Cell 28

Cell living varies greatly depending on the number of people in them. Each inmate's personality detracts or adds to the atmosphere. There are many blessings to residing in a Christian dominated environment. In my seven-man pod, we get along better than most people do in most houses. I enjoy my placement because of the respect, cooperation, and peace I experience in it.

I enjoy it because of the mutual respect we have towards each other. We refrain from name-calling and course speech. All of us go out of our way to try to be courageous. We agree on the level of cleanliness and adhere to it as a group. Everyone pitches in to make our home a safe, comfortable place.

We have mutual cooperation in our cell. We share chores. We work around the schedules of others. On issues such as lighting, we have an agreement that they be on from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The exception is if a few people are home and want it dark, they can agree to shut them off. We all consent to abstain from behaviors that draw unpleasant attention from the guards or earn us a disciplinary action.

The peace I experience in it is because we are predominately brothers in Christ. We desire to be comfortable and relaxed in our pod. All of us tend to lead quiet, productive lives. The exception to the group likes our cell because he enjoys being in a place where he can get away from the turmoil of the yard and the dayroom. Many inmates envy the calmness that pervades our place.

I feel privileged to live in Christ-centered pod. Here, we get along because of the mutual respect and cooperation we have. It creates a peaceful environment where we can all feel safe to work towards growth. In difficulties, we have a calm place to retreat and regroup.

Patrick Rathsack T-45624
V.S.P. D4-28-2UP
P.O. Box 92
Chowchilla, CA 93610-0092

[drawing of the pod.]