Forward by Dale Russell
The past few months Visions of Hope has increased our communications with our AIC (Adult in Custody) contacts and partners. Within those notes and newsletters were requests for COVID related stories of life and discoveries in prison to share with you. I trust this gives us all a personal perspective of daily life we usually never see. As I read this the first time, it was easy to place myself in Crystal’s shoes and understand her reactions and emotions. Special thanks to Crystal for her willingness to share!
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Dear Visions of Hope,
I hope and pray you are doing well and stay in high hopes during this pandemic. I have been especially concerned with the wellbeing of the Otino Waa kids – their health and possible food shortages. I would like to contribute my tithe once again to that specific cause. It is small, but I hope it helps. I enjoy your newsletters! Thank you for thinking of us in prison. We all appreciate your support to us!
A Day in the Life of COVID – Missing YOU
Adjusting to COVID-19 for me, as a prisoner, has not been too difficult. I am used to being quarantined in a sense because I have been locked in the same place for five years. I have already accepted and adjusted to not having the freedom of going where I want, when I want, and have gotten used to not being with my family and not seeing them for long periods of time. That is the punishment of prison. But I did get the privilege of seeing the volunteers come in on a weekly basis and that I really miss. It was so good to see them believe in us and encourage us and show us that they truly care. I miss being able to participate in a church community and going to worship and singing songs with them. I miss that feeling of togetherness they brought in with them. I pray to have that back soon.
Other than that, not much has changed for me. I have been able to continue working during the pandemic, so I still have some sense of normalcy and social distancing was welcomed because most of the time I feel like we’re living on top of each other so it’s nice to have a little more space. Prison makes us resilient and I have had the help of the Lord. One thing we could use prayers on is the added conflict. Most girls have been in their units 24/ 7 and we have been getting on each other’s nerves – A LOT.
For one thing I do dislike a lot ; The masks! They are uncomfortable and are hard to work in and workout in . I don’t like having to wear them. That I can do without.
So, I hope that helps give you an idea of how our life is in Coffee Creek I have been praying that God would keep the virus out of our facility. We have had a few close calls, but for now remain virus free. Everyone said it would be a miracle if we didn’t have the virus rampant in here by now and I pointed out that it truly is a blessing from God. I know the Lord will get us through this we just have to be patient. His will is always perfect.
With hope and love,
Crystal A.