Back home – to Cuba

Nicole was born in Switzerland but has lived in Cuba for over 23 years. After a stay in Switzerland, Nicole, her husband Gilberto and their two children returned to Cuba a few weeks ago.

Re-entry is bumpy. We consciously make our way from heavenly conditions – in the form of full stores and gas pumps, always available electricity and water, functioning public transportation, etc. – to the Cuban reality. – to the Cuban reality. First we find out what’s broken in the house. During the first big thunderstorm, a chunk of stone as thick as a fist falls out of an interior wall. The drinking water filter is blocked. The toilet flush is broken. We puzzle over who should look for fruit and vegetables in the markets first and who should try to get gasoline. On the second day, the national power grid collapses. Still mentally in Switzerland, we take the generator out of the cellar, fill the water tanks on the roof and do the laundry. So far so good.

In the midst of this, thank God, other realities prevail. Despite all the hardships and obstacles, children’s camps are held with 100 children. Couples attend the couples’ course. If there is a power cut, they simply come back next week. Young adults and women enthusiastically take part in our leadership courses. Plans are made for the new year. We are amazed and grateful that three employees have returned after a family visit abroad. “This is a calling, we can’t leave these children and people alone!” say the employees, who were able to found a house church a few years ago thanks to the Jungschar work. In the face of a huge exodus of friends and family members. Because those who can, leave the island. Why do they come back? Why are we coming back? Why does the employee from the child nutrition project try his luck again a few months later after his travel plans to the east of Cuba fell through (a connection of around 200 km was not guaranteed by public transport)? “Because people are expecting me. They know that I don’t just do project controlling, but also take an interest in them and their health, cook with them or go shopping.”

Cuba is certainly not an island with heavenly conditions. But we have people in the team who do not lose sight of their vision, who show perseverance. They show their love for the people around them by accompanying them for a part of their lives. We are amazed at how God is doing his work, moving hearts and releasing energy in the service of people.

Story from Agape International.