From Dragonfly: The News

For almost four months, now, I've been receiving the USA Today newspaper - as a gift from a great group of women friends on the outside. The paper arrives Monday-Friday, either on the date of the paper, or a day or two later. It's not the paper's fault, but our mail room is just that inundated with things that sometimes papers only come on some days. This week was especially bad, as yesterday, I received several newspapers. All I can say is "whoa."

A ferry in near S. Korea sinking. The Jewish people in the Ukraine being told to register like in Nazi, Germany. The flight off Australia still not found. All I can say is that the newspaper is full of horrifying stories - especially this week. Reading the lead stories scared me about what's happening outside of here. Nothing changes is here, but so much in the world has changed in just the 8 months I've been inside. In fact, 8 months today!

I am so glad that I get the newspaper, as it continues to be impossible to watch the news and, now, I no longer have a borrowed radio, so I can't hear the televisions at all. I probably should have just purchased the cheap radio my first month here; it serves people well. But now, with the time I have left, I am not going to waste my funds on an unnecessary item. The newspaper, though, shares so few stories of "good," that I'm glad I can offset it with a weekly People Magazine, the entertaining, monthly Reader's Digest, and the 'awe' of a monthly National Geographic.

Additionally, a few people, here, get a small news magazine called "The News." It is filled with articles about the same stories mentioned above, but also has great funny and positive news stories as well. The page of political cartoons is fantastic. I think it gets it's news from all news sources and just provides the best of what's out there. It arrives weekly and gives just enough information to keep you informed on the basic happenings of the world. It is well-written, and as I mentioned, at least a bit entertaining. If you are thinking of sending a magazine to someone in prison, it is a really good option! I may even choose to subscribe to it once I'm back home.

In other types of "news," my paperwork is not yet back from region. The paperwork will officially designate me for home confinement. Once that arrives, my travel plans can be made. I wish there was a time in prison where waiting, patience, anxiety, was not part of the equation, but it always is. Red leaves on the same day I am, May 28th. Her arrangements are all already made. She promises me that I will be walking out of here at the same time. I'm continuing to put that out to the world... May 28th, May 28th, May 28th...

Back home, I'm receiving wonderful news from several of my friends from my program. Traveler is traveling to amazing foreign places and making incredible academic presentations. Another good friend just got a job at the University she wanted to work at. Survivor is going to have a new grandchild. T.S. is about to finish her first year of college, with a service learning trip to Central America. Life really does move forward in the outside world. I am so proud and happy for my friends. I'm grateful that they continue to update me with their news.

In the meantime, it's my job to pray for the missing people, the people facing anti-semetism, the people grieving loss. I tried to talk with a friend last night about what is in the news, and she actually told me that she doesn't want to know anything while she's locked up. How sad. Life goes on out there and we are still part of this world, even if our lives are at a standstill. Never stop connecting with the world; I fear that's one of the reasons so many people become 'institutionalized.'