RIP Adam Vasques 9/16/05 - 9/16/10

As I sit here in my cell meditating and praying, I realize what today is today is my brother Adam's anniversary of his death... then all the emotions begin to come back.. remembering when the chaplains office called for me and anyone who knows the system knows when the chaplain calls for you its not good news.. as my heart starts to beat faster and faster and my mind starts to go a million miles a minute as I remember that sad, oh so sad day that I lost my little brother! It was Saturday, September 17th. The chaplain calls me in and says I have to share some news with you, your mom and your aunt are on their way to see you and let know that your brother (Adam) has passed away.. he was in a car accident.. my heart sank... I could not believe it, this cant be possible I must be dreaming.. OH GOD please let me wake up from this nightmare!!
Then reality sinks in when I see my mom and tia chana walk in my heart sinks, deeper it kinda felt like I wasn't in my body anymore I was just above them and me looking over at what was about to happen.. my heart begins to break as I hold my mom and tia so very tight.. and the tears begin to roll uncontrollably.. but in my mind I tell my self I gotta be strong, I gotta be strong for my family.. as I gather myself and begin to talk to them I can see that my mom herself is still in shock and my tia chana is pretty much having to take over in explaining what happened and she will have to be the one to be responsible for getting everything together.. my mom is like a zombie.. the pain in my heart tears at the core. As we visit for several hours all the memories, all the times we fought,laughed,talked seeing you dance, and sing and be YOU came roaring through my mind like a river.. but I am comforted to know know lil bro that we will see each other again someday! Revelations 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” I love you Adam

Time marches ON!

This month has been extremely HOT! I worry because QT had been in transition at the Byrd Unit for 90 days which is NOT the norm! As I continue to investigate and make calls and have my sister Julie call I realized that there was something completely wrong.. and it had to be FIXED immediately! All sorts of things rushing through my mind, wondering what in GODS holy name is going on? of course the worst possible thoughts come through loud and clear.. as I begin to feel the anxiousness kicking in I begin to tell myself the devil is a LIAR! After many calls to directors, supervisors, and senior wardens office I contacted his unit today, Robertson Unit in Abilene and he is back home with his brothers in Christ! I thank God for my brothers for all their support and love for my QT while he is away from home. I pray for them for courage and strength but most of all that their faith grow stronger in HIM!

I received an email from QT's attorney Mr. William Biggs which will explain where we are in his case:

1. I had asked him what his thoughts were in regards to how the evidentiary hearing went this past April 1st. He states it went about as well as it could have. This case is extremely complicated; there are a bunch of moving pieces. However, he thinks that if judge Ramirez (presiding judge at evidentiary hearing)wants to give him relief, we have provided her several legal avenues to do so. He states he doesn't want to give anyone false hope. He thinks this case could honestly go either way. That being said he states, "I personally think he has a very good chance".

2. We have now submitted ALL the briefs necessary for her to decide the case. At this point, everything is before the judge and its up to her to make the decision.

3. Best case scenario: He is granted habeas relief and his convictions are vacated. This would entitle him to a new trial, should the State choose to try him again. Worst case scenario: They deny his petition, which means his convictions stand. Of course, if it is denied, we will still be able to appeal.

4. What would be the length of time to hear something? Mr Biggs guess is we should know something within the next couple of months.

REMEMBER: The magistrates decision is just a recommendation. Ultimately, the district judge (Reed O'Connor) will be making the formal decision. More often than not, the district judge goes along with the magistrate's recommendation. Should the district judge rule in our favor the State in all likelihood will appeal his case to the Fifth Circuit, and perhaps even the United States Supreme Court

With this being said please continue to pray for God's perfect intervention, for God's perfect timing.. its so true what God says "my ways are not your ways & your thoughts are not my thoughts" I know this process is SOOOO long and hard and that is just because GOD IS TRULY BEING GLORIFIED his name will be lifted on high! Thank you Jesus because as "time marches on" Lord, you never change you are the same yesterday, today, and forever! Please continue in intercessory prayer for Judge Irma Ramirez and Judge Reed O'Connor that God speak and continue to speak to their heart & give them wisdom and courage to do the right thing and provide justice for QT! Intercessory Prayer is prayer for others. An intercessor is one who takes the place of another or pleads another's case. One study Bible defines intercession as "holy, believing, persevering prayer whereby someone pleads with God on behalf of another or others who desperately need God's intervention." In your name Lord we place this situation and resoulution under your authority. Thank you Lord and please bless those prayer warriors who continue to intercede for others! May these prayers reach your throne! Thanks yall for all your prayers and continued support!

