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 that may have extra supplies. Their need is great. The photo below is the
conductor.
Havana Night is fast approaching when we will be celebrating Twenty five years of us serving 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 rescuing people who feel like they have been abandoned.
Marc
