"God kept impressing on me that Rashida was one of the big reasons I was in prison?to personally impact her life," says Lia. "I needed to see what he could do to a person, outside of myself. I think if I hadn't seen any results, it would have been discouraging. Rashida became God's little voice for me, always questioning me about things I said or did. I was her example of God's grace, helping her to see that he cared."

That care came through in small ways?the sun breaking through on a heavily overcast day as Rashida hung out the laundry, never running out of medicine when it was needed, and (once during the four years) a guard bringing a block of ice to provide every woman a small cup of cold water.

But one of God's greatest gifts was the friendship of missionary Mitali Perkins.

Prison ministry wasn't at the top of Mitali's to-do list, but one day she heard about a young American who had been incarcerated more than two years for smuggling drugs, and she felt led to contact her. After weeks of red tape, Mitali gained permission to visit Lia. From then on, she visited once a month.

Mitali, a pastor's wife, asked members of her church to pray for Lia. Seeing Lia grow stronger spiritually as more people prayed, Mitali decided to extend the prayer circle. An article about Lia was featured in the November/December 1995 Christian Reader. Readers sent more than 300 letters to Lia. Once again, God's timing was perfect.

"In August 1995, my case came up before the High Court. During the judge's questioning, he asked me how old I was?was I 18? 'No,' I replied honestly, 'I'm 22.' The judge kept asking me if I was sure how old I was. Finally, I realized what he was trying to do. If I lied about my age and said I was 18, that meant I was arrested when I was a minor. I could have been released right there on a technicality. I refused to lie.

"I was dismissed from the rest of the hearing, but ten days later I heard on the radio that I had been released," Lia explained. "I found it curious that no officials came to see me but praised God for the exciting news. Mitali had been out of town, and when she saw me she was excited but quietly said there were rumors going around. Rumors that the decision might be challenged."

It was true. The government had put a "stay" on Lia's case until October 1995. The news devastated Lia. She considered going on a hunger strike.

The "stay" kept getting extended on flimsy excuses. Six months later, Mitali began bringing bags of letters?the visible signs from Christian Reader subscribers to Lia that God was watching over her. The words of support and love as well as the promise to pray buoyed her spirits. She decorated her cell with the cards, pictures, and gifts, turning often to the promises in Matthew 6:25-34 that God would take care of her needs, that he knew what tomorrow would bring. It was a passage she often used to help other prisoners when they were discouraged.

The "stay" was still in effect in February 1996, when Congressman Bill Richardson (D-New Mex.), an unofficial presidential envoy, arrived in Bangladesh to give U.S. assistance with their national elections. The Embassy told him about Lia?she had been in prison four years, was a model prisoner, it was time for her to be released. Richardson was interested since he had been instrumental in other American hostage/prisoner situations. When the congressman probed further, he learned the problem: releasing her through the court system would set a precedent for future drug convictions.

When Lia's hearing was finally put on the docket July 1, 1996 and the arguments were made, the judge said his decision would be handed down on July 4?the American Independence Day. There were no fireworks when the judge pronounced his decision: "As much as we feel for this young lady, the law is the law and according to the law, she is guilty and should receive 30 years in prison. My judgment will not be challenged."

Lia cried for two days "so loudly," she admits, "that the whole jail heard me." Now her only hope for freedom was God's intervention and a presidential pardon.

Congressman Richardson had not stopped pleading her case with the Bangladesh government. When a new prime minister took office, it seemed the right time for a humanitarian gesture toward the United States?Lia's release.

It came on July 25, 1996. Things moved rapidly, so rapidly that Lia couldn't even give Rashida a last hug. A prison policewoman told Lia she would transfer Lia's money into Rashida's account. Yumiko, a Japanese friend, walked with Lia through the crowd to the prison gate. The last thing Lia saw was Yumiko waving goodbye with her little white handkerchief.

Congressman Richardson remembers the first thing Lia said to him during the first of many press conferences was "I want to thank God" before praying out loud before everyone there. She also wanted to see Mitali before she left the country. Though treated royally in the presidential guest house, Lia was ready to go home.

"In many of Lia's letters to us, she would say how much her arms ached to hug us," Sylvia says. "From the moment we reunited at Dulles Airport, I haven't wanted to let her out of my sight."

Tears brim in Lia's eyes as she explains that her mom, dad, and brothers in the first days back would give her spontaneous hugs. The adjustments will take time. Lia sleeps more comfortably when the air conditioning is turned off; she now eats spicy food ravenously, where before she couldn't stomach it. Her younger brothers, Caleb and Josh, have grown up since she last saw them and tell her how the rules have changed in high school?no shirttails out, extra security measures.

"Probably the biggest change is not having that constant social interaction," Lia say. "All day in my cell I had people coming to talk with me. We were always busy. Sometimes at home, when everyone is off in their different directions, I get lonely."

There are still letters to catch up with, friends halfway around the world to pray for ("Rashida didn't make a commitment to Christ before I left, but I think it could happen"), her future to think over.

Lia has had job offers?even one that would take her back to Bangladesh. It's appealing, but she doesn't want to rush into anything. She wants to finish her education.

Sometimes she gets a faraway look in her eyes. "Yes, I would like to go back there as a free person and be able to say to those high up, 'This is what I've done with the chance you?and God?gave me.'"