Down in the Valley and into the Pool

Yesterday, Tuesday, was a full and active day. It began by a rousing tractor drive into (even more) rural areas surrounding the small town of Buenavista. The aim of this trip was to get a real idea of how far these small clumps of homes actually were, and how difficult it would be for them to get to church. After that, a plan of action could be made accordingly, and hopefully another mission could be planted in one of the local houses. And when I say a rousing tractor ride, I do mean rousing. Never have any of us been on such a potted road, jolting over big river rocks and dipping into massive mud puddles that swallowed up the road entirely.

 

           

 After our return to Buenavista, and a vow that we would never drive a tractor over a road like that again if possible, we prepared to go to the pool. This was an outreach event Oscar and Omar came up with. They rented the town pool, invited the church, and welcomed anyone else who wanted to come. 

The turnout was twice what we expected. In the hot climate, everyone enjoyed the cool water, games of dominos, and a piping stew. The stew was made by collecting all of the vegetables and meats that the neighbors could scrape together, and then cooking everything in two pots that could be divided to feed the crowd. It was delicious. The people came, some walking long distances, armed with cups, plates, various Tupperware, empty pots, or anything else they could find to hold the stew. 

All the while, a commotion of swimming and talking was taking place. Kristin got seriously involved in a game of dominos, and I watched as a group of kids around 10 years old called “Em-ee-ly, Em-ee-ly, Mira!” And I did watch as they swam under water, did handstands, flips, and jumped off of the sketchiest diving board I have ever seen. It had been a good day when we walked back to the church.

Today, Kristin had to return home and left early in the morning. As Rachel said, “It will be like a missing wheel.” Although we will miss her very much, we are thankful for the time that she was with us this week. Later that day, Zenia took me grocery shopping. I could not help but compare it to the numerous trips to Nob Hill and Safeway, with a quick stop at Starbucks, that I have made with my mom. In Buenavista, all of the shops are only a block or two away. The supplies are astonishingly limited, ration cards were necessary, and often the item we wanted was not in stock. Without the pineapple, we returned home to prepare for the Vacation Bible School that is to come tonight!

Emily    

Monday in Buenavista

Today was a bit of a challenging day. Challenging, but rewarding. Sunday night, most of our team went to bed around two AM and got up at seven, so we could be out the door by eight. The small (air conditioned!) car picked us up at 8, and we were on our way to Buenavista. Pastor Omar and Zenia graciously welcomed us into their home, happy to see us. Soon after arriving, we left the house to visit the three missions, which are offshoots of Omar’s church. The missions are groups of people who live too far from the church to come to the services when they have no transportation. They are similar to small groups.

 We took a trailer hitched to a tractor, and rode hillbilly style down the potted, muddy road to the first mission. The group of people there was marvelously hospitable, happily talking and laughing with us. They were so happy to have us come from so far to be with them. They also served us fresh coconut juice, a straw stuck straight into the center of the coconut.

The next mission served us a beautiful array of native foods, complete with the ever-present mango juice and signature cup of strong coffee. Among the plates was a dish of goat. Cautiously, I took a bite, and was pleasantly surprised by its flavor; it is quite similar to carne asada. 

After a quick stop to cool off in the river, we returned to the cars, and the heat. To say we were hot, is an understatement. At the last mission, we conversed (Kristin and I half-guessing what was being said) and broke into joyous choruses of worship songs. After saying our goodbyes, we went home to rest and take COLD showers.        

Tonight was a special service for three lovely and elderly ladies who were to be baptized. The church was packed; all three missions road trucks into town, and the rest of the congregation was also present. We had to put chairs in the center isle and people began to form rows of seating outside on the porch! The service was beautiful. “Lively” is what Kristin accurately described it as; there is so much joy here. After the service Oscar, Rachel, Kristin, and I visited more with the people from the missions we had met earlier and the rest of the church family, bidding everyone goodnight and “God bless you” with a kiss on the cheek.


The people love to take pictures, and Kristin delighted an elderly woman by snapping a shot with her.

They quickly became good friends, speaking in broken English and Spanish, trying to find a mix of Spanglish that each could faintly understand, and smiling all the while. I too made a friend.


