2 Meals/Day for 50 Disabled Cubans

Dear Friends of Cuba, 

I returned from Cuba just two weeks ago, and I want to give you a report about First-Hand Aid’s progress in Cuba and what is happening there. Thanks to our loyal friends and volunteers, we are continuing our journey and our mission: to help the people of Cuba. We are profoundly grateful for your support, and, as always, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Many people have recently emailed asking about the changes in Cuba, especially regarding tourism. I can tell you that there are many more tourists than in past visits. There has been a steady increase over the past year. But there’s a more important question: Is this increase in revenue from tourists reaching the people? For many months, I have been saying that life for the Cuban people seems to be getting more difficult. Last Sunday, I read a Washington Post article confirming what I have always believed to be true. If you do nothing more than read this article, you will understand. Read the Article Here

Our last trip to Cuba

I had the opportunity to travel with a small group this time. Only four of us total—two from Colorado and one from Grand Rapids. I thank them so much for their work.

There were two especially significant events. First, I took a walk with Robin through some of the poorest neighborhoods I have ever encountered in Cuba. The piles of trash were mind blowing to me. These homes were just getting water service restored after two months without it. Incredible. That was only possible because a man from Spain hired a private crew to install a new pipeline.After 18 years of working in Cuba, I thought I had seen everything. Not so. Take a moment to watch this video. Short, but to the point.

The second most important event is an exciting milestone for First-Hand Aid. We just hired our own medical teams. There are two teams, each with one physician and one nurse. As we begin to open more clinics for medicine, more clinicians are needed. They will continue to work at their hospitals and offices, and during their time off they will make rounds visiting Cubans for our food and support programs. Many of those we serve have not seen medical personal in years. Most rarely leave their homes. We are inspired by the possibilities that our medical teams provide.

The Brothers

That’s what we affectionately call my staff of five Cubans. We are like a family, and they are my brothers. All are good, with the exception of Maikel. Sadly, he has been imprisoned for three years. Still four to go. Maikel and I were close, and he assisted First-Hand Aid travelers many times at the airport. Over the years, I have communicated with him through his wife, and always my heart is heavy with the burden of his absence from the family.

As usual, on one of my last days in Cuba, I gathered the staff and their families for dinner at a local restaurant. Only 10 minutes into the meal, Maikels’s wife reached over the table to hand me her cell phone and said it was for me. I heard Maikel’s voice say, “Hello, my brother.” Like a floodgate opening, tears began to flow, and I had to leave the table to continue the conversation with him. It was such a great joy to hear his voice after three years. I’m not sure how they pulled that one off, but I’m so thankful.

All the staff and families are doing well, and all send their regards. Amid the daily struggles in Cuba, they continue to be happy, gracious, and upbeat. I will continue to keep you updated.Thank you again for your continued support. We are blessed to have friends like you.

Links:

• Cuban's don't benefit from American business, Castro does.
• Visit our website
• The Most Impoverished Cubans