|
Bras and panties. Yesiree. That's what Reach Out took to Cuba for our leader's wives this year. For twelve years, Barry has gone to Cuba to train and encourage leaders with a team from Reach Out--all men. This year, he asked me to join him--and I did--along with four others--Randy and Marcy Godfrey, Randy Riggins, and Joe Edwards.
Every time a Reach Out team goes to Cuba, they return with nothing--clothes, shoes, even laptops stay behind as gifts for our Cuban leaders. I felt the tug on my heart to give--well, not just give, but pamper and spoil--the wives, mothers, and ladies of Cuba. Our Cuban country leader, Elio, provided a list of virtually unattainable items in Cuba. Along with cold medicine and toothbrushes, ladies underwear topped the list. That line item rattled me! How could such simple things--things we take for granted and can easily pick up within a mile radius of our homes--be so difficult to obtain?
With the eager help of women in my Bible study, I launched my "Mission to Pamper." Through their generosity we collected all kinds of impossible-in-Cuba feminine gifts--cosmetic bags, lotion, hand mirrors, foundation, mascara, lipstick, chapstick, eye shadow, perfume, deodorant, nail polish, earrings, necklaces, along with the much needed underwear. Putting the packages together, I was touched deeply. Each woman's agape gift bag overflowed!
On our third evening in Cuba, when the ladies received their gifts, you could feel the joy in the room! Smiles, squeals, laughter--uncontained enthusiasm! These humble, dear women, do "hard life" and still choose joy each day when "easy" is not part of their lives.
Three of the wives were pregnant. When I wondered aloud how they fare during pregnancy, I found out from one husband, "When the wife is pregnant, the husband simply gives his portion of the meals to his pregnant wife without reservation. It's his contribution to the pregnancy." [Note to self: next time, take plenty of pre-natal vitamins.] Quite humbling!
The honor of giving to these women immediately turned into receiving from them. Odalys, one of the wives, whispered to me through tears, "You have mothered us this week. We have felt nurtured and supported by your words and presence. And we've never had that before." Oh to give so little and receive so much!
|
| |
"Mission to Pamper" -- Huge Success!
|
| 