Spying and elderly gentleman across the room, I walked over and kissed his cheek and told him “God bless you” in Spanish. Excited, he began announcing to the crowd that he had found a new granddaughter; my Cuban Abuelo! Fantastico!

When the crowd left for the night, the team and Omar’s family retired to his house (which is connected to the church). Zenia knocked softly on the door as I was brushing my teeth and showed me a small bug in her hand; fireflies! So tonight we will rest while these small night lights are buzzing outside.

            -Emily

First Impressions

As I am sitting on my bed to write this, bottom bunk, between Kristin and Rachel, a swirl of voices is surging outside of the door. We are staying at the church. Our bedroom shares a wall with the sanctuary in fact. A quinceañera has just finished, and the excited guests are chattering over prepared boxes of various sweets. This is an appropriate finish to a couple of busy days.

Yesterday, Friday, We arrived at Miami airport three hours early, and were pleasantly surprised to whiz through the baggage check-in and security. We enjoyed a traditional Cuban breakfast of strong coffee (I had two cups) and pastries filled with either guava or cheese and spinach. On the plane, I got my first glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean; it is a soft blue snaked with endless islands. In Havana, it took us a little longer to get through security, but once we were able to leave the airport, we met Rachel’s nephew. He took us to his house, and we all crammed into the cozy living room. After chatting and another round of coffee, we left in an old Soviet car-- a Lada--to see the city. It is beautiful, sitting right on the ocean. There is a mixture of old and new. Many of the cars are from the 50s, but a large number of buildings are being renovated. We then leave for Remedios, a four hour car ride. We arrive a little after 9, and enjoy a late dinner with Pastor Alexis’ family. We then prepare for bed and drift off to the sounds of Oscar and Yudilen practicing for the service in the morning.

Today, Saturday, we got up a little before 8 in the morning, pulling on clothes set out the night before. We have breakfast with Pastor Alexis’ family. Fresh mango juice, sweet toast, cheese, a mango marmalade, and the ever-present cup of Cuban coffee adorn the table. 

Today is the senior service and lunch, and after breakfast we prepare to attend it. At 9:30, we join the seniors in the neat rows of wooden benches and try our hand at the Spanish worship songs. Passionate is a good word to describe these people. Their emotions are clearly read on their faces, whole-heartedly worshipping. A woman who is unable to speak mounts the stage and illustrates a song with her hands. Oscar also walks onto the stage, singing joyously in worship. Pastor Alexis gives his message, and then dismisses us to lunch. Outside in the courtyard, Kristin takes a platter of eight plates, I follow closely behind with a couple of bowls of dessert bread, and another man carries a tray of drinks. Inside, tables and chairs are set up, and the expectant seniors gladly receive their food.

After the lunch, we prepare to head to the beach with the youth. A rented bus stops by the church, and we all pile in. The drive takes around an hour, most of it over a man-made isthmus only as wide as the road, connecting the numerous cays. We stop at a small clump of shops, and the kids (and many adults) are able to sight see and bowl for the first time. The employees at the bowling alley were horrified with our skill, and seemed anxious for us to leave; but we were having a grand time, cheering when we got a strike and laughing when someone rolled a gutter ball (there was a lot of laughing). At the beach we all rushed into the water. It was bath water, a hot tub in comparison to the Pacific, and so ridiculously clear that you could watch for shells buried in the sand. 

It is a quiet ride home, and when we arrive, a few of the guests for the quinceanera are already there. The boys are outside waiting for the ceremony to begin. Almost everybody is dressed in their best. The church is crowded with family and friends, many of which stay afterwards to clean up for the Sunday service tomorrow morning.

            Emily

WHO'S DOWN IN CUBA?

We are ready.  Made it from San Francisco to Florida without any problems; connected with Kristin at the airport; enjoyed Rafael's and Miriam's hospitality, their jokes and love; ate Cuban food; and tomorrow  (Friday, July 20) we are up and running at 5 AM for our flight to Cuba.


Emily and Kristin are joining us (Oscar and Rachel) on this trip.  And introductions are in order.


