I slightly hear that we are locked in, I turn over and continue to sleep.
I was planning on going to the Education department this morning and printing out some documents, but no move was called.
It’s 9:00 and they just called chow. It’s grab-n-go, but I just got out of bed. I’ll have some Cuban crackers and a coffee as my breakfast.
On to the restroom I go to wash up, brush my teeth, and decent up my hair.
I sit on my bunk, to read my daily devotionals, and it is all about “purpose”.
“We are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose.”
[Romans 8:28]
I love this, because there are days we feel that whatever plan God has for us is leading to destruction, but when the perfect time comes around we will see how it all came together for good in our lives. “God already has a purpose for everything happening in our lives, and we have only to wait until we can see how.” – Jesus First For Men, June 22.
Last week, we got locked in due to someone’s mishaps in the unit, and it caused our visits with family to be canceled. I was at a split in the road, where I could go one way and start complaining, which could then lead to different undesired consequences, or go the other way and keep in mind that it is all part of God’s plan for us, so I chose to have faith and wait on God, and thank Him for whatever it is He is protecting me from and guiding me to.
Weekend morning bed book count, and we all wait by our rooms with our identifications out. Count clears, and we get ready for lunch. Rivero is ready to go; and lunch is grab-n-go. As soon as it is called, we head to the dining room and grab our trays; then head back to eat at the dorm. We were given one slice of “turkey”, buns, a handful of lettuce, and a potato. I dressed it all up including Rivero’s slice of turkey he did not want, so my sandwich wasn’t too bad. As I am finishing, they call for religious services. Aquino and I hurry up and head to the chapel.
No orderlies around, I notice everyone signing-in on a random sheet at the entrance, but first I head to the media closet and start preparing the soundboard for the service. I then get the correct sign-in sheets, put it on a clipboard and wait for after the worship songs. I help the worship group with singing the song “Waymaker”, then as service begins, I pass around the sign-in sheet.
Services conclude, we put things away and head back to our units. The institution seems to be on a moderate lockdown, because only certain guys from specific units made it to service, and many rumors were shared in the chapel.
I sit down to watch some television, notice the time, and get up to get to the phone and call dad. Over to my room I lay down and take a little nap. Back up at 3:30pm, I fill my water bottle and sit to watch some television while I wait for the 4pm count.
Count clears, we remain on moderate lockdown, seems like dinner will be grab-n-go today, and the menu shows, chicken alfredo. They call chow promptly, and it was grab-n-go. We return to the unit, I sit to eat, and it was much better than it looked.
I take the 6pm move to the rec yard with Miles, Bear and Spell, to see if we can get some time in the music room, but the Spanish group was apparently scheduled before us, so we sit to go over a few songs, and head back to the unit at 7pm.
As soon as I get to the unit, I grab my things to shower, and wait in line at the shower upstairs in the Glasshouse. Once back in my room, I notice Rivero left me his bowl with some left over food he had from dinner, says it was too much for him. Someone prepared a yellow rice with pork, and it was a good touch to my upcoming hunger.
I thank Rivero then sit in his room to help him fill out an administrative remedy he has been bugging me about. This nearly took an hour to complete, and then I went to the phones to call mom.
Tomorrow is visit. Mom and dad are both coming. I pray all goes well and they could both make it safely. Tonight is the NBA Finals, and we were offered a late night by the Captain of the institution, which means all those who are behind locked doors will be let out into the unit to watch the game until midnight. Luckily for us in the Glasshouse, it is truly always a late night if we please. These are the benefits to good behavior, which allows for preferred housing.
Thank you Father God for another great day. Thank you for all you do in guiding me and protecting me. I pray for a great day tomorrow having both my parents here together at the same time. Thank you Lord because you constantly show me how great You are. Please continue to prepare Your plan for my life, putting good things ahead of me and pushing all the negative to a side. Amen.
Eduardo Luis Valdes
02499-506
June 22, 2025
22:08
