This trip is open to students 18 – 25 years old who are interested in growing in mutual relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ abroad through our partnerships in Cuba. Rather than being a “vacation” or a “work trip,” the purpose of this trip is one of solidarity - to grow in greater understanding of the problems our Cuban neighbors are facing, explore the history our church has with Cuba, and learn more about our own faith through the unique customs and spiritual communities we encounter. We will travel to several churches supported by SCAPC, meeting Cuban congregation members, assisting in restoration and maintenance projects, participating in local worship, and having free time to get to know the culture, people, and island. SCAPC hosts several trips to Cuba each year, has maintained close relationships with key partners and monitors the safety of the trip.
Basic Itinerary
Fly American Airlines into HAVANA. At the airport we will be picked up by bus to travel to Varadero, a resort town on the water about 2 hours east of Havana. We will stay at Rosa’s Guest House, a bed and breakfast owned and operated by Rosa and Gustavo Rodrigues and their family. There will be time to explore the resort town and even visit some of the Cuban beaches.
We will travel between Varadero and CARDENAS, a small town about 20 minutes away. Juan G Hall and El Fuerte, two Presbyterian Churches supported by SCAPC, are in Cardenas. We will share fellowship with both congregations through children’s activities, Bible Study, and church wide projects. Horse and buggy are the primary means of transportation, and we will take a guided buggy tour of the town.
On Monday we will travel by bus to MATANZAS, the capital of the province, which includes Varadero and Cardenas. There we will stop for lunch at Matanzas Central Church, a site of a Living Waters installation by the Presbytery of South Louisiana.
After lunch we will drive to HAVANA and stay at Convento de Santa Brigida y Madre Isabel, a beautiful convent located in the heart of Old Havana run by Sisters of the Order of the Holy Savior of Saint Bridget. We will tour the Old Town and learn about the revolution and how it has shaped Cuba to this day. We fly back on American Airlines from Havana.
* Airline tickets are made separately so airline miles/points may be used. All must travel on same flights.
** Fees include lodging, transportation, meals, and activities.
*** We will ask families to hold a fundraiser which will be used towards to reduce the total cost. OUR HOPE IS TO RAISE ENOUGH TO DECREASE THE COST PER PERSON TO ABOUT $1000-$1200. Money raised will be used to decrease the last payment due December 15.
Payment
$60 – Visa due Oct 31 (non-refundable)
$450 – Deposit due Nov 15 (refundable till Dec 15)
$450 (or less, TBA) – Balance due Dec 15 (non-refundable)
Airflights need to be booked separately by Nov 15
