Missions Monday

Second mission trip to Cuba .

Here in the USA it is hard for us to understand what a truly third or fourth world country really means.  In Cuba , you find out real fast, once you get there you will immediately appreciate our clean air standards, which Cuba woefully lacks.  Most of their cars are US made from the 1940’s and 1950’s still running though not well thanks to duct tape and anything that can be used as a spare part.  It is not uncommon to see almost a full turn of play in the steering wheel, making you feel sorry for anyone driving us a long distance.  It should also be noted that Cuban’s operate on Island time which is usually one hour later than when you say or think.  So if you want your driver at the hotel at 8 am tell him 645 or 700, that way he will be on time.

On this trip to Cuba we were staying at the International Hotel, right next door to the Cuban Military Museum and in downtown Havana .  Wonderful people at the hotel who tried their best to please us in every way.  I must tell you that the average Cuban makes about 8 dollars a month and works six days a week, the average Lawyer or Doctor makes about 25 dollars a month.  That being said so that you know a little tip goes a long way in Cuba , not that it is ever solicited or in any way asked for. 

Much happened on this trip, all of it positive and touching our hearts, however, one thing stands out among all the rest.  The night before we were to leave one of the hotel staff (Nancy) who was assigned to us went out late at night to find milk to cook with.  She slept in a closet (not going home that night) so that she would be sure to be at the hotel before we left and would have had enough time to make scones for us as a departing gift.   Best departing gift we have ever received.  As a postscript to this the next time we went to Cuba (about 8 months later) we found that Nancy no longer worked there and that the others did not know where or even if she was working. 

During that trip (8 months later) on our day off we were in Old Town Cuba , being a sightseeing tourist for the day and we stopped for lunch at one of the Old Town restaurants and you will not believe who was there to take care of us, right, Nancy .  We were able to visit with her every time we came to Cuba after that.  God is so cool.

John Hartley

Elder

Missions Committee Chairman