I figured it was about time for a post. I thought I'd share a little about my Prison Pen Pal experience for all of our avid readers (yes, I'm well aware that 'avid readers' probably constitutes of less people than what I have fingers....and I do have all 10 of my fingers for those were were wondering).
I have always been intrigued by prisons....not entirely sure why. But within me, God has instilled some sort of fascination and wonder regarding these instituations. Several times I've thought to myself that .....IF I would get framed for some sort of crime that I didn't do and had to go to prison...I'd be OK with it. I'd have time to write a book, the opportunity to witness to many people, I'd start Bible studies and crafting groups. Yes, I know I'm slightly demented and I really don't think I'd peacefully accept a prison sentence, but the idea of being confined with others in a set space just gives me all kinds of ideas. Plus, I think I'm intrigued because God calls us to visit those and care for those who are in prison. Anyways.
I wanted to reach out and get involved, but I feel pretty stretched the way it is with the busyness of life, including ministry things I'm involved in. So, last Winter, I signed up through Prison Fellowship to have a pen pal. I figured it was a pretty low commitment and low-time requirement. They then sent me a name of an individual that had been matched up with me. They have a number of criteria they use when matching someone up and a list of do's and don'ts when you correspond.
Our correspondence started kinda slow and we'd go nearly a month at first between letters. But now, I find myself receiving a letter from her before I've barely sent it out in the mail! It's obvious that we're having the chance to open up and ask more in-depth questions and share things deeper at this point. I've really enjoyed the chance to get to know someone whom I will more than likely never meet and to feel like I'm able to encourage her and listen to her.
She's on the far end of the country from me. She's a year younger than I am. Never graduated from high school, although is now working on her GED. She is the mother of 3 children. She ran away from home when she was 15. I have no idea what she is there for (you're not supposed to ask), although I do know that she is expecting to get out next October. For Thanksgiving, we shared with one another things that we are thankful for from A - Z. It was very cool to hear from her the things that she is thankful for.
Anyways. If you think of it, say a prayer for Jamie. As you can imagine, it's hard for her to be away from her 3 children while she is in prison. Also, pray for her as she works toward her education and begins to make plans for entering back into society in the next year. And pray that I have the opportunity to continue to share God's love with her and that He would become very real to her.
