Where Am I?

 (blog by Kim)

When Stan and I left Cuba about a week ago, we thought we were headed for Fairview, North Carolina, via Toronto.  However, I think something happened in transit, and powers from a galaxy far, far away transported us to the Ice World of Hoth.  At least that’s what it felt like after having been in temperatures in the 80’s in Cuba. I have felt the cold in my bones as well as a bit isolated with this most recent winter storm. There were moments when I didn’t even want to open the door, even to get things from our porch (which was serving as our refrigerator), and I remembered what Han Solo said, “There isn’t enough life on this ice cube to fill a space cruiser.”  

With several layers of clothes we have managed to brave the outdoors and enjoy the beauty of the snow and find (mostly from tracks and bird songs) that there are several life forms here:  rabbits, deer, turkeys, raccoons, hawks, woodpeckers and other birds, neighbors and their dogs and some other unknown tracks. Let’s hope they’re not wampas! Tauntauns would be much more preferable! We are adjusting to this environment with the grace and beauty that surrounds us. 


We need all that grace and beauty to navigate the transition from Cuba to the US. It continues to be as stark economically as it does weather-wise, and we continue to be inspired by our Cuban family as well as heart-broken for their deepening struggles.  The economic situation continues to dominate the news and the conversations, especially as folks lament the prohibitive prices of tomatoes, vegetables, rice, beans and meat.  Still, they are determined to share what they have, with churches starting feeding programs for the most vulnerable in their communities (whether church members or not), and the hope that it gives these folks is tangible even when we are still keeping our distance in these pandemic days. 


We are deeply appreciative of all the love, prayers and support that has enabled us to continue going to Cuba, a bit back and forth these days with only shorter visas available, but still, each visit reinforces for me that Cuba is the place I belong, the place I feel called to be. And so, I do my best to let the love of our Cuban sisters and brothers melt the ice of the Empire so that our connection and vision of the abundant living of Jesus Christ can become a reality. O God, may your Reign come on earth as it is in heaven.  Amen. 

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