Mother's Day Gift!

Another holiday goes by, here it is Mother's Day 2010 and again without my beloved nephew QT. As I go through the hussle and bussle of work there's not a one day that passes that my boy doesn't come to my mind. That I dont wonder what he is doing? how he is doing? if he needs me? if he is healthy? if he is lonley? My mind begins to wonder and all sort of thoughts begin to develop.. and as I begin to cry at the thought of another chance just to hear his voice, just to see his smile then God in his mighty spirit always seems to bring back to my memory his PROMISES! The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them. (Ps 145.18-19) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Prov 3.5-6)Then I begin to rejoice because my faith is in HIM! No matter the circumstances, no matter the situation my Lord is in control! And low and behold I get a letter in the mail with a beautiful card from my baby! OH my gosh God has his way and his way is always perfect, his timing is always perfect. Thank you Lord for giving me peace and reassurance that you are taking care of the whole situation!

Also, just to keep yall posted, we have received the transcripts of the hearing that took place on Arpil 1st. The next step QT's attorney Mr. Biggs is scheduled to write up a brief that was due today 5/7/10. We are confident that God will bring my nephew home and he will be completely exonerated for his wrongful conviction! Please continue to pray for him and for us as we continue to fight for his freedom!

For His Kingdom,

Joanne

In ALL things I will GIVE THANKS

Just wanted to give yall an update as most of you are aware the HEARING was amazing! Truly God's hand was in ALL of this! Also, just to let yall know QT had requested to be shipped back to his unit in Abilene. It was really a challenge to be here in county when we talked after the hearing he said he wanted to go... he said he was going to pray about it but in my spirit I knew it was best for him. He'd been here since December it was 4 months going on 5 and it was taking its toll on him spiritually, emotionally, mentally and mostly physically. He didn't want to worry anybody about his health but he wasn't doing well as far as adjusting to the horrible food, and all the issues that come with being so close to home and having to deal with family issues. Its especially hard when your a control freak like us and you feel so helpless to solve the problem or deal with the issues your family is going through your way. He has been here before and gone back but this time for ME it was different! I didn't think it would take its toll on me him leaving because in my heart and spirit I knew it was best for him but I cried alot a whole lot and felt a part in my heart was missing him.. missing his calls, his laugh, his thoughts and most of all his LOVE for his tia Chana... Anyway God knows what needs to happen and his timing is always perfect, thats for sure!

QT is currently at the transfer facility of the Byrd Unit in Huntsville. He is waiting to be sent back to Robertson Unit right now from my understanding in speaking with them their is not a set time when he will be sent to Robertson Unit they have to make room, so the average wait time is 3 months or so but again I say God's timing is perfect and he knows where he needs to be & for the time he needs to be there. Please continue to keep him in your prayers that God continue to do his will! That his name be glorified~

Here is his address while he is at the Byrd Unit:

