YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia – The night before her family is set to visit Mary Jane Veloso in prison, human rights groups and officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) welcome Mary Jane’s parents and children at Yogyakarta.

They gather at the same hotel they stayed at here in April, at Ameera Boutique Hotel, but this time around the mood is different. 9 months ago, they waited here in anticipation, unsure whether Mary Jane was going to be executed. In the end, she was granted reprieve at the last minute. 

This time, the mood is upbeat and joyful, as the group – especially her family – excitedly await their visit the next day.

Mary Jane Veloso’s family flew to Indonesia to visit the Filipina on death row. Mary Jane turned 31 on Sunday, January 10. Set to be executed by firing squad in April 2015 for allegedly smuggling 2.6 kilograms of heroin into the predominantly Muslim country, Veloso made headlines after she was granted an 11th hour reprieve by the Indonesian government due to a last minute plea by President Benigno Aquino III as well as the surrender of her alleged recruiter, Maria Cristina Sergio. (READ: Saving Mary Jane, the face of OFWs)

The family will be here from January 11 until January 16 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, where Mary Jane is currently imprisoned.– Rappler.com