Cuba Trip, Sunday, March 3

A bonus view from Gibara yesterday

Prayer partner: Dana Jo Abraham Monk

Amazing gifts displayed by the young adults

Sundays have always been my favorite day! Whether it is attending church with my family, presiding over a service in Haiti, or simply listening to the Word in another language, Sundays are a day to basque in the glory of the Son and relax in the fellowship of companions. Today was no different. Alberto sat with us during breakfast and explained the Cuban rationing coupons. There were coupons for food, toiletries, other goods, and medical supplies. Each category is divided up into months, and based on the number of people in your family, you are allowed so many items of each. I was in awe.

Church worship began soon after breakfast. I was so excited to attend a Quaker meeting for worship, as it has been quite some time since I did so. The Meeting had many young adults, all of whom led the singing with passion and joy. An 18-year old girl, who has been through theater training, created and performed a 30-minute puppet show geared for the children, but equally enjoyed by the adults. Following the show, many of the older members applauded the gifts of the young woman by commending her with words of affirmation. Maria gave a long sermon on the Transfiguration of Christ, and we dismissed by passing the peace of Christ. The Yearly Meeting clerk, Odaleis, was present and so happy to greet us. Everyone was excited to hear a clean water system would soon be coming to Holguin Friends Meeting!

From the top of
Loma De La Cruce

The afternoon was rather lazy! Kary & I walked the around town, and of course I found ice cream. We found the bottom of the stairs to the "Loma De La Cruce" and still didn't walk up all 458 stairs! :) After watching Real Madrid beat Barcelona and round two of the World Baseball Classic (who knew baseball was so big in Cuba!), Maria and Alberto picked me up for another Quaker worship service. Maria preached once again, and it was a beautiful time of communion in the midst of Christ and fellow servants. A small group, but a lovely group.

Early to bed tonight! It's quiet now and tomorrow will be the final day to wrap up, and with a translator finally answer all of the questions accumulated from the week...when we didn't have a sufficient translator! (Have I mentioned how bad my Spanish is??) Good night, friends. Peace of Christ be with you all!