Redemption

Well, it has been about 2 months since I entered into my latest adventure. After much preparation I was able to join a group of people they answered the call to assist the Warden and Assistant Warden of Western Missouri Correctional Facility in their desire to encourage production in the Green House behind the wire and razored edged fence of the prison they lend their careers to. We are a group complied of eager volunteers that come with extreme levels of experience. We have those that come as Master Gardeners and vast amounts of experience, those who have master gardener and farming experience, and then there are those like me that come clueless, but eager to get dirty and see green stuff grow. At first this huge chasm of experience seemed to large to bridge, but what brought us to a level playing field were the inmates that came to serve. These particular offenders, as they are called, come with diverse backgrounds, like us, they had the desire to make this project successful, like us, they wanted to be in a place where spring seemed closer than winter, like us, and they had experience in the greenhouse unlike us. They trumped our butts on knowledge and experience and the fact that this was their Green House. The place where they escape their stale reality of living a life that is the ultimate ground hog day. Over and over……their cells, the yard, the chow hall, whatever jobs they were lent to and then DO OVER! I realized quickly that this was more than a job for them. It was a blessing, a privilege, a joy, something they loved, right in the center of a world that was surrounded by intensity, darkness, regret and loneliness. A place where there is new life, something growing. In the green house it smells wonderful and is so beautiful. You almost forget that you’re in a prison. One constant reminder of the reality of prison is the “count”. About 6 times a day each man returns to his housing unit to be counted. This can take 30 minutes of 3 hours, depending on if the count is right. I know it’s important, but after awhile it gets on your last nerve. Just when we are rolling along getting stuff done…its time for count. On the first day I met “Choppy”, a short, dark, quiet Latino man. He is an expert! He comes from a family of farmers from the mountains close by Acapulco Mexico. He is fast, efficient, and kind. He learned quickly that we relied on his experience. Choppy was always gracious to stop and teach, assist, or just smile and shakes his head. He can outwork any of us. He has a great smile and bright eyes filled with hope for tomorrow as he speaks of family that he hasn’t seen for years. They are poor farmers and have no way to come. I don’t think they know where he is. He gets no visitors. The there is Kerry. He is also fast and very knowledgeable, but with more presence and you can tell he is the supervisor of the bunch. He keeps things in order, and has a head for organization. He knows exactly what’s planted, where it is, and what needs to be done next. He has pale skin and strawberry blonde hair and facial hair. I am sure he burns rather than tans, in the sun. He is very serious, but when he smiles, his face gets red, quickly. He shared that he is in on drunk driving charges. He was young and dumb and hopes to be back into general population as a productive citizen in a few years. He has vowed to never drink again. I will pray that he has the conviction when he is released. We also met “Hillbilly”. His shirt says K. Wyatt. He is from Arkansas and has much gardening experience as well. He is a hoot! He speaks of times past with his grandmother and helping her garden and can the food they grew. He has “general” knowledge, but more personality. He always has a one liner, and is quick on the draw. I have no doubt that he would make a great addition to any debate team. He has a sweet tooth and speaks of the desserts his grandmother made. As Easter approached, he spoke of the goodies he used to get in his Easter basket. I think he dreams of chocolate bunnies and marshmallow peeps! It is safe to say has a sweet tooth. He also has some health issues. He has a horrible cough and I fear it is something very serious. Unfortunately, I don’t think the medical care is that great and he will just have to do the best he can. He does enjoy the company and conversation of the VIC (volunteers in corrections). He will miss us. They all will. We have come to be the bright spot in their day. New faces. New conversation. I has been interesting to spend so much time with “strangers” and yet the longer we worked together, the more I could see that we are more alike than different. We all come to the green house broken in some areas of our life, trying to do the best we can, with the choices we have made, and I realized that we are all looking for redemption in some way. Some look to the judicial system, and some to the cross. We have all made mistakes, sinned, and fallen short. I feel so grateful that God kept His hand on my life and protected me from myself at times, and in other times, he let me learn and deal with the consequences of my actions. I feel so grateful that he continually reminds me of what He has done, and continues to do. What a privilege. I now have the privilege of praying for these men. I pray that God will reveal himself to them in a way that will give them hope for their futures. That they will look to Him for the strength they will need to move past this season of their lives. I am grateful that he reminds me that all I have to do is show up and have a willing heart, and he will use me to meet people where they are. Whether it’s in the grocery store, the gas station, at PV or behind the walls of a prison. He can do all things, and the best part is, he lets me in on the fun too. This spring has been a true reminder of the value of redemption, and restoration. It’s precious and we take it for granted. It has been pure joy to work along side these men, and to bring some sunshine into their day. I feel such happiness when I hear them ask,“will you come back?” I find comfort knowing that in some way I made a difference in their lives, and I will be thankful for the difference they have made in mine. We will go back when its time to plant the outside gardens, but for now I will pray, and give thanks.