I am up early today even though I don’t have anything scheduled until the afternoon. Out of bed and once I wash up and dress in my uniform, I head out of the Glasshouse, through the dayroom, up the stairs and into the case manager’s office to translate for a newcomer, then I help him in preparing two request forms for work details at the institution.
Back in my room, I grab my daily devotionals and Bible, and read what I do have scheduled for today.
Today is hamburger Wednesday, so Mr. Campos decides to make some sausage, beans and cheese burritos for himself, Mr. Rivero, Mr. Chirino and me. Chow is called, and I head out of the unit and around the lake over to the commissary area to drop off mine and Mr. Rivero’s commissary lists in the box and return to my unit. The burritos are still not ready, so I leave my bowl with Mr. Campos and head to the chapel to get things setup for the Catholic service at 1pm. Chaplain Silva from FDC Miami will be coming in today to give the service. I detailed the chapel yesterday so it is nice and clean.
After I stacked the 97 chairs to a side, buffed the floors and as it dried, I scrubbed the restroom walls, cleaned/disinfected the toilet and sink, then mopped the floors three different times, replacing the water and cleaner in the bucket each time.
The chapel is ready for service, so I head back to my unit for my burritos. I grab my bowl and head back to the chapel, but I decide to sit outside in the Sukkah tent with the Messianic Jews to eat.
Chaplain Silva arrives, and the service gets started. I am controlling the media center throughout the service, playing songs he asks me to play, so I take a seat in the back row next to a buddy of mine who is from Venezuela, they call him “Arubita”.
The chapel is so peaceful, the a/c temperature is perfect, and I am exhausted from working so much this week that I close my eyes and doze off. Arubita nudges me, and I thank him. He tells me how much he likes coming to the chapel services because it brings him peace that he cannot get anywhere in the compound. “I feel the same way”, I tell him. I close my eyes once more, but this time, to say a few words. “Dear Lord, a small, two to three day lockdown would be nice so I can rest a bit, I am exhausted”, and the service comes to an end.
I know many people say that I only got close to God because I am in prison.
I thank God for an opportunity to get closer to Him and give me the chance to see all He has ever done for me and/or ways He has shown me He is there, but I pushed it aside.
Today once again God shows me He is with me and is listening.
Simple prayers, and thoughts that come from within my heart.
After the Catholic service, and putting everything back to normal, I head back to my unit. It’s thirty minutes to three and the main door to my unit is locked. I knock and through the small window another AIC signs to me that the officer is not near me, so I wait. It begins to rain as I am waiting, and luckily an officer is coming up behind me, has keys for the door and let’s me in. The unit is being “locked down”. Apparently the “SIS” (Special Investigative Services) team was in our unit today and found countless contraband items and is punishing the whole unit and we will not be able to leave the unit for the next few days.
While most guys in the unit are worried and seem to be frustrated, I smiled, and a little laughter built up inside me as all that is going through my mind is, “Thank you God you are truly incredible”. I head to my room, get out of my uniform and into comfortable clothes and grab a cup of coffee.
After count, dinner was brought to the unit for us. I waited patiently past 6pm to see if I would be let out to help the chaplain with the Jewish service tonight, but when that did not happen, I grabbed my clothes and went for a shower. I just finished watching today’s episode of “Sed de Venganza” a Spanish soap-opera on Telemundo and waiting for count.
It’s 10:11pm, Gutfeld is on Fox News right now and I am missing it.
I pray that these simple messages from God will continue to build my faith and keep me in a positive mindset knowing He is working in my life and preparing me for something extraordinary. Thank you Father God for EVERYTHING You do in our lives. Please help me remain faithful to you as you are amazing to my family and me. I ask for a good night sleep tonight, and pray for good dreams in my heart and mind so I may sleep peacefully through the night. Amen.
Eduardo L Valdes
02499-506
October 23, 2024
22:15
