Ray Maldonado participated in several of the HOPE-HOWSE (HH) writing/meditation workshops in prison. He is also featured in the recent documentary called "HOPE-HOWSE in Action" (available thru HH). The list at the bottom was part of the healing work done the day of filming.

Dear Jane:

 

 Hello. This is Ray Maldonado. Hi. How are you doing? I am writing you this letter to say thank you for acknowledging me as a human being. You know, every day in here is a battle to stay sane, to stay healthy, and a battle to accept who you are. Every time you have visited us at BCDC [Bernalillo County Detention Center], it has been an experience. It has been a good experience because you teach us so much about life. You help bring out inner peace in us. It's a feeling like no other, and I just want to thank you. I don't know if you know this, but God was shining down on you when you were born. He saved you a special gift, and it's not very often you run into someone that realizes that. Thanks for being my friend.

 Well, I pray the video you made [HOPE-HOWSE in Action] will work wonders for others like myself and the rest of us. I am mailing you my list of five things I told you I still had. It's a gift from me to you. I hope it helps in your journey to bring peace in this world. I know you have helped me. Thanks.

 Your friend,

 Ray Maldonado

 

P.S. Remember, we are one heart. I am glad to be a part of your journey!!

 

My Fear List:

  1. The Lord
  2. My judge
  3. Prison
  4. Loneliness
  5. Alcohol

 

What I Love About Myself:

  1. Self-respect
  2. Attitude
  3. Allowed the Lord to come into my life
  4. Not hard to speak to
  5. Have all functional body parts

 

What I Am Ashamed Of:

  1. Not being around for my kids
  2. Being a father
  3. My addiction
  4. Being in jail for so long

 

What I Forgive About Myself:

  1. My crime
  2. Not being the person I wanted to be for the way I lived my life
  3. Taking so long to learn what love is all about
  4. Taking so long to discover the Lord

back to Articles