The [Short] Truth

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 of the conflict to reach you all, this is what you hear. The full truth, which I’ll delve into in another blog post, is that things have been rough in Bolivia for a while. I know I alluded to it in my last post, but there was much more going on than just the blockades.

If it’s not clear already, I should not be your primary news source for updates on Bolivia’s current situation. I’m getting constant updates from friends, teammates, and coworkers, which means a lot is unconfirmed. But, one thing is for sure: Evo announced his resignation, most of his team also resigned, and now things are very up in the air.

Time to Celebrate?

We all started celebrating this news considering the evident electoral fraud that was going unacknowledged. That was until Evo supporters took to the streets. The other IJM interns and myself were on a weekend trip, and not in La Paz, but were spooked as messages came in commanding everybody to hide in their houses, lights off, rationing the water and food that was left (water was shut off throughout the city, and grocery stores haven’t been able to get deliveries due to the blockades). I haven’t seen any reports of what has officially happened, but looting, fires, and gender-based violence have been reported throughout the city.

What Does This Mean?

For Bolivia, they are trying to proceed with accepting Evo’s resignation, finding an interim president, and figuring out the logistics of a new election. Considering the violence that has overtaken the nation, we are uncertain what this will look like.

For us interns, IJM booked us flights from our location at the time straight to the USA. The decision was made before Evo resigned, but seeing how people have reacted, IJM stands by that move. We spent most of our weekend on calls with the field office director, field office security, regional security, the regional head of Latin America, IJM’s international head of security, as well as the head of the Interns and Fellows Program. At the time we were frustrated because we were left with no say in the decision and we weren’t allowed to stop back in La Paz to grab more things and say goodbye. Now, the La Paz airport is shut down. We wouldn’t have been able to get there.

This is all temporary. Depending on who you ask, I could be in the States for anywhere from a week to a couple of months. Regardless, IJM is working with me to figure out how to best continue my internship.

How Am I Handling This?

Not well. None of us are pleased to be sent back. It is heartbreaking to be heading to safety, not knowing what our friends in Bolivia face. When I am not working remotely, I hope to take the time to write and process the last few weeks and what I’ve experienced. I look forward to sharing more with you soon.

If you see me, please know that I am currently traveling with only a backpack’s worth of clothes, all suited for tropical weather. I know my style is lacking overall, but please extend some grace as I try to navigate moving back to the North, in November, with only one long sleeved shirt and two pairs of pants.

Most Recent Travel Update:

Not only was I able to use my altitude training as I sprinted with two backpacks the entirety of an international airport (due to a previous delay, I had less than fifteen minutes from arrival at the airport until the doors to the plane shut), but I also pulled on some midwest ski jumping techniques as I waited outside in -10 degrees for a shuttle. While I’m always happy to see snow (yes, always), it was a little rough with the clothes I had on. TBT to my days in a thin suit at the top of a windy jump – ah the memories.

As always, thank you for the continued support. Right now, Bolivia could use all the thoughts and prayers we can share. Pray for the safety of the people, for the violence to stop, and for a quick and just transition of power. There is a lot of concern that Evo is still scheming, and for that the future of the country is still very uncertain.