Deidre Allen
Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
As a believer, I feel it is our duty to uplift one another in prayer, support physically, mentally, and other ways that could make a long term positive impact where God sends us. We also have to be ready and willing to go, do, and show we care and then continue do and to play our part if that is being in the forefront of it all to promote or demand change or if you are in the background in prayer and supplication. We are all called Children of God as believers. If one is hurting we must do our part to help ease the pain and then pray to God for healing powers and to give us wisdom for the next duty. I want to come to pray individually or collectively as allowed possible for our sisters and brothers of Cuba and ask the Lord to build up their resources and to allow them to continue to have hope. I believe this trip to Cuba will be a very impactful experience to be on the grounds in uncomfortable spaces to see, live, and walk alongside first hand with Cuban Christian movement and community.
Emerson Azcoitia
Elmhurst University
Elmhurst University
I come from Cuban heritage, and like so many other Latino families, I was not raised in my culture and more so raised as a watered down version of Cuban and Puerto Rican. I am participating in the Cuba Solidarity Trip with the WSCF-US to better understand my culture, understanding the struggle that my country of residence has caused my country of origin.
Emily Carle
Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
I currently live in a part of the country which equates Cuba with "bad," "dictatorship," "communism," and "cigars." I want to learn more for myself so I can work to dispel myths and educate my people on what the reality is. I was also deeply moved during my trip to Israel and Palestine in January. The situation between the US and Cuba has similar aspects to the human rights crisis in Palestine perpetuated by Israel. Israel basically took a lesson out the US's playbook with Cuba. I was really galvanized by the atrocities I saw in Palestine and gave talks to my seminary and church about the apartheid happening. I got involved with the UCC's Palestine Israel Network. I honestly could see myself going over to Israel to be a missionary for action there on behalf of the Palestinians. I see the Cuba Solidarity Trip as a continuation of this work I do with/alongside/for oppressed folks facing dominate empires. It feels like a real calling for me. I would be really interested to see how what I see and learn in Cuba could work for Cuban justice and how it can contribute to greater work for people oppressed by all empires
Claire Kim
Underground Seminary
Underground Seminary
Hello! I am participating in the Cuba Solidarity Trip primarily to learn from and to enter into fellowship with our Cuban brothers, sisters, and siblings in Christ. With the embargo, I know the country has had to become creative and work together to make life work, and with the worsening political, economic, and climate conditions around the world and in the US, I know we must learn to do the same if we want to have a future on our planet. I am also interested in learning about how we can offer support as WSCF-US, as individuals, and through our local communities from Cubans directly and not filtered through American propaganda.
Nathan Samayo
Princeton Theological Seminary
Princeton Theological Seminary
During my time with WSCF-US, one of my main priorities has been bridging our group's faith with deep political engagement--making sure that the spiritual dimensions of our organization are urgently respondent to contemporary political and social issues (with U.S. imperialism over Cuba being one of those contemporary and historical issues). On top of that, I've been interested in bridging relationships between SCM/WSCF-US on the international level, especially because I believe us American participants have a lot to learn from our international community when it comes to faith and politics.
Erin Hancock
WSCF-US National Organizer
WSCF-US National Organizer
To me, this trip is the first step toward building relationships rooted in truth-telling, solidarity, and mutuality with our siblings in Cuba. I look forward to learning first-hand about Cuba's sociopolitical history and current realities, much of which has been shaped by my own country's policies and narratives told about Cuba. I hope that the relationships we build and the stories we hear will transform us and move us toward deeper and more informed solidarity with the Cuban people and all people affected by the forces of U.S. imperialism.