Dear friends and family

I am happy that I am now able to write my own updates. As many of you know, my communications are monitored and restricted by the Department of Homeland Security, so I will keep this brief for now.
The holidays are always a difficult time for me to be separated from my family, but I am finding I have much to be grateful for this year. After three years, I finally feel like I have a home to celebrate in (albeit a modest and, thankfully, temporary one). Last year, I had just arrived here and was still segregated. Now, I have friends and can participate in holiday activities: we made ornaments and decorated our unit, I starred in our Christmas play (as a retired "elf," of course). Though there is typically considerable conflict and volatility in our unit (given that it houses just 18 of us), everyone is making an effort to get along during the holidays and I am enjoying the relative peace.
Max security prison isn't an ideal environment for focused concentration, but I have been making steady progress throughout the year on academic and personal pursuits. I am taking several correspondence courses, including a college sociology class. I am still hoping to finish my degree here, but, unfortunately, it's hard to find classes that fit within prison rules. I'm taking a series of Buddhist correspondence courses which is helping me tremendously in this chaotic environment. Also, my self-taught Spanish is getting better and better. If anyone has suggestions for Spanish-language novels, please send them.
I injured my knee playing sports in the summer, but with the help of physical therapy, it is now healed. I am very glad to be able to exercise regularly again. I find it's not just good for my body, but for my mind as well.
I am very grateful for all of the support I have received this year „ letters, cards, books and financial donations. They make a huge difference in my quality of life. If you would like to send me something for Christmas (or at any other time of the year) please see the guidelines on the right side bar on the website. We had previously recommended sending money through Western Union, but sending postal money orders (not directly to me, there is a different Bureau of Prisons address) appears to be equally reliable, easier for some, and avoids paying an extra fee. Please let me know when you send money or books, so I can verify their receipt. Thank you for your generosity.
I wish you all joy and peace this season and throughout the year. May we all experience grace.

Chelsea