What folks here in the U.S. most want to know is whether or not we saw any sight of change or hope due to the recent thaw in relationships between our two countries. There was clearly an optimism that closer contact could make life easier, but I was surprised how tempered and realistic the hope was expressed. Cubans have waited and waited a long time. Parents my age have effectively given up on seeing or knowing anything different in their lifetime: they are living and hoping now for their children and potential grandchildren. And that is tragic.
We traveled inland to install one of the four water systems we brought on this trip and we encountered an entire small town that looked as if a bomb had been dropped. It was a town I knew from my days living in Cuba in the 1980's. Since then, by the looks of it, few buildings have been maintained and many have collapsed. It was if people were living in ruins. Yet the people in the church were filled with light.
So life continues to be hard on the average Cuba -- hours spent each day in lines for public transportation. Food is rather abundant, yet very expensive for the elderly and those not receiving money from relatives in the U.S.
Our church friends were as gracious and generous as ever and we continue to forge closer contacts. The desire and commitment to return in 2016 is real and vital: I believe we are an important connection with the outside world for them. They clearly impact our lives.
The hope that I did see and feel is that kind of hope we speak of -- the hope that comes from the peace that passes all understanding. Pray for our Cuban brothers and sisters this Holy Week and Easter.
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| Touring the Plaza of the Revolution in Havana |
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| Our group waiting to hear from a local priest at a church in Matanzas province |
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