It’s been a crazy time at the IJM Bolivia office (staff pictured above), and as I approach one month of living here in La Paz, I can confidently say I’m still stumbling around a lot. But I’m slowly becoming more stable. I couldn’t be more thankful for the people I have around me helping me…
Category: IJM Bolivia Internship
Learning!
It’s officially been over one week since landing here in La Paz, and the tl;dr is it’s been great! Here’s a sneak peak into what I’ve been learning (apologies in advance for the length). About La Paz: Accent is very easy to understand Third-world city in a valley 11,900+ feet above sea level Terrain La…
En Route!
Editor’s Note: Somehow this story was published and then deleted during the travel day. Ali has now safely made it to La Paz, but you can still read about her travels below! Sorry for any confusion! Post: I am on my way! After last-minute goodbyes, a frantic stop at the travel clinic, and some tasty…
Facing Fears
UPDATE: Posts are now password protected! Use “Bolivia” to read, and subscribe below! Ski Jumping When I was in fourth grade I wrote a “book” by the same title as this post. It was about the first time I [finally] went off of the 30 meter ski jump after my coaches had spent dozens of…
View post to subscribe to site newsletter.
Ali’s [Current] Life
With just over 20 days until taking off, I’m cramming in a lot of last minute preparations as well as reflecting on this past summer. It’s been a transition period of personal reflection and preparation, but I’ll try to make it interesting for you all. Spoiler: it includes a lot of coffee. Where it all…
View post to subscribe to site newsletter.
What Almost Never Was
I almost rescinded my application for the IJM internship… multiple times. One of IJM’s core values is “Christian” and that’s an unfortunately heavy word to lean into. I have had many negative experiences in the church, in Bible studies, and by people clinging to a “Christian” identity. I didn’t know what IJM would think, but…
View post to subscribe to site newsletter.
Musical Mindset: Sleeping At Last
While I could easily write an entire post about my poor sleeping habits, this is an ode to my stubbornness and the musician who helped humble me. Music has continued to be vital for my personal growth and this artist’s intentionality has helped guide my processing as I learn more about myself. I’m going to…
View post to subscribe to site newsletter.
Not All Who Wander Are Lost: Part Two
If you missed part I, make sure to check it out here before continuing on with part II. After recognizing my personal stake in fighting against injustice, it’s worth unpacking what got me to where I am now. The last post had the why, how, and when; today’s includes the who and the what. The…
View post to subscribe to site newsletter.
Not All Who Wander Are Lost: Part One
My passion for Dressember is outlined in the post “Because I’m a Girl,” but now it’s time to tie it all up in a nice bow. Today’s post will focus on the why, how, and when, but don’t worry, more answers are coming. First, add your email here so that you don’t get locked out…
View post to subscribe to site newsletter.
Gary Haugen’s TED Talk: Orientation Part One
Orientation has been a whirlwind and it still isn’t over. To keep you completely up-to-date and make the next post to the point, I have a homework assignment for you: watch Gary Haugen’s TED Talk. If 20 minutes sounds too overwhelming to sit down for, listen while you drive or quickly read the transcript. Gary…
View post to subscribe to site newsletter.