Cultural Reflections

It´s been strange (in a good way) to be in another country for a few weeks - and to recognise the differences in culture - even though there are similarities as well. Cuba is a bit of an enigma in itself. Outside of the country, it´s portrayed in so many different ways - depending on your political leanings or which aspects of society you put greater emphasis on. It´s achievements in education and health service are some of the best in the world, but the same can´t be said for freedom of speech and human rights. And within the country, even the great acheivements of the government aren´t quite what they seem. The Cuban newspapers are always full of good news  -- which is a breath of fresh air compared to Guatemala where the most popular newspaper is nicknamed 'The Daily Death' -- but of course if you only ever hear good news, people doubt it´s authenticity and accuracy.
And the Cuban people are very different from Guatemalans -- they seem to be much more outgoing and extroverted, they speak very directly and loudly,  - whereas Guatemalans are more reserved and conditional in the way they speak.
Although I speak Spanish, the Cuban accent is very strong and with certain people, I found it difficult to understand. And even when the words were clear,  there´s so much more to communicating in another culture. In many ways I was back to square one - learning about the appropriate ways to interact with people and of course making mistakes along the way. I was reminded again of how a missionary life is not suited to perfectionists! It´s humbling to realise (again) that you don´t understand what´s going on, or how you should react to people and events... but equally encouraging to see the God works in us anyway! 

Recent Travels

 I have just returned from 2 weeks in Cuba. It was a great time of meeting different Latin Link friends and contacts there  - thinking about ways in which we can work together. For several years, Latin Link has been developing friendships with churches there, and some of the possibilities now are a result of those long term friendships.

 

I spend a week in Havana -this view is from the Baptist Seminary

 Retired Latin Link members were able to teach in the seminary as well as lead a conference for retired people with a church in Havana. Their humility and years of experience in Peru was a real advantage as they shared with the church and with pastors.

 

I then spent a week in a small town, 2 hours west of Havana. Strider Hollie has got to know the church and pastor over the last couple of years, and was able to organise the visit of a Step team who are now helping out with a children´s holiday Bible school and youth activities.

 The Step team got around in a variety of modes of transport.....

 Here - the Edinburgh Step team in the back of a truck.

 

It was highlight for me to spend an evening with the Step team as they visited a house church. As building new churches is virtually impossible, the vast majority of growth in the Cuban church is through house churches - who meet together in someone´s home - not more than 12 people - and study the word and encourage each other. For that reason, leadership training is a huge need. During our visit, a few members of the step team shared testimonies and preached, and we prayed for each other. It was a real privilege to be invited to share with them. Most of the church, particularly in that area of Cuba, have never met people from outside, and were encouraged by hearing of what God is doing in other places

Airport farewells.