Quintin Alonzo #1158688
21 FM247
Byrd Unit
Huntsville, TX 77320

For His Kingdom
Joanne Alonzo-Gloria

We Cry Holy Holy

Praise God! He is worthy to be praised! Just wanted to follow up with yall and let everyone know the "GOOD NEWS" in regards to QT's Evidentiary Hearing! As yall know his hearing was scheduled to take place on Friday, April 1,2010 at 9:00 am in Judge Irma Ramirez court. I want to thank ALL of yall who showed up at my parents early that morning to pray for God's will to be done, for God to give us courage and faith in the midst of the enemy.. Thanks to all of our friends/family who showed up at the Earl Cambell Federal Building to observe the hearing.. we woke up very early and as it got closer to the scheduled time I felt like I wanted to throw up! But I know my brothers and sisters in Christ were praying for QT and our family. I received several emails, several text messages telling us that people are praying for us that God's will be done in this whole situation. We have a family in the body of Christ that are standing in the gap with us, praying and interceding.
Intercessory Prayer is not the same as prayers for yourself, or for 'enlightenment', or for spiritual gifts, or for guidance, or any personal matter, or any glittering generality. Intercession is not just praying for someone else's needs. Intercession is praying with the real hope and real intent that God would step in and act for the positive advancement of some specific other person(s) or other entity. It is trusting God to act, even if it's not in the manner or timing we seek. God wants us to ask, even urgently. It is casting our weakness before God's strength, and (at its best) having a bit of God's passion burn in us!
God ABSOLUTELY and POSITIVELY showed UP and we witnessed a miracle! NO really, a real live, miracle! You can ask anyone who was able to stay until the end the miracle that occurred. Not to many people were able to stay so I will share with yall in short what happened... ARE YOU READY????
Mr. Biggs QT's attorney had subpoena'd about 6 people I began reading my bible:

Psalms 25: 1-3
To you O Lord, I lift up my soul in you I trust, O my God do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse!

Bottom line the person who testified last against all odds, against the support of her friends & family, against everything in her flesh, and in her mind that told her "NO, dont get involved, its not your problem" I thank God that God's spirit spoke so strongly, so clearly, and boldly to her that it moved her immediately to ACT! To do the RIGHT! thing... Yall it was like a scene in the movies.. the last witness testifies and blew the case out of the water! PRAISE GOD! She testified as to what she witnessed, what her family member witnessed and made it so clear, clear as water who actually murdered Santos Gauna. She testified as to the notorious threats, fears, concerns she and her family had over the years as to what kept her from ever coming forward.. I can not lie as I & everyone in the courtroom including the judge listened intently to every word, every syllable,every statement that came out of her mouth we were all on the edge of our seats! I remember shaking and crying uncontrollably because I thought I was dreaming.. I thought I had to pinch myself that I wasn't hearing correctly as I felt my daughter Jennifer's arm hold me with tears in her eyes and I realize I was hearing correctly! "Someone actually had enough courage & CAME FORWARD", someone told the story of what happened on June 9, 2001 in the murder of Santos Gauna! The truth prevailed,and it wasn't anyone we would have ever expected! That just goes to show you its true what God says.. "your ways are not my ways & my thoughts are not your thoughts" His timing is always perfect! We will know something in approximately 30-60 days... Please continue to pray with and for us.. this war isn't over we may have one this battle but we still have to WIN the war! Thank you all for everything from the bottom of my heart we thank you and love you all for everything!

HIS PEOPLE CRY HOLY HOLY HOULY


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAainlteayc




For His Kingdom!
Joanne

This is the "DAY"

Im up early this morning 3:00 am got some rest but I know I will get plenty of rest after the hearing! That's pretty much the kinda month its been so far not too much rest at all. Dont feel tired it was a bit hectic yesterday trying to get QT's clothes and having RJ take them to him, notifying everyone etc. and making sure everything is the way its suppose to be, feeling a bit anxious not in a bad way but kind of like I want this to hurry and happen we've waited almost 9 LONG years when God's spirit came to me and eased my discomfort! He said to me "your ways are not my ways, my thoughts are not your thoughts" so stop trying to make everything SO perfect! Thats not your job, thats mine, LET IT GO! so I did..
There is a sense of calmness in my spirit today, it feels so very good! My family is scheduled to meet at my moms house early this morning to pray before we leave to the hearing, that is one of the things Im thankful for through out this whole ordeal I know alot of families go through this and have gone through this and its true like my nephew QT says this type of thing will either break families apart or bring them closer together and if anything it has brought my family so close together! closer to each other, but most of all closer to HIM! I know I can speak for myself my life has changed FOREVER! it will never be the same again..and I say that in a positive way! Im grateful for God allowing me to be a part of this, I know it sounds crazy but as I look back I have met so many people, I have made so many friends, people who are like family to me, people who I love and will always be a part of my life. If I had not been a part of this I would not have met my husband RJ who is one of QT's biggest supporters, who has been with him for many years fighting along side of him, laughing, playing basketball, praying, and encouraging him all the way through! Families of people who are still encarcerated, who have NO ONE! Thank you God for allowing me to play a role in your plan because I know it is YOUR PLAN!
To my family, God hasn't brought us this far for failure! He is the creator of the universe who allows things to happen for his GLORY and I know without a shadow of a doubt it is for HIS GLORY we are here and we will continue to be here and will continue to fight until QT is HOME! Thanks mom because of your dedication to calling to the Robertson Unit every Tuesday night for the last 8 years to read a scripture and sending words of encouragement to all the inmate who listen to the message board in Abilene, who have written you so many times thanking you for remembering them, thanking you for loving them without knowing them! Who you have come to be "grams" to them.. you will never know how much they look forward to hearing your voice weekly.
To our friends thank you for the many times you've prayed for QT and for us! You will never know how much your prayers have gotten us through..thank you for the many times you may have gotten a phone call from one of us needing to vent, needing to cry, needing to be touch by God with a hug from a friend. We love you more then words can express! Thank you for giving of yourself for someone else.

