In Transit

 “In Transit” moves on!

In 2006 I came to Crisp County Detention Center under “In Transit” status en route to a federal facility to finish three months of my six-month sentence for federal trespass at Fort Benning to protest the School of the Americas.  I never moved on, and finished my sentence there.  I came again January 2006 with the full six months to do.  The marshal said I would probably move “in a month” to a federal facility.  I questioned whether a move would happen.  Actually I was quite content there. Just begins, as it had in 2006.  It had been a good experience, and I looked forward to the same this time. 

But I had a surprising inkling that day – “This is it!”  Suddenly one month to the day the marshal’s words came true.  At 4 a.m. we were rousted from bed: “Roll ‘em up.”  We had only minutes to gather a few possession — a few books to be picked up by Friar Bob Cushing, an envelope with a few legal papers – and out to a holding cell, a change of clothes, a quick breakfast, and on to the bus to the US penitentiary in Atlanta.  The bus had bars on the windows.  We were in handcuffs and chains.  Federal prisoners are transported camouflaged, lest some Capone type plan a “break.”

We pray and sleep — and may move at any time!

Atlanta is a transportation center for “in transits” and their federal designations.  En route a marshal told me that my destination is Federal Correction Institution at Lompoc, California.   Of course, I am delighted!  That was my first choice in 2002.  Instead I went to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.

We have been here five days.  It is a very large prison, most formidable appearing as you drive up to a huge stone edifice, with many rolls of concertina (razor) wire, towers and all.  The real deal!

During many more hours in holding cells we were processed.  We were dressed again in prison garb (we got to keep our thermals!).

Our area contains two-man cells, with large open areas ands an outside enclosed courtyard for our daily hours out.

I have a very friendly cellmate named Rick.  He is a confirmed “Primitive Baptist” who is a forester.  Fortunately we found a King James Bible in the cell (our only reading material) and have been holding many fascinating conversations.  We are on almost extreme ends of the theological/scriptural spectrum, but both of us are devout Christians and believe in Jesus.  We are becoming good friends.

We will all move on, but don’t know when. 

I will probably fly to California, then bus to Lompoc.  There is no visiting in transit.  We have to arrange for phone calls – a short list.  There are some very interesting prisoners here – one has 150 years for 91 bank robberies.  We all swap stories.  Rick says, “This is great.  Life is wonderful.”  I agree.

Rick also commented on how many people in the world would love to have our solid rooms, sturdy beds, available showers, hot water, good hot meals daily (with even vegetarian options).  Yes, we have given up our precious freedom – but God is good and our life here is not too bad! 

We pray and sleep — and may move at any time!