Christmas parties at the TYC (Texas Youth Commission) otherwise known in Brownwood as "the state school" are hosted by various churches. This was our first time to host a party. We received a list of rules and instructions beforehand. For example, we must cover all our tattoos and must not dress provacatively --especially no open toed shoes. We must not bring in any cell phones, or pagers or tobacco items or car keys.
We must not touch the inmates or ask them any personal questions.As one of the church folks who went along to serve, said---very much like a Jr. High dance--them on one side of the room and us on the other. Any refreshments we brought in must be in plastic containers--no canned drinks. Many, many more rules. And I am sure there is a very good reason for each and every rule.
Getting into the facility is a major project. Walk thru a gate-get "wanded" and leave your driver's license and keys there and walk to the appropriate dorm. I had permission to take my car in to haul the goodies. This was a special undertaking. Drive thru one gate, let someone look thru the car, drive thru another gate, give the guy my cell phone, which I had planned to leave in the car, but that was not allowed. Then I followed a guy in a golf cart to the appropriate dorm. We unloaded the stuff and I had to take my car back out the way I came in. Got the cell phone back , parked and then went thru the gate thing. I sorta expected the guards to be gruff and hard nosed. But they were kind and very helpful. Chaplains were also helping the party hosts get in and out in an organized manner. I got a ride on one of the golf carts back to the dorm and when I got there the folks from our church had things all set up for serving.
We had 14 pizzas, potato chips, cookies, brownies, cake, choc candy and candy canes. We had several kinds of sodas. The girls (aged 13-18) came into the room where we were set up to serve them but only 2 at a time. They weren't allowed to touch the food--we served them. They could tell us what they wanted and we put it on their plate. We had lots and offered them seconds. They were only allowed to go back for more when all were ready for seconds. And again, only two at a time and we served. We played Christmas music, but they seemed oblivious to it. Didn't hum or move to the music or sing. That would be hard for me to do.
We were told originally that we could not leave any left overs there, but must take it all w/ us. Well, not completely true. The folks on the staff took a great deal of our left overs off our hands. We really didn't want to bring that much back w/ us, so we were thrilled they could use it. But the girls couldn't have any of it.
The girls seemed to truly appreciate the homemade cookies and goodies. Two of them thanked us after we offered a prayer for them. As we were packing up to leave, one of the staff told us that this was a "hard core" dorm--armed robbery, murder, etc.
My prayer for them is to believe that God loves them and is watching over them each and every day.
My sincerest appreciation to those who supported us by providing cookies, cakes and other goodies. And especially to those who helped out by attending the party. Thanks to James, Judy, Margaret, Don, Jameson and Samantha.
What a Christmas experience!
(Notes to myself- next year a serenade would be nice, fewer choices of goodies would streamline things some, no "punch" just sodas, manage keys better, perhaps ask for same dorm- more helpers would NOT be an asset- we were slightly crowded as it was)
1 comment:
Sounds like a great trip, I wish more churches would reach deep into their communities like you guys do. It's always time well spent and is exactly what God expects. I know you were disappointed that you couldn't wear that mini skirt and show off that cool new dragon tattoo, but I guess you can't have everything.
Love ya, Mom !!!
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