Nicole and I had the opportunity to visit a women’s prison yesterday.
The afternoon rains began just before we arrived, filling the inner courtyard of the detention center with cool water. We splashed our way across the volleyball court to the library, following our cheery guide: a beautiful, little woman who has given five years of her life to teaching English at the prison. She admits that there were times she thought of quitting. Preparing lessons on top of her busy day-job, plus not always having relief-assistance can make the work tiring. But she is glad that she’s kept at it, and things have become somewhat easier over the years. I can see her love and passion for these women glitter in her eyes as she talks.
Ten or so woman file into the brightly lit “library,” and we sat on the floor to play a quick game of “Catch Phrase” – a game where one person is given an English word to describe to the group and everyone has to guess what word is being described.
Next, Nicole and I share our knowledge of Canada (our home country), and answer questions. Nicole is a very talented artist and she draws pictures on a whiteboard to connect the words. All tools for practicing language skills.
I was struck by how smiley, friendly, and welcoming these women are. I didn’t expect them to be mean or anything…but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed being with them – like being in a room of old friends. This made me a bit sad because the pathway they are on is a hard one. Even so, I am filled with so much hope for them. They are generous, creative, beautiful, loving, kind…so full of potential and life.
I am thankful to have met them.
