Thursday afternoon I headed out with two of my MCC compañeras to Moro Moro, a 8-12 hour bus ride from the city of Santa Cruz, depending on the weather and the roads. We lucked out with a 9 hour trip, arriving in the quaint little town around midnight.
My compañeras were going to Moro Moro to give a library workshop so I had the privilege of increasing my knowledge of the Dewey system and getting to know the library directiva better as well as learning more about MCC Bolivia's rural programs that operate in Moro Moro and the surrounding area.
Moro Moro is a town of about 500 people and is nestled in the foothills of the Andes. It has that small town feel where everyone knows everyone and greets each other in the street - something I have come to greatly appreciate. The weather was dry and chilly, but pleasant in the sunshine. Night time in Moro Moro is delightful - the stars are amazingly bright and visible because of the absence of light pollution and the air is filled with the scent of burning wood, bringing with it all the good memories of campfires and wood stoves.
The climate varies between wet and dry seasons and I was fortunate to arrive just after the end of the wet season when the landscape is a quilt of varying shades of green, stitched with red dirt roads. However, as the dry season advances the green is gradually replaced by a desert like brown.
MCC rural programs in Moro Moro are working on helping small farmers develop systems to conserve water in the rainy season that they can then use during the dry season when water is hard to come by. We visited a family who MCC has been working with and had the opportunity to tour their orchard, which they can now water during the dry season with water collected in several "atajados" - large holes dug in the ground and then allowed to dry and harden for a year that then catch the rainfall in the wet season. A hose system transports the water to the orchard and also to a filtering system, then passing on to the family's residence.
Being able to increase the productivity of their fruit trees and the size of their orchard allows the family to grow fewer potatoes, which is a plus for the family because potatoes are a very labor intensive crop.
We left the orchard with our stomachs and pockets full of delicious apples and peaches and our hearts warmed by the generous spirit of the family who so willingly shared with us the fruit of their labor (literally) and their hope for a better future.
In addition to working with water, rural programs also works with building dry latrines and beekeeping. The organic honey produced by the project is known as the "oro (gold) of Moro Moro."
So after a refreshing weekend in the country, I'm now back in the big city ready for another week's challenges. Friday I will be leaving for our "viaje de orientación" (Orientation Trip) and will be traveling April 5-13. We are going to Sucre - considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Bolivia, Potosí - the city with the highest altitude in the world, and the Salar de Uyuni (Salt Flats).
So you all can wait with great anticipation the pictures and stories from that :) For your current viewing pleasure, be sure to check out my picture of the cow nursing her calf and of Harold the adorable donkey I saw in Moro Moro!! (You donkey naysayers can just ignore this part - you know who you are). It goes without saying - I loved Moro Moro and felt very at home there :) A fin de cuentas, I am a farm girl at heart.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
A Good Friday Reflection
Although the life, death and resurrection of Christ are crucial to the daily Christian life, it is when we celebrate Easter that they are given particularly special attention. However, tonight as a watched a local Catholic Bolivian Church perform its rendition of the passion of Christ, I was struck by this thought: we are still crucifying Christ. I know this sounds like a heretical statement, but the words of Christ in Matthew 25 keep coming back to me: “...I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me” (v 45). The opposite is also true as shown in verse 40: “…I tell you the truth whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine you did for me.”
The death of Christ was a consequence of his life – he chose to live in non-violent resistance to the structures of sin and death, of violence and injustice. God knew the consequences of such a lifestyle, the lifestyle of the reign of God that Jesus initiated: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18). Jesus embodied the reign of God, choosing to live a lifestyle that did not make him popular with the powers of his time.
Like Jesus, the physical actors in his crucifixion also had choices to make – God did not force them to align themselves with the structures of violence and injustice – God did not revoke free will in order to bring about Christ’s murder. Pilot chose to be apathetic. The religious leaders chose, out of their jealousy, to actively seek a way to have Jesus violently murdered. Judas chose love of money over love of Christ, over love of justice. They all chose to align themselves with the powers of sin and death, violence and injustice.
We have a choice to make as well. Often we choose the apathy of Pilot, the greed of Judas, the legalism of the religious leaders – we align ourselves with the structures of violence and injustice, of sin and death – the very same structures that killed Christ and that were overcome by his resurrection.
