Journey
The word ‘journey’ as a noun means simply the single act of getting from one place to another, but when used as a verb involves the process of the journey not just the arrival. It is the difference between ‘journey to’ and ‘journey with’. When we think about our relationship with our Cuban siblings from the First Baptist Church Matanzas, we embrace the on-going process that is journey. We are not simply traveling to Cuba, we are with our Cuban friends on our shared journey through life. This shared journey began over 35 years ago and has been filled with learning, sharing, challenges, celebrations, broken hearts and so many special moments and memories.
Seven travelers from Pullen recently traveled to Cuba on one leg of our shared journey which included a full range of life experiences. The expected celebrations of being greeted at the airport by familiar smiling faces. The comfort of being warmly enveloped by hugs when we entered the Kairos Center which would be our home for the next week. The unexpected celebrations over things that almost fell apart – the bus that was our transportation from the airport to Matanzas did not fuel until the night before the trip and broke down 3 times on the way to the airport – but were mended by small miracles.
There were known challenges that have become a part of everyday life in Cuba – fuel shortages, unpredictable electricity, food scarcity – but so many occurring simultaneously is especially taxing. One of the newest challenges that is tearing at the heart of all is the number of young adults who are leaving the country and leaving behind family and friends. One of the most powerful moments we experienced was an intimate, hard conversation with a group of young adults, which included a face time with two of their close friends who were in Mexico struggling to get into the US. The fear and the realization of what was left behind were palpable from the two friends. Yet, the desperation among the young people in the room led one to assert, ‘I’d rather die trying than stay’. This sentiment was not shared by all, but the burden of this desperation is felt by all. Bearing witness to this conversation was hard, was a privilege, and is a reflection of our ‘journey with’ our Cuban friends.
The ‘journey with’ also includes ministering to each other. As usual, this leg of our journey included the medicines, medical provisions, art supplies, clothing, shoes, etc that Pullen shares. On this trip, we were also able to treat the Kairos Center kitchen staff to a night out at a restaurant which gave them a night off from preparing the wonderful meals they provided to us all week. We were also ministered to by every person we visited with during the week – through delivering meals, visiting people who are not able to get to church, and having dinner in people’s homes. On one last minute stop at a church member’s home, we received a beautiful liturgy prepared just for us and felt that we were the recipients of the ‘pastoral visit’.
After the physical presence part of our journey ended and we were back in Raleigh, we received updates on how medicines and over 60 pairs of shoes were shared in such a grace-filled way, ensuring that those who receive them maintain their dignity. We learned that two young boys who were on our trip to the beach have experienced a great deal of trauma and have been silent and disengaged. At the beach, we saw them smile and interact.
Our journey with the First Baptist Church Matanzas, the Kairos Center, and all of our friends will continue to be filled with learning, sharing, challenges, celebrations, broken hearts and so many special moments.
-Jill Hinton
