Finding Happy

By Amelia Davenport

There are many definitions of happy. Mostly including being happy of a particular thing, but there’s one [quote] that sticks out at me, “I don’t expect to always be happy, I simply accept what is. And that acceptance is key. This is what self-love is all about, really, acceptance and the ability to love yourself right where you are.” Mastin Kipp

This is exactly what Cuba is, knowing what you don’t have and forgetting it. Knowing what you love and holding onto it.

In Favorito and Itabo, not one person asked about the United States. Probably not caring what we have and wishing that they had it too. They know we have more, but I disagree. They have each other and nothing to separate them. Between genders and races, they were all the same. And technology wasn’t a problem. They put pride in their cooking and passion in their dancing. Now that’s what you call happiness! Taking what you have and making the best out of it. They know we come from a place of wealth, but they treated us like old friends.

Now, you may be wondering how you could possibly have such a strong connection when you have a language barrier as big as that one. The answer is that there was a language barrier, but it only made the connection stronger. We talked more with our hands than our mouths. We would sit in silence and be comfortable. They welcomed us into their homes and hearts.

When we left, we weren’t just friends anymore, we are family. It was hard to leave, but we never really did. Cuba will always have a place in my mind and in my heart. This trip wasn’t about helping people in need. This was about making a connection with the younger generation. I think we need more of this. I certainly want to go back. Not just to see the progress we’ve made but to visit our friends and family again. Thank you.