It has been a while since my last journal.
It has been a rough few weeks.
Those ups and downs we wish to never have, and only I allowed it to happen.
Each and every day I learn to stay to myself.
It is amazing how much rumor and gossip runs inside the prison walls.
My group of “associates” within prison continues to become less.
I spend my days now working then practicing with the Christian Worship group, reading my Bible, caring for Rivero, Campos, Readon’s needs throughout the day. Thankfully these three elders are in the rooms next to mine.
I continue assisting in the Admission and Orientation, with translations, playing the PREA video on the big screen, and taking attendance.
Our day of practicing music in the rec yard was yesterday, but the officer did not allow us even though we are on the schedule for nearly two months, so Miles grabbed a guitar from the weight shack storage room and we went off into a corner, as he wanted to try and put a new song together.
This morning I was up at 7 to use the restroom, and luckily was able to catch the chow call to the chapel. I wanted to speak with the chaplain and ask permission to use the chapel after lunch to practice with the group before service tomorrow, but she said she may not be there so recommends I do not go by just in case. Once again, let down on being able to practice, but it’s okay. I went back to my cubicle, took off my shoes and got into bed.
Awake for 10am count, then back to sleep.
Slept through to 1pm, am well rested, I hear Bear’s voice nearby, so I get out of bed to see how he is doing. I grab a pack of pork, fill it with boiling water from the hot water machine, head to the toilet to pour out the water, then do it again. I pour the pork into my bowl, add some seasonings, shred it up, and eat it with some saltine crackers. I feel good these days, especially after my visit to medical and finding out I am weighing 208lbs, down from 223. I have to keep this up, and not eat as much as I use to.
I drink some water, prepare a cafecito and call dad after checking the computer and noticing I continue to not receive any emails, not sure what is wrong with the system. After the call I head over to Bear’s area to sit and chat for a bit, then return to my room, grab my radio to watch some television. But first, I grab my daily devotionals and take a few minutes to read them.
Count clears, going to take it easy today. Watching some television, I get hungry and eat a mackerel with some crackers.
The rest of my evening, I spent it organizing some papers Rivero asked me to help him with. He needs me to help him with an administrative remedy, so I will get to that tomorrow after I am able to make some copies over at the law library.
The call with mom went well. Miss them so much. Hope I can count down the days sometime soon.
Father God, make me into the man you want me to be, my life is in your hands, put me where you need me to be. I will not settle with my flaws. I give them to you, please make me righteous. Take any anger I may have and clean it out. Protect me, guide me, and keep me helping others, humbling myself more and more each day. Please watch over my family, friends and loved ones. Thank you God, you are my only hope. Amen.
Eduardo Luis Valdes
02499-506
June 7, 2025
21:06
