Cuba Trip, Thursday, February 28

The Labyrinth at the Seminary in Matanzas

(Written throughout the day)

Prayer Partner: Sean Devolites

My pal, Pedro

Last night at dinner we sat with a newly engaged couple. The gal as from Jamaica, the fellow a Quaker from Holguin! How fortuitous it was to be near them and how thankful I especially yet another Quaker! They gave us the insiders view of Holguin and the details of the Quaker areas. They told us who we would be meeting, and a working knowledge of who Quakers are in Cuba. It was delightful to say the least!

This morning we were joined by a couple from Santa Fe, NM who were here to teach a pastoral counseling class. Carlos, a student from panama, and another gal from Holguin also sat with us. I am amazed by the proficient levels of English everyone speaks! Thank goodness!

We are much at a loss for what this morning will bring. It's dark and cloudy, and no one has met with us yet. Thankfully, a lady just came by to tell us the administrator for the school would be by at 10:45, and I read on the schedule there is a chapel service at 9:45. (Can you tell my American type A, polychromatic time schedule hasn't relaxed yet?)

Travel Buddy, Kary, as we
awaited a new van to Havana

(Lunchtime....)
Since there is no Internet and not many folks to chat with, the blog will get a detailed report of this trip! The chapel service was extraordinary. The couple we sat with at dinner last night led the service, and she was the most dynamic preacher I may have ever heard. Following we met with the rector, Reinerio Valentin, the LWW in-country coordinator, Moraima, and the administrator, Ricardo Farfan, who is a technical wizard. They were so informative, so educated, and so enthusiastic. I am in awe and a wee jealous of my American counterparts, Jerry and Verniece! In fact, I begged Moraima to come to Haiti! We feel so good now about our trip to Holguin later today.

(Night)

Bienvenidos a Holguin

We finally had a similarity to a Haiti trip! On our way to the airport, our van broke down on the side of the road! It was June 2012 all over again! We were picked up by our driver from yesterday, and delivered safely to the airport, where we happened upon a cooler of ice cream! Yes, the day was good. Instead of the four seater prop plane I assumed we'd be taking, we were on a regular airline charter. Upon arrival in Holguin, and weeding through the crowd to find our bags, Alberto, the pastor's husband collected us. His accent is less difficult to understand, and it's allowing for great conversation! Little by little my spanish improves. Tonight we pray for a good day with our hosts tomorrow, as we are meeting at 9 to discuss the potential water systems! Praise be to God for an irreplaceable day!