I'm going in!

Well, I have discovered that I am as good at blogging as I am at writing letters: I stink.

I have completed all of my classroom training for the job. And, I have discovered that it is going to be loke I have heard that working in the wall is going to be: 95% boredom, 5% rollercoaster through "H-E-double hockeysticks."

They have trained us on everything from state ethics, to dealing with different types of offenders, to firing weapons. Here are some of the highlights from training:

CTI (The "Academy")-Learning the nuts and blots of the Department. Three weeks of lecture, tests at the end of each week. If you did not pass the test, you did not get to go on. My class started with 65 (6 from my prison, 5 from Pendleton Juvenile, and 54 from New Castle). We did loose people during the academy, either from failing tests, to them dropping out. To set the stage, it is like an adult college. We lectured everyday, and also had the tests. I did receive my certificate, and also a commendation for my display of professionalism.

Weapons-This was three days of fun. The first day was lecture about laws and policies of the weapons, and then we got to "sample" the CN gas that we will be issued. We dipped our finger in a cup full of the stuff, then wiped it under each of our eyes and our nose. Let me tell you that the stuff works. The second day was lecture and tests about the two weapons that we will be certified on: the Remington 870 and the AR-15. We also got to handle the weapons for the first time, too. The third day was the best, because we had to go to the range and qualify on the weapons. IT WAS AWESOME. Even the constant rain and cold could not deter the fun that I had.

OJT (On The Job Training)-I did spend a total of 3 days in the wall, in two of the cell houses and in the yard. I also assisted in monitoring the chow hall durning lunch and the beginning of supper. It is where I met the offenders for the first time. It was very eye opening, and an awesome experience too.

Well, that is about it. I start my shift bracket tonight, so hopefully soon I will have more stories to tell.

First Day

Well, the first day is out of the way. All I really did was paperwork, insurance, "sign here to indicate you received..." sheets, and more paperwork. Probably the most that I have filled out at any of my previous careers.

I also got my ID (my photo makes me look like I have gas!) and my TB test. We also went into the "Wall" for the first time, and that was interesting. But, it was also interesting having the feeling of walking back out.

All of the people that I have met all have been willing to answer our questions, and also present opportunites to be more involved there.

Sorry that it is not more interesting than this. But, it was the first day.

Tomorrow should be interesting, for we will be touring the cell-houses for the first time. I should have things to write about then!

First day

Well, here I am at my first day. I am very nervous. But I heard
something this morning both weird and refreshing: "Daddy has to go to
work."

Changing-again

Well, after almost six months of waiting, searching, praying, hoping, and all of those other emotions, I have a job. And, this one is kind of "in the blood."

Starting Monday, I am going into training to be a Correctional Officer for the state of Indiana. I will be at the Pendleton Correctional Facility.

A guard, you say? Yes. I am still trying to put my mind around it.

I have been praying about this for a while, and I feel that it is where I am supposed to be. I know that this is going to be like nothing that I have ever done before. But, I also know that if God does want me there, then He has a reason for it. All I need to do is listen for Him.

I start training on Monday, and will be in training for about 4 1/2 weeks. Then I am on duty for more on the job training.

To answer the questions (some of them my own) I have no idea what my schedule is going to be. I have a friend that works there (he is taking me under his wing), and he works 12 hour shifts, 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off. My schedule should be like that, I just have no idea the days, or the shift.

But, I hope to be able to "chronicle" my training here, so that you can also have a glimpse of what is happening.

Thank you all for your prayers.

Still waiting

Well, I am still without a job. I am hunting one, but seem to hit a wall every turn that I take. Anyone out there have anything?

New Day

Today is a new day. Elijah went to his first day of school, and he had a blast. So much so, that he could not remember a thing.

 

I am still hunting a job. I am waiting to hear from the department of corrections, a job that I still wonder what I am thinking. But, still, it is a job, and I feel that I can make a difference in it.

 

 

Test

Tomorrow is a big day. Elijah starts school. It is hard to believe that he is that old. Plus, to trust him to the school.

I wanted to test publishing to my blog from my phone.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changin'

Not that anyone is really reading this (if you are, please comment-it is getting dusty) but I have gone through a lot of changes lately. I am looking for a job (things with Duke Realty did not work out) and have also just moved. We are now officially "in debt homeowners!!"

With all of this "free time" that I have, I am going to try to get back in the habit of posting to this again.