bread for all to eat.  This was followed by another knock in which milk was given.  This morning inspired by this story I thanked God for the provision of housing he would provide for Peter.  A few hours later, I heard that Peter's application had been accepted by the housing authority.  It was encouraging.

Thank you for continuing to Thank God in anticipation of his provisions for Peter to have housing, friends, support, improved medication, and a sound mind.

Please pray for the decision makers

There has been a bit of activity the last few days regarding Peter. At least in terms of my having discussion with a variety of people. Without going into a lot of detail's, the group home is not an option unless Peter is willing to get help. Presently he sees his only need currently as a place to live. They are not willing to take him on that basis considering experience says he won't last very long. Court mandating is an option , but as i'm learning that could cause more problems in the long run for Peter , if he is noncompliant.

An application has been made for some temporary (30day) housing for him here in gainesville with possibilities of longer. It has a little supervision but not a lot. And it feels very precarious to me. But better than my house. 

 I'm not really the decision maker here. I have been involved in communicating with a variety of people however which I think could be influential. And at this point, I'm not really sure what is best for Peter. I'm asking you to pray for Peter's public defender , Mr. Valpey, Mary Donna. and the ACT team, Mr Smith at the group home, The judge and anyone else that is involved in decision making that will affect Peter.  I hope for an opportunity to talk with him today whether in an email or on the phone. Pray that the holy spirit will speak through me. Of course, my desires is that he would willingly want to go to the group home where he can get more help.

As always thank you.