In November 2002, I was a member of the third group from Glendale to travel to Cuba. I was excited because I was fulfilling a dream I had as a Spanish major in college - I wanted the opportunity to really experience the Spanish culture and language. I did not get to do that then, but on that day in November I was about to get more than I had ever imagined. I did get to speak a little Spanish and absorb a little culture. But this trip would be different. God and Church and People were at the center of all we did. I cannot put into words the strong bond we all felt with our partner church and how we marveled at all they had done to the physical church. They had transformed a very unsightly structure into a thing of beauty. Knowing how hard it is getting supplies of any kind, and doing the work they had done, required a creative and dedicated group of people. They are that and much more.

Our partnership with the Alberto J. Diaz Baptist Church is a fundamental element of our Missions focus at Glendale. Our trips are the bridges that keep that partnership so real and so present in our midst. The political environment in Cuba, and in the U.S., makes travel to Cuba challenging, but not impossible. There will be other trips, and maybe even someday, trips for our brothers and sisters in Santa Clara to come here. With God, all things are possible.

In the meantime, we pray for them on the First Sunday of every month and they for us. As we search for ways to share "church" together, we know that God blesses our work. Come join us. You might just fulfill a life-long dream as I did. And, believe me, you will never be the same.