A Reflection by Wendy Williams

This week I will back away from my ongoing topic in order to share this reflection with you from Wendy Williams. Wendy worked with Sandy Krogh this year in organizing and accompanying St. Mark’s “Get on the Bus” event. To find our more about the “Get on the Bus” program and to watch a wonderful, brief video about it, click here. Now, here is Wendy’s reflection. 

The black sky brightened by a full moon began what evolved into a holy day. My first time with “Get on the Bus” opened my eyes to a whole new slice of life. The humility on display in the visitation room and yard transformed an ordinary space into a God-filled space. 

The light in the eyes of the inmates and their families was pure joy. Never would I have expected this visit to a prison to unfold so positively. The inmates who qualified to have visitors had strict guidelines to meet. Their visitors also submitted applications and underwent background checks. 

During the over four-hour visit it was overwhelming to see mutigenerational family units reconnect. In some instances father and their children had not seen one another since the 2018 “Get on the Bus” event. The gardens adjacent to the visiting area were bright with spring flowers and edged with rocks. One father and 4-year-old son were completely focused on turning rocks over to see the tiny critters living beneath. Watching that beautiful interaction was my moment to know this hard core prison was also a God-filled space. 

As volunteers we served copious amounts of food, helped with cleanup, provided the families with countless board games and toys for the small-fry. Every small courtesy we gave was met with gratitude and respect. Never did we see any frustration or anger during our visit. 

At a local faith community near the prison each family member was given a nicely framed photo of their family. The children received lovely Teddy bears. Each prison her written a letter to their family as an additional gift. 

The prisoners are truly grateful for the “Get on the Bus” program – it is their hope and life line.