News from Holguin

Arrival: We arrived in two groups. The first on Thursday, and the second on Saturday. We entered the country with virtually no problems. When the group arrived on Saturday we found the first group already heavily involved in work.
Our hosts are wonderful and our accommodations at the Iglesia de los Amigos, the Quaker church we call "home" is a little like summer camp. We're staying in two rooms, men in one and women in another, in bunk beds. It is cozy and comfortable.
We've been warmly welcomed into the community at two separate Quaker churches. The churches are very social community centers, having activities every day for various age groups. On Saturday the women joined a women's discussion on impowerment. On Sunday we went to three different services. In the morning the children had a separate service. We were introduced at the 11 am service. We also attended an evening service at Vista Alegre. The communities were very warm in their welcome.
Work: We have been amazed at the amount we've been able to accomplish so far. We have dug a large sewage ditch, removed a very large and deep tree stump, mixed cement for the installation of a sink, loaded a large dump truck with cement from old projects, we built a scaffold and cleaned the ceiling and walls of the church in preparation for painting, have painted several walls and windows, cleaned the church, put up a clothes line, and are now painting a bathroom.
Social: Each evening arrangements have been made for us to have dinner with different families. The families have been really warm and generous, and have shared their homes and made wonderful local meals for us. It has been very humbling to be the recipients of such kindness from people who have just met us. After dinner we've walked into town and watched various performances of dance and music. These are being presented in preparation for the celebration of July 26th - El Dia de la Moncada. This was July 26th, 1953 when the Revolution began, and is one of the major celebrations in Cuba. We have also climbed to the top of Loma de la Cruz where we saw a wonderful panoramic view of Holguin and the countryside.
Upcoming This coming week in addition to continuing our work we will be visiting a rural church and clinic in the city of Bayamo, Santiago de Cuba on a full day trip, the small coastal town of Gibara, and will spend an afternoon at the beach on Guardalavaca. We're all thriving and feeling privileged to be here.
In Friendship...
The Cuba Group