My heart loves, and will forever be apart of those brothers and sisters who have been forgotten. I call them the "FORGOTTEN PEOPLE"..the people who have wrongly been convicted of a crime they "DID NOT" commit! I love you!

For what ever is born of God overcomes the world and this is the VICTORY that has overcome the world our FAITH in Christ Jesus">

So Close & Yet So Far!

Everyone,
Thanks again for all your prayers and support yall just dont know how much your prayers mean to QT and my family.. your prayers that God's will be done and he be glorified through all of this! Your prayers have made many days & nights easier to bare for him and for us and we will forever be in debt to yall for all the love and affection for us! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I just spoke to Mr. Biggs and as I had stated the government is trying to keep this hearing from happening even as I had shared with many of yall today, but PRAISE be to God! The time has passed their is NO TURNING BACK! It's been along time coming and it will take place
Thursday, April 1, 2010 @9:00 am
Earl Campbell Federal Bldg
1100 Commerce Street
15th Floor #1566
Court #1566
Dallas, Tx
PARKING - sorry you have to pay for parking its like around $8
You know its funny because we've been waiting almost 9 years to get here and please understand we have so much more to go but I thought I would be relieved to hear the news but as soon as he said "ITS FOR SURE THURSDAY" I felt like I was going to throw up and cry all at the same time! Mr. Biggs said now I dont know if you feel relief or anxious but we're moving forward! I dont know if he could sense it in my voice ha ha. PLEASE yall PLEASE keep praying for QT, Mr. Biggs, Judge Irma Ramirez, the attorneys, & witnesses involved that God give them wisdom and courage to make the right decisions and be courageous enough to come forward and tell the truth! Please pray for my sister Julie she gets anxious easy and gets to having anxiety attacks! Remember this isn't a trial its a hearing and we will know something later but I will keep yall posted for sure! Thanks to all of yall who are taking time out of your busy schedule to support QT whether he is your friend, your brother, your grand son, your cousin, whether he was in your Sunday school class, played ball with you or like me my nephew who I love SO very much! We will always fight tooth and nail for his freedom! We won't give UP EVER! and our story won't end here my prayer is we will continue to find ways to support the many, many people who are still wrongfully encarcerated fighting for their freedom! I wanna SHOUT OUT to our brothers at the Robertson Unit in Abilene, Texas especially Pastor Holder (who was his prison attorney) who have been like brothers to my nephew who have supported him, blieved in him, who have loved him, who have comforted him when he was so far from home, who mentored him, and taught him how to be "THE STRONG GODLY MAN HE IS TODAY" see what satan uses for evil GOD uses for good for his honor and glory! See he thought this would break us, he thought that this situation would make us turn from God, break our spirit, he thought we would wither away and die but what he failed to see is that we serve a LIVING GOD who says NOTHING is impossible for HIM and that no matter the outcome we are still CONQUERORS and it only made us stronger and more determined then EVER to SEE JUSTICE PREVAIL!

