Ponderings from the Eternal Now #1
Wednesday, September 10, 2003

      As I sit to write this I realize that many of you have not heard from me in many weeks so I'll try to do a little catch up.
      Most of you know that after sentencing on July 25 we spent almost six weeks in Clear Creek County Jail-Ardeth, Teller County-Jackie, Washington County-Carol.
      Mine was a typical county jail with no outside, few books and lots of ministry to a 32 plus cellblock. My reflections were two-fold: 1) Trying to let go of chronological time and enter into Kairos time, God's time, the Eternal Now; 2) Reflecting on the relationship of the word to "wait" and its root "to watch." What does it mean to watch these days?
      On September 3 the three of us were reunited for too brief a time. The Marshal's told us it had . not been their intent to separate us but orders came from higher up! We spent the night in Pueblo County, CO, 64 women with one sink and two toilets, black and white stripes for uniforms.  Then we left early in the morning on Planet Airways for Oklahoma City.Everytime we landed, the plane was surrounded by armed guards.  We three sat together and had ten precious hours on the plane, shackled and chained. We arrived tired, hungry and thirsty as we waited hours of processing. We got to our cells about 11:30 p.m.
      5:00 a.m. the next morning saw Jackie and I to different planes. We had to say goodbye to Ardeth through a locked door and I won't say it was easy; the tears were ready to overflow. Alderson was the first stop so I was being processed by 2:00 p.m. We were 30 and began our orientation on Monday, September 8, which lasts for two weeks.
      September 8 was my 38th year in religious life and I was remembering my nametags in the clothes as the prison was giving me old army surplius clothes with my name and number in them. How little has changed!
      I served four months at Alderson in late 1986 early 1987 when it was still a prison. Today, it is called a Federal Prison Camp and holds over 1,000 women. It hasn't changed much other than the addition of our housing unit - Valley- RangehWe are 125 plus women in my unit. Our building houses 500 women and another just like it is being constructed across the street.
      The mountains are magnificent and last night saw a beautiful harvest moon. The steel-toed shoes (the only shoes we have) prevent lots of walking but I'll buy tennis shoes soon.
      I was welcomed by two-SOA folks, friend Becky Johnson and Vera Brown. Becky and Vera have been angels in the night and day. The next day a humming bird!
      I'm going to close because I want to get this out. Know of my gratitude and prayers. I'm including a p.s. with some helpful hints. I can seal my letters to you but yours are opened. I'll be anxious to hear news of Jackie. Ardeth and you!

     With deepest love, Carol