We’ve officially entered our first week in the Honor Dorm, and I don’t take it lightly. It’s a privilege to be placed here, but an even greater honor to serve as the Head Orderly. With that comes responsibility, something I’m learning to carry with humility. Like Peter Parker once said, “With great power comes great responsibility,” and sometimes it feels like I’m living out my own version of a superhero lesson—minus the webs.
Stepping into this role, I’ve had to rethink how leadership looks. Sure, I’m in a position of responsibility, but that doesn’t make me the leader. I’ve learned that true leadership is more about service and less about control. One of the most valuable lessons I’m learning here is humility—and how quiet influence can be stronger than loud authority.
Being in this environment, I’ve been paying closer attention to people—their habits, their struggles, and what drives them. One profound observation I’ve made is that everyone obeys a master. The master may not always be a person—it’s often an addiction, a fear, or a pressure. I’ve seen guys serving masters like drugs, porn, and the ever-present need for social approval. These things own them. And when you see that up close, you start to understand the depth of the fight we’re all in.
On a lighter note, I’m looking forward to welcoming a new puppy in just two weeks. There’s something powerful about working with animals—training them, guiding them, and watching them grow. It reminds me that with patience and consistency, transformation is possible.
Diesel class is moving along steadily. We’ve been digging deeper into engine systems, and it feels good to stay productive—especially now that we’re not under constant lockdowns or heavy restrictions. There’s a rhythm returning to life here, and with it comes a sense of possibility.
I also managed to finish a few books this week: Isola and a couple of Assassin’s Creed novels. It’s good to get lost in those stories for a while. Fiction has a way of sharpening your imagination and sometimes even helping you see your own journey more clearly.
One passage that’s been on my heart this week is Genesis 15:10—where Abraham prepares a sacrifice to God. The Bible says he brought his best animals, laid them before the Lord… and then the buzzards came. Abraham had to drive them away, to protect what he was offering. That image stuck with me.
We don’t always think about this, but sacrifice isn’t just about giving—it’s about protecting what we’ve given. The word “sacrifice” comes from the Latin sacer (sacred) and farcere (to make). When we offer something to God—our time, our focus, our gifts—we’re setting it apart; making it holy. But the buzzards always come. Distractions. Laziness. People who want to pull you away from your purpose. Social media. Petty drama. Wasted time.
On this comeback journey, we’re going to have to make sacrifices—and we’re going to have to protect them fiercely. Guard your time. Guard your purpose. Keep your offering sacred.
Until next time—stay sharp, stay grounded, and keep building.
Thank you for reminding me that humility can be a strength and that honoring and protecting our family is a worthy sacrifice.
Ray it’s always good to hear from you and to know you are thriving. Each letter you write seems to uplift me and make look around at my situation and thank God! Stay focused, keep the faith and we will be together again soon 💕Love your adopted auntie