Well, it's Tuesday, Jail Day. Jan and Antonia and a new lady, Sebastiana and I travel to the jail to visit, pray, bring small items. Antonia does a regular Bible Study there. The medium security jail is located a few miles outside of Ocosingo. It is in the countryside, and higher up but at the base of the mountains that surround Ocosingo.
I don't know the crimes that the inmates are suspected of, but they may include drugs, drunkenness, car accidents, embezzlement, or just being accused of something, and being incarcerated for years while waiting for trial or a real verdict.
There is a painful process to be allowed in, but the visiting seems liberal. There are families, kids, etc. visiting in the open court yard. Apparently the men sleep, 6 to a cell. They are out all day, allowed to move freely in an open courtyard There is a big pavilion where they eat: a light breakfast, a decent lunch, and not much besides coffee for supper. There is a basketball court. They work at crafts: beading bracelets, making baskets or crocheting hats, or weaving hammocks. It is practical, and very constructive, but it is disconcerting to see grown men beading bracelets, or crocheting fancy little purses. They play chess, or cards, or a Peso Toss game. There are signs posted to show respect, to honor discipline, to be on time for meals, not to mark the walls or floors, and to not spread AIDS.... They pore over simple items: beads, yarn, soap, lotion, toilet paper, that Jan brings. They can sell their wares, and this helps to purchase small items or to send money home. The church is a big source of comfort for the men. Many have come to know The Lord while inside. They have turned their lives around and just wait to be released. There are 3 small chapels inside the walls, in the courtyard: Presbyterian, Pentacostal and Catholic.
We leave all but the necessities in the car. One is not allowed to bring more than 20 pesos (about $2) inside. Nor cell phones, or electronics of any kind. No fruits (they ferment them...) You cannot wear olive green, orange, or any dark color. You must relinquish your ID, passport or whatever at the first gate. They record you in a large ledger, your name and age. You get the first stamp on your arm here.
You then pass another clanging gate and all bags and belongings are searched and a pretty thorough Pat Down is done Having passed all of these, you pass through a 3rd large clanging gate and receive a ticket and another stamp on your arm. The guards are all pleasant and courteous. Thay all carry big guns..... You are now free to visit, wander around the pavilions and yard. The men are all smiling. They are warm, polite, respectful. They are clean, their hair is cut. They are happy to have company, to see us. I think we are lights of hope and visions of the outside to them.
It is a good visit. More food for thought.
Carolina
You then pass another clanging gate and all bags and belongings are searched and a pretty thorough Pat Down is done Having passed all of these, you pass through a 3rd large clanging gate and receive a ticket and another stamp on your arm. The guards are all pleasant and courteous. Thay all carry big guns..... You are now free to visit, wander around the pavilions and yard. The men are all smiling. They are warm, polite, respectful. They are clean, their hair is cut. They are happy to have company, to see us. I think we are lights of hope and visions of the outside to them.
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