Kirsten and Scott--a husband and wife that are separated by jailhouse walls, as he is incarcerated despite his innocence. He is facing life in prison without the possibility of parole. As a family of 4, and then 5, as the story unfolds, Scott and Kirsten knew the "good life." But God had a better one in store. They first had to be broken. They plumb new depths of their faith and in their knowledge of the Word in these days that some would consider dark, but that God infused with great joy. Throughout a total of 16 months of separation they wrote letters to each other that are filled with the stories that capture the depth of their love, family life, fear, questioning, and details of what God is doing in, around and through them. Many of the letters are laced with snaphots of jailhouse interactions in the maximum security unit where God still dwells. It is inspiring to see how the Holy Spirit moves throughout the whole situation when you see Scott’s letter next to Kirsten’s as the days go by. Prayers are being prayed and answered and it is all recorded in the daily wrap-up. It is a God story. It is a love story. And the letters are delivered daily. Make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed to receive daily updates of our story. To learn more about this blog and the background behind it, check out the About Section.

take 2: september 29th – outside/in

by Kirst on February 2, 2010

Oh how I miss you today.  It is not missing what you do or feeling overwhelmed.  My heart deeply misses your presence.  I feel homeless.  You are my home, and it is so hard not to be able to talk with you for days.  Monday I was so very tired and out when you called.  Tuesday I was at Deb’s and AWANA tonight.  We’ll not usually be at home Wednesday nights because of that.  We didn’t get home tonight until 9:30.  I got the kids to bed by 10 and then unloaded the car.  Amy let me borrow their swing.

Both kid had success at AWANA.  Ryan earned his Cubbie vest and Kayt earned her book.  She and I spent lots of time practicing her AWANA pledge yesterday.  She also recited Romans 3:23 to me, which she learned at school–complete with hand motions.  Jack picked up the kids and brought them to their house where I was with Amy. 

It was a really hard day.  (Do I say that in every letter?)  I got up at 5:30 to shower and get ready before the kids got up.  Dad took them to school–it was a minimum day so Kayt started early.  I took Mallory with me to the welfare office.  I spent 3 hours there and completed all the paperwork.  Turns out we don’t qualify for anything.  I was frustrated.  But at least I know now.  The rest of today I was at CHC.  I ended up working today.  There was some urgent stuff to be completed–so I stepped in.  My affect was low to begin with.  By 4:00 I was deeply depressed.  I started to have anxiety about the evening ahead.  I was supposed to sit in at Cubbies.  I didn’t think I could handle it with Mally and myself.  I got upset.  I called Stef and she picked up Kayti and Ryan and took them to McDonalds and dropped them off at AWANA.  Gretchen helped me decide to go to Deb’s.

Before that decision I just sat on the floor of the van and cried.  So we went to Deb’s and I fed Mallory.  Then I got to take a bubble bath in her huge jacuzzi tub.  Later I went to Amy’s and had dinner and visited until the kids arrived.

When I got home tonight I got your 2 letters.  Great timing to share about my mom’s comments to you.  I needed them today.

Tonight Kayti is sleeping on the floor because she saw a daddy long legs in her bed and I couldn’t find it.  She was so upset.  Buddy refused to share his bed.

Well, I need to close for now.  The kids do so many funny things that I intend to share, but right now I can’t remember.  I love you.  Please come home soon.

Love, Kirst

Related Letters

  1. take 2: september 29th – inside/out
  2. take 2: september 23rd – outside/in
  3. take 2:sometime in september – outside/in
  4. take 2: september 15th – inside/out
  5. take 2: october 26th – outside/in

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Hi name is Kirsten, and I am the author of Inside/Outside. If you are new to the site, please read About The Letters and make sure you Subscribe To My Feed. To learn more about me and my interests, check out the About Me Page.

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