Today’s word from Pastor Katrina
Let me tell you a story about five quilters who went to prison.
“Way back when…” Alice Conroy had taken a Health Information Management internship at Purdy, a Corrections Center for Women. Little did she realize that her experience then would eventually lead her future self, and a handful of TLC quilting sisters, on a journey back to Purdy, this time as a visitor and learner. There were many seeds planted, and steps taken along her journey.
During Alice’s internship, she learned that the women were engaged in various activities like dog training, and the arts.
Another seed was planted when a friend told Alice about a group of women who sew, and took some of Alice’s fabrics to Purdy. Alice thought “Well gee, they have this quilting group, I’m going to find whoever is in charge, and I did. Her name is Lara, and she said ‘why don’t you come visit us?'”
That was two years ago. It took time to coordinate, and in that time the TLC quilters sent donations to support the classes and programs.
Finally, on May 14th, it was time to visit. There were five quilters on the journey: Alice Conroy, Sally Rongren, Susan Lewis, Cheryl Young, and Jane Lusk.
As they approached the facility, the twisted wire fencing was overshadowed by the beautiful grounds and gardens. They brought with them two bins full of supplies which all went through security with the group.
There were three “questionable quilters” who got patted down by the security officer, Mr. Kim. Alice’s contact, Lara, came to take them to meet the sewing group and see the workspace.
The quilters asked Lara why the ladies in the quilting group were at Purdy. “They’re all here for murder convictions,” she said. “Probably a man that was ruining their lives or their children’ s lives… So they’re in there for life.” One woman– maybe she was 40, and the others were probably in their 80’s – 7 women total.
Everywhere they went, there was evidence of service to others. Lara showed them their small workspace. There appeared to be adorable little hats on one work table, but Lara quickly explained that they were “possum pouches” for the orphaned baby possums at the wildlife animal rescue center on Bainbridge Island. They also make curtains for tiny homes for the homeless in Seattle; hats for people in Thailand; ceramics; bees raised and given to bee keepers.
Lara explained that the prison follows the Norwegian method of rehabilitation: “We consider this a reset- it gives you a chance to reset your life and go forward differently when you come out of here– to be a good neighbor.”
Sally shared that Lara’s words really struck her: to be a good neighbor. “She was so respectful of the people she works with, and it gave you this feeling of hopefulness instead of power-over.”
In the workspace, a quote is painted on the wall: “Hope Lives Here.” Another quote by Maya Angelou was in a prisoner’s journal: “Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.” This was the energy the women shared with the TLC quilters.
They were delighted to show and tell their work. One of the older women had shaking hands and was unable to use the circular cutter, so she cut– by hand– every tiny square that went into the 80 unique squares in a quilt that the women gave to the TLC group.
One quilter explained that the women give themselves over to the work– they’re expressing hope for the future by creating something beautiful and giving to others. Sally shared that the whole atmosphere in that group reminded her of the atmosphere in the TLC group: they have personal connection and purposeful activity.
“Each year they get to do one quilt for someone,” Jane said, “so the younger woman shared that she had made a quilt for one of the older prison guards who was undergoing cancer treatment.” The women were hospitable, offering coffee and cookies, and were so happy they had come!
Jane explained that the women are like sisters to each other. There was no sense of any kind of competition or negativity. They had also shared that TLC was the only organization that had given them donations for their batting and thread. They are always in need of this, especially cone thread. This planted more seeds for the TLC group, to set aside items and resources to send.
When it came time to leave, the hospitality followed them out the door with bags of popcorn which they munched on during the drive home, as their hearts processed (and continue to process) all they had seen and experienced with the women at Purdy. They pondered rehabilitation and reset versus revenge… sisterhood that mirrored their own camaraderie in the quilting room… the shared goals to serve others and to be a good neighbor.
The TLC quilters are already organizing bins to take on their next trip this fall, and the Purdy group gave them two jaw-dropping quilts to use in their fundraiser this November. The quilters are excited to return the proceeds to support the various projects at Purdy, nurturing seeds of loving neighbors, in joy and service. Thanks be to God!
In Gratitude,
Pastor Katrina
pastorkat@trinityfreeland.org
