The political climate here is fascinating to me, and heart-wrenching at the same time. Evo Morales, the first indigenous Bolivian president in the country's history, has reached a place in the eyes of the upper class that may very well lead to his assassination in the next few months. Some middle and lower class Bolivians also share this low opinion of him, and the country will vote in August whether to keep him as president or not. I don't pretend to know the ins and outs of Evo's history in Bolivia, but my impression of him is that he is still a symbol of hope for the indigenous and poor people.
I had a conversation with my friends Alejandro and Reina, and they talked about how the current problems in Bolivia are not Evo's fault. He has been implementing programs that are intended to close the gap between the rich and the poor, which in turn has upset the factory owners and the rich. A few of Evo's programs:
-$ incentive given to each Bolivian student who completes 8th grade
-monthly government stipend for Bolivians over 70
Despite all these positive facts, I'm wary of Evo's strong connection to Hugo Chavez, and Evo's growing distrust and dislike of America/Americans. In fact, my visa situation in Bolivia is more complicated because of the new laws that Evo has implemented against Americans. Some speculate that he has made it more difficult for Americans to enter Bolivia because it is so hard for Bolivians to enter the USA. It easy for me to understand his frustration, but it also causes some of my own frustration! In a few months, I may need to leave for Chile for a few days to get a different kind of visa and re-enter Bolivia.
Graffiti on a wall near my house
Translation: "Assasinate Evo the Terrorist!"
On August 10th, the whole country will vote on whether to keep Evo president or not. There are several other issues that will be voted on as well, including the replacement of corrupt governors for each province. Keep the country (and us!) in your prayers on this day, as many are anticipating unrest and potential upheaval surrounding this vote.
As you keep the country and its leaders in your prayers, also keep my heart in your prayers as I struggle to make deep relationships here that will feed me spiritually and emotionally, and as I learn the balance of relying fully on the Lord to meet my every need. I know He is faithful!
un abrazo,
Katie/Kansas/Quechua/Cati/Kata/Hermana Cati
(all my names and nicknames here!)
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