Since October of 2015, we here at TPFW have heard of many changes. Ranging from getting new administration from the commissioner’s office to include wardens and shift captains. In January we were told we’d have a new warden. The commissioner is to leave office on June 22nd. I feel removed from these decisions as I trust God to elevate or decrease whomever He chose to serve His purposes, for the good of many.

The choice to house offenders by work site brought about a gamut of emotions. At first I reasoned prison to prison. As the chaotic moves began to be made I feared what awaited me. The anxiety of moving from a cell I had lived in for just over ten years was made worse by offender and staff and officers bickering. I prayed several times a day for God’s peace, the peace that surpasses all understanding, for myself and all involved. As I became aware that my turn to move was nearing I asked God to please allow me to view a sunrise and a sunset. Where I had been housed I never saw neither. On May 17th a week or so after I began this prayer I was told to report to my housing unit so that I could move.

I packed quickly so as not to interfere with the 4pm head count. When I arrive to my newly assigned cell- imagine my surprise and fright as I entered a cell on the same compound I’ve residing for nearly 18 years, which smelled ungodly. The floor was filthy, the metal furnishings are rusted and filled with pockets of black mold. The rust and mold is so awful that the frame of the plexiglass mirror is rusted. The cell had not been maintained in its seventeen year history. Some of the housekeeping fell on the various offenders. But overall maintenance painting, water behind walls, filthy ventilation systems- ducts never cleaned, rust removal- these fall at the feet of all the DOC officials. I cleaned for four hours, showered and prayed that my lungs (due to my sarcoidosis) were not affected. I made an effort not to blame or point fingers in hopes that the offender who had lived here nearly a year felt belittled. I slept hard, you know the kind of rest you pray not to wake from…I did wake and to my pleasure the sun was warming my face. As I arose the hues of orange and yellow and reddish gold covered every inch of the cell. The sun was parallel to my window not quite fully risen. I sat up and for the first time in 10 years, I watched the sun rise. My morning prayer and devotional time became even more special. I praised God with renewed vigor. I enjoyed my day with the knowledge that our Lord, our Father made for us to enjoy.

That afternoon after work around 5:30 pm a fire drill was called. We were told to line up by pods so that an official count could be taken. We were tired because we had been up all day and working. Some began to complain, I asked God to reveal His purpose for me. It was then looking to the sky I noticed the moon and the sun were parallel. As the sun set I remember asking in Jesus name for the opportunity to see one sunrise and one sunset. In ten days goodness and mercy of our Father was revealed to me. I am eternally grateful. Jesus has healed me and the Father has reminded me I will never be alone.