We made it to Cuba as planned, and we have had a wonderful four days here. The classes I am teaching are going well, and the students are truly masters level students--Cuba does a great job of educating all their citizens. They are from all over the island and many different theological backgrounds. I am learning as much as I am teaching.
Sunday, worship was authentic and the people are so warm and welcoming. They sing many of the songs we sing--in Spanish--the music is just as good and the musicians as spirited. Last night we participated in a 2.5 hour prayer meeting...amazing. We left about 10:30 from the church and did not feel tired. I know again what filled with the Spirit feels like. The church is the center of the life of the people, and they have over 100 small groups all over the city. Know the ekklesia is alive and well here. I am blessed that what I will come home to is not so far from what I am experiencing here.
The weather is tropical and more like May than December, but there is a breeze all the time. Camaguey is the third largest city on the island, and the streets are crowded with people going and coming like everywhere else. Rice and beans are staple every meal, and the fruit is amazing. I have learned of apple-bananas, which I will need to find when I get home. Meals are long and filled with conversation, and Cuban coffee is smooth and rich. It's hard to get the students away from the lunch table to get back to the class.
I can't wait to get home to worship with you and tell you what I am learning and seeing. I am being inspired and encouraged every day, and I hope I will be able to help you get what I am experiencing.
I'll not be back online until I get back Saturday morning. I'll post pictures first of next week.
Sunday, worship was authentic and the people are so warm and welcoming. They sing many of the songs we sing--in Spanish--the music is just as good and the musicians as spirited. Last night we participated in a 2.5 hour prayer meeting...amazing. We left about 10:30 from the church and did not feel tired. I know again what filled with the Spirit feels like. The church is the center of the life of the people, and they have over 100 small groups all over the city. Know the ekklesia is alive and well here. I am blessed that what I will come home to is not so far from what I am experiencing here.
The weather is tropical and more like May than December, but there is a breeze all the time. Camaguey is the third largest city on the island, and the streets are crowded with people going and coming like everywhere else. Rice and beans are staple every meal, and the fruit is amazing. I have learned of apple-bananas, which I will need to find when I get home. Meals are long and filled with conversation, and Cuban coffee is smooth and rich. It's hard to get the students away from the lunch table to get back to the class.
I can't wait to get home to worship with you and tell you what I am learning and seeing. I am being inspired and encouraged every day, and I hope I will be able to help you get what I am experiencing.
I'll not be back online until I get back Saturday morning. I'll post pictures first of next week.