Okay, friends...this will be a looooong one! December 1, 2014, will go down in history as the best birthday EVER! I got to spend it with some of my very best friends: Emily, Adam, Melissa, Josh, Abby, Damien, Patrick, Randall, Sean, Kimberly, Clint, Wes, & Jacob...in prison!!! :) After arriving at Okaloosa CI this morning, we unloaded the gear, set up our equipment and rehearsed. After rehearsal, the staff had prepared an incredible lunch for us, consisting of BBQ chicken, BBQ pork (the best Ive ever eaten), baked beans, potato salad and cheesecake! Soon after lunch the inmates began to file in and filled the entire chapel and overflow area. Capacity crowd (nearly 300). And then it began...this TEAM hit a grand slam! Standing ovations...tears...hugs...and some of the best music ever...filled the room. The staff was so kind and accommodating. It was truly amazing! We packed up and headed for Walton CI, after a quick stop at Starbucks (Jake, that was for you)! On the way to Walton, everyone came out of the back of the bus with my favorite...a coconut cream pie (birthday cake) and we had a party! :) At Walton, we were met by no less than 12 officers, including the wardens, who helped us unload the bus. Then...while several of the officers (and Clint & Wes) took the equipment to the chapel, we were escorted to the admin building for yet another meal, equally as good! Grilled pork chops, mashed potatoes, some of the best cole slaw ever...and two cakes! Back at the chapel the inmates had already been brought inside...and packed the place; once again, capacity crowd. I got to see my good friend, Shawn, who helped serve communion. Once again, there were tears and good times. Invitations to return to both prisons came from all directions...inmates and staff alike! The bus was a bit quiet on the ride back to the hotel...we were likely all reflecting a bit on what we had just experienced, including a phenomenal message by Melissa on the love of God. The inmates ate it up! Its now nearly 10am and in eight hours well be back on the bus heading for NWFRC, where our good friend, Michael, is chaplain. Meanwhile, I have a couple very important projects Im working on that need to be finalized asap so Im checking out for now and well be back in touch tomorrow!!
Posted on: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 03:57:56 +0000
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