CUBANS ARE LIVING ACCORDING TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES
Many of you know that Rev. Noel Fernandez, the pastor emeritus of Northminster’s partner church in Cuba, recently wrote his memoir entitled Living According to the Circumstances. The title is taken from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians where, while imprisoned for his faith, he writes that he was “living according to the circumstances.” On our recent visit to our sisters and brothers at Iglesia Bautista Enmanuel in Ciego de Avila, despite very difficult economic circumstances there, we discovered that most with whom we came in contact were also living according to their current circumstances. Having visited Cuba at least 30 times since our partnership began in 1994, we have always found that to be the case. It is what Cubans do. It appears to be part of the Cuban spirit. For the most part they are a resilient people. However, for some Cubans that is not the case. As you are probably aware hundreds of thousands of Cubans, mostly young people, have emigrated either legally or illegally to the United States in recent years. This includes members of many families at Enmanuel. This phenomenon has only heightened the immigration crisis in the United States, depleted the country of important human resources, and devastated the families left behind. There are many and complicated reasons for the current economic situation in Cuba, but there is not room here to report on that. Perhaps in another article.
Here is a little about what we experienced about living in Cuba during our few days there. Because of an antiquated electrical grid and a shortage of fuel needed to operate its generators, electricity is in short supply. Because of that, in Ciego de Avila and the rest of the country (except apparently for Havana) there are rolling black outs every day. While we were there, they typically lasted four to five hours each day, and somehow folks knew about when to expect them and how long they would last. For us it appeared that the blackouts were at the least inconvenient times of the day, but they were rolling so others probably weren’t so lucky. Many Cubans cook with electricity, of course their lights are powered by electricity, and the fans that provide a little “coolness” (there is very little air conditioning) operate by electricity. Additionally, the pumps that pump water to their homes are powered by electricity, so at times when there is no electricity there is also no running water. But they are learning to live with it. You get the picture.
Diesel and gasoline for vehicles are in short supply, and there seemed to be fewer of those vehicles on the streets and highways. There did appear to be a dramatic increase in electrically powered motor scooters. And, of course, lots of folks on bicycles, in horse or bicycle drawn carts and on horseback. For anyone needing fuel for their vehicles they must first obtain a letter of permission from the government before showing up at the service station. And the service station may still not have fuel. There is a “black market” operating in Cuba, and fuel is available there but only for those who have the money needed to purchase it. That leaves most folks out.
If we think eggs in the United States are expensive that is nothing to compare to the situation in Cuba. There is a significant shortage in eggs, and when found they are very expensive. We heard that average Cubans could spend a large part of their monthly income for a few eggs. Needless to say, not many Cubans are eating eggs. In addition to eggs most other food and other items seem to be in short supply.
Despite all this, the sisters and brothers of Enmanuel with whom we worshipped, those we visited in their homes, the young people we shared pizza with at lunch, all greeted us with much joy and enthusiasm as usual. As is typical there was a lot of hugging and “air kissing” as is the Cuban custom. As usual our experience being with our friends in Ciego de Avila was positive and loving. And with that said in the next edition of this report we will share more about the positive, loving, musical and festive parts of our visit, including a video log of our visit DH is currently preparing.
Cuba si! Peace!
Craig and DH
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