MEET THE TEAM

I am Emily Davis, the youngest person on the team and very likely the most nervous. I am also the designated blogger; allow me to properly introduce myself:                        

At hardly eighteen years old, I am at a susceptible age, sponging up information and soaking in experiences. My worldview is just beginning to take a more substantial shape. The books I read, the classes I take, the church services I attend, the people I spend my time with, and my own prayer life are constantly shaving away and plastering onto a formless object that is quickly becoming my niche in God’s Plan. This past year, in my Bible class, we went through the book of James. This has always been my favorite book; this class taught me why. One of the key themes of this book was living out your faith, not because salvation is works-based, but because your faith naturally prompts you into action. This missions trip is one way for me to put what I learned in James into practice.                                                

In addition to living out my faith, I am excited to experience a new culture and meet new people. God’s people. My brothers and sisters in Christ. In America, I am sheltered from a day to day need for God, in the practical sense. I do not have to worry about food, or electricity, or transportation. All of the resources I need are either at the store or a mouse click away. I want to see how these people need God, and how they praise him for providing. This will be a new way for me to view people, to view God, and an opportunity to reassess myself in terms of where my values lie. I feel like I have so much to learn from the people in Cuba, and it is my hope to be used by God and to be open to all of the lessons that I can absorb. 

Kristin Sando

Four years ago I packed everything that would fit in my civic and drove to Los Angeles to work freelance, research non-profit work overseas, and be free to pick up and leave at a moment's notice.  Two years ago the dream to leave the country and do God's work started to become a reality when I packed everything that would fit in two suitcases and flew to China to work as an English teacher and serve the Family (wink wink) any way I could.  It was a year that proved to be the most stretching and beautiful year of my life thus far.  I was tossed around by Chinese culture, thrown on the waves of Communism, and torn apart from the lack of anything to distract me from the realities of cross-cultural life.  Fortunately, my Father and Jesus Christ were right there to put me back together into the person I needed to be to serve Him through the Mandate to spread His love.

I wouldn't change that year for five comfortable years in the States.  Although it looks like I will be living here in America for the foreseeable future, I'm hoping to get my fix of cross-cultural missions during this trip to Cuba.  Wonderful things in the name of Jesus are being done on the ground in this rather isolated country.  Our team has the immense pleasure of joining with Pastor Alexis' congregation in worshiping our Creator and instilling knowledge of Him who sent us in the hearts and minds of their youth.  

Our Father works in ways we cannot understand in order to bring us closer to Him.  When we walk with Him, He provides strength and peace and a bottomless love to carry us into eternity.  All He asks for are the few years we have on earth.  

Kristin

A Spirit of Power, Love and Self-Discipline

It’s difficult make our dreams come true.  Especially if it involves many people and finding resources to make it happen.  Each obstacle, each resource obtained is only overcome through God’s providence and the strength he gives us daily.  Some months ago God laid heavily on my heart to have a Children’s Camp and it became my dream and desire.

And it was indeed through God’s grace the people and resources came together.  People prayed.  South Valley Community Church in California provided the funds we needed.   And enough adults volunteered for Children’s Camp.

We wanted to challenge the children to make a difference in the midst of a society that is relentless in tearing down Christian values.  With God’s guidance the children’s leaders selected the theme (Marking the Path), verse (2 Timothy 1:17) and song  (”We can do all things through Christ”) for the Camp. 

Getting to this point was a challenge, but there was more to come.  A few days before Camp we found out that the facilities did not have produce for the meals and some of the children would have to sleep on the floor.  We found the produce and mattresses needed.  We were ready to go. 

More than 100 children attended camp

Finally the day arrived for our trip to camp.  Among tears (mostly from the parents) and kisses we set out for the camp, an hour away. 

Arrival at Camp

When we got there, the camp manager told me that one of the two water pumps was not working.  He said it’s OK because they can operate with the other one.  But while we were talking, the second water pump started to smoke and shut down.  Now we were without water and 100 children plus workers in the buses.  There was a strong possibility that we’d have to cancel camp and return to Remedios.  I looked at Maitee, the Children’s Leader, and saw tears streaming down her cheeks.  No one could bare the disappointment of not having camp.   Undeterred, we set out to fix the water problem.  We found some pipes and buckets to provide water.  And what could have turned out to be a disaster became an adventure.  The children had fun using buckets of water to bathe and play.

Without even beginning camp, we were already experiencing “the spirit of power, love and self-discipline” God has given us.  A great lesson for the children. 

I can imagine the smiling face of our Heavenly Father as he heard the voices of more than 130 of his children praising Him that night at camp and enjoying their time together. 