But we do not see the face of Christ in those who our apathy crucifies – the least of these- the innocent millions who are crucified in violent conflicts such as those in Iraq, Darfur, Colombia, and Kenya; the innocent millions who die every year from curable diseases, and HIV/AIDS; the innocent millions who lack access to clean water, food and health care. Like Pilot we have washed our hands of their blood. And Jesus’ words ring out: “...I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”
Salvation is complete in Christ – it is accomplished in his life, death and resurrection and we are called to live out that salvation, following in his footsteps: footsteps of non-violent action that live in stark contradiction to the structures of violence and injustice, sin and death; footsteps that, in the light of the resurrection, do not fear death, but hope and live in the reality of the reign of God instituted by the life of Christ.
Although sometimes the evil of the world seems as dark as that Good Friday, we live in the hope of Easter morning. Let us not be apathetic and complacent participants with the structures of violence and injustice, but rather enthusiastically follow Christ’s resurrection example of triumphant resistance to those structures and active participation in the reign of God!
The death of Christ was a consequence of his life – he chose to live in non-violent resistance to the structures of sin and death, of violence and injustice. God knew the consequences of such a lifestyle, the lifestyle of the reign of God that Jesus initiated: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18). Jesus embodied the reign of God, choosing to live a lifestyle that did not make him popular with the powers of his time.
Like Jesus, the physical actors in his crucifixion also had choices to make – God did not force them to align themselves with the structures of violence and injustice – God did not revoke free will in order to bring about Christ’s murder. Pilot chose to be apathetic. The religious leaders chose, out of their jealousy, to actively seek a way to have Jesus violently murdered. Judas chose love of money over love of Christ, over love of justice. They all chose to align themselves with the powers of sin and death, violence and injustice.
We have a choice to make as well. Often we choose the apathy of Pilot, the greed of Judas, the legalism of the religious leaders – we align ourselves with the structures of violence and injustice, of sin and death – the very same structures that killed Christ and that were overcome by his resurrection.
But we do not see the face of Christ in those who our apathy crucifies – the least of these- the innocent millions who are crucified in violent conflicts such as those in Iraq, Darfur, Colombia, and Kenya; the innocent millions who die every year from curable diseases, and HIV/AIDS; the innocent millions who lack access to clean water, food and health care. Like Pilot we have washed our hands of their blood. And Jesus’ words ring out: “...I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”
Salvation is complete in Christ – it is accomplished in his life, death and resurrection and we are called to live out that salvation, following in his footsteps: footsteps of non-violent action that live in stark contradiction to the structures of violence and injustice, sin and death; footsteps that, in the light of the resurrection, do not fear death, but hope and live in the reality of the reign of God instituted by the life of Christ.
Although sometimes the evil of the world seems as dark as that Good Friday, we live in the hope of Easter morning. Let us not be apathetic and complacent participants with the structures of violence and injustice, but rather enthusiastically follow Christ’s resurrection example of triumphant resistance to those structures and active participation in the reign of God!
Trip to Concepción
On Tuesday evening my coworkers, Anita (also my roommate) and Sandra, and I headed for the town of Concepción, a mere 6 hour bus ride from Santa Cruz. The trip got off to a late start since the bus driver did not show up on time, and then the bus broke down about a half hour into it so we had to wait for another one to come. Thankfully it broke down relatively close to the city or we would have been stranded in the middle of nowhere. Finally back on the road (now 9:30 at night), we were making good progress until a disorderly patron stole a woman's seat and refused to remove himself so the driver stopped the bus and proceeded to inform the drunken man that he would not move an inch unless the man removed himself from the woman's seat, which he was quick to do.
Without more interruptions, we made good time and arrived in Concepción at 2:30 am and were sound asleep by 3 and up again by 7. Our day was full of meetings, and with only one cup of coffee to save my life, I managed to fall asleep in all of them (anyone who was in Intro to Social Work with me can attest to my ability to sleep in public places).
Despite being exhausted, it was a productive day for the three of us. Anita and Sandra work with MCC's library program and were there to meet with the local school board and the library workers. I was there to scope out the town and make connections with local members of the community who will be hosting an MCC SALTer in the fall who will be working at the library.
Concepción is a charming little town with red dirt roads that contrast with the blue blue sky. The climate is pleasantly hot, but dry and the landscape is a collage of palm trees and other tropical plants and flowers that give it a feel of paradise. The town is very well kept and clean with very few cars - motos and bikes and walking are the primary sources of transportation.
