The instructional weekend was held April 22, 2000

When you work in prisons you have to expect that there will be problems that are beyond your control.  The instructional weekend certainly illustrated that point.  Under Texas Law regular volunteers must receive security training before they are allowed to work on a unit.  For Kairos regular volunteers are defined as visits in addition to the actual weekend.  However, the instructional held the Saturday following the weekend is considered part of the "Weekend."  Thus team members are allowed to return for the instructional without being trained.

Unfortunately, the list used during the weekend was lost and all the team members who were not on the regular Monday night list were not allowed to take part.  Of course the candidates were disappointed, but they did understand that is was due to events beyond control.  Several commented that Satan was working overtime, if that was true then the Holy Spirit, know affectionately to those who attended Hughes 6 as "The Woo"  had him more than covered.

"The Woo" was definitely on the loose, the men were joyful and reported that while the world inside was tougher than normal the Spirit was strong.  They reported that their crosses had become a highly desired item.  Some seemed to think that the symbol of what these men had received was all that was needed.  Offers as high as $80.00 were reported.  I don't know how many if any gave into the pressure, that is a huge amount of money in prison, but several said, words to the effect of you can't buy the "Walk" you got to live it.  "The Woo" is a work in 3 building.

Only two men did not attend the Instructional, and both those had visitations, and did return on Monday night.  The men listened carefully and while the conditions were less than ideal, because of Easter activities we had to use a room that was really too small, were eager to start the grouping process.  They also wrote letters to their financial sponsors, which you can read at Candidates Letters some of these are touching.