A special visit

Yesterday I received a visit from the president of the organization I worked for prior to my incarceration. Yes, it was in the middle of the week - prospective employers have that privilege, along with clergy and attorneys. We also happened to be the only people inn the visitation room other than the supervising guard in the corner. It was certainly a different atmosphere than the usual din of the visitors all around. Nice to be reminded of quiet every now and then.

I found out about my boss's visit a couple of weeks ago and was actually quite surprised that it would take place. I never had much interaction with him at the office and have been absent for over three years. I guess it helps that I have loving parents who also work at that office, a place filled with more love for people than I've experienced any where else. When I heard that he was coming, I was at a loss for what we would be talking about. I'm fairly worthless as an employee here and don't expect to get out for almost two years.

We sat down and I was asked about my prison experiences. I was able to share how God has been working in and through me over the past few years. Then I heard about how the organization has grown and changed since I left as my boss told me his excitement about how God is shaping how Bible translation is done. It made me miss being involved in the process, even in a small capacity.

After I explained my post-release goals, including education mostly, he surprised me with a discussion of how I could work from behind these walls. Really? Apparently there's a load of writing that needs to be done each quarter for project updates that I might be able to help with. Now we're trying to figure out the logistics of getting things back and forth, if it's possible at all.

I came away very encouraged, not just that I might get work, but that the president of the organization took time out of his very busy schedule to check up on someone who has only been a small part of operations years ago. God's community continues to surprise me with amazing blessings.