This little town is home to one of the first Jesuit missions in the area and the once forgotten cathedral has been restored and boasts beautiful chiquitanía craftsmanship. In addition, talented local artisans abound, selling hand made woven bags and clothing and just off the main square is a delightful ice cream shop with the best coconut ice cream around. Adding yet further to its charm is the pleasant aroma of fallen leaves from the large trees on the square and the scent of burning wood used for cooking.
Our last evening in Concepción we enjoyed a meal with one of the school board members who was kind enough to open her home to us. Supper was Masaco - a real good dish made with ripe plantain that have been fried and mashed and then mixed with cheese. Not only was our host family kind to us, but the towns folk in general were very welcoming - it wasn't uncommon for strangers to wave or offer a "buen día." The welcoming, clean, small town atmosphere was a refreshing change from the city.
Next week I may be going to Moro Moro where MCC has its rural programs. I hear they have tons of burros (donkeys) so I'm hoping to indulge (even if only vicariously) my liking for those adorable long-eared creatures - someday I will have my own donkey (of the four-legged variety) and I think I'm going to name him Harold :)
Without more interruptions, we made good time and arrived in Concepción at 2:30 am and were sound asleep by 3 and up again by 7. Our day was full of meetings, and with only one cup of coffee to save my life, I managed to fall asleep in all of them (anyone who was in Intro to Social Work with me can attest to my ability to sleep in public places).
Despite being exhausted, it was a productive day for the three of us. Anita and Sandra work with MCC's library program and were there to meet with the local school board and the library workers. I was there to scope out the town and make connections with local members of the community who will be hosting an MCC SALTer in the fall who will be working at the library.
Concepción is a charming little town with red dirt roads that contrast with the blue blue sky. The climate is pleasantly hot, but dry and the landscape is a collage of palm trees and other tropical plants and flowers that give it a feel of paradise. The town is very well kept and clean with very few cars - motos and bikes and walking are the primary sources of transportation.
This little town is home to one of the first Jesuit missions in the area and the once forgotten cathedral has been restored and boasts beautiful chiquitanía craftsmanship. In addition, talented local artisans abound, selling hand made woven bags and clothing and just off the main square is a delightful ice cream shop with the best coconut ice cream around. Adding yet further to its charm is the pleasant aroma of fallen leaves from the large trees on the square and the scent of burning wood used for cooking.
Our last evening in Concepción we enjoyed a meal with one of the school board members who was kind enough to open her home to us. Supper was Masaco - a real good dish made with ripe plantain that have been fried and mashed and then mixed with cheese. Not only was our host family kind to us, but the towns folk in general were very welcoming - it wasn't uncommon for strangers to wave or offer a "buen día." The welcoming, clean, small town atmosphere was a refreshing change from the city.
Next week I may be going to Moro Moro where MCC has its rural programs. I hear they have tons of burros (donkeys) so I'm hoping to indulge (even if only vicariously) my liking for those adorable long-eared creatures - someday I will have my own donkey (of the four-legged variety) and I think I'm going to name him Harold :)
Monday, March 10, 2008
God's Sense of Humor
Sometimes I think God has a rather cruel sense of humor or maybe the creator just wants to let me feel the consequences of my well-intentioned, but often short-sighted decisions. Perhaps God gets a kick out of letting me stick the butter knife in the light socket... I'm not really sure, but whatever the case there is a lesson to be learned. A religion professor of mine at Bluffton, J Denny Weaver, used to say that God isn't the author of the bad things that happen in the world - God is our sustenance through them. God doesn't make my decisions for me, but God will help me get through them. I'm not sure how this is going to turn out, but I know I have already learned a lot - about who I am - about what I want to get my master's degree in - about my strengths and my weaknesses. In the last 5 weeks I have read 5 books and 3 manuals - 3 in Spanish and 5 in English. If nothing else, not having a TV is making me a more intelligent person. So I'm reading 3 books at one time and tackling my virtual life list of "must read" books... Today I celebrate God's sense of humor.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Chinches, churches and world peace
This week got off to a less than pleasant start when on Monday night I couldn't sleep because of this terrible sensation that I was being bitten by some terrible little bug that was inflicting me with its horrible itch causing venom...Here they call them "chinches" - or better known as bed bugs!!! Apparently the chinches decided to be my welcoming committee to my new casa (they must be menno chinches because they formed a committee :). Needless to say I fumigated my mattress and room and will be sleeping on the couch tonight.
