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News
& Links > Cuba Trip
Cuba - A story, a perspective, a challenge
By Maurine Hale
Special to the RMCUCC News
It all started in 2007, when Christ Congregational United Church of
Christ in Pueblo accepted an opportunity to host the “Pastors for
Peace Friendshipment Caravan” to Cuba.
Rev. Max Hale, who previously enjoyed a bicycle tour of Cuba, was interested
in sharing another perspective of the “Emerald Isle” with
people of Faith, so he spear-headed the event. Since this year’s
theme was “Medical Care for the Elderly,” Max contacted all
the hospitals and medical centers in both Pueblo and Colorado Springs
and sought assistance.
One medical center responded, as did “Glasses for Masses” and “CrossLinks
International”. Their help allowed Christ Church to ‘leverage’ the
funds, as they received $50,793 worth of medical supplies. Also, gifts
in the amount of $1,962 were received from Christ Church, First Church
Pueblo, Vista Grande UCC in Colorado Springs, Broadmoor UCC in Colorado
Springs and the MCC which worships at Christ Church, which helped pay
for gas and other caravan expenses.
The caravan experience began at Christ Church on July 8. The bus arrived
and Rev. Diane Baker preached a powerful service. Revs. Max Hale and
Steve Parke were commissioned by Rev. Faye Gallegos to act as ambassadors.
The bus was packed with the goods – and all was ready.
Early the next morning, Parke joined the caravanistas as they headed
for McAllen, TX, where folks from 14 various routes across the US were
converging. Hale flew to McAllen on Friday to assist with caravan activities,
participate in the orientation, and go to Cuba.
Max and the caravanistas received warm greetings everywhere they visited
in Cuba. They were welcomed by the performance of a dance troupe. The
were challenged by one of the leaders of the “120 Club” (folks
who plan to live to 120 years) to join in that endeavor. They celebrated
with block parties. Politicians spoke to them and they attended the medical
school graduation, which included 8 students from the U.S. All medical
school training (room, board, tuition, and a stipend) is provided to
each medical student with the stipulation that each student returns to
their home and serve the poor in their midst.
Max reports that when we think of Cuba, we must set aside thoughts of
third world countries. Folks are clean, healthy, smart – but poor.
The literacy rate in Cuba is higher than that in the US – and just
this year, the average life expectancy rate in Cuba surpassed that in
America. Hale said the trip made him feel as though he were back home
in Alabama, 50 years ago. The pace of life was slower, many of the cars
were of that vintage, and the heat and humidity were similar as well.
While not everyone they met was happy with their own government, they
felt life was good.
So what’s the challenge now? Pastors for Peace
is considering “transportation” as
next year’s theme – so LET’S TAKE THE BUS TO CUBA!
The goal is $10,000 to buy a used bus that will be taken to Cuba. Folks
from this area will ride the bus and share the experience and goods
will be loaded along the way; and the bus will ultimately be taken
to Cuba
for use by a school or a community.
If you’re interested, contact Steve Parke or Max Hale or Faye
Gallegos.
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