Before I dig into this update, let me make two things clear: I am safe I am not done working with IJM Evo Morales I’m getting texts and messages that the decision of Evo Morales, long standing president of Bolivia, to resign has made international news. It’s interesting to me that of all the pieces…
The [Long] Truth
It took me a few minutes after laying down to realize that the gunshot-like sounds I had grown so accustomed to were becoming more frequent. In La Paz, protestors shoot off firecrackers multiple times each day. They are harmless. In this moment I was in Sucre for a big conference I had planned, taking a…
Living Life
I’ve now finished my fifth(!!!) week in the office, and loving the work I’m doing, but I’ve been told my first real update should give a better picture of what life in La Paz is really like. I promise I have been going to work and getting things done, but this post will cover my…
Getting Work Done!
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…