On a better note, I was invited to participate in a Ecumenical meeting at a local Orthodox church. The meeting included Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, and Mennonites from all over the city of Santa Cruz. The theme of the meeting was the planning of an ecumenical conference next week on the topic of grace and the sacraments where each church will be sharing from its own faith traditions in an effort to learn from each other through our commonalities and our differences. Christ's longest recorded prayer, found in John 17, was a prayer for the unity of his followers. How exciting to be a part of a group working for the unity of the body of Christ - working for dialogue and understanding - understanding that we do not have to agree, but rather to recognize our common humanity, our unity in Christ, and our shared purpose as participants in the reign of God.
In my own faith I want to be a follower. I want to work toward making the reign of God initiated by Christ visible. For me this means a commitment to social justice and working for peace in a world marred by conflict and violence, whether it be physical violence, economic violence, emotional violence, or the violence of exclusion. Sometimes though it seems like working for peace is pointless - many say "There will always be war" - and they are probably right because there will probably always be people willing to sell the weapons that make war possible, and willing to fund the purchase of those weapons. War is a business after all - a big business. World peace isn't impossible - it's unlikely - not because it isn't "God's will," but because it isn't the will of humans to put God's desire for shalom (peace that results from well-being/wholeness) before their own avarice. God doesn't will us to destroy each other - humankind wills its own destruction because money has become its god. Until humanity is willing to put first God's kingdom and commit fully to participating in it, there will be no peace on earth.
On a better note, I was invited to participate in a Ecumenical meeting at a local Orthodox church. The meeting included Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, and Mennonites from all over the city of Santa Cruz. The theme of the meeting was the planning of an ecumenical conference next week on the topic of grace and the sacraments where each church will be sharing from its own faith traditions in an effort to learn from each other through our commonalities and our differences. Christ's longest recorded prayer, found in John 17, was a prayer for the unity of his followers. How exciting to be a part of a group working for the unity of the body of Christ - working for dialogue and understanding - understanding that we do not have to agree, but rather to recognize our common humanity, our unity in Christ, and our shared purpose as participants in the reign of God.
In my own faith I want to be a follower. I want to work toward making the reign of God initiated by Christ visible. For me this means a commitment to social justice and working for peace in a world marred by conflict and violence, whether it be physical violence, economic violence, emotional violence, or the violence of exclusion. Sometimes though it seems like working for peace is pointless - many say "There will always be war" - and they are probably right because there will probably always be people willing to sell the weapons that make war possible, and willing to fund the purchase of those weapons. War is a business after all - a big business. World peace isn't impossible - it's unlikely - not because it isn't "God's will," but because it isn't the will of humans to put God's desire for shalom (peace that results from well-being/wholeness) before their own avarice. God doesn't will us to destroy each other - humankind wills its own destruction because money has become its god. Until humanity is willing to put first God's kingdom and commit fully to participating in it, there will be no peace on earth.
Rebecca Bartel's Call for Peace not War
I'm sure many of you have seen the news about the tense situation in South America between Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela. Here the tension is very real. Rebecca Bartel, a brilliant MCCer wrote the following call to prayer and action and I would like to share that with you all. She does a great job of summarizing the conflict in an understandable way as well as challenging us as Christians to be creative rather than apathetic in the face of conflict.
Friends,
Greetings in Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Never have the words of Isaiah brought so much comfort. Let us believe that God's plans reveal will reveal themselves during these days, and that nation will not rise against nation:
"Many peoples shall come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths." For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 4He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 5O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!" –Isaiah 2:3-5
Tensions are rising. Countries seem to be preparing for war. The last thing we need is more war.
And they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more…
On Saturday, March 1, the Colombian army conducted an operative, killing 20 guerrilla fighters of the FARC, as well as FARC commander, Raúl Reyes. The Colombian government lauded the attack as a significant military hit against the insurgent group.
However, the attack took place on Ecuadorian soil.
Upon the recovery of the cadavers of the March 1 attack, the computer of Raúl Reyes was found, supposedly containing a slew of email correspondence between FARC leaders and Ecuadorian and Venezuelan officials.
Colombia has accused the governments of Ecuador and Venezuela of colluding with and supporting the FARC (named a terrorist organization by the United States and Colombian governments) financially and militarily, a charge both governments have denied.
Venezuela – a key player in the negotiations taking place between the FARC and the Colombian government for a humanitarian exchange of kidnapped political leaders held in the FARC's power – has named the attack an affront on the negotiation process, and an affront on Ecuador's sovereignty.
Both Venezuela and Ecuador have closed borders completely with Colombia, closed their embassies in Colombia, removed Colombian ambassadors and diplomats, cut commercial and diplomatic relations, and both have sent a few thousand troops to the border areas that they share with Colombia.
