Stuck at the airport

I arrived in Havana at about 7:30 pm.  But I didn't get out of the airport until 10:15 pm.  Minor glitch.  They had my last names reversed.  They were looking for Patricio Rodriguez Texidor instead of Patricio Texidor Rodriguez.  The lady in charge of my visa said she went crazy looking for me.  I was standing in a long line with other passengers the whole time.  No one told me that I could have gone to the VIP line for a speedy checkout!  Seriously!

But an elderly employee of the airport really was too kind for me to truly express.  I told him what was happening and he actually let me use his personal cell pone to contact my friends who were waiting there to pick me up!  My iPhone does not work in Cuba.  Once I did that everything worked out.  It still took another hour or so to get me out of there.  I was so grateful for this gentleman!  What a generous heart!

...pronto volveras a visitar tu tierra (soon you will return to visit your land)

I received an email from Cuba recently.  My young friend's words stuck in my mind: "...soon you will return to your land."  It set me to thinking about my cultural ambivalence: am I a Cuban or an American?  I am bicultural: both Cuban and American.  Neither of the two roots that have grown in each culture have been uprooted. It makes for a complicated life, but a rich one as well. For many years I have been navigating the adjustments required of me in my adopted land. It's curious that after more than fifty years, the adjustment will now flow the other way!  This is one of several concerns that have grown within me in the past few months and even years. This trip has heightened them, but with the help of fellow believers, these concerns have not overwhelmed me. Perhaps it is also helpful that I will be connecting with Christ-followers in Cuba. That special bond between us is undeniable, even if we do not know each other. I know they will extend grace to me as much as I would to them. 

Glad to be in Miami to prepare for Cuba trip

At my cousin's house in Miami, there is a beautiful lake. The weather has been clear and sunny. I didn't think it would be as warm as it is (75-80 degrees). I imagine it will be similar in Cuba. I was inside until she suggested I go out in the patio. My consciousness is still ruled by the northern cold. Warmth and openness is the new paradigm for me during this trip. I should bring that back up north when I return. 

This morning I went to Cosco with my cousins. I found a lot of medications and other necessities which Cubans had requested. But I'm going to need another duffle bag in which to put it all!  My other cousin will help me with tips for packaging it all.  

I have to focus on my presentations for the next few days. I want to use the internet for more research while I'm still in the US. 

Keep praying for me. Sunday is the big day when I fly into Havana.