Cabo Cruz is a small, remote fishing village along the coast of Cuba.  There are very few opportunities for businesses here. The ground is solid rock which makes it nearly impossible to farm fruits and vegetables. There is one store in town (about the size of a small Circle K) that is often closed because it is empty. There is one government-owned restaurant; however, it is rarely open due to limited food and lack of customers. There is one school in the community but the students are lacking basic supplies (paper, pencils, books) so it is very difficult for students to learn. The wife of the missionary team, Oliedis, is a teacher at the school.

On our trip in 2023, we were astounded to see the washing "machine" that the missionaries used in Cabo Cruz. It was basically an old, rusted bucket in which the clothes were placed, the water poured in, and laundry soap added. They used a wooden stick to stir and agitate the clothes. This rudimentary washing machine was an illustration of the kind of life they lived in this small fishing town.

So, when the missionaries asked us to purchase them a washing machine as a means of generating income of the church, we readily agreed. They wanted to provide laundry service to the community and their old "machine" wasn't going to cut it.

Shortly after getting the machine, the pump that got water into this community broke and they were without running water for 3 months so they were unable to use the machine. After the water was restored, they did not have laundry detergent in their community.  The nearest store is about 40 miles away and they lack transportation to get there. While our mission team was in Cuba, they were able to purchase 8 bags of laundry detergent for them so they could finally use their new washing machine.

This story of hurdles that we in the US would never have to endure gives us new-found appreciation for the patient trust that our friends in Cuba place in Jesus. They know that He will provide.