Wheaton Regional
Our group from Naperville went to the Illinois Youth Center in Warrenville to deliver gift bags and visit with incarcerated young women in this maximum security youth prison. These girls attend a 
weekly Bible study with a group of volunteers from Willow.
These girls come from all over the state and many don't get visitors often, some not at all. They are very thankful for the time spent with them and the love they are shown through the volunteers.
They were refreshingly open and honest as we talked one-on-one. A young inmate told me that she now knew Jesus loved her just for who she is. No one had ever loved her like that before.
I spent some time with Andrea who serving a three-year sentence. She is looking forward to going home in the spring and had a lot on her mind--all the things she was going to do differently. Her only brother has been locked up for three years as well. We talked about how tough this has been on her Mom, a single parent. She really touched my heart.
When it was time to leave she quietly asked, "Will you be back?” I said yes, in December, and she said she would watch for me. She hugged me for several minutes. It seemed hard for her to let go. I didn’t want to let go either.
As our group stood in the parking lot before going home, it was obvious I wasn't the only one who was blessed to have spent time with these special girls. The life change they are experiencing is so awesome to see. I'll be back. Andrea is counting on it.
Julie Hodge
