Court and Police and too much of both

So the end of this week turned out to be rather difficult. For you see, based on the events of last year, me and the kids have two outsatnding court dates. For both of those we were hoping that there would be plea bargaining and early settlements in play. But as it turns out, not so much. And I wondered why. In both instances, it would be far less anxiety provoking if things were just settled out of court. But it looks like that is not to be the case. And in fact, in some instances, I know that that is not to be the case.

The first one happened on Thursday morning. I had a conference call scheduled with the BC Human Rights Tribunal and with a representative from Kenson Realty. The purpose of the call was to set trial dates, as the respondant had submitted a form 3 wanting the case to be dismissed, As he (we) learned on Thursday, he will have to submit his application for dismissal by April 6. I am hoping he does not manage to get it done in time. And to date, they have not managed to submit anything on time. Additionally. the letter that I received as a response is packed with lies, from one end to the other. So as the call progressed, it appeared that we were headed toward trial and should that be the case, we will have a 5 day trial in December. That said, we may have an early settlement mediation meeting. That has yet to be determined. If so there is a chance that this could be settled outside of court. If that proves not successful, then we go to a lengthy trial. I am not sure which I prefer.

The second meeting on Thursday involved the Crown Counsel. And likewise we were hoping for a plea bargain. Alas, that is not to be the case. This one involves Jeffrey and the other child who assaulted him last April. We (including the Crown) were hoping that they would settle outside of court but that child has chosen to  maintain that he is not guilty. The crown however, has looked at the evidence and has assured us that as far as he is concerned this kid is guilty. So Thursday afternoon, we went to a mock trial. The Crown sat with Jeffrey and ran him through all the questions that Jeffrey will have to face on the stand. It was nerve wracking to say the least. And that was just in the office. The trial is set for this Monday and it is going to be a very trying day. We are scheduled for 9:30 but the Crown has asked us to be there 9:00 am. The Crown has a total of 4 witnesses to call. This could be a long day. So prayers would be much appreciated. For the outcome to be in Jeff's favour and for justice to be served.

Last year was a year of one injustice after another against my family. And in fact, my own life has been that of one injustice after another. And now here we sit, with two court cases, neither of which appear to be able to be settled outside of the courtroom. And yet, I feel there is a purpose to it. As I was requesting prayer from my church, the thought popped into my head that there was a reason that these weren't settling out of court. That reason being that God is going to use them to turn the tide for my family and use these to usher in  justice when to date justice has been scarce. I just have this feeling that this is the beginning of redemption for me and mine and  justice will be our legacy. I ask that you would join me in praying this through.

As for Monday? Well, that will be one more "trial" both literally and figuratively. I am preparing for a mentally and emotionally exhausting day. Please cover us and most especially Jeffrey. This is quite a anxiety provoking ordeal for a 17 year old to have to walk through. Please pray favor and God's peace that passes all understanding to encompass us.

Thank you