Did I mention that it would be a tough assignment to speak in the worship service on our last day at the prison?  Well, it was tougher than I had imagined. 

There is a wonderful spirit in the Promontory Branch.  We have a great Bishopric.  They are completely devoted to the needs of our friends in the branch.  The men we meet with are at different points on the path to freedom - both physically and spiritually.  It is a very stark place where we meet.  By the time we get to the cinder block room where services are held, we have gone through five doors and have scanned our ID badges three times.  As a door opens and you proceed through, that door closes and locks behind you and you are in a vestibule of sorts.  When the door behind you locks, the door in front of you opens and allows you into the next space.  The inmates joke that it is harder for us to get into prison, than for them to get out! 

Humor plays a large part in prison life.  I suppose it is either "laugh or cry".  We have done both with these men who have become our friends.  When our daughter in law, Loreen and her friend Bobby came to perform, Loreen asked if there were any requests.  "Please release me"  was among the requests.

But I digress.  The room in which we meet is made of painted cinder blocks.  There is a black line around the room.  On the walls are the words "No spitting".  "Keep your feet off the walls".  "This door is to remain locked at all times".  You can tell it is Sunday because the piano is at the front of the room, there is a podium, and we have a picture of the Savior hanging at the front of the room.  The chairs are molded plastic patio chairs that stack on top of each other at the close of services.  Promontory Branch has a fabulous choir.  Susan, the accompanist and choir director comes a couple of times each week to help prepare the choir for Sunday performances.  Music always invites the spirit, but to hear these wonderful men's voices is to experience the spirit directly into your heart.

We could have attended another activity during the month of May, but chose to leave on a spiritual note, bearing testimony.

Jerry gave a great talk on the subject of Hope - "Hope in Christ".  My talk was on the atonement.  We felt a lot of emotion as we bade our friends goodbye.   This assignment has helped me to "get over myself" and get real.  It has made me a better person.  Two sayings come to mind:  "There but for the Grace of God, go I".  "Never say never"!!

So, now for the final few weeks!  Eighteen days from today, we enter the MTC for a week of training.  Most of the practical, day-to-day tasks here at home have been taken care of.  When I study, I am reminded that I am of a "certain age".  My brain doesn't retain information as easily as it used to!  Gratefully, the Lord makes up the difference and I will just do my very best. 

More later.