The Pony Express does not run at the CCJ. "Snail" mail does crank its way under the locked steel doors. Postal mail can be sent and received. Yes, sent...if the inmate has a stamp. Yes, received...but it will be opened at the front office and checked for any contra ban i.e. cigarettes/supplies/lighters; drugs-pills or other; dirty pictures; anything that could be considered a weapon, even ball point pens; etc. so, please, please, when any of you send mail, please, please don't include any of these items. If you do, please, don't put my name on the envelope! Haha (A joke, my friends would not do that.) I honestly don't think any of my mail is being read, but they can if they want to. They do open the mail and I'm sure remove it from the envelope before placing it back.
There is no email at the CCJ. We do it the old-fashioned way. I can only respond to mail by writing in pencil. No mechanical pencils, that is considered a weapon. No ink pens! Besides being a weapon it can be used for tattoos. However, it is quite acceptable for you to use a computer, type/print your communication...acceptable to the jail and acceptable to me, too! I know you will write more if you type. I'll have to hand write you back though.
You can include computer print-outs of news, sports, entertainment. Photos are allowed. I've already established a "wall gallery" and will post a future blog about it. Books can be sent, but they must be paperback. Newspapers and magazines cannot be sent. Church newsletters/programs should have no problem passing through. Printed study materials on paper should be no problem. Money can be sent - but no checks - only money orders to be used for "rock call" (future post) and to pay for medications. My close friends/family are generously supplying more than adequately, so, this is not a fund raising letter! Seasonal cards are great too! I received a couple of Halloween cards and pasted them to my wall gallery.
Any outgoing mail from me does not get out of the dorm until 10 pm. Taken to the front office, the postman gets it the next day. Nashville mail usually is received the next day; therefore, other mail to distant cities, from what I've learned takes longer than what I think. Please be patient.
I thank you so much for your mail. Mail is my lifeblood around here. Just with your effort my spirit is lifted! The more the merrier for me! I like seeing snails crawling under the door!
Future Posts:
Jailhouse Grammar
My Residence (Cell)
Toothpaste Stolen
May tyranny and persecution leave. May respect consideration and God's love replace...to each...to all!
