In fact, it was the first time the entire study was together in over two months. So it was a very, very happy reunion for everyone.
The first month I was gone, teaching abroad in Germany. Normally, my co-teacher Herb would have kept the class going in my absence. But the prison started a month-long renovation of the chapel we use. I have fond memories of winter evenings in the chapel, with no heat and my chair in a puddle of cold water. So the renovation was a happy thing. But it meant no classes for a month.
And then, when I returned, the bi-annual shakedown happened. The unit was locked down for an entire month while cell-to-cell searches for contraband were made. I was back in the States, but had to wait a whole other month.
So on Monday we finally were able to have the study again. The lockdown over and we had a new chapel.
It was wonderful. Like a family reunion. So much to share and catch up on. I told stories about Germany. We had a lesson and discussion from the Gospel of Mark (the Parable of the Sower). And we sang all our favorite hymns. Our harmonies were a bit shaky at first, but by the time we ended with "I Come to the Garden Alone" we were sounding like ourselves again.
