Saturday, March 25
Today was our first official, full day in Cuba! During our first day here we worked in the church, doing different jobs. Some of us helped clean up by sweeping, cutting vegetables for dinner, and also doing construction. For the construction, we used a pulley system to hoist sand up to the second floor of the church. Once there another team took the sand to the other side of the second floor to pile it for another project. Some of the students spent their morning removing nails from used pieces of wood because nails are very expensive and need to be reused for another project.
After lunch, we relaxed for a bit and then walked to another Quaker meeting house a few blocks away in the Vista Alegre neighborhood of Holguín. Once there, we began working on art projects for their upcoming Holy Week events. Students painted, cut, and drew different crafts for their community to use. The community leader, Lyanis, gave us all a wonderful dance lesson, teaching us Salsa and Merengue. After that, we had a short children’s worship service. We met many young members of the church and sang and played games with them. After that, we got to talk with them over dinner. Following dinner, we participated in a young adult service (see group photo).
During this worship, we got the opportunity to sing and read religious songs and scriptures with the church members. We also had a great time teaching them the American song and dance “The Cotton-Eyed Joe.” This allowed many of us to step out of our comfort zones and immerse ourselves more in the Cuban culture. Lastly before we left we made a handprint mural for the church to put up. Inside, we each wrote our names and a short message thanking them for their hospitality and the wonderful experience they gave us.
Our week ahead is filled with service projects here at the church and in the local area, and excursions to the beach as well as Santiago de Cuba, the first capital of the island.
Please note that we may not be able to post daily because of limited computer access, and we will “double up” as needed. Hasta pronto!
Amanda & Charlotte
Love you much Siani