O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!
Venezuela and Ecuador, both countries with leftist governments and strained relations with Washington, have affirmed that war is not outside of the realm of possibility and are preparing to take the necessary measures to affirm their sovereignty and innocence in the accusations placed by the Colombian government.
In the streets of Bogotá, the tension is thick. Police and military presence is notable, and both the army and police forces have begun an aggressive recruitment campaign in universities and on the streets.
Although the Colombian government has not responded militarily, and has announced that they will seek mediation from the OAS on Tuesday March 4, President Álvaro Uribe has confirmed his plan to seek approbation from the Security Council of the United Nations to claim that legitimate defense measures were taken on Saturday's attack, invoking article 51 of the UN charter – the same article cited by United States to justify the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.
HE shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples
The United States has declared complete support for the Colombian government in any actions it decides to take against "terrorism" and "terrorist supporting governments". Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John McCain have all demonstrated their support for Colombia, and a select group of Republican members of congress are pushing the House of Representatives to give Colombia all the military and financial support it might need to fight the FARC, a group the Colombian chief of Police has named a "global aggressor" taking steps towards "transnational terrorism"
Even Colombia's opposition parties are voicing their support of the actions taken on Saturday and of President Alvaro Uribe.
War can be avoided.
War must be avoided.
Pray for cool heads and a reconciliatory spirit in the next days for all governments involved in this unprecedented moment of tension.
Pray for a resolution to this conflict that will lead to a long-standing peace in South America.
Pray for the transformation of hearts and minds of political leaders in Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia and the United States towards peaceable solutions instead of more war and a just peace within Colombia and among its neighbours.
Pray for the decision-makers and mediators of the Security Councils of the OAS and the United Nations to make prudent judgments and to work towards peace.
Pray for the victims of war from all sides.
Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.-- Rebecca Bartel
Friends,
Greetings in Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Never have the words of Isaiah brought so much comfort. Let us believe that God's plans reveal will reveal themselves during these days, and that nation will not rise against nation:
"Many peoples shall come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths." For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 4He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 5O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!" –Isaiah 2:3-5
Tensions are rising. Countries seem to be preparing for war. The last thing we need is more war.
And they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more…
On Saturday, March 1, the Colombian army conducted an operative, killing 20 guerrilla fighters of the FARC, as well as FARC commander, Raúl Reyes. The Colombian government lauded the attack as a significant military hit against the insurgent group.
However, the attack took place on Ecuadorian soil.
Upon the recovery of the cadavers of the March 1 attack, the computer of Raúl Reyes was found, supposedly containing a slew of email correspondence between FARC leaders and Ecuadorian and Venezuelan officials.
Colombia has accused the governments of Ecuador and Venezuela of colluding with and supporting the FARC (named a terrorist organization by the United States and Colombian governments) financially and militarily, a charge both governments have denied.
Venezuela – a key player in the negotiations taking place between the FARC and the Colombian government for a humanitarian exchange of kidnapped political leaders held in the FARC's power – has named the attack an affront on the negotiation process, and an affront on Ecuador's sovereignty.
Both Venezuela and Ecuador have closed borders completely with Colombia, closed their embassies in Colombia, removed Colombian ambassadors and diplomats, cut commercial and diplomatic relations, and both have sent a few thousand troops to the border areas that they share with Colombia.
O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!
Venezuela and Ecuador, both countries with leftist governments and strained relations with Washington, have affirmed that war is not outside of the realm of possibility and are preparing to take the necessary measures to affirm their sovereignty and innocence in the accusations placed by the Colombian government.
In the streets of Bogotá, the tension is thick. Police and military presence is notable, and both the army and police forces have begun an aggressive recruitment campaign in universities and on the streets.
Although the Colombian government has not responded militarily, and has announced that they will seek mediation from the OAS on Tuesday March 4, President Álvaro Uribe has confirmed his plan to seek approbation from the Security Council of the United Nations to claim that legitimate defense measures were taken on Saturday's attack, invoking article 51 of the UN charter – the same article cited by United States to justify the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.
HE shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples
The United States has declared complete support for the Colombian government in any actions it decides to take against "terrorism" and "terrorist supporting governments". Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John McCain have all demonstrated their support for Colombia, and a select group of Republican members of congress are pushing the House of Representatives to give Colombia all the military and financial support it might need to fight the FARC, a group the Colombian chief of Police has named a "global aggressor" taking steps towards "transnational terrorism"
Even Colombia's opposition parties are voicing their support of the actions taken on Saturday and of President Alvaro Uribe.
