Journal Entry: Eduardo Luis Valdes-12/01/2024-Day 1173

Journal Entry

My day of morning rest, and I am awaken by my roommate in time for the 10am count. Today is December 1st, 2024 and it is the first day of Advent. I prepare myself, get my Bible a small snack and a cup of coffee, and head to the chapel on the first move. Two hours before service, it gives me time to sweep the chapel, set out the sign-in sheets, prepare the music, setup the microphone and clean the bathroom.

Our chaplain preached today in the English service, and then an AIC preached in the Spanish. Upon finishing services, and organizing everything back to normal, I file the sign-in sheets and prepare the one for tomorrow’s services. The chaplain locks up everything and he escorts me back to my unit.

Just in time before count, I sit down to read my daily devotionals. From the “Jesus First for Men 365 Devotions to Start Your Day”, I read on being “Anchored”.

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”
[Hebrews 6:19]

Being incarcerated, dealing with certain individuals and situations, is not easy. But with God it is simple. Through Him we can remain strong as long as we have that hope in our hearts knowing that God has control of each day we live. We need to maintain that “anchor”, that no matter what difficulties we face or decisions we need to make, God will continue to guide us through it.

As count clears I take a few minutes to call dad and say hello; they are calling for rec, so I take a moment to go outside and feel the temperature. Back inside, I decide to grab my jacket and wait for the dinner call.

“Eduardo, Mr. Rivero is making a mackerel and tuna noodle soup for the two of you”, Mr. Campos tells me.
“Ohhhhhhhhhhh, okay thank you, I will go see him now”, I respond.

I head to my room and grab one pack of ramen noodles, and one pouch of mackerel, then head towards Mr. Rivero’s room.

“Helloooooo!!!”, I tell him as I knock and enter his room.
“Hey, you are hungry already?”, he asks me.
“No, but I heard you were making something delicious, so I came to donate a few things. I will be going to dinner soon to see if there is something good, and will eat what you make, later.”, I say to him.
“Oh alright, I am going to shower, and when I am done I will start on the food”, he responds and I say thank you as I walk out and towards the main door.

“Chow” is called and I walk towards the dining room side-by-side with another guy from my unit. Dinner today was shredded turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans. The turkey was good, as it was mixed in a sauce including onions and peppers. Back in the unit, I think I am going to shower and stay in for the night.

…and so I did just that. Once I showered I sat to watch the movie “Extraction 2” which was excellent, called mom, and now at 10pm, we await count-time. December begins, and the year is coming to a close.

So much learned from my experiences this year, that I will use to better myself even more going forward.

Father God, thank you for all you have done for us. Thank you for always being there throughout our most troublesome times, even as we continue to sin. Please God, no matter what may come my way, I ask that you continue to keep me anchored by your love and your promise. Thank you Lord for caring and watching over my family while I am not there to do so myself. Thank you God for continuously providing for us in ways no one else could. I pray for a positive and healthy week full of new challenges for us to surpass with you in our hearts. Amen.

Eduardo Luis Valdes
02499-506
December 1, 2024
22:05