Cuba Day 2

Today we are working on the farm with our ministry partners.  Students who were pushing calculator keys two weeks ago are today using machetes, rakes, hoes, and shovels to prepare soil, weed soil, and move soil.  Our devotional yesterday was about the parable of the sower and the four kinds of soils that represent our hearts when we hear the Gospel.  We went to the white sand beach of veradero last night and played a pickup game of soccer and frolicked in the warm water.

We spent about 2 hours debriefing the day and reflecting on our church experience, the condition of the soil of our hearts, and honestly shared where we each were in regard to the ministry opportunity that lay before us.  One of our young men asked the question that I believe will drive much of the work I feel called to on this trip: 'Mr. Scherrei, I want to know God and experience Him like these people do, but I don't know How.'  Most students nodded their heads in agreement.  And so we've decided on raw honesty as a team, vulnerability, and a commitment to the long dialogues necessary to till the soil of their hearts.

At 11:00, we went to get an ice-cream cone and await the arrival of Ms. Tisdale, who arrived safely at 1:00am after her flight was delayed.  And so today, we read the story of Elisha praying for his servant's eyes to be opened to see chariots and an army of fire surrounding them.  We talked about Elijah encountering God in the whispers of life rather than wind, fire, or earthquakes. Today, while we work, we are listening for whispers, marveling at soil, and looking for God's fingerprints in all that we do.  Lauren Park asked to use a machete on the farm and was disappointed they only let the guys use them,  Amina is more than enamored with the plethora of old classic American Fords and Chevys on the roads.  Josh and Mrs Spina went for a run this morning and were exhausted by the 88 degree plus humidity weather!

This afternoon, we will visit some home church pastors and learn how we can serve them while we are here.  Everyone is healthy, in good spirits, and working hard.  Mosquito bites and heat are the new norm, but it makes relaxing in the evening all the more sweet.