Sarah Anderson obtains temporary visitation Order

Monday, Judge Laura A. Powell set the matter of an emergency hearing in Anderson vs. Anderson forward to Wednesday, March 16th at 11:00AM. This morning, I attended as a witness and to chronicle the events. I arrived in the courtroom about 10:55AM. The back row was filled with Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) members. This group included Jane Whaley, Karel Reynolds, Josh Farmer, DeWitt Prince, Blake Caulder, Josh Valentine, Patty Anderson and Nick Anderson. Everyone dressed in their Sunday go to court meeting best, but strangely lacking one obvious ornament- smiles. If I missed someone in attendance, it was not intentional.

I took my seat to the front left alongside two members of the press. On the right side of the courtroom was the Sarah Anderson support contingency. Several members of her team showed including friends and relatives. There was only a few feet between those on each side of the issues being decided, but the distance between Sarah and Nick was miles and growing more with each passing day. Nearly everyone in the room used to worship and pray for hours behind the white doors of the WOFF sanctuary. My, how things have changed.

In this brown courtroom encompassed by walls, brown paneling at the bottom topped with a decorative rail and white surfaces stretching to the ceiling; its two tone color scheme broken by a few gray chairs in the witness area, the atmosphere was pregnant with emotions. Unlike Monday, this was the only case slotted for this period. Those in attendance remained silent for the most part with a few hushed conversations covered over by someone with an occasional loud cough. If you have never been in a WOFF courtroom situation, it really is quite the drama. Those on the back row watching those in front of them for signs and signals. Those sitting the rows of padded seats fully aware they were being watched. Any attempts of the players to talk to each other being guarded for privacy.

As I quickly glanced back to take attendance, I saw a few with a glazed look staring straight forward. Each seemed lost in the wanderings of the rolling sea of questions and memories. Why? How? When? And what next?

Nick’s attorney appeared first from the doors leading to the chambers, he seemed on a mission. With an authoritative motion, he directed his client and they both exited to another room with papers in hand. A few minutes later, they reappeared and Nick took his seat beside his mom.

Next, Sarah’s attorney appeared and repeated the same routine with his client. Momentarily, they returned. Actually, I lost count of the moves in an out of the court room. Eventually, Nick took his place at the table to the right with his attorney while waiting for Sarah’s attorney to finish one of his trips for consultation. His look was of disgust and frustration. This look gave me the first clue the day might hold some victory for Sarah.

By 11:25AM, the Judge had only appeared to peek out of her chamber door and get the attention of the court reporter to bring her a document. Several more moves in and out of the court room and at last Sarah joined her attorney at the table as he reviewed the document which had been agreed upon. She seemed pleased, while at the same time, I had a direct view of Nick. His forlorn look shouting questions, how did we get here? Where will this end? Why is she so happy? How can she smile? Am I doing the right thing? He looked at Sarah, turned away and yet turned back to look intently at the exchange between her and the attorney. It was sad in many ways. He looked unsure and bewildered to a great degree.

Several minutes later, with both Nick and Sarah at their respective tables with counsel by their side, Judge Laura Powell appeared in her robe not fully closed. The bailiff did not call the room to order, but the attorneys stood with their clients to recognize the Judge’s presence. A still hush fell quickly over the courtroom as the decision would be announced.

Unlike Monday, the Judge was not leaning into the microphone to be heard. She referenced the temporary visitation agreement which had been agreed to by both parties and the attorneys. She warned both parties, that once she signed this order – each of them would be obligated to keep it. She went on to warn each party and made it clear to all in attendance, there will be no yelling, shaking or striking with this child, and I mean it. Now there were more smiles in the courtroom, at least for one group. There were some other instructions which I did not hear clearly.

After the judge finished, there was expressions of gratitude for her work. Then each attorney turned to their client as they made a few steps toward each other. It was determined the exchange of the son would be at 1:30 PM today in the Walmart parking lot. That explained at least some of the pain on Nick’s face. He had to give up his son to the wife who only a few weeks earlier had seemed on board with the everyday drama which was WOFF. Now, she was free from the group which he has endorsed by staying.

Everything WOFF is and has been – Nick Anderson has chosen over being out with his wife. Is the WOFF-drama-life worth it, Nick? Why did the Judge make very clear no yelling, shaking or striking? Think Nick, the warning came not only for you, but for your mother, Jane Whaley and others who will be around your son. The Judge felt strongly enough to call you (and them!) out in public. She felt compelled to WARN you. Wake up, Nick. The deception and hiding the abuse is over.

You have been living a WOFF-nightmare and yet today was only the beginning of the next chapter. You knew the inquisition you faced once alone with WOFF leaders. There was no joy on your face and yet Sarah was smiling that contagious smile which has brought her through many a crisis.

The first few scenes of this drama have played out. There are many more to come. Once I learn the next public court session, I will pass it on.

2016 – – the Year of Changes rolls on! Remember-You must go through the drama to get to the freedom.

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Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted. (Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 564.