Love yall so much!
Joanne

Evidentiary Hearing - April 1, 2010

Wow.. we've been waiting for this for a LONG time coming! Thank you for all your support and prayers as we continue on this journey you will never know how much your support has kept us going!
Well, here we are it seems like a dream to have made it this far! Most people, most attorneys most convicts thought we would have been knocked out for the count but to God be the GLORY we are stronger then ever! Why? because God is true to his people.. and his promises, his saints that intercede for each other. Dont get it twisted we still have a lot more to go but to make it here considering the many many obstacles we have had to over come AMAZES me! One thing I want to make sure everyone is aware is that this is NOT a trial, this is a hearing, QT's is not being re-tried at least not yet. This hearing is basically to litigate if QT's rights have been violated due to "in-effective counsel" which is a right that we as American Citizens are guaranteed to have.
Here are some notes that need to be shared, QT's attorney has stated a couple of things that are important to keep in mind when and if you will be attending this hearing. First it is open to the public anyone can attend, Second it is vital to maintain composure another words not loud talking, no trippin, non of that drama stuff PLEASE! . Maintain yourself courteous and polite and keep in mind this is a FEDERAL HEARING please wear the appropriate clothing because if you don't they may not allow you in the courtroom.. especially if you are wearing sagging clothing.. Third keep in mind this is a hearing and if you have children if you can find a sitter great but if not and your baby/child becomes disruptive you may have to leave the court room I know its tough believe me but I just wanna make sure I pass along this info. Fourth keep in mind we won't have any final results or outcome of this hearing Thursday.. again this is a process so I dont want anyone to get their expectations up and think they will hear the judge say something like "YOU WIN" go home.. unfortunately everything is a long long process and that will most likely not happen.. FINALLY - BE PRAYED UP! I tell you without a shadow of a doubt if you guys knew the miracles that we have seen happening over the last couple of weeks you would completely and utterly be SHOCKED! REMEMBER.. GOD IS REAL & CAN MEET OUR NEEDS! All we have to do is have a little faith the size of a mustard seed... Below is the info as to time and place if you have any questions please dont hesitate to contact me. LOVE YA GUYS! for all your prayers and support!

April 1, 2010 at 9:00 am
Judge Irma C. Ramirez
15th Floor-Courtroom 1566
1100 Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75242

For His KINGDOM!
Joanne

The Time Has COME

I received the call Friday from QT's attorney Mr. Biggs. The Evidentiary Hearing has been set for April 1, 2010... It's kinda scary because this is IT.. Alot of things haven't panned out the way we would have liked, alot of "so called witness" who can help by coming forward and being truthful have made themselves unavailable, and have chosen to allow this injustice to continue! A young man is looking to spend LIFE in prison for something he didn't DO! It really hurts because I just dont know if people really know the seriousness of the situation.. but I have CHOSEN to continue to trust in God because I know that it is only by his power that we have made it this far! & he has not brought us this far for failure!
As I talk to my nephew and can hear in his voice his concern/fear of the unknown, it takes everything in me to comfort him and ease his mind.. when my own mind is scrambling trying to make sense of it all and put together how we even got here!
So many emotions begin to bubble up I dont know whether to cry, to laugh, to sing, or dance.. just so much but, I do know that no matter the outcome we are still "VICTORIOUS" in him! Please continue to pray for QT and my family as we continue on this journey moving forward fighting daily, praying daily, seeking God's will and comfort in our moments of fear and doubt praying for MORE faith to trust and believe that he is in control of the whole situation and has always been!

"The BATTLE CRY!"

Last night while I was at choir practice getting ready for this weeks Sunday worship I received a call from Mr. Biggs, QT's attorney. He gave me some awesome news as most of you know QT's Evidentiary Hearing had been post-poned because the government tried to cancel the hearing from happening with legal tactics stating the process of his appeals had not been followed correctly etc. Mr. Biggs had to provide several points as to why this hearing must continue! then it would be up to the judge to discern if the points provided to justify the process to move forward.
Thank God the judge saw to deny the government its request to cancel the hearing the judge saw it appropriate to CONTINUE with the Evidentiary Hearing! PRAISE GOD.. this is a very big win for us yall... I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your prayers for QT, my family, for the many many others that still are fighting the battle of injustice! Please dont stop interceding for the many other brothers and sisters that are fighting for their freedom, for their life, for their exoneration!

