Cuba was the very first country that I’ve visited outside of the United States. My friend Christa (WR alumni) and I were blessed to have the opportunity to go. We met some great people, and lived life for a week through a different perspective. After having a couple of weeks to process things from this experience, here are 5 lessons that the Lord has taught me.
1. Fundraising: never doubt what God is capable of doing, if He’s called you to it.
I thought fundraising was going to be difficult, but the Lord proved me wrong. I thought raising $680 for the trip in general, was a lot of money but a reasonable amount. Airfare from Miami to Cuba was not included in that price. It was an extra $479. Then I had to figure out airfare from Texas to Miami! Which was around $380. What did the Lord think I was made out of, money? Ha! With my small paycheck, I had no idea how I was going to raise that kind of money. But, glory to God, I raised over $1,500 for this trip! I donated 1 paycheck a month to cover the cost of the trip. I didn’t have enough money for the Miami-Cuba airfare deadline, but God seemed to be keeping me in mind. He sent Mr. Bruce Albright my way, he was the first person to donate to my mission funds. My church, First Baptist Church Pflugerville, and all the people who paid for a photography session helped generously in this financial endeavor. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I made the last payment for the trip. It turned out to be so easy! God planned out everything, and it slowly fell into place.
2. Team: a group of strangers can make the best of friends.
We had an all girls team going to Cuba except Colby, our group leader. For some reason I couldn’t shake the feeling that everyone in the group seemed so familiar. I knew from the start that, even though we were strangers meeting for the first time, I was comfortable with them. Our time in Cuba was mainly spent getting to know the families there, but getting to know these girls was just as important. “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” –Romans 15:5-6.
3. Perspective: not everything in life is what it seems, be thankful for what you have.
When I was younger I imagined Cuba as this vacation island surrounded by beaches and history, didn’t think much about it. Upon arriving in Cuba, I couldn’t believe I was actually there. The realization of being in a different country didn’t hit me at first. The sky was still blue. The clouds were still white and the sun was hot. Going through customs for the first time was an interesting process. We waited a while to get our bags, then we set foot on Cuban soil. It wasn’t quite like I imagined. The bus ride to our location was when it got to me. Seeing the old cars, old buildings, the country, all of the propaganda, wow! It made me realize how good we have it in the United States. The people in Cuba don’t have much, and as an American I really wondered if it bothered them. It didn’t seem to. These people where filled with so much life, the Holy Spirit is all they need. Seeing their life through this perspective taught me another thing. It made me realize that I put a value on materialism. Is it worth it? I don’t think so anymore.
4. People: they actually care about you.
The people we met while in Cuba where probably some of the nicest, they opened up their houses to us and served us. We got to hear a lot of testimonies in how the Lord is working in their lives. The Lord blessed me with many friendships there. I remember I got sick on the fourth day, I felt horrible all day long. They offered me medicine and prayed over me. The hospitality and the concern from these people really touched my heart. I’m thankful I didn’t miss out on the baptisms at the beach that day because seeing their boldness in obedience to the Lord changed my perspective on public worship. Instead of judgment, I felt a lot of love that day.
5. Opportunity: take it while you have it.
This whole trip was an opportunity for me. I’m so glad I took the risk in getting to go. I met a young girl that told me about her school, that she doesn’t have a choice in what she studies. The government decides what job she will do when she grows up. I can’t imagine not having a choice in something that’s going to effect how you live your life. To her, that’s life though. She is only 15 years old, but still choses to praise the Lord through that. That is one opportunity she chooses to take. Though it’s risky, Cuba is changing. I can only hope and pray that the country finds healing and can move forward in peace. The future is in God’s hands.
