Prison visit

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and oh what I would do to have a picture of the San Antonio men’s prison to share with all of you. Unfortunately though, that is illegal! My words cannot possibly capture the sights, smells, sounds, tastes, and feelings that encompass life for the men and children in this prison (or for me as a visitor), but I will do my best to share my experience with you briefly on the blog, and in more detail when I return.
Yesterday Randy and I were invited to join the Casa staff in the prison. After passing security clearance and being greeted by men hanging off the prison gates, we climbed a narrow metal ladder and met in a small upper room - the prison chapel. The room was full with the 8 of us from the Casa, as well as 15 men and 5 of their children (sons and daughters). The staff shared their job descriptions and expectations for the upcoming school year, the chaplain gave an inspiring message from 2 Tim 1:7, and then the men who had birthdays from Jan-Mar were celebrated with crème puffs and coke! This was a big honor to these men as we recognized their value and worth and showed them the dignity they deserve as fellow humans (something that is quite foreign to them in prison life).
These men, along with their children, live in concrete cells that are 6’ x 10’ at best, with a single mattress on the floor and a blanket covering the 5’ x 2’ entrance. Others who can’t afford a cell sleep on a blanket in a common area. Men and children wader throughout the prison, some men use their skills to hand craft bed frames and build model ships, others weld BBQs and metal door frames, all to sell on the outside, still others cook or work in the prison office and store handing out goods to purchase. Everything costs something - food, clothing, cells, blankets, showers, laundry etc - nothing is free. Children roam freely; all have greasy hair and scraggly clothing (girls dressed in Hannah Montana shirts, boys in soccer jerseys). The smell is unbearable; indescribably horrid. Large garbage heaps are piled throughout the prison. It is dark, filthy, and completely inhumane.
During our visit I was captivated by three children in particular. Ruth, a 5 yr old girl, took me and Randy by the hands to guide us on our prison tour. She clung to me for most of our visit. I wondered if she has a mom, and if she does if she ever sees her. She seemed to long for some motherly love. She spoke nonstop, obviously delighted to have our attention, although the only word I recognized was the name she called me: “Tia” (auntie). She melted my heart. Another young boy, maybe 6ish, had the most beautiful dark brown eyes. He looked somewhat sad, yet also content to be in his dad’s arms – he has probably known no other life. His gaze was mesmerizing. It spoke so loudly of the love of Christ. A toddler sat across from me, hiding behind her dad’s legs every time I smiled at her. She enjoyed playing hide and seek but was quite attached to her dad. The love from these children for their fathers was evident.
I often pray for God to break my heart with the things that break his heart. My heart has reached a new depth of brokenness as I come to realize how deeply God’s heart breaks at the gross injustice that takes place in these prisons. No one, no matter what they’ve done, deserves to live like this. My life has been forever changed by the images I now have engrained in my heart and mind. God, I pray that you will bring justice.
Posted by Lyn