Week 13
Week in Review
Monday July 4, 2016
Today was a blessed day. We started off the day with watermelon, ice cream, cookies and Gatorade at the I Am Redeemed Ministries event. It was great! There was a live band by the name of 10th Leper. They played some of Jimi Hendrix’s songs, which really set off the whole event. There was a motorcycle ministry there also by the name of Honor Bound whose members are serious about following Jesus Christ.
The PEP brothers and I met a lot of good-hearted people. In the event was a trip out of this place for a while. The day was just getting started though and this event was just the kick off for a blessed day.
Next was chow. I’m not just talking about any chow, I’m talking Fourth of July chow. Hamburgers (with cheese that melts!), hot dogs, fries and peach cobbler! I thanked the Lord for this great day. Other units don’t have the benefits we have and for this my brothers and I are truly thankful.
The food was great as we had a real hamburger bun, not just two pieces of bread like they usually give us. That in itself was a blessing. We couldn’t have asked for a better day.
I’d like to thank all the great people who made this possible: I Am Redeemed Ministries, Abraham and his wife Maria from the Apostolic Way of Truth Church, the 10th Leper band and everyone involved. Let us not forget the good people at the Estes Unit, the Warden and his staff, who also continue to do so much for us.
I want to say happy Fourth of July to all my brothers, and I also hope all our families had a blessed day too. One last thing before I go – I forgot to mention it’s my birthday. I had a lot of icing of my cake today!
God bless America and to all those who have fought to make this country what it is today.
Issac S. (a.k.a. Sweet Baby D (from Friday))
Tuesday July 5, 2016
This Tuesday was slightly different than our regularly scheduled curriculum. Tuesdays are usually reserved for a personal finance class. But since we finished that course last week, we went in class wondering what they had in store for us. And wouldn’t you know it, we got hit with a pop quiz on the Associated Press writing style. Pop quizzes are such a joy to us!
After the quiz we watched videos on the history of art. We always really love those videos. Just think, we came into prison rough around the edges and we leave as cultured men.
Timothy S. (a.k.a. Sweet Snow Bunny)
Wednesday July 6, 2016
I looked out my window this morning and I saw a few guys studying for the test tomorrow over the Entrepreneurship book. We have a test over Chapter 12, and it’s a hard chapter with lots of lists to memorize. I asked a few guys how they were coming along with their test preparations and if I could help in any way. I already see a lot of note cards being read in preparation for this test.
My roommate, who is in Phase I, and I talked about our business plans with each other. We were brainstorming about different ways to help him sell small items to his trail riding customers at the end of the ride. We came up with the idea of a small gift shop with the appearance of a general store. We also discussed what products he should sell. He wrote some ideas down and then we got ready for lunch.
Overall, it was a typical day here for me and my brothers. Eat and study; eat and study some more; and bond as we help each other.
Mike T. (a.k.a. Sweet Life Alert)
Expressions
Saturday, July 9th was a good day. The Business Plan Workshop event started off like other events. We got to the PEP room about 8 a.m., and everybody got moving to some music. We danced around until the executives got here. Then we sat down one-on-one with them and discussed aspects of our business plans. It was really inspirational seeing people volunteer to help inmates.
After we went to chow together and ate cheeseburgers, we went back to the room and listened to a couple of guys give their testimonials. When they finished the “Sugary Six” (the event dance crew) got to strut their stuff for everyone – they did okay, but some of them needed a little work on those dance moves!
The most heartfelt thing was when a volunteer, Janet B., got up and talked about her son. He was a PEP graduate and was doing well until about five months after he got out then relapsed. Sadly, he passed away. Bryan K. invited both Janet B. and her daughter Kristin B. to the event, asked them questions, and they graciously spoke honestly and openly about his struggles. This hit home for many of us, especially me, for we can relate to those struggles. Ironically, his sweet name is the same as mine.
The lesson learned is that he slowly moved away from PEP, his brothers and the support system and went back to hanging out with his old friends.
Our hearts go out to the family and we’d like to express our sincere gratitude for coming in to share their story with us. Also, a heartfelt thank you to all the executives and volunteers who gave so generously with their time and advice to our event.
Joseph A. (a.k.a. Sweet Tickle Me Elmo)