Edmonton Alberta Canada

On July 3rd, 2009 Jim Bouman of Waukesha Wisconsin, and Tom Cherveny of Winnipeg Canada arrived in Edmonton to begin one of the fourteen Pastors for Peace Friendshipment Caravans to Cuba.

This year is a particularly important year as it represents 50 years of the Cuban Revolution, 40 years of the immoral US Economic Blockade of Cuba, and it is the 20th Pastors for Peace Caravan to Cuba.

Click here to see the photos and learn more about the Edmonton P4P event.

July 5

Calgary Alberta Canada

It looked like it might rain, but aside from a few sprinkles, it was a beautiful day outdoors in Edworthy Park along the Bow River in Calgary.

Children playing among the trees and grass, good company to enjoy a picnic lunch together, songs to sing, and speaches to enjoy. These folks in Calgary know how to enjoy a pleasant summer day.

To see the photos and learn more about the Pastors for Peace event in Calgary, click here.

July 6

Regina Saskatchewan Canada

Regina, "The Queen City" welcomed us with a large group of good people gathered in the Cathedral Area Neighbourhood Centre. These Regina folks sure know how to put on a Pot Luck supper! It must be a Prairie thing, but we had a fantastic time. Great food, movies, and music... plus some very generous people! Who could ask for more?

The photos and more... here.

July 7

Winnipeg Manitoba Canada

The rain began to fall as we left Regina, but it was a rain that Saskatchewan farmers needed badly and as we drove towards Winnipeg, crops were showing signs of coming back to life.
As we neared Winnipeg, where moisture has been more plentiful, the skys cleared and the sun shone brighly. It was good to be back home, where we looked forward to an enjoyable evening with friends.

To learn more about the Winnipeg P4P event, click here.

July 8

Fargo North Dakota

The crossing into the US was a challenge, but we made it to Fargo and spent an enjoyable evening among friends.

We were hopeful that things had improved with the new Administration, but alas our experience was as challenging... perhaps even more so... than in previous years. As always, we openly declared our intention of sending our load of aid to Cuba in violation of US laws. We were delayed about 2 1/2 hours at the border, but fortunately, all our humanitarian aid was allowed into the country.

Pictures and more... Click here.

July 9

Brookings South Dakota

Located about 60 miles north of Sioux Falls, Brookings is a beautiful college town, home of South Dakota State University. It is also known for it's spacious parks and recreation spaces. Sometimes described as the prettiest 65 acres in the state, the McCrory Gardens contain floral displays that are a delight to see.

With all this beautiful scenery surrounding us, it was a pleasure to present the Pastors for Peace message to the gathering at the United Church of Christ.

Photos and more... Click here.

July 10

Sioux Falls South Dakota

A blue sky, rolling farmland, and a short drive today. A day to relax a bit, with a chance to enjoy some of the historic beauty of this prairie city, followed by a pot luck supper in the park.

Photos and more... Click here.

Sioux City Iowa

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in 1804 began their journey of exploration of the Louisana Purchase Territory and camped near the city. Today the city commemorates not only Lewis and Clark, but also Sargent Charles Floyd, the only member of the expedition who died.

The Siouxland Peace Coalition showed their support for the Pastors for Peace Caravan to Cuba by hosting a public event in their beautiful downtown public library.

Want to see the pictures? Click here.

July 11

Lincoln Nebraska

Lincoln, the capital city of the state of Nebraska was originally named Lancaster. It has recently been named as one of the healthiest cities in the nation.

We had the good fortune of meeting a group of Lincoln residents who have a healthy respect for Cuba and a desire for normalization of relations between the U.S. and Cuba.

See the pictures and more... click here.

July 12

Kansas City Missouri

Kansas City has a diversity that comes out of racial struggles for the past 100 years.
It is a city with an untold story which includes bloody civil war battles, the underground railroad and industrial growth in the heartland of the country.

And it was here we met the ledgendary Reverend Sam Mann and we celebrated Christmas in July.

See the photos... click here.

July 13

Manhattan Kansas

Originally the site of a large Kaw indian village, the area was settled in 1885 by abolitionists under the leadership of Isaac Goodnow. The city he founded was at first named Boston. The goal of the abolitionists was to creat a slavery-free city in Kansas.

The struggle to free people from the yoke of the 40 year long U.S. Embargo of Cuba goes on today in Manhattan.

Click here to see the photos.

July 14

Wichita Kansas

It's location on the old Chisholm Trail made Wichita a prosperous town as it became a destination for cattle drives headed north to access the railroad for shipping beef to eastern markets.

Click here to see the photos and more.

July 15

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Founded in the land rush of 1899, OK City is the capital and largest city of the state of Oklahoma. Oil is king in Oklahoma. There are even oil wells on the capital gournds!

Click here to learn more about the OK City event.

July 16

Alice Texas

After a grueling 12 hour drive from OK City, we were met with an enthusiastic welcome from our hosts in the small town of Alice Texas.

See the photos here.

July 18 - 20

McAllen Texas

The gathering point for all 14 of the Pastors for Peace Caravan routes is the town of McAllen Texas, located very near the Mexican border.

See the photos.

July 21

The Border Crossing...

We did it! We broke it! We broke the U.S. Embargo of Cuba! ....Again!

Follow the Official Pastors for Peace Blog for up-to-the-minute information from the Cuba Caravan

Watch a 3-1/2 minute video overview of the Caravan