Start of a new week, began with an excellent Palm Sunday service yesterday that was done by Chaplain Hostler. We sang the song “Hosanna” by Hillsong United.
Today is my first weekday off as the new Re-Entry Clerk. So as I wake up this morning, I get dressed for recreation and am on the first rec move of the morning outside and walking to the yard.
I put my headphones on, and listen to K-Love 89.7FM as I walk the track just enjoying my morning. The barber who scheduled me for a haircut was busy this morning, so I walk for an hour and hopefully he arrives at the next move.
Thankfully there was another barber available at 9am, so I sat with him for a haircut. It was a rush-rush haircut due to the time, but he got it done, and it looks good enough from what it use to be and by 10am I take the “recall” move back to the unit.
I won’t be going to the chow hall today, so I prepare myself a Texas Beef Ramen soup, with a pack of pork cracklings, a pack of shredded beef and seasoning. I wash my bowl, and fill my water bottle to take the first rec move back to the yard, but as I wait for the call, I sit down to read my daily devotionals.
“Humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honor.”
[1 Peter 5:6]
For several days now, I have felt weak, I have given up fighting and struggling, and as my parents tell me, “Let go and let God handle it”. I thank them for always being my support, and this verse from 1 Peter says it all, where we only grow in humility under God.
At the rec yard, I walk into Camaiani, and we walk the track as we talk gibberish, but my legs are already feeling like Jell-O, so we step onto the basketball courts and take a seat on the bleachers while we wait for Philossaint to finish his plank exercises, then we have a few laughs and hang out a few minutes. My buddy Philossaint leaves tomorrow out to “Halfway House”, and even though we will miss him, I am happy for him to get closer home to his family.
Camaiani walks back to the front gate with Philossaint and I lay down on the bleacher enjoying an amazing Florida breeze in the shade. I cover my face with my cap, and put on only one headphone as I listen to K-Love. As I doze off, I hear someone yelling. I jump up, and notice it is the officer calling everyone over to the weight-shack. I forgot that at 1pm they stuff everyone in the weight-shack area until 2pm, so I get up and decide to take the move back to the unit to clean up and rest.
In my unit, I grab my clean clothes and toiletries, it’s shower time. My dirty laundry goes into my laundry bags; tomorrow is our unit’s laundry day. I snack on a few saltine crackers as I grab the broom and sweep the room. Time to lay down for a little while.
I feel a tap on my bunk. It’s count time, my roommate made sure I was awake. I get down from my bunk and wait for the officer to conclude their count, then climb back into my bed, cover myself and close my eyes.
I missed the dinner call, and the 6pm move. No big deal; Rivero came by my room, and offered me some pork Campos prepared for them. After warming it up some, and adding some seasoning and mayonnaise…I enjoyed it.
In the bathroom cleaning my bowl, then putting things away, I grab my tablet and place it on my chair, then walk over to the phones to call dad.
I still have a tickle in my mouth for some food, so I grab a handful of Cool Ranch Doritos and head to my chair to watch some television. At 8pm, American Idol begins, and after watching the first two contestants, I head to the phone to call mom.
Time to end the night here enjoying the rest of American Idol for today, and I do that by thanking God for a great day, and time to rest. I thank you Father God for humbling me in these tough times. I thank You for showing me how great life is, and how to appreciate it even more. I pray for my family, friends and loved ones, that they may have a great week, safe, and healthy. Thank you for taking care of and watching over this compound, and ask that you continue to walk each of us through Your plan for our lives. Amen.
Eduardo Luis Valdes
02499-506
April 14, 2025
20:52
