Overtime

Working 4 1/2 hours per day in the prison's kitchen has been a big help in my walk with the Lord...

Within the past six or seven months I've learned how to better submit to authorities, to work hard, and to live honestly by doing my job without complaining, and I don't steal anything. In such an environment where there's food around, stealing is always a big problem. Men are hungry, and they're greedy. Thus, prison kitchens are known for thievery, and items left unguarded, even for a few minutes, may quickly disappear. It's a way of life here. So when the staff finds someone who's trustworthy, it's a big plus. For me, it is simply being a good example of what a Christian should be, and it's a good witness for the Lord.

For the past few days, however, I've had to work several hours of overtime. This is because eight men are out with the flu, which has hit the facility very hard, and one man is on medical leave because of a sprained hand. The kitchen has been short-staffed, and my boss asked if I'd work the night shift, too. I volunteered, but I'm feeling it in my body. It's like having three jobs. I do my morning shift. Then I go to work in E-North in the afternoon. Next, at four o'clock, I'm back in the hot kitchen until 7:15.

I am managing because God is giving me the strength, and I try to nap when I can. But I'm learning more self-discipline from this, which is a good thing.

D.B.