As I live in Florida, I feel as if I my 2013 journey to Cuba with Global Volunteers was an homage to my Cuban American friends and colleagues. Cuba is beautiful, deteriorating, and complex. The people are warm and welcoming. Everyone dances, sings, and/or plays instruments. The old are survivors and resourceful. The young are […]
Cuba has a magnetic pull for me….I just returned from my 6th (or maybe 7th) trip to Cuba. Our Cuban friends say: “We’ve never met a stranger, “ and that is exactly how you feel the moment you arrive in the country. They greet us with hugs and smiles and immediately make us feel “at home.” The […]
After the first week of teaching, I have familiarized myself with the living environment and working rhythm. A typical day would consist of the following: getting up at 6:30, go for a short jog around the lake to kickstart the day; washing up and get dressed; have breakfast with fellow volunteers; cram into a taxi […]
The Global Volunteers program was kicked off by a name game during breakfast in the hotel. I got to know all my team members: Steve, John, Roger, Keith, Tom, Liz, Kay and Janice. To my surprise, some of them had served on over 10 Global Volunteers programs. Team Leader Pam is so experienced and efficient in organizing […]
Google Makes Internet Freedom Visit to Cuba By Tom Risen June 30, 2014 | 10:52 a.m. EDT Only 2.6 million of 11.2 million living in Cuba have Internet access, with many of the access points run by the government or hotels for wealthy foreigners. Google wants to change that, so top executive Eric Schmidt is […]
Here’s to all the volunteers, those dedicated people who are helping others. Unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the biography of souls. I can no other answer make, but, thanks and thanks. – a merging of various quotes by Linda Friday Morning (David) It’s Friday the 13th, the beginning to an […]
“When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others.” – Peace Pilgrim Today we were surprised to see that one of the children’s mothers showed up to visit. It was clear from observation that this was an extremely emotional moment for both the son and mother. […]
Barlad Children’s Hospital – Alina is a particularly remarkable child. She is six years old and only weighs 19 lbs, but by some miracle she sees, hears, walks and talks. She has a grin on her tiny face and her feet are always dancing. Such an extraordinary little girl. Of course, none of these children understand […]
Broadcast on NPR April 13, 2014 Summary: Since Fidel Castro ceded authority to his brother Raul in 2006, life in Cuba has slowly been changing. Young Cubans are more comfortable talking about their government, and cellphones have begun to open up the island more, connecting it in a small way to the outside world. Julia […]
Our last day in Ciego de Avila – Thursday – was spent in the heart of the city. We met Eduardo at his church where we gave all the donations we carried with us – toys, fabric, toothpaste and brushes. Zoe led us on a short walking tour of the shopping area of Ciego. When […]