Obstacle number 2...We took over an electric piano, an electric guitar, a stand for the piano, an acoustic guitar and about 4 suitcases full of stuff to give away!! I thought to myself `if we get caught with all this stuff and they ask what the heck we`re doing with rolls of toilet paper and mutliple bars of soap and toothpaste in our suitcase for only two weeks, they`re gonna take it all away!! Of all things...I think that would`ve upset me the most if we wouldn`t of been able to get through with all those things...but again...God pulled through...like he promises! They did not open 1 suitcase nor interogate us about all the musical instruments. They simply asked dad what it was and off we were....finally...in Havana City, Cuba.
I don`t even know where to begin or what to tell...all I can say is that I`ve come to learn and appreciate the blessings that are present living in Australia. I know at times, I get upset when I hear about changes the governments making on stuff, or I hear about closing jobs down...which I happen to be a recipient...the opportunity to dream and grow exists living in Australia, even here in El Salvador or in Africa. I think Africa is a very forgotten continent...but people can be free. Having been to Zambia....Cuba, is completley a different world. The Cuban`s say....there`s the world and then...there`s Cuba. It`s an isolated country, there`s a sense of oppression and imprisoment. People cant trust anyone. Youth aspire to nothing...cos what`s the point....they can go and study to become a doctor for free and earn only $20 a month. The Government makes a contract with them...that if they study to become a doctor they cant leave the country....oh and what about food. People might think that although they get free education, `free`food they`re better off....hmmm...reality is...they`re worst off!
Imagine living on 3kg of rice for a month, 5 eggs for the month, a bar of soap for the month. This is what a person is entitled to a month living in Cuba and it doesnt matter whether you`re a doctor or sweep the floor...everything belongs to everyone and especially everything belongs to the government...even the right to express what you feel and think. Say anything against Castro`s Kingdom....you`re gone!
Anyways...my mind is all scattered..so much went and so much to process. I think its been great going over to see how others live in other countries especially places like Africa and Cuba. I mean..I thought El Salvador was bad times...in reality, its no where near as close to being like Africa or Cuba! However, despite the calamity of life present in Cuba....I admired the great faith and joy our christian friends experienced. They kept dreaming and don`t lose hope...that although they live in a prison of a country...they have a God who is capable of making the impossible possible. It was a great lesson for us! To learn and to see God`s faitfullness. Another short story...an older guy had been praying for a cap. We took a few caps over.When we arrive we allowed the pastor to hand out the stuff to those in most need. Anyways, this older man happened to be a recipient of one of the caps. We knew nothing about him needing one nor did the pastor. This testified...that God even listens to the most simple little things....his prayer got answered and he got one.