September 23, 2016
So long but not goodbye
Gardeners, sewers, teachers and painters headed as usual this am for our last day of work. How different our early morning walk was from 10 days ago: now the sites and rhythm of the city are familiar, as is the route. What seemed so astonishing just 10 days ago, now seems normal and comfortable.
Fast work at the sewing table allowed me to finish several granny squares, as well as sew together several into a bag(handle to be added by the "real" sewing jefa). Phil and Kathy both finished multiple squares, and Yari learned to crochet for the first time, and proudly held up her first square.
The teachers, gardeners and lone painter had satisfying mornings as well. Lunch brought pizza, meeting, last minute planning and pleas to fill out the end of program evaluations. Next up was a visit to the local museum(a beautifully restored old building) with a dance presentation by Rumbavilla, an award winning AfroCuban dance troupe. As with most things in Cuba, this included audience participation with all of us trying to learn the new beat.
A few hours of siesta, swimming, and packing and then we all gathered at the first restaurant we ate at 2 weeks ago to celebrate our team and our adventures. We were thrilled to be joined by many of our local hosts, filling the small room with 24 people. Drinking, laughing, eating, and more drinking ensued, with toasts all around as well as thanks to each volunteer as well as all of the local hosts.
Heading out early tomorrow morning for the 2 hour bus ride to Santa Clara airport I'm guessing that most will realize what a powerful and effective team this has been. We set very high goals when we started; and as we head back, across a very small geographic gap, we hope that we have helped, in our small way, to heal old wounds, and as Eduardo says so well: "built bridges for our governments to walk on".
In the meantime, thanks as always, to family, friends, and colleagues who have stayed the course at home, while we have had the chance to serve the Cuban people,
With love and tremendous gratitude,
Barbara
So long but not goodbye
Gardeners, sewers, teachers and painters headed as usual this am for our last day of work. How different our early morning walk was from 10 days ago: now the sites and rhythm of the city are familiar, as is the route. What seemed so astonishing just 10 days ago, now seems normal and comfortable.
Fast work at the sewing table allowed me to finish several granny squares, as well as sew together several into a bag(handle to be added by the "real" sewing jefa). Phil and Kathy both finished multiple squares, and Yari learned to crochet for the first time, and proudly held up her first square.
The teachers, gardeners and lone painter had satisfying mornings as well. Lunch brought pizza, meeting, last minute planning and pleas to fill out the end of program evaluations. Next up was a visit to the local museum(a beautifully restored old building) with a dance presentation by Rumbavilla, an award winning AfroCuban dance troupe. As with most things in Cuba, this included audience participation with all of us trying to learn the new beat.
A few hours of siesta, swimming, and packing and then we all gathered at the first restaurant we ate at 2 weeks ago to celebrate our team and our adventures. We were thrilled to be joined by many of our local hosts, filling the small room with 24 people. Drinking, laughing, eating, and more drinking ensued, with toasts all around as well as thanks to each volunteer as well as all of the local hosts.
Heading out early tomorrow morning for the 2 hour bus ride to Santa Clara airport I'm guessing that most will realize what a powerful and effective team this has been. We set very high goals when we started; and as we head back, across a very small geographic gap, we hope that we have helped, in our small way, to heal old wounds, and as Eduardo says so well: "built bridges for our governments to walk on".
In the meantime, thanks as always, to family, friends, and colleagues who have stayed the course at home, while we have had the chance to serve the Cuban people,
With love and tremendous gratitude,
Barbara
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