The Shakedown

Attempting to make an appointment to visit Mario on Friday was fruitless. This was my fourth visit, so I was no longer a novice. I know the visiting rules, but that didn’t matter because I still got it wrong. First of all, due to the heat, we were being checked inside the razor-wired, locked gates. I had all my stuff ready: dollar bills, quarters, sports bra, etc. The woman officer made note of my jewelry, and told me that I could only wear one bracelet. “Really? Because the last time it was two,” I replied. She made no eye contact when she rudely said, “Read the notice; it has always been one.” It didn’t matter because they will always win any argument.

I had forgotten that I was wearing my prescription  sunglasses, and I got called out for that too. This rude lady officer sternly said, “You can’t wear sunglasses!” I replied, “But these are prescription.” “Do you have the prescription  with you?” she asked. I do not know one sane or insane person on earth who carried their sunglasses prescription, so of course I had to return to my car for my regular glasses.

The Tables

When Mario called the night before, I asked him if he wanted to sit inside or outside. He said he wanted to sit outside. It was a hot day, over 90 degrees so when I got to the counter for the second shakedown I was asked if I wanted inside or outside. I said, “Outside but in the shade if possible.”  “Ma’am, there are no guarantees, whatever table you’re assigned, you must stay there the entire time.” I explained that direct sunlight gives me headaches. He didn’t care.

As I walked back to the assigned table #55, I passed so many empty tables that were in the shade. Table #55 was in direct sunlight for Mario. Mario got up and talked to the officers in charge; surprisingly, we were moved insdoors. Table #6 was directly in front of two large sized, noisy fans. These tables are so short that my knees were hitting the edge. These sawed-off tables are so that the officers can see the inmates’  hands at all times.

Bad Bible Studies

Mario has been attending Bible studies on Tuesdays, but heen has not be satisfied with the teachings. This Protestant preacher has been dealing with internal family turmoil and is expressing his negative pain in his misguided  teachings. His wife, who recently died, was two-timing him. In every example of a woman in the Bible, this man interprets the characters to be sinful. Many times, because Mario is knowledgeable about the Word of God, he has recognized this preacher’s misinterpretation of the Bible. Because of this preacher’s wife’s concupiscent behavior, he has twisted the truth and now is teaching in his anger. These inmates are victims of a poorly catechized preacher. I use this example for Mario to turn to the Catholic faith. Our church was established by Jesus Christ.  If you don’t believe, me ask Alexa.

Because “The Good News Bible” was behind two large fans, it was impossible for me to reach. Like everything else in this place, you need to ask for permission, so one of the inmate helpers got it for us. We started to read the Book of Wisdom, which  was written about 50 years before the coming of Christ. The author is unknown, but was said to be a Jewish sage from the community of Alexandria, Egypt. These words are profoundly written and are meant to help us understand the splendor and worth of divine wisdom.

Mario’s Education

Registering for five classes was a desire of Mario’s heart. Norco College offers these classes to inmates, and Mario is slowly getting closer to receiving his AA. He is taking a sign language class to fulfill a requirement. English, history  and several computer classes were also part of his curriculum. Please pray that he gets into these courses.

Turkey

Remember Mario’s friend Turkey?  I wrote about him in our first visit. Mario asked that I pray for him because he was deported to Turkey. It seems that at this facility inmates from foreign countries are being deported to their homeland. As surprised as I was, though I felt bad for Turkey, our country should not be paying for incarcerated individuals from foreign countries. It cost taxpayers in California an average of $105,000 per inmate.

The Avocado 

I eat avocados on a daily basis; to an inmate this is a treat. Mario shared with me that he received an avocado. “A whole one?” I asked,. “Yes, and the next day I got a tomato and made guacamole!” he replied. The things we take for granted are treasures for inmates. It made my heart glad that he had guacamole. God is Good!

My Prayer

Dear Lord, I am asking favor for Mario to receive all of the classes he signed up for. Keep his mind on You, and make his time in prison pass quickly. I am also asking for continued prayers for Ricky because he needs a miracle. Lord, heal this precious young man! Amen.