Evening Worship

I am grateful for what God is doing today in my country, for the many who love Him and teach the children about Him—the children, who are our future.

To God be the glory and to us the great joy of a battle won.

- Pastor Alexis Hernandez

Having fun on the see-saw

Bible Study on Daniel

Clowns also helped the children learn

Nutritious meals with vegetables brought from Remedios

February Mission Trip Video

On Sunday, March 25, Oscar was going to speak about the February Mission Trip to the congregation at South Valley Community Church (SVCC) in the Kelton Campus (Gilroy). However, the talk was postponed until April 15 (not a good day?)

SVCC has been the support base for the mission trips to Cuba. Although many people share and pray for this ministry and contribute financially, without the continuous support and encouragement of the congregation and leadership of SVCC Kelton, this ministry would not be possible.

You can view this video at http://youtu.be/xuiKzV-aJCE. The song is "A Ti Sea La Gloria" (To You Be the Glory) by Blest.

Debriefing

Often Pastor Yaisel expresses how much our mission trips mean spiritually to the young people at the church. And my first intention is to sort of dismiss his comments because I can never imagine really making that much of a difference. We simply go because we feel in our hearts a desire to support them in the work they are doing. It’s something God has put in our hearts to do.

Then I think of the people who impacted my life when I was young. Someone like Lon, who was the bible teacher and leader of our youth group…way back then when I was young. What mattered most was that he cared about me and loved each one of the young people there. He was present in our lives when there were difficulties. I think of another teacher, Iris, earlier in my life and how the love she had for me was a precious treasure that helped me get a glimpse of God’s love. And I start to see a pattern emerge between caring, loving and impact. And when it takes place within the spiritual realm, it begins to impact a life, my life and yours, in ways that leave that inedible imprint that lasts for eternity. The one Yaisel talks about.

So, I get it Yaisel. It’s not just a friendly visit or a vacation or even a challenge. It’s caring and love shared through the things we do together be it bible study, games, a day at the beach, camp, or songs. It’s being “present” in each other’s life, even for a week. It’s God in us and us in God not only individually but also corporately. That is why Gladys said in one of the earlier posts it reminds her of what God has always intended for life to be. United in Him; loving and caring for and about each other. Leaving an indelible imprint in each other’s life.

- Rachel

Repairs, Renewal, Rebuilding

"We all promise that we will take care of the Temple of our God." Nehemiah 10:39b

The building where the church in Remedios gathers is over 100 years old. They have been using the building for 75 years. A lot of blessings, prayers, hymns have taken place within their walls. Now the building itself needs some repairs.

After a weekend full of activities with the young people and in Buenavista, it is time to take out the tools of the trade and start working on the church building. This time it's the doors. Three large doors on the front of the building need to be stripped of the brown and bluish layers of paint to get to the wood. So heat guns on hand we start the day stripping paint to get to the old wood underneath.

While we stripped the doors, Pastor Alexis was using very large cement drill to go through a very thick wall. He made a hole to install a power outlet on the other side.

The amount of work that needs to be done is overwhelming. It takes resources, but mostly patience.

The whole time I was working on the doors I was thinking of all the talented people in construction that I know and wished they were here.

But they had provided the next best thing: tools and resources to do the work.

People at SVCC in California supplied the tools; and together with other believers throughout the U.S., supported in prayer a team to work shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters in Cuba; to make a difference--not just in the church building, but in the lives of people in both countries.

So I think of the Israelites and Nehemiah, working together to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem. They overcome obstacles, draw closer to God, remember what God has done for them, re-awaken spiritually, and renew their commitment to God.

- Oscar

These men who are part of the church repaired the walls. They filled large plastic bags with debris then carted it off.

WALL REPAIRS

BEFORE

AFTER

ELECTRICAL BOX

BEFORE

AFTER

Buenavista - Population 6,000

Cool air filled the sanctuary in Remedios on Sunday morning when we greeted Pastor Omar and Jorge, who was driving the truck that would take us to Buenavista. Winding around pedestrians on the streets of Remedios we made our way to the lush countryside enroute to Buenavista.

Buenavista in English means good or splendid view and the view of the paisaje (countryside) we saw lived up to its name.

Mountain tops and palm trees, green fields and roads lined with red clay.

