We have the most incredible and amazing morning. We have attended the Easter Sunday service on Condemned (death row). This is probably the best experience any of us have ever had. We were given the opportunity to speak and it was a great honour to be able to do so. We have really been embraced into the 'condemned family'. These men consider themselves to be our brothers and treat us with such respect that we feel so very humbled.
This morning I was greeted by a 19 year old called Nicholas who had made me a present. He spoke no english and everything he said had to be translated through an interpreter. Anyway, he presented me with a leather wallet that he had made and decorated himself (last night), on it he had embroidered 'Catherine you mean so much to us' - so, yes you guessed it - I cried.
Then Ambrose, who I had spoken to yesterday came and presented a card that he had made from the Fine Art Club, to say thank you for all we had done. Oh dear - I cried again!
Honestly, I feel so small compared to these men who are so inspiring and motivated.
The service was just fantastic we sang 4 songs with them and were able to harmonise with their brilliant harmonies. The hymns were:
Man of Sorrows
What a Friend
Amen (Just like we sing it in choir)
This is the day
There was clapping and jumping and dancing - what I find amazing is how these men, condemned to die can be so full of praise and thanks to God. Wow!
So, we have achieved a lot in our time here and also learnt a lot. Its been inspiring and incredibly motivating for all of us.
At times we have been frustrated because we haven't been able to do all we wanted but then doors have opened that have given us different opportunities.
We have spoken to many people about palliative care, their needs and experiences. We have trained prison guards and prisoners in order that they may now spread their knowledge to others.
We have spent time doing art and music.
We have visited health establishments, large prisons, small prisons, mens and womens.
We have travelled to the north of this beautiful country, to the east and to central regions.
All of feel us privileged to have this opportunity and cannot wait to come back to see our friends. Thank you to all of you who have communicated with us while we have been away or who have prayed for us and given us encouragement and resources and equipment to bring with us. We shall see you all in the UK very soon and apologise in advance if we bore you with our stories.
Lots of love
Catherine and Christopher xx (Sorry about the hair - it is rather breezy!)
Oh dear,, got to the bit about the gift then could hardly read due to tears, I imagine it must have been extremely emotional for you. Catherine you are so inspiring and have given these people something so wonderful, I know you feel priviledged but you should also feel so proud. Those sentiments go to you all. I can not wait to hear your wonderful stories. Your blogs have been truly fascinating, it's a shame they are coming to an end. Well done all of you xxx
ReplyDeleteChristopher and Catherine,
ReplyDeleteso happy, and truly humbled, to read about your trip. I am too often selfish and frustrated when rather I should be looking for the silver lining as Ambrose so beautifully described. Your trip gives us a window, an opportunity to look beyond ourselves, to be inspired every day and to make the world a better place wherever we may be.
Charles Morgan, San Fran, USA.