Our Center hosted this year’s Pastors for Peace Caravan to Cuba on Tuesday, July 15th. The venue was at the house and garden called Dakota EcoGarden Project. Those visiting for the first time met the residents living there; some in the house itself and others in the large backyard. There is one eco shelter (a prototype for others to come) and several tents on platforms.
The event began in their front yard and as the sun gradually disappeared and the breeze in the trees helped with the heat, we were treated to songs by Merlinda Espinosa – what a voice she has. We heard reports from Sue Kern, who was a caravanista last year, and from Gerry Bill who has been to Cuba countless times. This was followed with a potluck on the back patio – always wonderful to share food with caring people. And more reports from past caravanistas. Lastly, we heard from Manola De Los Santos, the route speaker. Manola is originally from Dominican Republic and is now a theology student living in Cuba. He spoke eloquently but also urgently about Cuba and what the 52 year old embargo is still doing to the people of that small island. He spoke of their wonderfully trained doctors who go all over the world helping in countries experiencing environmental disasters or in poverty stricken areas with little access to medical care. Not known by many is the fact that Cuba provides to students all over the world, including the U.S., a free medical education in their Latin American School of Medicine.
See photos attached.
Caravan Bus caption