Being so used to urban areas, it may be hard to image the how the church in Buenavista carries the news of Christ's love to the tiny villages in their area. Most of the villages have about 200 people. Buenavista as a town has a population of 3,000. Currently they have mission houses in 3 of the largest villages, but want to reach people in the most remote areas surrounding them.

In those areas, houses are far apart.

Far enough that you don't see your neighbor's house. Yet, close enough to know them because in rural areas you depend on your neighbors.

And just as relationships grow through many encouters, so must they build relationships and trust with the people in those small villages.

It takes many trips, much patience, and lots of love. All things they posses and are evident as I meet them for the first time.

The green transportation truck has become our icon for the church in Buenavista.

Worship songs filled the sanctuary. Soon the children were dismissed and I followed the children, who followed Yoani. He had them sit in the cool cement patio and through a skit taught them how to love and treat others well the way God wants us to do it.

Just as children everywhere, they were soon ready to play games and put into practice what they learned that morning.

Broom hockey?

The children compete in teams to see who is fastest at moving the wooden blocks from one end to the other

One of the highlights of the visit was putting together the puppet theatre we brought and getting them acquainted with Scruffy, Ruthie, and Michael.

These are three puppets that will surely become great friends to the children there; just as we have come consider the people we have met here not only our friends, but our family.

Pastor Omar with wife Zenia and son Jonathan, Oscar and Michael

on the front porch of the church in Buenavista

- Michael = Maikol

Awesome Day and an Awesome God

Saturday may have been a run-of-the-mill, routine day for you. But for 30 young people in Remedios it was awesome. The bomb. We all headed out to a cays one hour north of Remedios for a very special day.

Now, you have to realize that the cays in Cuba are like their national treasure. Virginal, pristine beaches; white powdery sand; crystalline water. A prized place to go; kind of like Disneyland, but in nature.

There were lots of new things to experience....

tourists’ shops full of never-before-seen gadgets, hand dryers...

billiards ...

mushrooms in the pizza.

a

Should we eat pizza with a fork or our hands?

And, of course,

... playing at the beach although was a bit cold in February

There are no words to describe the intensity of that day. But we can say that it left an indelible imprint on their lives.

“A magnificent experience that brought us joy and is an example of how God does incredible things in our lives.” -Daisel

“It was fun and edifying. A time to share together like a great family.” - Gladys

“It was one of the best days of my life, an unforgettable trip.” - Yileidy

“Hope that one day you will also be able to share an experience like this with us.” - Ivelise

“If this was awesome, I cannot even imagine the joy we will experience in heaven.” -Yaisel P

It reminds us of Psalm 133 which, paraphrased, says:

“How beautiful and pleasing to see our brothers and sisters living together in harmony. It is as pleasing as the sweet perfume of anointing oil as it spills from head to toe. It is as pleasing as a northern rain that falls from the highest peaks and runs down its slopes. Those who live like this, God blesses with life forevermore.”

-Yaisel Lima (Youth Pastor in Remedios) and Oscar

Arrival

Our day of arrival was a splendid experience interwoven with the ups and downs of traveling. I had finally arrived to this beautiful island I’d heard so much about, but never seen or experienced. In my imagination I had forged a portrait of what it is like. The first tender moment was the sight of the Cuban landscape. Royal palm trees and lush greenery brought tears to my eyes.

“Are you Cuban?” the Cuban customs agent asked me. I had a difficult time answering since I so closely identify with being Cuban but in reality am a Cuban-American.

Finally we were out in the soft Cuban air. It filled me with so much joy and expectation. Joy to be on Cuban soil at last after hearing about it for so long. Expectation of what it would be like to go beyond the airport: imagining the faces, getting in touch with the culture and learning more about the daily life and faith of the people in Cuba.

Pastor Alexis and Carlos (who drove the car to pick us up) greeted us with wide smiles and warm embraces; and we made our way through Cienfuegos, on a two lane road full of the daily life activities, to Remedios.

We did not know, until we arrived in Remedios, that there was a community of 250 people praying for our safe arrival.

All is well. We are a family, a community that goes beyond the borders of our own countries to share, love, and care for each other.

Thank you God for your faithfulness and love!

-Michael or Maikol (the phonetic pronunciation of my name in Spanish.)