We Work Hard...We Play Hard!

This January, February, and March were so brisk that we were working into the wee hours more days and nights than we would like to admit. With spring break coming up, Marlene was “on the hunt” for a get away. We had enough points saved up and mentally and physically, it was time...time for some R&R...time for family...and time to get recharged. Cuba...here we come!

We made some cool family memories. Jared went on a “Beach and Bush” tour by horse, which was only $4 per hour. We rented mopeds and toured the area for hours and wow did we get an eye opener!

Once you step outside the tourist area, you are in a time machine...going back 100 years. Villages with wells—we are talking a rope and bucket—horses pulling carriages, oxen pulling carts, hardly any cars. In fact, there are 10 times more horse carts and ox carts than cars!

In Cuba, if you are a student and do not have a 95% average for your grades, then after high school you have the privilege of spending 2 years in the Army. The average worker makes $10-12 US a month, and a physiotherapist we met was earning $15 US a month. Ownership of land or even a car is almost non-existent for the average person.

Jared said the best memory of the whole trip was when we stopped at a little church on our moped tour. We gave them some packages of “goodies” and a couple Spanish videos of “The Jesus Film For Kids” that we brought from home…”Dad, they were so thankful. I could see it in their eyes.”

We had a really great family get away. There was great food, awesome beaches, and we were able to read some good books, yet what we really came home with was a feeling of blessings. We are so blessed to be living right where we are...rain and all!