A Refrigerator for Madelin

Three years ago, on my first ever trip to Cuba, I never dreamed that I would meet a very dear friend, and that friendship would continue to grow despite language and geographic barriers.  
I will share just a glimpse into the story of our my friendship with Madelin, and why I want to buy a refrigerator for her.
This year I do not want any Christmas gifts for myself. 
If you wanted to buy a gift for me, please, instead donate toward this cause- and allow me to buy a gift for someone who needs it so much more.

While visiting the small village of Boca de Sama on a bus tour in 2013, I saw Madelin's table off to the side of everyone else's market stands.  I went over to talk to her, and bought some of her jewellry.  She has some physical limitations and slight difficulty speaking, but that was no barrier for us.  Within 20 minutes we had exchanged names and laughs and hugs and addresses, and we have been writing to eachother since that time.  
This is me with my 'querida amiga' Madelin in February 2013.

Last year, on my second trip to Cuba, I was able to visit her twice and spend more time with her.  She gave me a tour of her home, where she lives with her husband.  Her house was clean, but sparsely furnished.
Among her minimal decorations, I was so touched to see the picture of the two of us I had sent to her was framed on her wall (I didn't get it in this picture though)
The purse was a gift from me last January, filled with small items and some money for her.  Suddenly, in her home, overwhelmed with the love and generosity (and a hot cup of delicious Cuban coffee) with which I was welcomed, that small purse did not seem like enough.

This is her kitchen.  
My "roughing it camping" kitchen is better equipped.

While she showed us around , my husband and I noticed a small Russian style washing machine, with a ringer.  It was actually quite quaint and antique looking, which is why it caught our attention.  We asked her about it (in our minimal spanish) and she told us it was broken, and she mimed washing clothes by hand and filling it with buckets of water.  
We took her out for lunch and laughed and visited and took many more photos- but I was left thinking of her washing machine.  We found out that a new apartment sized washer in the local town of Guardalavaca would cost LESS than the cost of a day excursion from the resort with our family, and so we went out and purchased one for her .  I had a grand adventure at a local appliance store, and with the help of some WONDERFUL staff at our resort, and a very helpful taxi driver we were able to deliver it to her.

I have asked Madelin what she would like me to bring her this year.  Her requests are humble... some shoes, curtains for her window, sheets for her bed, and clothes and supplies for the school nearby.  These are all things that I could easily purchase without much effort.  I will see that she gets these things, as well as some kitchen pots and pans.  Some I will bring with me from home, and some I will buy for her in Guardalavaca.  (the appliance store in this picture sells a variety of household items)

I have also gotten to know some of her neighbours and extended family- and I asked her neighbour a bold question.

What is ONE thing that Madelin would need but would never think to ask me for.  I told her to think big.

She said that Madelin needs a refrigerator.  

I saw one in her home last year, but it was quite old, and I'm guessing it does not work well.  (it is sort of visible behind the table in the picture of her living room) 
Well, I can't just afford to buy her a fridge, but she needs one, so I am going to have to figure out how to get her a fridge.

I have no idea why a 20 minute meeting at a local market has led to such a deep friendship.  Looking back at my incredibly limited Spanish on my first trip (which has only barely improved) it's hard to imagine how we decided we were friends- but kindred souls have a way of finding eachother regardless of geography or language.   Madelin's love, and the wonderful letters she sends have been a blessing to me beyond measure.

I want to bless her in return with the generosity and love of my friends and family.    

If you were going to give me a gift this Christmas, no matter how small- even a cup of coffee- then take that $5 (because it WAS going to be from Starbucks right?) and let me use it to to bless my friend.    I have too much already.  My cup runneth over. (possibly it runneth over with wine...which I will buy myself if you take that $20 and donate it instead of buying me my favourite bottle of Masi Valpolicella).

I have done some research on the limited Cuban websites I can find, as well as asking her neighbour, and a basic refrigerator will cost about $1000 US, plus delivery fees.
You will have to trust me to improvise a bit when I arrive in Cuba.  I will ask trusted friends to help me do the shopping and arrange delivery.  If I have any leftover money, I will use it to purchase other needed items I identify for Madelin or one of her neighbours.

I will be in Cuba from February 17-24 2016.

Giving this gift to her will be the highlight of my trip, and will make a huge difference in her daily life.

Thank you.
P.S.
The word "selfie" needs no translation... we got dozens last year, and I plan on more this winter!