Dear friends,

It's time once again to update you on my post prison life and my time in Michigan from July 23 rd to August 16 th .Time in Michigan was pure gift as I spent time predominately with family , religious congregation, and nature. I was present for Ardeth's 50 th Jubilee celebration and able to send her the cards, pictures and a sense of the gatherings but mostly it was a time to just “be”.

Webster's dictionary defines re-entry as “the action or process of reentering something”, going within. These days I ponder how my re-entry from prison to Jonah House is going. The Jonah House community continues to love me unconditionally with all my faults and quirks. I'm also beginning to gain new insights into recidivism. The Eternal Now was far easier for me inside the walls. It seems like my spirit/soul needs to be rejuvenated and I am not sure how to go about it. These days it seems like I just don't want to be involved in much and that is a bit disconcerting to me. Jackie tells me that each month gets a little easier! However, I did an hour long radio program on Air America August 7 th with the Laura Flanders show and an interview for the Grand Rapids Press (see enclosed/ attached).

My prison gates are once again the state of MD. Jackie informs me that she has signed her papers refusing to pay restitution and so the process is begun. I am behind her by three months so have not yet signed my paperwork. She also tells me that over $500,000 have been given in our names to various charitable organizations. Let's hope that Judge Blackburn will like the alternative restitution plan or it could mean going back to prison for another 5-12 months. If he accepts the plan for Jackie it applies to Ardeth and me.

The documentary about our action was taken to Sundance Film Festival and we await public release. The people that made this happen have contributed so much of their time, money, expertise and love. Everyone who has seen it has given it high marks.

I continue to hear from prison friends and try to respond to their simple requests. It has been gift and joy to have these women in my life.
Blessings on each of you! Your kindness and generosity continue to overwhelm me.

With love and gratitude,

Carol Gilbert, OP
1303 Moreland Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21210 (410)233-6238