Cuba 2

In January this trip to Cuba was not even in my thoughts.  Those I knew who had gone had done so on a religious visa and entered through Nassau, Jamaica, Canada or Europe.  I knew that their work was vibrant and I knew that those who had been there were 'hooked' by what God was doing.  It was just an island that I sailed by so many times, the forbidden island that seemed so alone and yet so close to the US.  I have friends whose history stems from Cuba and their families fled here for freedom. 

I knew about the awesome, cool, old cars that seem to be the icon that Cuba is best known for.  When we arrived in Havana they were driving up and down the road along the coast where we ported.  Their colors and variety stand out from a distance.  Because we knew they were there, we looked for them and it was such fun to see 'what was' and that in the car realm, it still 'is'. 

The cars represent 'when time stopped' for these people.  Some have  obtained the money to have replaced the engines and body repair work has been done.  Other cars sit when they last died and that too sets a date for 'when time stopped'.  To ride in one of these awesome old vehicles, that is in pristine condition, one pays $40 US for an hour. 

Not all cars are in good shape.

   These cars are prized possessions for when they are gone, there is not hope for new.




Economics are poor at best.  The average Cuban earns $20 a month.  A pay hike was given to Doctors and Nurses, they are paid $26 a month but if they have two specialties there pay jumps to $67 a month.  The government controls everything.  There is a saying I heard quoted several times "The government pretends to pay us and we pretend to work."  Education is required through out the country so the Cuban people are fluent in languages (English is a favorite), math and even sciences but there is no incentive to use them.  They long for something more. 

As I continue my blogs in the days to come, I will post more photos of life in Cuba.  A photo I missed that resonated with me was similar to the one above.  Laundry was being dried from the balcony.  What struck me hard was that there was a bed sheet, twin size hanging to dry.  There was a huge hole in the middle and around the large hole, were thread bare strands that you could see the railing that held it in place to dry.  In my world this sheet would not have even made it to the rag pile.  To this Cuban family is was all that they had.

On this Memorial Day, I am grateful beyond for our freedoms.  I long to be able to keep them and then be able to minister and to give back to those who have none.  Money and things do not by happiness, for these people are delightful and happy.  But if I can help make life a bit easier I desire that.   Fight for our freedom, when it is lost it cannot be regained. 

It is not happy people who are thankful.  It is thankful people who are happy.