War can be avoided.
War must be avoided.
Pray for cool heads and a reconciliatory spirit in the next days for all governments involved in this unprecedented moment of tension.
Pray for a resolution to this conflict that will lead to a long-standing peace in South America.
Pray for the transformation of hearts and minds of political leaders in Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia and the United States towards peaceable solutions instead of more war and a just peace within Colombia and among its neighbours.
Pray for the decision-makers and mediators of the Security Councils of the OAS and the United Nations to make prudent judgments and to work towards peace.
Pray for the victims of war from all sides.
Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.-- Rebecca Bartel
Monday, March 3, 2008
Follow up on Coca Contradictions...
For anyone who is interested here is a link to the Democracy Center website that has a good article on Coca and a Youtube video to go with it! Enjoy all you Youtube adicts (you know who you are ;) http://www.democracyctr.org/bolivia/investigations/coca/ Also, here is a related youtube video on the same theme, but about the war on coca in Colombia http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55DnnUBmjGI
Doubts and Identity Dilemas
Since returning from La Paz, I have experienced a couple of very difficult weeks. I have now been in Santa Cruz for what has seemed like one of the longest months of my life. It is difficult to know what your strengths and weaknesses are until you have tested them and been forced to recognize your own failures.
I wouldn't call my experience here to date a failure, but it has been a disappointment. One of my principle goals before coming to Bolivia was to integrate myself fulling into the culture - to walk along side the people and to live as they do. However, accompaniment requires an invitation and after a month I'm still waiting for that invitation. A month is a very short period of time, but even after years I'm doubtful the invitation would be fully offered.
The culture here is a closed culture, people are quick to greet you, but anything beyond a superficial greeting is uncommon. As such I find myself feeling excluded and alone most of the time. In addition there is a "couple culture" here - if you don't have a significant other there is no "in" - and people are quick to find you one.
This has been frustrating for me and has made me question what my purpose was in wanting to do service and what my reality here is and the two do not fit. My vision for service was to share of myself, my gifts and my time and to become a part of a community and to share in that community's struggles. I hoped to fully immerse myself in the culture.
Here I speak more English than I do Spanish and my job is being a support person for North Americans, a very necessary job, but not one I believe utilizes my strengths - something I should have recognized before hand, but because I knew I could do the job I overlooked the fact that being able to do a job and being passionate about a job are not the same thing.
And so I find myself in a situation I didn't anticipate, and I'm surprised by my reaction to it and who I find myself to be in this context. It is disconcerting how much I rely on context for identity - I don't know who I am here or where I fit or if I fit at all. So now I am faced with a question: Do I abandon my original vision for service and develop a new one to fit this context or do I continue seeking the fulfilment of that vision? Can I be content, satisfied - can I thrive in a context that does not nurture that vision?
I wouldn't call my experience here to date a failure, but it has been a disappointment. One of my principle goals before coming to Bolivia was to integrate myself fulling into the culture - to walk along side the people and to live as they do. However, accompaniment requires an invitation and after a month I'm still waiting for that invitation. A month is a very short period of time, but even after years I'm doubtful the invitation would be fully offered.
The culture here is a closed culture, people are quick to greet you, but anything beyond a superficial greeting is uncommon. As such I find myself feeling excluded and alone most of the time. In addition there is a "couple culture" here - if you don't have a significant other there is no "in" - and people are quick to find you one.
This has been frustrating for me and has made me question what my purpose was in wanting to do service and what my reality here is and the two do not fit. My vision for service was to share of myself, my gifts and my time and to become a part of a community and to share in that community's struggles. I hoped to fully immerse myself in the culture.
Here I speak more English than I do Spanish and my job is being a support person for North Americans, a very necessary job, but not one I believe utilizes my strengths - something I should have recognized before hand, but because I knew I could do the job I overlooked the fact that being able to do a job and being passionate about a job are not the same thing.
And so I find myself in a situation I didn't anticipate, and I'm surprised by my reaction to it and who I find myself to be in this context. It is disconcerting how much I rely on context for identity - I don't know who I am here or where I fit or if I fit at all. So now I am faced with a question: Do I abandon my original vision for service and develop a new one to fit this context or do I continue seeking the fulfilment of that vision? Can I be content, satisfied - can I thrive in a context that does not nurture that vision?
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