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This journal-turned-blog post from Daniel Winter captures the essence of our mission trip to Cuba, offering future participants a detailed glimpse into the experiences, challenges, and blessings they might encounter. From early mornings and unexpected delays to powerful worship services and meaningful service activities, this journey highlighted the profound impact of faith, fellowship, and love in action. The laughter, the food, and the moments of connection made it all the more memorable! Saturday: The Journey Begins
My alarm went off at 3:53 AM, capturing every possible minute of sleep before my return trip to Cuba. Everything was prepped for a swift departure as I picked up my buddy, Matt, a seasoned Cuba veteran, on our way to the airport. Despite a few detours and delays, Matt and I managed to reach his in-laws' house just a few minutes behind schedule, thanks to the gracious assistance of Dianne and Andy, who taxied us to the airport to meet up with the team.
Our crew, smaller than last year, consisted of six dedicated individuals, including Pam, a seasoned missionary with over two decades of experience in Cuba. After a smooth flight to Miami and then Camaguey, we arrived and navigated through customs. Unfortunately, my bag was still stuck in Miami, but with faith and a bit of humor, I prepared to attend Sunday service in my unconventional Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles button-down shirt.
We were warmly welcomed by Carlos Sr., Maruchi, and Samuel, who took us to Maruchi’s office for a lunch break. Carlos Sr. shared his excitement for our arrival and prayed over our meal before we headed to Cespedes, where we were greeted by familiar and friendly faces, including Carlitos, Jonathan, and Yordan. The afternoon was spent unpacking and catching up, surrounded by the best food and coffee. Every meal felt like a feast, with dishes like ropa vieja, black beans and rice, plantains, and the freshest tropical fruits you can imagine.
Sunday: Worship and Preparation
Sunday morning started with the usual Cuban ambiance of motorcycles racing through the streets and random music blaring. Pam, a Cuba mission trip veteran, shared stories over breakfast about the challenges and joys of past trips. Her inspiring words about passing the baton to younger generations resonated deeply.
One funny moment was when Matt, still groggy from the early start, poured himself a cup of what he thought was coffee. Turns out, it was a strong Cuban espresso, and his wide-eyed reaction had us all laughing for the rest of the morning.
We attended a vibrant Sunday service in Cespedes, joined by a team from a Dallas church with Puerto Rican roots. Pastor Juan delivered a powerful sermon, culminating in one of the most moving altar calls I’ve ever witnessed. After the service, we enjoyed a delicious lunch and spent the afternoon preparing for the upcoming VBS and youth camp, organizing goodie bags and sorting shoes for the children.
In the evening, we checked into the beautiful Hotel San Juan De Dios in Camaguey, reflecting on the day’s highlights and the blessings we had experienced.
Monday: VBS and Youth Camp Kickoff
Monday marked the start of VBS, youth camp, and women’s ministry. The VBS theme, “Playa Roca Rompeolas,” emphasized standing on the rock of Jesus amid the world’s waves. At the youth camp, we picked our team colors and dove into activities, serving snacks and leading discussions on the story of Joseph.
The afternoon was filled with team games, including ultimate frisbee, volleyball, and a new addition—bubble wrestling. Despite the challenges, the camaraderie and joy were palpable. One of the funniest moments was when Matt, trying to impress the kids, tripped during ultimate frisbee and ended up with a face full of dirt. He was a good sport about it, though, and the kids loved it.
In the evening, we had a family-style dinner at a local restaurant, where Pastor Juan shared the gospel with our waitress, leading her to salvation. The food was incredible—juicy roasted pork, yuca with mojo, and flan for dessert that melted in your mouth.
Tuesday: Breakout Sessions and More Games
Tuesday’s breakout sessions for boys and girls at the camp were particularly impactful. Matt and I led the boys in an activity reinforcing the camp’s theme, followed by a discussion on discerning God’s voice amid worldly distractions. Personal stories from our team members highlighted the challenges and triumphs of living out our faith.
The afternoon brought more games, including archery, seated volleyball, and kickball. Despite mixed results, the spirit of competition and fellowship thrived. One particularly amusing moment was when our team tried to explain the rules of kickball to the Cuban kids. Our Spanish wasn’t quite up to the task, leading to a hilarious, chaotic game that ended with everyone just kicking the ball and running in circles.
In the evening, we packed 500 goodie bags for the VBS kids with Operation Care, overcoming a power blackout and witnessing a powerful service led by Pastor Juan.
Wednesday: Operation Care and Youth Camp
Wednesday was dedicated to Operation Care. We washed the feet of 500 children, provided them with shoes and goodie bags, and shared Christ’s love through simple yet profound acts of service. Despite personal discomfort and illness, the joy in the room was undeniable.
Afternoon games at the youth camp continued, though my energy was waning due to illness. However, the rain and a final round of volleyball left lasting, joyous memories. Dinner was followed by heartfelt goodbyes as we prepared for our departure. Our last meal was a hearty stew known as "ajiaco," brimming with various meats and vegetables, a fitting end to our culinary adventures.
Thursday: Departure and Reflection
A night of shivering and discomfort reminded me of the resilience of our Cuban friends, who often endure similar challenges without air conditioning or lights. Despite the illness, the heartfelt goodbyes and the impact of our mission trip filled me with gratitude. I witnessed lives changed, people saved, and bonds strengthened. The momentary discomfort was a small price to pay for such incredible blessings. Praise God.
To get a more dynamic look at our journey, check out the vlog recap created by one of our trip participants, Ereka Howard. Watching it will give you a true sense of the joy, laughter, and spiritual growth that marked our mission trip!
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