Friends,
I have just returned from 14 days in Cuba with two groups, each for one week. Together they carried 1050 pounds of supplies consisting of medicine, food, clothing, hygiene products, and numerous specific items requested by the Cubans.
Obtaining anything in Cuba is a difficult problem with inflation and rising prices at an all-time high.
My question to various Cubans is always the same. How are you surviving? Their answer is “We live only day by day”. My opinion mirrors that of many Cubans that this cannot continue much longer.
An incredible experience for us this time was to personally meet the conductor of the Cuban National
Symphony. We presented him with donations of strings from the Grand Rapids Symphony members. His expression was priceless as he lit up with each item he opened. Thank you, Dianne, for coordinating this donation that gave us the pleasure of meeting this conductor. You would never even think that a symphony on such a high level could not get the strings that they need to perform their craft. A call to all of you musicians out there who may have extra supplies. Their need is great.
Havana Night is fast approaching when we will be celebrating Twenty-five years of us supporting the Cuban people.
Twenty-five years of volunteers helping us. We hope to see you there and if you cannot attend, please consider a donation to continue this difficult but important work. Work that is driven by our love of rescuing people who feel like they have been abandoned.
Marc
