Unexpected

When I was fundraising I got a lot of curious questions about the trauma-focused therapy I’d be taking part in. At the time, I explained that it would be to help process the case work that IJM does, which was (and is) still important. I’d go in to work and we’d celebrate the sentencing of a step-father’s sexual abuse of his one year old son or an uncle to his six year old niece. Now, however, the other interns and I are focusing our sessions on trying to come to terms with being stripped from the life we settled into in Bolivia. The other two evacuees, who had been there since January, are trying to process their abrupt “off-boarding” while I am working with headquarters to find my next steps.

I mentioned in the last post that I’ll keep working for IJM and I don’t have plans to terminate my contract. For now, I’m looking into positions in other field offices and continuing to monitor the status of Bolivia’s political and civil unrest. IJM is working with me to find the best fit for the remainder of my internship.

Bolivia’s Status

I have many thoughts about the political situation in Bolivia, but I’ll admit I have more research to do before I’ll write about it. That being said, I can’t discredit what I saw. Peaceful protests took over La Paz over lunch breaks and in the evenings as early as the day after elections and continued until I was sent back to the States. The way the people pulled together to take care of each other and stand up for the corruption they saw in the election was inspiring. The groups would start out as masses of chanting and singing, calling for justice in their democracy. Eventually, the police would respond with tear gas to disperse the crowds, and I watched as protestors helped each other through the clouds of suffocation. They poured vinegar down bandanas and masks to block the gas and had water to pour on their shirt sleeves to then sniff for clean air. When people started to grow faint due to a lack of oxygen, those with gas masks would make sure to go and help them get to clean air. Tear gas spreads quickly, so every day before I’d leave for work I’d check in with my coworkers on where the most recent unrest was. They’d help me map out the safest way home, and I never had any trouble. That being said, there were definitely times when my eyes stung and my nose burned just by stepping outside of the office, blocks away from any confrontations.

I was evacuated when the police turned on the government and nobody could be sure what that would mean for general safety in La Paz. There were periods of time when water was cut off and Evo supporters created blockades that made it impossible for food and gas to enter the city. At night, neighborhoods created a system of shifts so there was always someone on guard ready to wake everybody up if looters came through. Luckily, my apartment wasn’t in a high traffic area and my things are all safe.

I’ve seen a lot of news sources painting previous President Evo Morales as the victim of a coup d’etat, but the Bolivians I’m in contact with have asked that we help stop that narrative. It discredits the electoral fraud and corruption that kept him in office and the fact that he fled on his own accord (although the military did suggest he step down when the police turned).

In The Meantime

It’s been really great to lean into friends and family during this time of uncertainty. I’ve gotten to watch the IJM chapter on campus throw some really cool events (Night of Justice, a pop up thrift shop, a worship night, and a freedom fast) and it’s helped me feel connected and a part of the work even though I can’t be in an office working directly for IJM right now.

Dressember

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This is the first year in five that I haven’t participated in Dressember. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the fashion challenge, it’s what got me involved in anti-slavery efforts all together. Advocates around the globe wear dresses and ties for the entire month of December to raise awareness and funds for anti-trafficking efforts (including for IJM). My dresses (and everything else) are unfortunately still in Bolivia, so I am not participating in the fashion challenge, but many friends and family members are (and it’s not too late for you to join)! To sign up, click here and then hit “become an advocate.” To donate to my brother’s page, click here, and to donate to my dad’s, click here. To learn more go to Dressember.org.

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Next Steps

I will remain here for the holidays and hope to be in my next location come January. There are a lot of logistics to work out, and my budget definitely did not account for relocation fees, but I will keep you all posted as things develop. Thank you for your continued support, and if you’re in the Midwest, let’s get together!