My favorite memory on
the Cuban mission trip was the Saturday we spent with all of the youth from
Remedios and Camajuanà and the kids from Camajuani. Originally, all the plans
for the day did not end up happening because of unlucky circumstances.
Thankfully, Madeline suggested we invite all of the kids from Camajuani to do
arts and crafts. In my opinion, this turned out to be one of the best
days in Cuba. It was one of the great ways to interact with the children and
the youth in a relaxed and fun environment. The kids, especially, were a real
treat to hang out with. We played with the kids for most of the morning and
some of the afternoon doing arts and crafts, playing catch, and playing with
water balloons. It was one of the most enjoyable experiences because all the
kids were so energetic and so happy to have more people to talk to and play
with. These moments were joyful for me in
return.
What the people I met in
Cuba wants is not what I originally thought they needed help with. What they
want is for us to understand. To understand that they are not what many people
think of them in the United States. What everybody from Cuba showed us is that
they are people overflowing with kindness and grace. Not just the pastors, but
also the youth we got to meet, and the elderly we visited, and the children we
played with showed this kindness as well. They did not just want help, they
wanted a truly strong bond between our churches. And I think we started making
that connection, and I hope it only grows stronger over time.
Leo L - Grade 11