Please continue to pray for us, that is the only way we are making it! There is no amount of money, there is no amount of knowledge, there is no amount of power that can DO or UNDO God's will! We know this battle isn't over we know that the enemy is mad and hot on our heels as we push, push, push forward so we know that he will begin to attack us every way possible. Please pray for us as we continue to fight the enemy. Jesus will always be satan's enemy, not quietly but actively and vigorously, with full determination to exterminate evil! All his servants whether angels in heaven or us here on earth will and must fight! The duty of every soldier in the army of the Lord is daily, with all our heart, soul, and strength is to fight against satan!

WAR RAGES ALL AROUND, AND TO DREAM OF PEACE IS DANGEROUS AND FUTILE! Stand STRONG & FIGHT soldiers even if its on your knees!

"Amazing Love"

As the pressure begins to build kinda like a pot getting ready to boil over at its hottest point I am reassured by his spirit that he is STILL is in control.. Of course we know that there are several things in play in this story. We know that there are principalities at work in places we can not see or understand but trusting that God's timing is always SO perfect.
QT and I have spoken with his attorney at length working on responses, petitions, etc. and we know that it has been an uphill battle for 8 years and its about to get tougher and as I think about it, it brings me back to when Christ had to carry that cross up the hill on calvary to full fill his promise and just think if he'd given up we'd have "NO HOPE"!
Hope is what keeps us going, in the fight to see him free, to see him home, to see him exonerated for a crime he did not commit! As I talked to QT and things were looking a little shacky due some tactics the state has thrown he told me "tia I am going to fast this weekend (1/17/10) just because my soul needs it because their is a hunger for me in the deepest part of my soul that is thirsty for more of him" I told him I would fast with him.. I just said it without thinking or preparing for it as a form of support for his need but I must say "I FAILED TERRIBLY"... I use to think about when Christ asked his disciples to pray with him when he was in the garden and they kept falling asleep.. I use to think how hard it it to stay up with your lord, how hard is it to support him and it brought me to my knees,crying, praying and seeking forgiveness because I had failed my nephew and God too.. but thankfully his spirit came and comforted me and brought me back with him.. its amazes me everyday to see the Love he has for YOU, for ME, for ALL of us! HIS is truly Amazing Love, How can it be that You, my King, should die for me?
amazing love,I know it’s true. it’s my joy to honor you,in all I do, I honor You!

Please continue to pray for QT, for my family as we continue to thank the Lord for all he has done, all he is doing, and all he will do!

For HIS Glory
Joanne Alonzo-Gloria

Closer & Closer

I thought it would much easier with QT close by and him able to have more access to people he hadn't seen in a while but I realize that its not! I know it gets only harder as time pases because realizing that the (spiritual)battle becomes more intense. I know the we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places and with that in mind please pray for us.. It seems like the enemy knows we are so close, we just need to hold on to the faith! Jennifer went to see him and he was fine but a little disappointed because he felt that he reacted out of character.. I mean he said "tia man its so different here really the devil rules this place, just the sense of evil and darkness, helplessness, hopelessness here... I would much rather be at my unit with brothers that really love God and encourage each other to keep going forward" but if you are really concerned for his health (physically/spiritually) please keep him in your prayer that God continue to have his angels protect him... That God continue to work in and on the judges/attorneys/district attorneys and everyone involved in his case.
I did speak with his attorney Mr. Biggs very briefly and his case has been set for Wednesday,February 24, 2010. Please be praying that God's will be done and he be glorified through all of this! I know God is working and I get so easily distracted with so many things going on in our family right now it feels like a BIG RED target is on our back one thing after another, one issue after another but I know this is the work of the enemy to test us but we know who our strength and faith is in but I must admit there are times that I feel weak in the knees and my head is spinning but I just have to slow myself down and praise him for all he has done, all he is doing, and all he will do!

For His Glory,
Joanne/Joey/Chana